At the time of the Titanic disaster there was still a lot of sailing square riggers sailing around the world. A lot of seamen, in steam ships, from Masters to a/b's were trained in sail. Some of the helm orders given in those days related to the rudder tiller bar. ( the helm). So to alter course to Port, the order was given as Starboard Helm, I live in Amlwch Port on Anglesey and just outside the harbour is a small rock island called East Mouse at the bottom of which lies the wreck of the SS Dakota. She was outward bound from Liverpool when a northerly gale cought her as she was passing Amlwch and was blown towards a lee shore, the north coast of Anglesey. The old master had been trained in sail but the helmsman was trained in steam. The Master called for Port Helm, expecting his ship to turn to starboard. but it didn't. The helmsman put the wheel over to Port and the ship ran up onto the East Mouse rock, breaking her back and sinking between the Mouse and the coast of Anglesey. Some blamed the Master and some blamed the Helmsman and some said it was wrecked on purpose for the insurance, nobody knows. I just wonder if Capt Smith had made the same mistake out of the habit of a lifetime, who knows? After saying all that I probably should add ALLEGEDLY and I COULD BE WRONG to prevent a torrent of abuse from those in the know. regards Geoff C. PS. Has anyone checked Capt. Smith's employment history, did he start as a boy in sail?