Sir Francis McClintock

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The Franklin Searches

The Franklin Searches III: 1852-1854

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McClintock’s next involvement in the Franklin search came under the leadership of Sir Edward Belcher in 1852 when the Resolute, Intrepid, Pioneer and Assistance set sail northward bound.  Again, McClintock’s expertise quickly came to the fore deciding that the depots were laid out that autumn in advance of the planned journeys the following spring.  This expedition saw the first use of the satellite sledge where two men could leave the main sledge party for a short number of days to explore other areas, again increasing the range of any search party. Unfortunately, the onset of a thaw made travel difficult as did the presence of gale force winds. 

The summer of 1853 saw the weather deteriorate and with it the realisation that a second winter would be spent in the Arctic.  In order to maintain the crew’s morale a programme of winter activities was planned.  Amidst these challenges, a new problem emerged when Belcher ordered that all four vessels be abandoned and that they sail to England aboard the supply vessel the North Star.  It was decided that McClintock make representations to Belcher to persuade him as to the mistake being made.  Nevertheless, this effort was in vain.  All of the ships were abandoned with the entire search party boarding the North Star whereupon Belcher changed his mind ordering that the abandoned ships be retaken, only to change his mind again the following morning having retaken possession of the ships!  The crews safely returned to England, in the main, thanks to the arrival of two transport ships (the Phoenix and the Talbot). To make matters worse no evidence of Franklin had been located. 

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