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Eduard BelcherHead of the rescue expedition to find McClure
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- The Search for Sir John Franklin
- Exploring the Arctic Archipelago
- Discovery of North Cornwall Island
- Richard's Expedition and the Open Water Hypothesis
- Discovery of North Kent Island
- Second Winter and Abandonment of Ships
- Kellett's Explorations and the Discovery of the Northwest Passage
- Mecham's Discovery of McClintock Inlet and Prince Patrick Island
- McClintock's Exploration of Melville and Prince Patrick Islands
- Return to England and the Fate of the Resolute
- Court-Martial and Aftermath
The Search for Sir John Franklin
In 1852, Admiral Edward Belcher embarked on a rescue mission to find the lost Franklin expedition. Belcher led a fleet of four vessels and a floating base, the "North Star," with a crew of 222.
Exploring the Arctic Archipelago
Belcher's expedition sailed through Baffin Bay and Lancaster Sound, reaching Beechey Island in August. They divided the fleet, with the "North Star" remaining near the island. Henry Kellett, Belcher's deputy, sailed west with the "Resolute" and a steamer, while Belcher himself took the "Assistance" and another steamer north through Wellington and Penny Channels.
Discovery of North Cornwall Island
Belcher and his companions circumnavigated the northern coast of Grinnell Peninsula in August and September. They discovered North Cornwall Island, a 3400 square kilometer landmass located north of Belcher Channel. From a high hilltop, Belcher observed an extensive body of water to the east, which he believed connected to Jones or Smith Sound.
Richard's Expedition and the Open Water Hypothesis
In April 1853, a group led by George Henry Richards set out from their winter quarters. They discovered the northern coast of Bathurst Island and the nearby Berkeley Archipelago. They also explored the islands north of Bathurst Island's western headland. Richards concluded that the bodies of water near their landing point led to the "Polar Ocean."
Discovery of North Kent Island
Belcher's own group left their winter quarters in 1853. They sledded along the northern coastline of Grinnell Peninsula and discovered North Kent Island on May 19th. Ascending a hilltop, Belcher confirmed his earlier observations: the channels surrounding the island were accessible for navigation. He had found the western entrance to Jones Sound and a possible route to the "Polar Ocean."
Second Winter and Abandonment of Ships
Belcher's ships drifted southward with the ice from mid-July 1853. They were carried through Penny and Queens Channels to the northern entrance of Wellington Channel. Here, they became trapped in a small bay and were forced to prepare for a second winter. In August 1854, Belcher ordered his crews to abandon the "Assistance" and a tug. They traveled by sled and boat to Beechey Island, where the "North Star" awaited them.
Kellett's Explorations and the Discovery of the Northwest Passage
In April 1853, Kellett dispatched his men in search of Franklin. George Mecham and Francis McClintock, though not expedition leaders, played pivotal roles in the discovery of the Northwest Passage.
Mecham's Discovery of McClintock Inlet and Prince Patrick Island
Mecham's team explored a previously unknown portion of Melville Island's southern coast. They discovered McClintock Inlet and, rounding Cape Russell, found Prince Patrick Island. Mecham traced its southern and eastern coasts, charting a significant portion of the island's shoreline.
McClintock's Exploration of Melville and Prince Patrick Islands
McClintock's group explored the northwestern coast of Melville Island and discovered a landmass to the west, which was an extension of Prince Patrick Island. They traced its western, eastern, and northern coasts, revealing a vast unknown region. McClintock encountered the "region of relative inaccessibility," where thick ice hindered further exploration.
Return to England and the Fate of the Resolute
The expedition crews returned to Beechey Island in June 1854. The heavily overloaded "North Star" departed on August 26th and encountered two vessels from the Inglefield援诶 auxiliary expedition. The sailors were divided among the three ships and returned to Cork, Ireland, in September 1854.
A year later, the American whaling ship "Sidney Buddington" found the "Resolute" adrift in the Davis Strait. The ship was brought back to the United States as a trophy.
Court-Martial and Aftermath
Belcher and the captains of the abandoned ships were court-martialed. The captains were exonerated with honor, while Belcher was acquitted but without honor. The court's decision highlighted the controversy surrounding the expedition and the unsuccessful search for Franklin.
