Mr Frederick Sheath

Mr Frederick Sheath was born in Southampton on 27th February, 1892.

When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 6th April, 1912, he gave his address as 12 Bell St. (St Marys, Southampton), the same house in which he had been born and where he would live his entire life. His last ship (according to the agreements) was the Kingsland 1. As a Trimmer he received monthly wages of £5 10s.

Sheath was rescued in Lifeboat 1. Like the other crew in that boat, he would receive £5 from Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon to compensate him for the loss of his kit.

When the First World War broke out in 1914 Fred served as Fireman, Trimmer and Greaser aboard various troopships, including the Galeka and Avon.

In 1920 he married Mabel Bushnell, they lived in the family home on Bell Street, they had two sons and a daughter.

Fred suffered with severe asthma, and he eventually had to leave the sea and became a ''Docker'' in Southampton Docks, however his health continued to deteriorate.

He died on 18th March, 1934 at the age of 42.

Notes
According to his discharge book his last ship was the Kingfauns Castle.

Available Documents
Crew Particulars of Engagement
General Register Office Certified Copy of an Entry of Death
Frederick Sheath by Brian Ticehurst

Inquiry Testimony
(Courtesy of the Titanic Inquiry Project)
Board of Trade Hearings, Day 11, Testimony

References
Wreck Commissioners' Court, Proceedings before the Right Hon. Lord Mersey on a Formal Investigation Ordered by the Board of Trade into the Loss of the S.S. Titanic
United States Senate, Washington 1912. n° 806, Crew List

Contributors
Brian Ticehurst, UK
Bill Wormstedt, USA