Sailing Magazine
Sir John Franklin’s ‘Erebus’ and ‘Terror’ Expedition
Lost & Found
by Gillian Hutchinson
Published by Bloomsbury
For history buffs and those fascinated by the North-West Passage, this book has it all in terms of expeditions, history, intrigue, human endeavour and indeed the jubilation and revelations of wrecks being found almost 170 years later.
The 1845 expedition to the Arctic, commanded by Sir John Franklin, was the largest, best-equipped expedition that Britain ever sent north – yet it ended in tragedy.
Franklin’s voyage was to find the North-West Passage – the sea route linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. It was an expedition that was expected to return home in triumph, but the two ships, ‘Erebus’ and ‘Terror’, and the 129 men aboard them disappeared in the Arctic.
Fast forward to 2014 when the wreck of the ‘Erebus’ was found, and fast forward again to 2016 when the wreck of the ‘Terror’ was found.
The discovery of these two ships brought the events of nearly 170 years ago into sharp focus.
It’s a fascinating story, well documented, richly illustrated – and well worth reading.
Information & Order from: books@sailing.co.za
