Hilda Mary Slayter

Who was Miss Hilda Mary Slayter?

Miss Hilda Mary Slayter was a Canadian Titanic survivor who embarked on a journey that would forever change her life. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 5, 1882, Hilda was a 30 (thirty) year-old aspiring singer when she boarded the ill-fated RMS Titanic as a second-class passenger. Her survival story, coupled with her resilience in the face of lost dreams and possessions, makes her a compelling figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Musical Aspirations

A Doctor’s Daughter with Grand Dreams

Hilda Mary Slayter was born into a family of some standing, with her father being a respected doctor in Halifax. From an early age, Hilda harbored dreams of becoming a professional singer, a passion that would shape her early adult years.

The Italian Sojourn

In 1902, at the age of 20 (twenty), Hilda left the shores of Nova Scotia to pursue her musical ambitions in Italy. This bold move demonstrated her determination to make a name for herself in the competitive world of opera and classical singing. However, as time would reveal, her journey would take an unexpected turn.

The Struggle for Success

A Brother’s Support and Waning Patience

During her time in Italy, Hilda’s musical studies were financially supported by her older brother, who held a prestigious position as an officer aboard the royal yacht, Victoria and Albert. This familial support allowed her to continue chasing her dreams for several years.

The Harsh Reality of Unfulfilled Ambitions

By the time Hilda reached the age of 27 (twenty-seven), she faced a sobering realization:

Her singing career was not progressing as hoped
Her brother was no longer willing to subsidize her studies
She remained unmarried, a significant concern for a woman of her era

This confluence of circumstances forced Hilda to reassess her life’s direction and consider new possibilities.

A Turning Point: Love and the Titanic

An Unexpected Proposal

In a twist of fate, Hilda met Harry Reginald Dunbar Lacon of Ottley, the son of British MP and baron Sir Edmund Henry Knowles Lacon of Ottley. Harry, who was residing on Denman Island off the coast of British Columbia, proposed marriage to Hilda, offering her a new chapter in life.

The Fateful Journey

With her engagement secured, Hilda traveled to England to shop for her trousseau. It was on her return journey that she booked passage on the RMS Titanic, a decision that would become a defining moment in her life.

Titanic Journey Details
Ticket Number	234818
Fare	£12 7s
Class	Second Class
Embarkation Point	Queenstown
Lifeboat	13 (probable)

A Luxurious Trousseau Lost

Hilda’s trunks aboard the Titanic contained a lavish collection of wedding attire and accessories:

A satin opal and pearl wedding dress with accompanying accessories, valued at $4,000
A blue satin silver net dress with complementary items, worth $3,000
Italian embroidered lace hand-made blouses

Tragically, all of these precious items would be lost to the depths of the Atlantic.

The Night of April 14, 1912

How did Hilda Slayter survive the Titanic disaster?

Hilda Slayter managed to escape the sinking Titanic, likely finding safety in lifeboat 13. While she survived the harrowing experience, she lost all of her luggage, including her carefully selected trousseau. This loss, while material, symbolized the dramatic turn her life had taken on that fateful night.

Life After the Titanic

A New Beginning

Despite the trauma of the Titanic disaster and the loss of her wedding attire, Hilda persevered. She married Harry Lacon as planned on June 1, 1912, on Denman Island, beginning a new chapter in her life far from her original dreams of musical stardom.

Family Legacy

The Lacons had a son, Reginald William Beecroft Lacon, who would go on to distinguish himself in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, carrying forward a family tradition of service and resilience.

Final Years and Legacy

Hilda Mary Lacon (née Slayter) spent her later years in Norris Castle, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire. She passed away on April 12, 1965, at the age of 83 (eighty-three), having lived a life marked by adventure, tragedy, and ultimately, survival.

In a poignant final journey, Hilda’s body was returned to her roots in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she was laid to rest in the Slayter family plot at Camp Hill Cemetery. Her life story, from aspiring singer to Titanic survivor, serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of fate and the resilience of the human spirit.