Leonard Mark Hickman: A Tragic Tale of the Titanic

Leonard Mark Hickman was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old English second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. His story is one of ambition, family ties, and ultimately, tragedy.

Early Life and Canadian Dreams

Who was Leonard Mark Hickman?

Leonard Mark Hickman was born on September 18, 1887, in Fritham, Hampshire, England. A young man with aspirations for a better life, Leonard embarked on a journey that would take him across the Atlantic to Canada in 1908.

Finding Success in Manitoba

Upon arriving in Canada, Leonard settled in Neepawa, Manitoba. He quickly found employment as a farmhand for Harold Honeyman, a wealthy mixed-grain farmer in nearby Eden. Leonard’s hard work and determination paid off, as he “had done well for himself” in his new role.

The Fateful Christmas of 1911

What brought Leonard back to England?

In December 1911, Leonard returned to his hometown of Fritham for the Christmas holidays. This visit would prove to be a turning point not just for Leonard, but for his entire family.

A Family’s Decision to Emigrate

During his time home, Leonard managed to convince his entire family - a group of eleven - to emigrate to Canada. His enthusiasm for the opportunities in the New World must have been contagious, as the Hickmans prepared for a new chapter in their lives.

The Titanic Journey

How did Leonard and his brothers secure passage on the Titanic?

Due to a coal strike affecting travel plans, only three of the Hickman brothers - Leonard, Lewis Hickman, and Stanley George Hickman - were able to secure alternative passage. They boarded the Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers.

Traveling Companions

Leonard and his brothers were not alone on their journey. They traveled with four companions from Fritham:

Ticket and Fare Details

The group traveled on a single ticket, number 14879, which cost £72 10s. This was a significant investment, equivalent to several months’ wages for many at the time.

The Titanic Disaster

What was Leonard’s fate on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Leonard Mark Hickman did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He perished in the early hours of April 15, 1912, at the young age of 24 (twenty-four).

A Case of Mistaken Identity

In a twist of fate that added to the family’s tragedy, there was confusion surrounding the recovery of Leonard’s body.

When body no. 256 was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, it was initially identified as Leonard Hickman owing to the presence of a membership card for the Independent Order of Foresters.

The Journey Home That Never Was

The Foresters arranged for what they believed to be Leonard’s body to be taken to Neepawa for burial. However, upon arrival, a shocking discovery was made:

On arrival it was discovered that the casket contained the body not of Leonard Hickman but his brother Lewis.

This mistaken identity only compounded the grief of the Hickman family, who had lost multiple members in the disaster.

Legacy

Leonard Mark Hickman’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many who boarded the Titanic. His journey from England to Canada, his success as an immigrant, and his tragic end on the Titanic encapsulate the hopes and heartbreaks of countless passengers aboard the “unsinkable” ship.

Today, Leonard is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic’s second-class passengers, whose lives were cut short on that fateful night in April 1912. His story serves as a testament to the human cost of the disaster and the enduring fascination with the Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage.