CAPTAIN Edward Smith was described as: “Solidly built, slightly above medium height, he was handsome in a patriarchal sort of way.

“His neatly trimmed white beard, coupled with his clear eyes, gave him a somewhat stern countenance, an impression immediately dispelled by his gentle speaking voice and urbane manners.

“Respectfully and affectionately known as ‘E.J.’ by passengers and crew alike, he was a natural leader, radiated a reassuring combination of authority, confidence, and good humour.’’ On the maiden voyage of the liner, Adriatic, to New York in 1907, Captain Smith said: “I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that…’’ In the same year, Captain Smith also said: “I never saw a wreck and never have been wrecked, nor was I ever in any predicament that threatened to end in disaster.’’ The Belfast Morning News reported on June 1, 1911: “The captain can, by simply moving an electric switch, instantly close the doors throughout, practically making the vessel unsinkable.’’ On the day Titanic departed from Southampton the following was received by Captain Benjamin Steele, White Star’s marine superintendent: “I hereby report this ship loaded and ready for sea. The engines and boilers are in good order for the voyage, and all charts and sailing directions up-to-date.

Your obedient servant, Edward J. Smith.’’ The Bishop of Winchester preaching in Southampton in 1912 said: “Titanic, name and thing, will stand as a monument and warning to human presumption.’’ Titanic’s Second Officer Charles Lightoller, the most senior crew member to survive the disaster, later wrote: “Certainly there was no sailor who ever sailed salt water but who smiled, and still smiles, at the idea of the unsinkable ship.’’