Where was Captain Smith at the time of collision?

[Kiku]

I have been wondering about the whereabouts and activities of Captain Smith during the Titanic collision. Although it's likely that he was in his cabin, it's unclear what he was doing at that time. It seems unlikely that he was asleep during the three bells and the iceberg impact, given his experience and the short reaction time required of a captain. It's possible that he was engaged in paperwork or other administrative duties, but this too seems unlikely, as he would have heard the shouts and bell signals and likely responded by going to the bridge before the collision.

In my opinion, it's plausible that Captain Smith was in his lavatory when the collision occurred. This may seem silly, but given the time between the bell signals and the impact, it's feasible that he could have heard what was happening but didn't have enough time to respond immediately. While this theory is speculative, it's a mystery that continues to puzzle me. If anyone has more information or insights, I would love to hear them!

Considering the fact that he had just moments before excused himself from the Widener's dinner, I second your theory of him possibly having been in the lavatory at the time of impact.

 

[Jason D. Tiller]

Considering the fact that he had just moments before excused himself from the Widener's dinner, I second your theory of him possibly having been in the lavatory at the time of impact.

Smith left the Widener dinner party before 9 p.m. In fact, he was seen on the bridge at 8:55 p.m., having a conversation with Second Officer Charles Lightoller for 25 minutes. Before departing, his last words to Lightoller were "If in the slightest degree doubtful, let me know."

It has been put forth previously that Smith may have been in the chartroom plotting the next day's course, when the collision occurred.

 

[Hypontoto]

Indeed, that is accurate. Captain Smith left the Widener party at approximately 8:45 PM and arrived on the bridge at approximately 8:50 PM. He engaged in a conversation with Mr Lightoller for about 25 minutes. During this brief conversation, they discussed the weather conditions and the serenity of the sea. Their conversation continued for approximately 20 to 25 minutes before the captain excused himself. According to Fourth Officer Boxhall, Captain Smith was sometimes in his chart room and sometimes on the bridge, and sometimes he would come to the wheelhouse, inside of the wheelhouse.