Master Sibley George Richards

Who was Sibley George Richards?

Master Sibley George Richards was a young second-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on June 17, 1911, in Newlyn, Cornwall, England, Sibley was just 0 (zero) years old when he embarked on the ill-fated voyage. His survival story and subsequent life experiences, including his service in World War II, make him a notable figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Family Background

Cornish Roots

Sibley George Richards was born into a Cornish family with strong ties to the region:

• Parents: James Sibley Richards (1887-1939) and Emily Richards (1887-1972)
• Elder brother: William Rowe Richards (born 1909)
• Birthplace: ‘The Meadow’ in Newlyn, Cornwall

Family’s Living Situation

Prior to Sibley’s birth, the 1911 census showed the family residing at:

6 St Mary’s Place, Penzance, a boarding house run by his grandmother Eliza Hocking

This connection to his grandmother would play a crucial role in the family’s Titanic experience.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Richards family board the Titanic?

The Richards family’s journey on the Titanic was part of a larger family migration:

1. Sibley’s father and uncle George Hocking had already emigrated to Akron, Ohio
2. The rest of the family planned to join them in America
3. They boarded the Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers

Ticket and Travel Details

• Ticket Number: 29106
• Fare: £18 15s (18 pounds, 15 shillings)
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

Traveling Companions

Sibley was accompanied by several family members:

• Mother: Emily Richards
• Brother: William Rowe Richards
• Grandmother: Eliza Hocking
• Aunt: Ellen Hocking
• Uncle: Richard George Hocking
• Great-aunt: Ellen Wilkes

The Night of the Disaster

How did the Richards family survive?

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912:

1. Sibley and his brother were asleep in their cabin with their mother
2. Their grandmother, Eliza Hocking, alerted them to the danger
3. The family managed to escape and board a lifeboat
4. Tragically, Sibley’s uncle, Richard George Hocking, was among those lost in the disaster

Life After the Titanic

What happened to Sibley after arriving in America?

Upon arrival in New York:

• Sibley was reunited with his father, who had traveled from Akron to meet them
• The family initially settled in Akron, Ohio
• In 1914, following his grandmother’s death, the family returned to England

Later Life and Career

Sibley’s life after the Titanic was marked by several notable events:

• Worked as a fish worker in Newlyn
• Married Lizzie James on August 2, 1907
• Had one son, Anthony George
• Served in the Royal Navy during World War II
  • Aboard HMS Duke of York
  • Present during the battle with the German Battle-Cruiser Scharnhorst
  • Witnessed the surrender of the Imperial Japanese Navy

A Brush with Fame

In 1981, Sibley was invited as a special guest to the London premiere of the film “Raise the Titanic,” highlighting his enduring connection to the historic event.

Sibley’s Legacy

Master Sibley George Richards’ life spanned from the Edwardian era through two World Wars and into the late 20th century. His unique experiences as a Titanic survivor and World War II veteran make him a fascinating figure in maritime and military history.

Sibley George Richards passed away on December 4, 1987, in Penzance, at the age of 76 (seventy-six). He was laid to rest in St Paul Cemetery, Cornwall, leaving behind a legacy that bridges two of the 20th century’s most significant events: the sinking of the Titanic and World War II.