They Forged the Last Link with their Lives (1895)

They Forged the Last Link with their Lives

Created by: W. Thomas Smith
Archive: National Maritime Museum
Reference number: Object ID no. BHC1273
Date: 1895
Notes: Sir John Franklin dying by his boat during the North-West Passage expedition of HMS 'Erebus' and 'Terror'. McClintock's expedition found the remains of Franklin's men where they fell on the march south down the west coast of King William Island. This painting is based on the description of a boat on a heavy sledge discovered at Erebus Bay. 'Evidently equipped with the utmost care for the ascent of the Great Fish River' (F. L. McClintock). It contained two skeletons and others were later found at the same site.

Sunken ship