Miss Maude Sincock

Who was Maude Sincock?

Miss Maude Sincock was a 20 (twenty) year-old second-class passenger on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 17, 1891, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Maude was one of the fortunate survivors of the tragic disaster that unfolded on April 15, 1912. Her remarkable story of survival and subsequent life offers a poignant glimpse into the experiences of Titanic passengers and the lasting impact of the event on their lives.

Early Life and Background

Canadian Roots and Cornish Connection

Maude Sincock was born to Mr. Francis (Frank) Sincock, a plumber, and Mrs. Melinda Sincock (née Hosking). She was one of eleven children in the family. Although born in Canada, Maude’s early years were spent in Cornwall, England, where her father originated. The family had moved back to Halsetown, St. Ives, Cornwall when Maude was young.

Family Migration

The Sincock family’s journey across the Atlantic was a gradual process:

April 1909: Maude’s oldest sister Alice immigrated to Michigan
October 1911: Her father immigrated to Hancock, Michigan, working for the Quincy Mining Company
Early 1912: Maude left Halsetown, St. Ives, leaving behind her mother and seven siblings
Later: Maude’s mother would rejoin the family after the birth of her 11th child

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the “Unsinkable” Ship

Maude embarked on her transatlantic journey from Southampton, holding a second-class ticket (C.A. 33112) that cost £15. She boarded the Titanic at noon on April 10, 1912, along with friends or distant relatives of her mother: Agnes Davies and her sons, John Davies and Joseph Charles Nicholls.

“It was a lovely ship.” - Maude Sincock

Life Onboard

Maude’s experience on the Titanic before the tragedy was pleasant:

Shared a second-class room with Mrs. Davies, John Davies, and Alice Phillips
Enjoyed lunch as the Titanic left dock
Found other second-class passengers very friendly
Experienced excellent weather throughout the journey

The Night of the Disaster

The Fateful Collision

On the night of April 14, Maude was in bed when the Titanic struck the iceberg. Her initial reaction was calm:

“It didn’t seem so bad to me, but very soon after a steward came along banging on every door calling, ‘Everyone on deck with lifebelts.’”

Escape to the Lifeboats

Maude’s escape from the sinking ship was a harrowing experience:

Put on a raincoat over her nightgown
Found the second-class elevator inoperable
Climbed five or six decks to reach the boat deck
Waited for her turn amidst the jostling crowds
Boarded a lifeboat (possibly lifeboat #11) despite it being declared “full enough”

A Night on the Ocean

Maude’s account of the sinking and rescue:

Heard the band playing as her lifeboat lowered
Witnessed the Titanic’s lights disappearing as it sank
Thought the loud noise was the boilers exploding
Rowed among icebergs all night
Spotted the Carpathia at dawn
Boarded the rescue ship using a bosun’s chair

Life After the Titanic

Immediate Aftermath

Maude’s experiences following her rescue:

Spent her 21st birthday aboard the Carpathia
Discovered that Joseph Nicholls had perished
Wrote a poignant letter to her mother from the Carpathia
Stayed with strangers in New York City before receiving funds from White Star Line
Appeared at theaters in Michigan, sharing her survival story

Marriage and Family

Maude’s life post-Titanic:

Married Arling Roberts on April 2, 1918
Worked at the telephone office of Michigan Bell Company
Had three children: Virginia, June, and Francis
Celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in 1968

Later Years and Legacy

Maude remained connected to the Titanic throughout her life:

Active member of the Titanic Historical Society
Frequently interviewed by media
Spoke about her experiences, including at a Lion’s Club event in 1956
Lived in a senior citizen’s apartment in Hancock, MI
Passed away on May 21, 1984, at the age of 93 (ninety-three)

What was Maude Sincock’s lasting impact?

Maude Sincock’s survival and subsequent life serve as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors. Her willingness to share her experiences helped keep the memory of the disaster alive for future generations. In April 2012, her surviving children commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage, ensuring that Maude’s extraordinary story continues to be remembered and honored.