Captain Edward J. Smith, captain of Titanic
It is not known how Smith died on the night of the sinking. Robert Ballard’s book, The Discovery of the Titanic, and historians alike claim that Smith was on the bridge at 2:13 AM, seven minutes before the final sinking and went down with the ship. Some sources state that Smith quietly wandered off to the ship’s wheelhouse, while others say he was actively present in the radio room. Working near Collapsible B, Junior Marconi Officer Harold Bride reported seeing Smith dive into the sea from the open bridge minutes before the final plunge began. One story states he carried a child to the overturned collapsible B after the sinking and swam off to freeze in the water, but according to historians featured in the A&E Documentary Titanic: Death of a Dream, that story is generally considered romantic fiction.
The plaque below his memorial statue in Lichfield states: “Commander Edward John Smith, RD, RNR. Born January 27 1850, Died April 15 1912, Bequeathing to his countrymen the memory and example of a great heart, a brave life and a heroic death. Be British.”
(Source: Wikipedia)
