Edward Smith | |
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![]() Smith in 1912 | |
Born | Edward John Smith 27 January 1850 Hanley, Staffordshire, England |
Died | 15 April 1912 | (aged 62)
Cause of death | Sinking of the Titanic |
Occupation(s) | Sea captain, naval officer |
Employer | White Star Line |
Known for | Being the captain of Titanic |
Spouse |
Sarah E. Pennington (m. 1887) |
Children | Helen Melville Smith |
Military career | |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | Royal Naval Reserve |
Rank | Commander |
Battles/wars | Second Boer War |
Edward John Smith RD RNR (27 January 1850 – 15 April 1912) was a British sea captain and naval officer. In 1880, he joined the White Star Line as an officer, beginning a long career in the British Merchant Navy. Smith went on to serve as the master of numerous White Star Line vessels. During the Second Boer War, he served in the Royal Naval Reserve, transporting British Imperial troops to the Cape Colony. Smith served as captain of the ocean liner Titanic, and went down with the ship when she sank on her maiden voyage.