Robert Hichens has been found

[Aly Jones]

Thank you so much Sally' can't thank you enough.

[wbbartlett]

That's great news Sally. I just finished your book about him (yesterday!) so this really squares the circle. Congratulations on your perseverance. I really enjoyed the book, with some interesting new insights. You also make Robert a much more understandable character. Sad to hear of his struggles in later life.

Good luck when you visit his grave.

[hichensancestor]

Hello wbbartlett, glad you enjoyed the book. Thought I'd let you all know, I'm flying to Aberdeen on 12th April to visit Robert's grave. Scottish Television and the Press and Journal newspaper are following the story. When I return I will do an article and tell you of my experience. I would have returned from the memorial in Southampton on the 10th which will be an incredible day so will post about that too. Now off for a much needed (Titanic free) break for a couple of days so have a great Easter everyone!

Sally

[Aly Jones]

HI Sally,

Just like to tell you I had received your the man who sank the titanic book.

[Andrew Clarkson]

Sally,

Heard you on the Jeremy Vine show today, good to put a voice to a member!

[VW1956]

Hello Sally. Hope all went well for you today. I just heard you on the Jeremy Vine show. A star is born. Ken.

[hichensancestor]

Just back from Aberdeen and will send some words and pictures. Just to say that the world and their daughter were up there. BBC Scotland and STV, radio and the newspapers. The BBC news item had the film footage of Robert in New York talking to a policeman - only thing is, it's not Robert but quartermaster Humphries. When will they learn? It was freezing, windy and rainy and I was totally bedraggled but it was well worth it. I returned later in the day to spend some quiet minutes there and that was special. A wonderful benefactor has come forward to offer to help with a headstone. There are some very kind and thoughtful people out there.

[Titanic_Malaysia]

Wow Sally, you certainly are doing the Forum proud! Not sure whether that show you're on is shown on the BBC cable channel here in Malaysia though...

Looking forward to your pictures and story later!

[VW1956]

Hello Sally. So glad to hear it all went well even if it did get a bit hectic. Thats a good word to use as it ends in "ic". And some one is going to help with a head stone. That really is good to hear. I find it amazing that Robert Hichens has been there all this time and no one knows about him. You then track him down and bingo he is big news' Was it because of your research that the media found out where he is? Glad you got some quiet time with him. I saw a write up for your book in todays (Friday) Daily Express. Your getting real famous now. Hope you dont get to big to stay on here. Ken.

[hichensancestor]

You are joking aren't you Ken? I'm small in stature and in ambition but big in perseverance. If you want to get anything done - do it yourself! I was in contact with The Times thanks to Phil Hind. I couldn't be in their Titanic feature because I had a deal with the Daily Mail who, after ignoring me for four weeks, I find out today will not be running the serialisation at all leaving me run out of time to try any other paper before the anniversary, hey ho. I just kept on knocking on doors. With finding the grave, it could easily have been missed but again I kept trying and would have continued to do so until I had found him. As for the research, I haven't got decades of it behind me but I worked blimmin hard, day and night for one year reading and re-reading everything. I am absolutely delighted about where I am now and when I stood at Robert's grave I know he was too. You've been brilliant Ken at finding out things. I didn't know about the Express. Hubby's gone out to get it for me. Thanks a bunch.

Sally

[MAB]

This photo only came to my attention recently and Southampton Heritage Trust have given me permission to share it with you as they have the rights. Robert is early twenties and wearing summer uniform of Royal Naval Reserves. Isn't it lovely?

[Aly Jones]

He's very handsome Sally' Indeed. He is a very good looking chap.

[gwennyboo]

Hello,It was so interesting reading that you had found the resting place of Robert,my great great grandmother was Susan Hichens and her brother Stephen was I believe Robert's grandfather.Have only just come across this site and found it enthralling,I have just sent for the book that was mentioned and am sure I will enjoy reading it.

[hichensancestor]

Hi Susan

We are related although I would never be able to work out what we are - third cousins thrice removed or something, still, lovely to meet another family member. March Hichens has sent me a beautiful painting as some of the family were used for models back in the Newlyn School of art days.

Hope you enjoy the book.

Sally

[VW1956]

Hello. I'm trying to be clever and see the whole of this picture in one go.