Mr Achille Waelens

Who was Achille Waelens?

Achille Waelens was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Belgian farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. Born in Ruiselede, Vlaanderen, Belgium, Waelens was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey to join his twin brother in Michigan, USA.

Early Life and Family

Born on May 14, 1889, Achille Waelens was the son of Henri Waelens and Louisa Wostyn. He grew up in a family with at least two siblings:

René (1887-1914)
Dociel Charles (1889-1972), his twin brother

The Journey to America

Why was Achille Waelens on the Titanic?

Achille’s journey aboard the Titanic was inspired by his twin brother’s successful emigration to the United States. Two years prior to Achille’s voyage, Dociel had made the transatlantic journey:

Departed: Unknown date
Arrived: New York, February 26, 1910
Ship: RMS Mauretania
Settlement: Ithaca, Gratiot County, Michigan

It was Dociel who provided the funds for Achille’s passage, hoping to reunite with his twin in America.

Titanic Voyage Details

Ticket Number: 345767
Ticket Cost: £9
Class: Third Class
Embarkation: Southampton
Destination: Stanton, Michigan
Purpose: To participate in the sugar beet campaign

Achille’s last place of residence before boarding the Titanic was recorded as Antwerp. It’s believed he may have been traveling with a group of Belgian passengers from Zwevezele.

The Tragic End

Sadly, Mr. Waelens did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, labeled as body #140. The recovery report provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

Detail	Description
Estimated Age	28
Hair & Moustache	Light
Clothing	Dark mixture suit; blue wool jersey; black shoes
Effects	$25.00 in notes; foreign coins; watch; knife; pipe; trouser clips

Curiously, the report indicated that Achille held a second-class ticket, which his descendants dispute, believing he could not have afforded to upgrade from steerage.

Burial and Aftermath

Achille Waelens was laid to rest on May 3, 1912, at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His personal effects were returned to his father in Belgium, serving as a somber reminder of the young life lost at sea.

Legacy and Family History

While Achille’s life was cut tragically short, his twin brother Dociel’s story continued:

Settled in Marine City, St Clair County, Michigan
Worked as a labourer before running his own business
Married twice:
1. Banie Hull (1900-1942) in 1916
  - Had five children: Wilda, Dociel, Anna Marie, Virginia, and Bernard
  - Lost one son in infancy
2. Isabella Recor (1889-1986)
Passed away in 1972
Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Saint Clair, Michigan

An Intriguing Historical Note

The discrepancy between Achille’s actual ticket class and the class recorded on his body recovery report remains a mystery. This inconsistency highlights the chaos and confusion that often surrounded the documentation of Titanic victims, adding a layer of complexity to the historical record of this tragic event.