Edward Thomas Lockyer

Who was Edward Thomas Lockyer?

Edward Thomas Lockyer was a 19 (nineteen) year-old English third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on November 3, 1892, in Sandhurst, Kent, England, he worked as a grocer’s assistant and was traveling to Ontario, Wayne County, New York, when he tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

A Large Family in Kent

Edward was born into a large family, the son of Frederick Lockyer (born 1859) and Jane Masters (born 1860). His father, a clock and gunsmith, came from a long line of watchmakers in Sandhurst. Edward was one of fifteen children, highlighting the size of families typical of the late Victorian era.

Siblings and Childhood Home

Edward’s siblings included:

• Millicent Martha May (b. 1880)
• Frederick Charles (b. 1881)
• Ernest (b. 1883)
• Herbert John (b. 1884)
• William (b. 1886)
• Annie (b. 1887)
• Frank (b. 1889)
• Harry (b. 1890)
• Edith (b. 1895)
• Arthur (b. 1896)
• Ethel (b. 1898)
• Agnes (b. 1900)
• Mary (b. 1902)
• Sydney James (b. 1904)

The Lockyer family lived at Angel Cottage in Sandhurst, Kent, where they were recorded in the 1891 census, even before Edward’s birth. This remained their family home through the 1911 census, demonstrating the stability of their residence over two decades.

Career and Independence

Moving Away from Home

By the time of the 1911 census, Edward had moved away from his family home. He was recorded as boarding at Wilds Cottage Pound in East Peckham, Kent. This move signified Edward’s first steps towards independence and his budding career.

Occupation

Edward was described as an unmarried assistant grocer and draper, showcasing his entry into the retail trade. This occupation would have provided him with valuable skills in customer service and business operations.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Edward boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket number: 1222
• Cost: £7 17s 7d

This fare, equivalent to about £900 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a young man of Edward’s background.

Destination and Connections

Edward’s destination was Ontario, Wayne County, New York, where he planned to reunite with a friend, Mr. E. J. Robbins. This journey represented not just a vacation, but potentially a new chapter in Edward’s life, possibly with prospects of work or settlement in America.

Onboard Acquaintances

During the voyage, Edward became acquainted with a group of passengers similar in age, including:

• Emily Badman
• Sarah Roth
• Edward Dorking
• Thomas Theobald
• The Goldsmith family

These connections paint a picture of the social interactions among young third-class passengers, forming bonds during their transatlantic journey.

The Tragic End

Edward’s Fate

Tragically, Edward Lockyer did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 19 years old, his promising life was cut short in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

Recovery and Burial

Edward’s body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, designated as body #153. The recovery report provides a poignant description:

NO. 153. - MALE. BROWN - HAIR. CLOTHING - Blue jacket; grey vest; black pants; black boots. EFFECTS - Scissors; keys; silver watch and chain; medal marked “F.S.S.”; R.S.P.C.A. medal; glasses; two knives; 5 studs; 8s. in purse. THIRD CLASS TICKET No. 1125. NAME - EDWARD LOCKYER.

Edward was buried at sea on April 24, 1912, a common practice due to the limited storage facilities on the recovery ships.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

Return of Personal Effects

In July 1912, Edward’s father Frederick received his son’s recovered personal effects, including:

• Scissors
• Keys
• Silver watch and chain
• Medal marked “F.S.S.”
• R.S.P.C.A. medal
• Glasses
• Two knives
• Five studs
• One tie clip
• 8 shillings in purse
• Papers

These items serve as tangible reminders of Edward’s life and the tragedy that befell him.

Financial Support for the Family

Edward’s parents received weekly financial support from the Mansion House Relief Fund, established to aid Titanic victims’ families. This support would have been crucial in helping the family cope with the loss of their son.

Family’s Later Years

Both of Edward’s parents continued to live in Sandhurst after the tragedy. His father Frederick passed away in 1919, while his mother Jane lived until 1937. The longevity of Edward’s mother meant she carried the memory of her lost son for over two decades after the disaster.

Edward Thomas Lockyer’s story, though tragically short, provides a window into the lives of young third-class passengers on the Titanic. His journey from a large family in Kent to his untimely end in the North Atlantic exemplifies the dreams and aspirations of many who embarked on the ill-fated voyage, seeking new opportunities across the ocean.