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Lieutenant S. Gurney Cresswell
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Lieutenant S. Gurney Cresswell
Lieutenant Samuel Gurney Cresswell, a royal navy officer and technically the first to cross the North-West passage. Although Robert McClure was in lead the expedition, Cresswell arrived in England before him. Date: 1853
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Media ID 14159118
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1850s 1853 Cresswell Exploration Gurney Lieutenant Mcclure Passage Samuel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait captures the determination and courage of Lieutenant Samuel Gurney Cresswell, a British naval officer who played a pivotal role in the historic expedition to discover the North-West Passage in the 1850s. Born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1820, Cresswell joined the Royal Navy at a young age and distinguished himself through his exceptional seamanship and navigational skills. In 1850, he was assigned to the HMS Investigator, under the command of Captain Robert McClure, with the mission to search for the elusive North-West Passage. This fabled sea route was believed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, potentially shortening the lengthy journey around the tip of South America. Despite facing numerous challenges, including treacherous ice floes, harsh weather conditions, and dwindling supplies, Cresswell's unwavering commitment to the expedition proved invaluable. In September 1853, the HMS Investigator and its crew, including Cresswell, became the first ships to successfully navigate the North-West Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Although McClure is often credited as the leader of the expedition due to his higher rank, it was Cresswell who arrived in England before him, bringing news of their achievement to the British public. This historic event marked a significant milestone in the age of exploration and solidified Cresswell's place in maritime history. This evocative portrait, taken in the mid-19th century, immortalizes the indomitable spirit of a man who dared to brave the unknown, paving the way for future navigators and explorers. Lieutenant Samuel Gurney Cresswell's legacy continues to inspire us with his courage, resilience, and determination.
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