Edward J. Smith Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Edward Smith was born on January 27, 1850. He was a British Merchant Navy Officer. He also served as White Star Line Vessels’ master. Edward was the captain of the RMS Titanic that sank. He died at the age of Sixty two.

Early Life

Edward John Smith was born on January 27, 1850, in Hanley, Staffordshire, England. He was born to Edward Smith and Catherine Hancock. In 1863, he joined Etruria British School. In 1841, he went to Liverpool to his brother who was a captain. That is where his interest in sailing ships grew.

Career

In 1880, Edward Smith joined the White Star Line. He became the Fourth Officer of the SS Celtic. In 1887, he earned the Republic which was his first White Star command. In 1888, he received his Extra Master’s Certificate. He later joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant.

He later became the Royal Naval Reserve commander. In 1895, he became the Majestic’s captain a post he held until 1994.

In 1904, Edward Smith became the chief commander of all White Star Line’s newest ships and their maiden voyages. He later became the commander of the Baltic which was the largest ship in the universe. In 1905, he retired from the Royal Naval Reserve.

In 1907, he became the commander of the Adriatic which was the second new big ship. He later became the commander of the Olympic which was a new class of ocean liners. In 1912, he became the commander of the RMS Titanic ship which was the latest ship in the class of Olympic ocean liners. In the same year, the Titanic hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean. This is where he perished amongst others.

Awards and Achievements

In 1903, Edward Smith received the Transport Medal. In 1907, he was awarded the Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Reserve.

 Personal Life

In 1887, Edward Smith married Sarah Eleanor Pennington with whom he had one child. It is rumored that he died on April 15, 1912, in the Atlantic Ocean after drowning in the ship. His body has never been recovered. He died at the age of Sixty two years old.