Sir Edward Belcher
Belcher, Sir Edward
Sir Edward Belcher, naval surveyor, explorer (b at Halifax 27 Feb 1799; d at London, Eng 18 Mar 1877). As a surveyor he participated in major British naval expeditions to Bering Strait, Africa, the Americas and the Far East. He proved able, though quarrelsome and vindictive. In 1852 he was given charge of 5 ships sailing in search of Sir John FRANKLIN.
Belcher's expedition rescued Robert MCCLURE and his men, marooned for 3 winters during their own search, but his ships were icebound and in summer 1854 he ordered 4 abandoned. Back in England he was rebuked but not court-martialled. Belcher spent the rest of his life in literary and scientific pursuits.
See also BELCHER ISLANDS.
Author DANIEL FRANCIS
Links to Other Sites
Exploration of the Northwest Passage
An overview of European expeditions to Canada’s northern Arctic region from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. Brief bios, illustrations, maps, and other reference material. An Industry Canada website.
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