Thomas Hartnell was one of the 130 men lost on the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, an attempt by the British to discover a Northwest Passage. Two ships, "HMS Erebus" and "HMS Terror" became stranded in the Arctic, unable to move forwards or backward, as they were hemmed in by ice on all sides. The crew of both ships remained stranded for nearly two years before making the decision to abandon their ships and proceed on foot to the Canadian mainland. They never made it. Their disappearance remains one of the most compelling mysteries of modern times, despite the demise of both crews in harsh Arctic conditions being nearly certain.
Hartnell served as able seaman aboard the "HMS Erebus". He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Hartnell ( Friar), and the younger brother of John Hartnell --- the two brothers signed up for the Franklin Expedition together, though John would die early on in the expedition, and was buried on Beechey Island. Thomas Hartnell had a ten year career in the Navy.
His ultimate fate is unknown.
Hartnell served as able seaman aboard the "HMS Erebus". He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Hartnell ( Friar), and the younger brother of John Hartnell --- the two brothers signed up for the Franklin Expedition together, though John would die early on in the expedition, and was buried on Beechey Island. Thomas Hartnell had a ten year career in the Navy.
His ultimate fate is unknown.
Thomas Hartnell was one of the 130 men lost on the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, an attempt by the British to discover a Northwest Passage. Two ships, "HMS Erebus" and "HMS Terror" became stranded in the Arctic, unable to move forwards or backward, as they were hemmed in by ice on all sides. The crew of both ships remained stranded for nearly two years before making the decision to abandon their ships and proceed on foot to the Canadian mainland. They never made it. Their disappearance remains one of the most compelling mysteries of modern times, despite the demise of both crews in harsh Arctic conditions being nearly certain.
Hartnell served as able seaman aboard the "HMS Erebus". He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Hartnell ( Friar), and the younger brother of John Hartnell --- the two brothers signed up for the Franklin Expedition together, though John would die early on in the expedition, and was buried on Beechey Island. Thomas Hartnell had a ten year career in the Navy.
His ultimate fate is unknown.
Hartnell served as able seaman aboard the "HMS Erebus". He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Hartnell ( Friar), and the younger brother of John Hartnell --- the two brothers signed up for the Franklin Expedition together, though John would die early on in the expedition, and was buried on Beechey Island. Thomas Hartnell had a ten year career in the Navy.
His ultimate fate is unknown.
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