Camilius Aloysius Wittevrongel

Who was Mr Camilius Aloysius Wittevrongel?

Mr Camilius Aloysius Wittevrongel was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old Belgian farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1875, Wittevrongel was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to Detroit, Michigan, when he boarded the ill-fated ship in Southampton.

Early Life and Family

A Belgian Upbringing

Camilius Aloysius Wittevrongel was born on December 17, 1875, in Westrozebeke, Belgium. He was the son of Joannes Wittevronge and Rosaline Deleu. Growing up in the late 19th century Belgium, Wittevrongel likely experienced a rural lifestyle that influenced his later career choice.

Career and Aspirations

Life as a Farmer

Wittevrongel worked as a farmer in Belgium, a profession that was common and respected in his hometown of Westrozebeke. His decision to travel to Detroit suggests he may have been seeking new opportunities or possibly planning to continue his agricultural work in America.

The Fateful Journey

Embarking on the Titanic

Mr Wittevrongel boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. He traveled as a third-class passenger, holding ticket number 345771, which cost £9 10s (9 pounds and 10 shillings). This was a significant sum for a third-class ticket, equivalent to several weeks’ wages for many working-class individuals of the time.

Companions on the Voyage

Wittevrongel did not travel alone. He was accompanied by two fellow Belgians from his hometown of Westrozebeke:

• Nestor Cyriel Vandewalle
• Leo Hampe

These men likely provided companionship and a sense of familiarity for Wittevrongel during what was supposed to be an exciting journey to a new life.

The Tragic Sinking

Final Moments

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Wittevrongel, like many third-class passengers, faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats. The ship’s design and the chaos of the evacuation made it difficult for those in the lower decks to make it to safety.

A Life Cut Short

Camilius Aloysius Wittevrongel did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At the age of 36 (thirty-six), his life and dreams of a new start in America came to a tragic end in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic.

Legacy and Remembrance

Unidentified Among the Lost

Tragically, Wittevrongel’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This was not uncommon, as many victims of the disaster were either never found or could not be identified due to the conditions of their recovery.

A Story Among Many

While Camilius Aloysius Wittevrongel’s individual story may not be as well-known as some of the Titanic’s more famous passengers, it represents the dreams and aspirations of many third-class passengers who saw the voyage as an opportunity for a better life. His tale serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, particularly among those traveling in third class.

Mr Wittevrongel’s journey, cut short by tragedy, continues to be remembered as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic, a stark illustration of how the disaster affected individuals from all walks of life, including farmers from small Belgian towns seeking new horizons.