Sir Edgar Britten KB RD RNR (1874 – October 28, 1936) was a
Cunard Line
Cunard () is a British shipping and cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Since 2011, Cunard and its three ships have been registered in Hamilton, Berm ...
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. 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
Southampton () is a port city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire in southern England. It is located approximately south-west of London and west of Portsmouth. The city forms part of the South Hampshire built-up area, which also covers Po ...
after being found unconscious in his cabin onboard the earlier in the day, 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
{{DEFAULTSORT:Britten, Edgar
1874 births
1936 deaths
Steamship captains
English sailors
Royal Navy officers