Commander Edward John Smith's career had been a remarkable example of how a man from a humble background could get on in the world. Born to a working class family in the landlocked Staffordshire Potteries, he went to sea at 17 and rose rapidly through the ranks of the merchant navy, seeing service first in sailing vessels and later in the new steamships of the White Star Line. By 1912 he was the most highly paid sailor in the world and because of the clientele he attracted he was regarded as 'the millionaires' captain.'
In 1912, Smith was given command of the new RMS Titanic for her maiden voyage, but what should have been among the crowning moments of his 45 years at sea turned rapidly into a nightmare following the Titanic's collision with an iceberg. In a matter of hours the ship sank, taking over 1500 people with her, including Captain Smith. In the days that followed, the Titanic became a byword for disaster and the part Captain Smith played in the tragedy has been a matter of controversy ever since....More >< Less