Titanic Disaster, Westcountry Passengers and Crew (8)

From Queenstown, Mr James Hocking, of Fore Street, Devonport, who was one of the Titanic’s second class passengers, wrote to his wife, and in the course of his letter spoke of the splendid accommodation in the great vessel, and mentioned that except for the vibration of the engines, it was hardly possible to tell when she was steaming. He also stated that he had met on board a Mr & Mrs Chapman, who had recently been married at Liskeard, Cornwall. The letter was in a very cheery strain, and the writer was evidently looking forward to the time when he would be joined in America by his wife and two children, who are now living with Mr & Mrs Pengelly of Fore Street, Devonport. Mr Hocking was well known at Devonport, and took a keen interest in cricket and swimming. For several years he had carried on a confectioner’s business in Fore Street, but he recently decided to seek his fortune in America, where he has a brother doing well.