Sir Edgar Britten KB RD RNR (1874 – October 28, 1936) was a Cunard Line captain remembered primarily for being the first captain of the ocean liner in 1936.
Born in Bradford, England, he began his career as a cabin boy.Steering the fleet ever-forward through their unfaltering precision and expertise (WaybackMachine) He had started with Cunard in 1901 and over the years rose in rank and eventually commanded well-known company vessels such as , , and . In New York on the Queen Mary maiden voyage, Britten was interviewed by the newsreels and for posterity he was recorded on sound film giving his opinion on the details of the ship.
Death In October 1936, Britten died in hospital in Southampton after being found unconscious in his cabin onboard the several hours prior to the ship's departure to New York.New York Times, October 29, 1936; SIR EDGAR BRITTEN OF QUEEN MARY DIES:Master of Giant British Liner Stricken in Cabin 2 hours Before Sailing Time. He was later buried at sea.
References
External links Some Queen Mary maiden voyage newsreels