Robert Hichens – A Boat Deal Goes Sour
Hichens life would be riddled with conflict (and possibly undiagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD) beyond the Titanic. In the late 1920’s, Hichens and his family moved to Torquay, Devon in southwest England. In 1930 he tried to start a boat charter business, financing a boat from Harry Henley, paying £100 down, with the remaining £60 to be paid over two years. He borrowed the initial £100 from fellow Torquay resident J.E. Squires, repaid £50, but couldn’t pay back the rest due to a bad season. Squires repossessed the boat. Hichens, now with no business, no job, and even an estranged wife, started drinking heavily. He roamed the country seeking work, but never found a stable position. As he spiraled downward, Hichens focused on Henley as the reason for all his woes. He bought a revolver, determined to kill Henley and himself.