Alexis Bochatay

Mr Joseph Alexis Bochatay,¹ 30, assistant chef, was born on 27 November 1881 ² at Les Granges, Salvan, Kanton Wallis, Switzerland. He was the only son of Alexis Bochatay, a farmer and joiner (1856-1932), and Mari-Louise Coquoz (1859-1924). He had a younger sister Gasparine (1884-1975).

Alexis did not want to follow his father's trade, but his mother strongly opposed his training to become a chef.  Nevertheless, from 1899 he served an apprenticeship as a cook at the new Hotel Gay-Balmaz at Les Granges, and later left home for England, where he served at various Hotels, ultimately as a chef.

Before joining the Titanic he had sailed on the Olympic. Bochatay worked in the first-class galley. He signed-on on 4 April 1912 and his wages were £10 per month. He gave his address as 28 Oakbank Road, Woolston, Southampton. He began work on the Titanic on 6 April 1912.

Alexis Bochatay died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

His parents received compensation of £120 and £2 of outstanding wages from White Star. From the Titanic Relief Fund they were given £85. His mother Marie died in 1926, his father Alexis died in 1932.

He has a memorial in Salvan, Switzerland.³