The unfortunate incident was seen by some as an ill omen and it was reminiscent of the Hawke incident in 1911 when that vessel collided with the Olympic which was under the command of Captain Smith.ĭuring the voyage, Smith normally took meals at a small table in the dining saloon or in his cabin, attended by his personal valet, or 'Tiger', Arthur Paintin. Quick action from Smith helped to avert a premature end to the maiden voyage.

He immediately went to his cabin to get the sailing report from Chief Officer Henry Wilde.Īfter departure at 12:00, the wash from the propeller caused the laid-up New York to break from her moorings and swing towards the Titanic. He came aboard the Titanic at 7.00 am to prepare for the Board of Trade muster at 8.00 am. On April 10, 1912, Edward John Smith, wearing a bowler hat and a long overcoat, took a taxi from his home to Southampton docks. The family lived in an imposing red brick, twin-gabled house 'Woodhead' on Winn Road, Portswood, Southampton. Smith was married to Eleanor and they had a young daughter Helen Melville. Because of his position as a Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve Smith had the distinction of being able to fly the Blue Duster of the R.N.R., most ships flew the Red Duster of the merchant marine. This responsibility was rewarded with a salary of £1,250 per year and a no-collision bonus of $200. It was, therefore, no surprise that Smith took the Titanic on her maiden voyage in April 1912. As the most senior Captain in the White Star fleet it became routine for Smith to command the line's newest ships on their maiden voyages. Some passengers would only sail the Atlantic in a ship commanded by him. Smith served with distinction in the Boer war by commanding troopships to the Cape.Īs he rose in seniority Smith gained a reputation amongst passengers and crew for quiet flamboyance. Among the ships he would command were the first Republic, the Coptic, Majestic, Baltic, Adriatic and Olympic.

He apprenticed with Gibson & Co., Liverpool and joined the White Star Line in 1880 gaining his first command in 1887. His parents later owned a shop 1.Įdward attended the Etruria British School until the age of 13 when he went to Liverpool to begin a seafaring career.

What happened to the Titanic and why is it still famous?Ĭaptain Edward John Smith was born at Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent on 27 January 1850, the son of potter Edward Smith and Catherine Smith.

How many passengers and crew were there on the Titanic?.

The Last Boat by John F. Hanley