recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Charles Osmer

## Charles Hamilton Osmer

Charles Osmer in 1845

**Charles Osmer** was the purser on *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Charles Hamilton Osmer was born in 1799 in Portsea England. He was the son of Thomas Osmer and Jane Osmer.

## Naval Career

Osmer entered the navy in 1819 as a clerk. The first ship that he served on was the *HMS Blossom*. Between 1825 and 1828, he served on the *Blossom* as a member of the expedition led by rear admiral Frederick Beechey to conduct scientific and exploratory work in the Bering strait off the coast of Alaska and to wait for the arrival of Sir William Parry and Sir John Franklin and the members of their respective expeditions. In June 1826 however, the crew discovered that Parry and his party had already gone home. In July, the *Blossom* traveled to Chamisso Island and sent out an advance party to reach Franklin's expedition but they missed him by five days. The following summer, they proceeded to sail north through the Strait and after their search was unsuccessful, proceeded to head back to England.

## Franklin Expedition

In 1845, Osmer signed up for the Franklin expedition as a purser aboard the *HMS Erebus*.

## Artifact Discovery

In 1859, during the McClintock search expedition one of the many items they recovered from Victory Point was a piece of a gun box that was engraved as "C. H. Osmer, R.N.".

## Character

James Fitzjames initially thought of Osmer as a *"stupid old man"*, but recanted his view after spending more time with him, writing that he was *"delightful"* and *"as merry-hearted as any young man, full of quaint dry sayings, always good-humoured, always laughing, never a bore... he is a gentleman"*.

## Gallery

An engraved brass plaque from a gun box with Osmer's name on it
First Desertion of the Ships

A dramatization of the event by Julius Von Payer

The first desertion of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror is a well known event in Franklin Expedition history.

## Background

After being stuck in the ice for almost two years, the officers of Erebus and Terror were faced with two options: they could wait for a spring thaw or walk out on foot. The men settled on the second option, and on April 22, 1848, the remaining 105 sailors deserted the ships and left with their supplies hoping to eventually reach the Back River many miles south.

However, it seems that the spring thaw did come that year, and the men backpedaled on their decision and went back to the ships, sailing south and eventually to their final locations.
Starvation Cove

**Starvation Cove** is a bay on the Adelaide Peninsula.

## History

In 1879, American explorer Frederick Schwatka and his Franklin search expedition located an area on the Adelaide Peninsula where members of the Franklin expedition were known to have gone. When they arrived they found remnants of clothing and some relics. More relics were found by the Burwash search expedition in the 1920's.

## What Was Found There

* Sea boot fragments
* Pieces of fabric
* Pouch or belt fragments
* Shoe heel
* SS Great Britain medal
* Bone fragments
* Books
* Cut flesh off bone
* Watches
* Tobacco pipes

## Gallery

A drawing by Heinrich Klutschak of the memorial cross left by the Schwatka expedition
William Rhodes

**William Rhodes** was a quartermaster aboard *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Rhodes was born in Redingstreet, Kent in 1814.

## Naval Career

Rhodes served aboard the *HMS Rattler* between 1843 and 1845. The description book for the *Rattler* states that Rhodes had previously served on eight other ships.

## Description

Rhodes had a ruddy complexion, blue eyes and brown hair, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and with a ‘Scar on calf of right leg.’

## Franklin Expedition

On May 7th 1845, Rhodes signed up for the Franklin expedition as a quartermaster aboard *HMS Terror*. Artifacts recovered from Repulse Bay and the boat place could possibly mean that Rhodes was still alive after the ships were deserted.

## Artifact Discoveries

When John Rae's search expedition reached Repulse Bay in 1854, one item that the Inuit gave them was a table knife with Rhodes' (Or *Erebus* marine William Reed) initials on it. When Francis McClintock and his expedition discovered the boat place five years later, they found a fork owned by Sir John Franklin that had Rhodes' or Reed's initials.

## Gallery

A fork with Rhodes' or William Reed's initials
John Peddie

## John Smart Peddie

**John Peddie** was the surgeon aboard *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition

## Early Life

John Smart Peddie was born on January 31st, 1816. He was the son of James Peddie and Ann Smart.

## Sailing Career

After graduating from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1836, Peddie became a sailor aboard the *HMS Sparrow*. It is likely that Peddie was aboard the Sparrow during the British Naval Expedition to the Falkland Islands between 1837 and 1839. After leaving the Sparrow, Peddie eventually became a sailor aboard the *William and Mary*.

## Marriage

On September 28th, 1843, John married Eliza Matilda Hancorn. 10 months later, they gave birth to Eliza Peddie. Sadly, she died on February 23rd, 1849.

## Franklin Expedition

In the Spring of 1845, John Peddie signed up for the Franklin expedition as a surgeon aboard *HMS Terror*.

## Artifact Discoveries

When John Rae's search expedition reached Repulse Bay in 1854, one item that the Inuit gave them was a spoon with Peddie's initials. Five years later, when the McClintock search expedition discovered the boat place, one item they found in the boat was a fork belonging to Peddie.
Gladman Point

Gladman Point is a location on King William Island.

## History

Gladman Point was first discovered by Peter Warren Dease and Thomas Simpson in 1839. It was presumably named after a Hudson's Bay Company employee.

## Franklin Expedition

As the Franklin expedition retreated east in the early 1850's, there were several sailors who died while they walked and were sometimes left where they fell by their comrades.

On May 25th, 1859, Francis McClintock and his search expedition would find one such man at Gladman Point. McClintock theorized that the man had fallen forward and died after falling asleep, although his interpreter Carl Petersen had a different theory in mind: the man was resting on a stone just behind the body, and died after falling forward while trying to stand up. They determined that the man was a steward based on his uniform and some artifacts nearby (A comb and clothes brush). Another item of interest found by the expedition was a wallet containing many papers, one of which was the seaman's certificate of Henry Peglar, which gave the papers their popular nickname of "The Peglar Papers".

## Rediscovery of the Skeleton

In 1973, soldiers from the Royal Canadian Regiment of the Canadian army were taking part in Operation Northern Quest on King William Island. One of the operations goals was "to uncover useful information about the fate of the Sir John Franklin expedition". In this regard, they succeeded when they relocated the Peglar papers skeleton five miles from their base on Gladman Point. The bones were collected up by the soldiers and taken to the Museum of Man. However, the skeleton has become lost over the intervening years.

In 2019, the site was revisited by archeologist Douglas Stenton. During his investigation buttons matching the cloth covered buttons that McClintock found were discovered. A single bone was also recovered and a DNA sample was taken from it.

## Identity Of The Skeleton

One of the many mysteries of the Franklin expedition is the exact identity of the skeleton. Because Peglar's seaman's certificate was found with them, many assume that body belongs to Peglar, although this can be ruled out since McClintock identified the man as a steward. Experts have theorized that the man may have been one of Peglar's friends with the two popular candidates being Thomas Armitage and William Gibson.

## Gallery

An illustration of McClintock finding the skeletonThe skeleton when it was rediscovered in 1973
## References

* Stenton, D. (2022). Finding “Harry Peglar”: Re-examining the discovery of a Franklin expedition sailor’s skeleton by the 1859 McClintock search expedition. *Polar Record,* *58*, E25. doi:10.1017/S0032247422000237
Montreal Island

The island on Google Earth

Montreal Island is an Island in the Arctic Archipelago.

## History

The island was discovered by Sir George Back in 1834 after he had traveled up the Back River, and it was named after the Canadian city of Montreal. Before he departed, Back left behind a small cache of food and supplies on the island. Five years later, Scottish explorer Thomas Simpson found the cache when he was on his own Arctic expedition.

## Franklin Expedition

Around 1851-1852, a small number of Franklin sailors reached the island. In 1855, the Anderson search expedition found a small number of artifacts. The island was revisited four years later by the McClintock expedition.

## What Was Found There

* Copper sheeting.
* Barrel hoop fragments.
* A boat sheet hook.
* Brass ring from a telescope lens.
* Pieces of wood. One marked "Erebus" and another marked "Mr. Stanley".
* Part of a preserved meat tin.
* Blacksmith tools.
* A piece of leather from a backgammon board.
John Sullivan

**John Sullivan** was the Captain of the Maintop of *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

John Sullivan was born in Gillingham Kent in 1821.

## Naval Career

In 1834, Sullivan joined the Royal Navy. He served on four different ships before he arrived on the *HMS Thunder*. He left this ship on August 27th, 1844.

## Marriage

In December 1844, Sullivan married Julia Sullivan in Gillingham.

## Description

He was only 5 feet 3 inches tall with a dark complexion, hazel eyes, and dark hair. Although not marked by smallpox (which he had suffered), he had a ‘Scar on [his] left cheek.’

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Sullivan joined the Franklin expedition, and served as the Captain of the Maintop of *HMS Erebus*. His final fate is unknown.
James Walker

**James Walker** was an able seaman on *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

James Walker was born in South Shields in 1821.

## Franklin Expedition

On May 5th 1845, Walker signed onto the Franklin expedition as an able seaman on *HMS Terror.* Like a majority of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
George Williams

**George Williams** was an able seaman from *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

George Williams was born in Holyhead Wales in 1810.

## Naval Career

In the early 1830's, Williams joined the Royal Navy. In 1838, he served on the *HMS Columbine* when it sailed to the East Indies. When he returned to England on January 5th 1841, Williams was invalidated from the ship's company because he had chronic diarrhea.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Williams joined the Franklin expedition as an able seaman of *HMS Erebus*. Like many other crew members, his final fate is currently unknown.
Simpson Cairn

The cairn being relocated by the McClintock expedition

Simpson cairn is a location on the southern coast of King William island.

## History

The cairn was erected in 1839 by Thomas Simpson and Peter Warren Dease.

## Franklin Expedition and Rediscovery

In late May or early June 1847, Lt. Graham Gore and Charles Des Voeux's sledge party presumably reached the cairn and left a note inside it before they headed back to the ships.

The cairn was relocated by the McClintock search expedition in 1859. However when they got there, they found that the cairn had been opened and that any note it might have held was gone.
Kookar

Kookar is a small island just off the south eastern coast of King William Island.

## Franklin Expedition

In the early 1850's, Kookar was the farthest point east reached by survivors of the Franklin expedition. On May 11, 1869, Charles Francis Hall was told by Inuit about Kookar and the grave of at least one Franklin expedition sailor.

Although Hall never visited the site, Paddy Gibson eventually did in 1931. While he was there, Gibson located two skulls, as well as post cranial remains and textile fragments. Gibson then gathered up all the bones, and reburied them on site.
Thomas Plater

**Thomas Plater** was a stoker aboard *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Thomas Plater was born in London in the early 19th century.

## Marriage

On December 28, 1842, Plater was married to Mary Ann Plater in London.

## Naval Career

On July 1, 1844, Plater signed on the *HMS Ocean*.

## Franklin Expedition

On March 24, 1845, Plater left the *Ocean* and signed onto the *HMS William and Mary*, but bacpedaled the next day and joined the Franklin expedition as a stoker aboard *HMS Erebus*. His final fate is currently unknown.
Thomas Jopson

**Thomas Jopson** was the Captain's Steward aboard *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Thomas Jopson was born in London on November 14th, 1816 and baptized on December 8th at St. Marylebone Parish Church in London. He was the oldest son of William and Sarah Jopson (*née* Goodfellow). His father was a tailor, operating a shop at 30 Gee Street in London.

## Naval Career

In 1838, Jopson joined the Royal Navy. The first ship he served on was the sloop *HMS Racer,* serving under Captain George Byng. The *Racer* was primarily employed in anti-slavery operations in North America and the West Indies.

## Ross Antarctic Expedition

On September 12th, 1839, Jopson joined Sir James Ross' Antarctic expedition as the Captain's Steward aboard *HMS Terror*. This would be his first time serving with Captain Francis Crozier.

## Description

He was 5 feet 5 1/2 inches tall with a fair complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair. As beﬁtted the senior ofﬁcer’s servant, he was not tattooed, although he had an accidental distinguishing feature, a ‘Scar on [his] r[igh]t leg’.

## Franklin Expedition

On May 3rd 1845, Jopson joined the Franklin expedition, once again, serving as Captain's Steward aboard the *HMS Terror*. What happened to him after the expedition departed is currently unknown.
Edward Little

**Edward Little** was a lieutenant aboard *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Edward Little was born on December 14th, 1811 to Simon Little and Sarah Hayter. He was baptised at St. Mary's Church in the historic London parish of Hornsey on January 12th, 1812.

His father, Simon, was a Paymaster and Purser in the Royal Navy and served on the *HMS Audacious* and *HMS Montague.* While a clerk on the *Audacious,* he served during the historic Glorious First of June in 1794, the largest naval conflict between Great Britain and France during the French Revolutionary Wars.

## Naval Career

After passing his naval examination in 1832, Little joined the navy. He was promoted to lieutenant on December 30th, 1837. Not long after that, he joined the crew of the *HMS Donegal*. On October 1st, 1840, Little signed up for the *HMS Britannia*. A year later, on March 2nd, 1842, Little became a lieutenant aboard the *HMS Vindictive*, possibly meeting Frederick Hornby.

## Franklin Expedition

On March 4th, 1845, Little signed up for the Franklin expedition as a lieutenant aboard *HMS Terror*. What happened to him after the expedition left is currently unknown. In 1846, the Admiralty awarded Little a Commandership, mentioned in his father's 1852 obituary.

## Gallery

The 1845 allotment papers for the crew of HMS Terror. (Little's signature can clearly be seen at the bottom)Little's signature
George Chambers

## George William Chambers

**George Chambers** was a cabin boy aboard *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

George William Chambers was born in Woolwich on September 5, 1827. He was the son of Thomas Chambers and Jane Rigger Chambers.

## Naval Career

On March 31, 1845 Chambers joined the Royal Navy as a boy aboard *HMS Vesuvius*. However he was only aboard this ship for five days.

## Description

He stood 5 feet tall, a fresh complexion, with grey eyes and brown hair.

## Franklin Expedition

On April 5, 1845, Chambers joined the Franklin expedition as a cabin boy aboard *HMS Erebus*. What happened to him after the expedition left is currently unknown.
Peglar Papers

The wallet containing the papers

The "Peglar Papers" are one of the more well known artifacts from the Franklin expedition.

## Background

On May 25th, 1859, Francis McClintock and his search expedition discovered a skeleton at Gladman Point. The man was identified as a steward based on his uniform and his effects nearby. One of the items found nearby was a wallet containing multiple papers, including the seaman's certificate of Henry Peglar which gave rise to the paper's popular nickname of "The Peglar Papers"

## The Paper's Contents

* Henry Peglar's seaman certificate
* Lloyd's "Weekly Summary of Maritime Casualties" dated April 6, 1845
* A version of Bryan Proctor's poem "The Sea" dated April 21, 1847 and in Peglar's handwriting
* Papers addressed to Mr. John Cowper and "Mr Heaithfield" respectfully
* Recollections of events in Venezuela and Trinidad
* A paper with the phrase "O Death wheare is thy Sting / the Grave at Comfort Cove"

## References

* http://www.ric.edu/faculty/rpotter/potter\_peglar\_trafchron.pdf
Croydon

An identical engine to the Croydon named Nord Stern

The Croydon was one of two steam engines that were used to power the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. In this case, the Croydon was used to power the Erebus.

## Background

The Croydon was built by J. & G. Rennie in 1838 as the London & Croydon Railways number 2.

## Franklin Expedition

When the Erebus and Terror were being refitted for the Franklin Expedition, the Croydon and Archimedes were purchased for the purpose of being used to power the propeller of each ship.

## Gallery

A replica of the Croydon made for AMC's The Terror which is on display at the Cinemaqua theme park in Kisvárda Hungary
John Strickland

**John Strickland** was an able seaman aboard *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

John Strickland was born in Portsmouth in 1821. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Ann Strickland. It is possible that he was a cousin to John and Thomas Hartnell.

## Naval Career

In 1838, Strickland joined the Royal Navy as a Boy, 1st class on the *HMS Volage*. He left this ship in 1841. He later sailed on the *HMS Thunder*, which he left in August 1844.

## Description

Strickland had a ‘ﬂorid’ complexion was ‘Marked lightly with Smallpox,’ eyes blue, hair brown. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall.

## Franklin Expedition

In the Spring of 1845, Strickland joined the Franklin expedition as an able seaman aboard *HMS Erebus*. Like most of the Franklin sailors, his fate is currently unknown.
Samuel Crispe

**Samuel Crispe** was an able seaman from *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Samuel Crispe was born in King's Lynn Norfolk in 1821.

## Marriage

On April 5th, 1843, Crispe was married to Mary Ann Crispe. The wedding was held in Gillingham.

## Naval Career

Prior to joining the Franklin expedition, Crispe served aboard the *HMS Poictiers.* He would leave this ship in April 1845.

## Franklin Expedition

On April 14th 1845, Crispe joined the Franklin expedition as an able seaman of *HMS Terror*. Like a majority of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
PASSAGE - A NOVEL BY ANGUS WARDLAW

Passage: at last – the true tragic story behind The Terror – the brilliantly chilling Sir Ridley Scott produced TV series and the spine-tingling Dan Simmons Paperback horror

The debut novel by Captain Francis Crozier's descendant, Angus Wardlaw (Author)

‘A disaster of this measure looks for an explanation of equal magnitude.’

Sir Michael Palin, Erebus: the Story of a Ship
Ulric Gylaw

Silver Tongued Devil

**Sir Ulric Gylaw** or **Hunter** is the current Royal Advisor to King Vern Siegfried II of Ashary as well as the Paladin of the Indigo Knights, the royal bodyguard unit of the King Ulric is a charismatic, charming but also cunning and calculated leader, being designated as the spokesman of King Vern to speak on his behalf on most public events. Ulric isnt of royal blood however is the son of a famous farmland owner in Ashary which has resulted in him gaining enough wealth and prestige to attend school, train to become a knight and serve at the king's right hand.

## Personality

Ulric is a very charming and conversational man, always having something to say in a situation and being publically considered almost universally humorous There are very few situations wherein which Ulric has been awkward or flat, he has always been the life of the party.

However, he can also be equally cunning, perceptive and intimidating when he wants to be, vering a very good interrogator as well as an impeccable judge of character, being able to spot a liar very soon after the lie has been told. For this attribute to his character he has been chosen as the Paladin of Vern's royal guard as well as his royal advisor, being trusted by vern the most out of all others, even his current wife.

## Appearance

Ulric is a middle aged man with light brown and sharply greying medium length hair, he has a bushy beard of the same colour and has a sharp jawline. Ulric has a very mischievous brown eyes and they always appear like a window into his scheming plot-weaving mind He often wears his knightly garb a suit of entirely indigo coloured plating with silver coloured garments and cloak.

## Abilities

Ulric is a very skilled spearman, being able to use his polearm to a very deadly effect in battle. However, where Ulrics true abilities come to the fore is his intelligence. Being Vern Siegfried's royal advisor, Ulric is, in his king's opinion, the most intelligent member of his entire kingdom, having a way with words and sharpness of mind that undoubtedly surpasses any others.

Ulric is famous for being able to talk his way out of almost any situation, including three executions and several possible prison incarcerations for him and several of his contemporaries.

### Mark

Ulric has the Mark of Tora, the Goddess of Knowledge, this being a major factor in his incredible intelligence and sharpness of mind.
Robert Golding

**Robert Golding** was a cabin boy on *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition. He was the eldest cabin boy on the expedition.

## Early Life

Robert Golding was born in Deptford, Kent in 1826.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Golding joined the Franklin expedition as a cabin boy on the *HMS Terror*. His final fate is currently unknown.
William Jerry

**William Jerry** was an able seaman aboard *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Jerry was born in Pembroke Wales in 1816.

## Ross' Antarctic Voyage

In 1839, Jerry traveled to London and joined Sir James Ross' voyage to Antarctica as an able seaman aboard *HMS Terror*.

## Description

He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, of a fair complexion, with ‘Light Hazel’ eyes and ‘Light’ hair.

## Franklin Expedition

On March 18th 1845, Jerry joined the Franklin expedition as an able seaman aboard *HMS Terror*. His final fate is currently unknown.
Richard Wall

**Richard Wall** was the cook aboard *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Richard Wall was born in Hull, Yorkshire in 1800.

## First Arctic Voyage

in 1829, Wall joined the navy as a member of Sir John Ross' Arctic voyage. Wall apparently made a good impression on Ross with the latter refering to him as "One of the very best and most trustworthy men I had with me".

## Marrage

In 1834, Wall was married to Hannah Wall in Plumstead Woolwich. In 1838, the couple welcomed their son Richard Wall jr. into the world.

## Ross' Antarctic Expedition

In 1839, Wall joined Sir James C. Ross' expedition to Antarctica as the cook aboard *HMS Erebus*.

## Appearance

Accordong to John Ross' book about his Arctic expedition, Wall is described as being 5' 5 1/2" tall and having "Small features, blue eyes and a sallow complexion with dark hair".

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Wall joined the Franklin expedition, returning as the cook aboard *HMS Erebus*. What happened to him in the Arctic is currently unknown, but a knife which possibly belonged to him could indicate that he was still alive after the ships were deserted.

## Possible Artifact Discovery

In 1869, one of the items that Charles Francis Hall was given by the Inuit In Shepherd Bay was a table knife that belonged to one of the Franklin sailors. While the initials (D. W.) didn't match anyone on the Franklin expedition, or expeditions before that, some experts have theorized that the "D" could be short for "Dick" and that the knife could have been belonged to Wall.

## Gallery

A table knife which could have belonged to Wall
John Morfin

**John Morfin** was an able seaman on *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

John Morfin was born in Gainsborough Lincolnshire in 1825. He had a brother named Thomas.

## Franklin Expedition

On April 12th, 1845, Morfin joined the Franklin expedition as an able seaman on *HMS Erebus*. Like most of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
Gore Point Note

The **Gore Point Note** is one of three admiralty forms from the Franklin expedition.

## Background

In the spring of 1847, Lt. Graham Gore, First mate Charles Des Voeux and six sailors were chosen to explore the west side of King William island, leave notes in cairns and then return to the ships after they had completed their mission. They left the ships on May 24th, and after four days of walking, reached their first objective: Sir James Ross' Cairn at Victory Point. They left their first note before continuing south. The next day, they reached their second objective at Gore Point. Since there was no cairn there, they had to build one from scratch and after it was completed, they left a note inside before trekking south.

In 1859, the cairn and the note was rediscovered by the McClintock search expedition

## Transcript

\_\_\_ of May 1847 H.M.S.hips Erebus and Terror Wintered in the Ice in Lat. 70°5'N Long. 98°.23'W Having wintered in 1846-7 at Beechey Island in Lat 74°43'28"N Long 91°39'15"W After having ascended Wellington Channel to Lat 77° and returned by the West side of Cornwallis Island. Sir John Franklin commanding the Expedition. All well Party consisting of 2 Officers and 6 Men left the ships on Monday 24th May 1847.—Gm. Gore, Lieut., Chas. F. Des Voeux, Mate
William Pilkington

## William Frederick Pilkington

**William Pilkington** was a private in *HMS Erebus*'s Royal Marine detachment during the Franklin Expedition.

## Early Life

William Frederick Pilkington was born in Kilrush Ireland in 1816. He was the son of Richard and Maria Pilkington.

## Marine Service

On November 12, 1834, Pilkington enlisted and joined the Royal Marines as a private. He still held this rank when he sailed on the *Erebus*.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Pilkington joined the Franklin Expedition as a member of the Royal Marine detachment of *HMS Erebus.* Like most of the other Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
Reptar Kral

Fortress-Killer

**Reptar Kral** is the current War-Prior of House Tiri (Tai-ree) and is the Siegemaster of the Elvten Armies. A Beast of a man, Reptar is in charge of all the artillery and siege weapons of the at Elven disposal and wields the hereditary warhammer for all Siegemasters, *Juggernaut*. Being a veteran of many conflicts and having a close relationship with Calahad Kral, the Prelate of the entire Elf Army, Reptar without armour weapons is a weapon in and of himself.

Reptar is a steadfast, strong and powerful as a fortress himself in both strength of mind and strength of flesh. Reptar has been responsible for many innovations in the art of siegecraft from tactics to weaponry modifications.

## Appearance

Reptar is a towering giant, even for an elf, being seven and a half feet tall in height and of sturdy, muscular Build, Reptar is a force of nature caged inside a body. Having a short grey beard and thinning receding slate-coloured hair, Reptar shows a clear sign of age and worldliness by his face alone.

In battle, Reptar wears a thick, mountainous suit of plate armour that realistically, only he is able to wear, named *Mastodon*. which includes layers of mail and several layers of thick plating, making Reptar nearly unkillable in combat.

## Personality

Reptar is a stern yet humble man, he is willing to give every fight and warriors a chance however he does not take failure or weakness lightly. No assault or mission is above him or below him in his eyes, every possible risk is worth his attention. Far less prone to even try and be humorous as Calahad, Reptar instead is like a stone, lifeless cold and enduring.

## Abilities

Reptar is a strong, powerful and physically dominating figure, having enough power to dominant and overpower most he fights in physical combat.

Like all other Siegemasters and most Siege warriors, Reptar wields a warhammer in combat, having such mastery over it to wield it as deftly as a knife or small blade. His hammer, juggernaut is the most powerful warhammer in the possession of the Elven Kingdoms, Reptar handles it with great care and caution but also with savage brutality.

## Equipment

* ***Juggernaut*** - A hereditary warhammer passed down through Siegemasters of the Elven army and a relic of Elven history. The Juggernaut is a gigantic warhammer, with the head shaped like a dragon's head and highly ornate carvings of lions and griffons cut into the neck and handle. Considering its incredible apparent density and mass, the Hammer becomes lighter and easier to use the more it is used.
* ***Mastodon*** - A heavy suit of ornate, highly carved plate armour used by Reptar forged by Reptar himself that perfectly fits his every feature and allows enough flexibility to be stern and unforgiving but also versatile and allows the wearer to be agile.
O'Reilly Island

O'Reilly Island is an island in the Canadian Arctic

## History

O'Reilly Island was discovered by Thomas Simpson in 1839. It was named after Lt. Col Walter Frederick O'Reilly.

## Franklin Expedition

Though this island has no immediate connection to the Franklin Expedition, it is located west of the wreck of HMS Erebus and during a search expedition in 1967, artifacts were discovered on this island.

## What Was found There

* Copper sheeting
* Spice tins
* A block
* A belaying pin
* An oar
* A large piece of wood which was turned into an ashtray by the man who found it
Cape Maria Louisa

The area on Google Earth

Cape Maria Louisa is a location on the north western coast of King William Island.

## History

Cape Maria Louisa was first discovered in 1830 by Sir John Ross. He named it after Empress of France, Marie Louise.

Although the Franklin expedition sailors are not known to have camped there, several artifacts from the expedition were cached by the Inuit there.

The cache was located in 1879 by Frederick Schwatka and his search expedition.

## What Was Found There

* Vinegar keg.
* Hip flask.
* Conical iron flask.
* Mineral water bottles.
* Axe head.
* Copper sheet.
* Wooden canteen (With the intials G.R.).
* Goldner soup cans.
* Twelve oak canteen staves.
Crozier's Camp

Crozier's Landing is the name of the campsite south of Victory point that was occupied by the crew of the Franklin expedition after the Erebus and Terror were deserted.

## History

After the Erebus and Terror were deserted on April 22th 1848, the 105 remaining men of the expedition established a campsite 5 leagues (17 miles) from the location of the ships. The men stayed there until April 26 1848 when they began their death march towards the Back River. The camp was discovered in 1859 by Lt. Hobson of the McClintock expedition.

## What Was Found

* A clothes brush belonging to Pvt. Henry Wilkes.
* A petit tourniquet.
* An oak block.
* A sledge harness.
* Part of a shovel.
* Five buckles
* Five bone buttons.
* Ten horn buttons.
* Four leather buttons.
* Two shell buttons.
* The Victory Point Record
* An above ground tomb made of stone slabs containing the remains of an officer of the Franklin Expedition, thought to be Lt. John Irving.
Thomas Watson

**Thomas Watson** was the carpenter's mate of *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Thomas Watson was born in Great Yarmouth in 1805. He had a brother named Valentine Watson.

## Naval Career

Prior to joining the *Erebus,* Watson served on the *HMS Sydenham* before leaving it in December 1844.

## Franklin Expedition

On March 20th, 1845, Watson signed onto the Franklin expedition as *HMS Erebus*'s carpenter's mate. Like a majority of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
Frederick Hornby

## Frederick John Hornby

### Aliases

Likely went by Fred as a nickname judging from a personal artefact, his ruler, carved with this name.

### Relatives

Reverend Geoffrey Hornby (father), Georgina Byng Hornby (mother)

## Physical description

### Gender

male-presenting, though until remains are found we can never be certain

**Frederick Hornby** was first mate on the *HMS Terror* during the Franklin Expedition.

## Early Life

Frederick John Hornby was born on July 1st, 1819 in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. He was the son of Reverend Geoffrey Hornby, and Georgina Byng Hornby.

## Naval Career

Hornby, who came from a family of sailors, joined the royal navy on January 30th, 1834. The first ship he served on was the *HMS Dee*. About four months later, Hornby left the *Dee* and joined the *HMS Wolf*. On July 7th, 1837, Hornby left the *Wolf* and went to work on the *HMS Conway,* now officially a midshipman. Other ships he served on were: *HMS Pelorus*, *HMS BelleIsle*, *HMS Vindictive*, possibly meeting Edward Little, *HMS Magnificent*, *HMS Imaum*, *HMS Formidable*, and *HMS Queen*, possibly meeting Edward Couch.

## Franklin Expedition

In March 1845, Hornby signed up for the Franklin expedition as first mate aboard *HMS Terror*. It is likely that he got along with Dr. Harry Goodsir, because a letter sent to Goodsir’s brother John, asked him to send Mackenzie tartan and had it directed to "Frederick Hornby Esqr. HMS Terror".

## Artifact Discoveries

When Francis McClintock discovered "The Boat Place" in 1859, they discovered a spoon with Hornby's initials on it in the boat. Much later, an engraved sextant with Hornby's initials was discovered among many abandoned items at Victory Point. However, Hornby's sextant was stolen from the Greenwich museum in 1982 and its location is currently unknown.

In 2019, Parks Canada divers recovered an "Unidentified object, made of wood" which was later identified as a ruler, that belonged to Hornby in the captain's steward's pantry of *HMS Erebus*.

## Gallery

A Spoon Belonging to HornbyA parallel ruler that belonged to Hornby and was found on the wreck of the ErebusHornby's sextant which was stolen from the Greenwich museum in 1982
David Sims

**David** or **William Sims** was an able seaman on *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

David or William Sims was born as Henry Jeremiah Sims in Gedney, Lincolnshire in England in 1821. He was the son of David Sims and Alice Hackworth.

## Navy Service

Before he served on the Franklin expedition, Sims served on the sixth rate warship HMS Perseus.

## Franklin Expedition

On March 10th 1845, Sims signed onto the Franklin expedition as an able seaman on *HMS Terror*. Like most of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
William Shanks

**William Shanks** was an able seaman on *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Shanks was born in Dundee Scotland in 1816.

## Marriage

On May 16th, 1837; Shanks was married to Antasker Shanks. The wedding was held in Dundee.

## Franklin Expedition

On April 10th 1845, Shanks signed onto the Franklin expedition as an able seaman on *HMS Terror*. Like most of *Terror*'s crew, his final fate is currently unknown.
McClintock's Boat Place

A watercolor by Kristina Gehrmann depicting the boat place

McClintock's Boat Place is one of the most well known locations in the history of the Franklin expedition.

## The Story

In 1859, the Franklin search expedition led by Francis McClintock discovered a boat on a sledge from the Franklin expedition. Inside the boat were a number of personal items as well as two skeletons. The McClintock expedition took a number of artifacts from the boat and then left it.

## Schwatka's Rediscovery

20 years later, when Frederick Schwatka and his 1879 expedition reached King William Island, they rediscovered the boat place that had been found by McClintock. Schwatka was able to deduce that it was the same boat by the markings on it.

## What Was Found There

* Eight pairs of boots.
* Four neckerchiefs.
* Scented soap.
* Lead shot.
* Two loaded shotguns.
* Two skeletons.
* Two pocket chronometers.
* A piece of sealing wax.
* A rolled up piece of lead sheet.
* A port fire.
* Fishing line.
* A pair of slippers.
* A knife sheath.
* The bowl of a clay pipe.
* Two pairs of goggles.
* A musket ball.
* Two wire cartridges.
* Spectacle lenses.
* Two glass stoppered bottles.
* A pencil case.
* A sailmaker's palm.
* A beaded purse.
* Two cartridge packets.
* A shot charger.
* A tin cylinder.
* Tinted spectacles in a case.
* A wooden clothing button.
* The gold band of an officer's cap.
* The lens off an unknown object.
* Animal bristles.
* A cobbler's awl.
* Multiple pieces of silverware.
* A clasp knife.
Terror Bay Tent Place

A drawing by Charles Francis Hall depicting the tent

The **Terror Bay Tent Place** is a location on the southern part of King William Island.

## Background

When Charles Francis Hall and his expedition interviewed the Inuit on King William Island, he encountered an Inuit named Tee-ke-ta. He told Hall a story where he and two other Inuit men found a tent at the top of a sandy hill in Terror Bay. When they looked inside the tent, they found a large number of skulls and bones.

## What Was Found There

* Blankets and bedding
* Large number of bones and skulls
* Tin cups
* Spoons
* Forks
* Knives
* Two double barreled shotguns
* A pistol
* Musket balls
* Many powder flasks
* Books
Henry Le Vesconte

## Henry Thomas Dundas Le Vesconte

Henry Le Vesconte in 1845

**Henry Le Vesconte** was a lieutenant on *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Henry Thomas Dundas Le Vesconte was born in Netherton, Devonshire in 1813. He was baptized on July 15th, 1813 in Combeinteignhead, and was the son of Captain-Commander Henry Le Vesconte, and Sarah Wills Le Vesconte.

## Naval Career

Le Vesconte entered the Navy on the 19th of May 1829 on the *HMS Harold,* joining as a first-class volunteer, and passed his naval examination in 1836. During his career in the Royal Navy, he also served on the *HMS Calliope, Britannia, Endymion, Hyacinth,* and *Clio.*

## First Opium War

During the Opium War, Le Vesconte participated in the destruction of a Chinese battery on the island of Anunghoy on February 23rd, 1841. He later took part in the capture of the city of Guangzhou. For his actions in the war, he received a promotion to Lieutenant.

## Franklin Expedition

On March 4th, 1845, Le Vesconte signed onto the Franklin expedition as a Lieutenant on HMS Erebus.

## Artifact Discoveries

When John Rae and his search expedition encountered the Inuit at Repulse Bay, they were given four table forks which belonged to Le Vesconte. When Francis McClintock and his expedition encountered the Inuit at Cape Victoria in March 1859, one item they were given was a dessert spoon that was owned by Le Vesconte. They found a similar spoon in the boat at the Boat Place two months later.

In 2022, Le Vesconte's cabin on the *Erebus* was excavated by Parks Canada divers. Among the artifacts recovered were his uniform epaulettes.

## Misidentified Skeleton

In 1869, American explorer Charles Francis Hall was taken to a shallow grave on King William Island and found the skeleton of an officer. An official examination concluded that the skeleton belonged to Lt. Le Vesconte. In 2009 however, the remains were reexamined and it was discovered the remains were not Le Vesconte's but assistant surgeon Harry Goodsir.

## Gallery

One of four forks belonging to Le Vesconte that were found by the Rae ExpeditionA second daguerreotype of Le VesconteLe Vesconte's willThe receipt for Erebus' chronometers which Le Vesconte signed for
## References

1. https://visionsnorth.blogspot.com/2020/04/le-vescontes-will.html
William Wentzell

**William Wentzell** was an able seaman on *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Augustine Wentzell was born in London on May 31st, 1812. He was the son of Elizabeth Wëzenden.

## Civilian Life

In 1836, William was married to Hannah Wentzell. Three years later, they gave birth to a son named William. In the 1841 census, Wentzell, his wife and his son were living in Greenwich, and he was working as a fisherman at the time. On Feburary 1st of 1842, William welcomed his second son Charles into the world.

## Franklin Expedition

On May 10th 1845, Wentzell signed up for the Franklin expedition as an able seaman on *HMS Terror*. Before he signed up, he had previously been a chief officer for the General Steam Nvaigation company. The discoveries of artifacts at Cape Norton and Starvation Cove suggest that Wentzell was still alive after the abandonment of the ships.

## Artifact Discoveries

During John Rae's search expedition in 1854, one of the things that was purchased from the Repulse Bay Inuit was a cutlery fork belonging to Lt. Irving that had Wentzell's initials on it. Five years later, when the McClintock search expedition reached Cape Norton, one item that was purchased from the Inuit there was a fork belonging to Sir John Franklin with Wentzell's initials.
John Downing

**John Downing** was a quartermaster aboard *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

John Downing was born in Plymouth in 1811. He had a sister named Elizabeth.

## Naval Career

Before coming to the Erebus, Downing served as an able seaman aboard the *HMS Endymion*. He left this ship in October 1843.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Downing joined the Franklin expedition as a quartermaster on *HMS Erebus*. His final fate is unknown.
William Johnson

**William Johnson** was a stoker on *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Johnson was born in Kirton Lindsey in 1800.

## Naval Career

Prior to joining the Franklin expedition, Johnson served aboard the *HMS Britannia*. He left this ship sometime in 1832.

## Marriage

On March 26, 1826, Johnson was married to Ann Johnson. The wedding was held in Hull, Yorkshire.

## Franklin Expedition

On April 3rd 1845, Johnson signed onto the Franklin expedition as one of three stokers on *HMS Terror*. Like most of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
Robert Johns

## Robert Henry Johns

**Robert Johns** was an able seaman from *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

Robert Henry Johns was born in Penryn Cornwall on June 2, 1822. He was the son of Robert Johns Sr. and Ann Cutt.

## Naval Service

In the late 1830s, Johns joined the Royal Navy. Between October 1838 and January 1842, Johns was serving on the HMS Pandora first as a cabin boy then later as an able seaman.

## Marriage

On May 15, 1842, Johns was married to Jemima Cooke. The wedding was held in Penryn.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Johns joined the Franklin expedition as an able seaman of *HMS Erebus*. Like a large percentage of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
Cornwallis Island

Cornwallis Island is an island in the Arctic Archipelago.

## History

In 1819, Sir William Parry was the first European to discover the island. He named it after Admiral William Cornwallis.

## Franklin Expedition

According to the Victory Point note, the Erebus and Terror circumnavigated the island in the fall of 1845 before stopping at Beechey Island for the winter.
William Reed

## William Reid

**William Reid** was a Royal Marine private aboard *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Reed was born in Bristol in 1816.

## Enlistment

After working as a shoemaker's apprentice, Reid enlisted in the Royal Marines on July 16th, 1835.

## Franklin Expedition

In March 1845, ReId signed up for the Franklin expedition as a member of *HMS Erebus*'s Royal Marine detachment. Certain artifacts recovered from Repulse Bay and the boat place could mean that Reed was still alive after the ships were deserted.

## Artifact Discoveries

When John Rae and his search expedition reached Repulse Bay in 1854, one item given to them by the Inuit there was a table knife with Reid’s (Or Terror quartermaster William Rhodes) initials on it. When Francis McClintock and his search expedition discovered the boat place five years later, they found a fork that had Reid’s (or Rhodes) initials.
James Daly

**James Daly** was a private in *HMS Terror*'s detachment of Royal Marines during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

James Daly was born in Tubberclare Ireland in 1815.

## Marine Service

On December 15th 1832, Daly enlisted in the Royal Marines.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Daly signed onto the Franklin expedition and became part of the detachment of Royal Marines on *HMS Terror*. Like most of the marines and other sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
David Young

**David Young** was a cabin boy on *HMS Erebus* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

David Young was born an orphan in Sheerness Kent in 1827.

## Naval Career

Prior to joining the Franklin expedition, Young served on the Pembroke dockyard lighter *HMS Sinbad* before departing in April 1845.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, David joined the Franklin expedition as one of two cabin boys on *HMS Erebus*. Like most of the Franklin sailors, his final fate is currently unknown.
Franklin Point

Franklin Point is a location on the western side of King William Island.

## Franklin Expedition

On June 24 1879, Schwatka and his search expedition found a skull "near an old dilapidated looking grave built on the surface of the ground of the loose stones lying about". The members of the party concluded that the skull belonged to a Franklin sailor and on July 13th, all of the bones they could find of the man were gathered up, and buried with a cairn marking the spot.
John Lane

**John Lane** was the boatswain aboard *HMS Terror* during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

John Lane was born in Portsmouth in the early 19th century.

## Marriage

On July 10th, 1838, Lane was married to Eliza Lane in Portsmouth.

## Naval Career

On July 1st, 1844, Lane served on the *HMS Ocean*.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Lane joined the Franklin expedition as the boatswain of *HMS Terror*. What happened to him is currently unknown.
William Hedges

**William Hedges** was a Corporal in *HMS Terror*'s Royal Marine detachment during the Franklin expedition.

## Early Life

William Hedges was born in Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire in 1815.

## Marine Service

On the first of September 1834, Hedges enlisted in the Royal Marines as a private. By 1845, he had been promoted to corporal.

## Marriage

On April 8th, 1844, Hedges was married to Eliza Hedges. The wedding was held in Charlton Woolwich.

## Franklin Expedition

In the spring of 1845, Hedges signed onto the Franklin expedition as the second in command of *HMS Terror*'s detachment of Royal Marines. An artifact found at Victory Point could suggest that Hedges was still alive after the ships were deserted.

## Artifact Discovery

When Francis McClintock's expedition reached Victory Point in 1859, one artifact they found there was a tin canteen that belonged to Hedges.
Hartford

Map

**Hartford** is the state capital of Connecticut. It features mostly shopping and industry.

## Scenery Cities/Towns

* New Britain
* Manchester

## Connections

* Interstate 84 runs towards Danbury to the west and Boston to the east (via I-90).
* Interstate 91 runs towards Springfield to the north and New Haven to the south.
* Interstate 384 connects between Interstate 84 and US 6.
* US 6 runs towards Providence to the east.
* US 44 runs towards Pittsfield (via US 7) and Newburgh to the west.
* CT 9 runs towards New London to the south.
* CT 72 connects between Interstate 84 and CT 9.