Mr Reginald Hale

Who was Reginald Hale?

Reginald Hale was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old English gardener who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Rodney Stoke, Somerset, England on June 30, 1881, Hale had emigrated to the United States and was returning from a visit to his family when he boarded the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

A Large Family in Somerset

Reginald Hale was born into a large family in the rural village of Rodney Stoke. His parents were:

Father: Silvester Hale (born 1849), a publican who ran the Rodney Stoke Inn
Mother: Hester Simmons (born 1850)

Reginald was one of fourteen children, including:

Twin sister Florence (1881-1964)
Thirteen other siblings, including Cordelia, William Silvester, and Howard

Early Years and Education

Growing up in a busy household, young Reginald likely helped his father at the Rodney Stoke Inn. The 1891 census shows the family residing at the inn, and by 1901, Reginald was described as a farmer’s son.

Journey to America and Life in Auburn

When did Reginald Hale move to the United States?

The exact date of Reginald’s emigration to the United States is unclear. However, by 1910, he had settled in Auburn, New York, where he found employment as a janitor and gardener at the Home for the Friendless.

“He was described as a willing worker and a young man of good habits. He was always obliging, and people at the home became greatly attached to him.”

The Fateful Return Journey

Why did Reginald Hale return to England?

In November 1911, Reginald received the sad news of his father’s death. Concerned for his mother’s well-being, he decided to return to England for the winter to comfort her during this difficult time.

Booking Passage on the Titanic

Hale’s original plan was to return to Auburn in March 1912. However, a coal strike delayed his travel plans. On April 1, 1912, he wrote to the White Star Line agent in Auburn:

“After keeping you waiting so long, I have made up my mind at last to drop a line telling you that I expect to return to the USA, on the ‘Titanic’ that sails from Southampton on 10th of April.”

Titanic Journey Details

Class: Second Class
Ticket Number: 250653
Fare: £13
Embarked: Southampton

Reginald boarded the Titanic as a second-class passenger on April 10, 1912. Despite reports that he was to bring friends back to New York with him, it appears he traveled alone.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Reginald Hale during the sinking?

Tragically, Reginald Hale did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was recovered from the sea on April 22, 1912, by the cable-laying vessel Mackay Bennett. He was designated as body number 75.

The description of his remains and personal effects was as follows:

Category	Description
Estimated Age	28
Hair	Fair, light moustache
Clothing	Dark overcoat, dark suit, black socks, black boots, striped shirt
Effects	Gloves, keys, purse, $10 bill, 16s. 4d.

A Sea Burial

Although Reginald’s mother wanted his remains to be buried in Rodney Stoke, and his lodge was prepared to pay for the costs, his body was ultimately buried at sea on April 24, 1912. This decision was communicated to his mother via telegram:

“Regret to advise that it was necessary to bury the body of Reginald Hale at sea.”

Legacy and Remembrance

How was Reginald Hale remembered?

Memorial in Rodney Stoke: A memorial exists in the Rodney Vale Cemetery in Rodney Stoke, Somerset, commemorating both Reginald and his father.
Financial Support: From the Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund, Reginald’s mother received 2s 0d weekly subsidies.
Estate Administration: Reginald’s estate, worth £100, was administered to his mother on July 24, 1912.
Namesake: Two years after the sinking, on October 20, 1914, Reginald’s twin sister gave birth to a son named Reginald Sylvester, in memory of her brother.

Lasting Impact on Auburn Community

Reginald’s death deeply affected his friends and colleagues in Auburn. The Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal reported on April 23, 1912:

“During his residence in this city the young man made many friends who will mourn his untimely end. He was a member of the local lodge, Sons of St. George and a member of St. John’s Episcopal church.”

The tragic story of Reginald Hale serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, and the far-reaching impact it had on communities on both sides of the Atlantic.