Marching behind Robert Falcon Scott from Cape Evans on November 1 1911 in an attempt to reach the South Pole for the first time was Tom Crean, the son of a Dingle farmer.
While the tragedy of Scott's failure is central in the history of Polar exploration, the Kerry man’s extraordinary achievements during three expeditions to the Antarctic at the start of the last century lay dormant for almost 80 years until the publication of Michael Smith’s An Unsung Hero: Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer in 2000.
"I didn't anticipate the reaction – especially in Ireland – to the story," says Smith. "I was gob smacked." Crean's epic survival has been belatedly recognised by the erection of a statue opposite his home and a themed Guinness TV advert but the author is most pleased by one consequence of his work: "I'm particularly gratified that Tom is on the school curriculum in Ireland."
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Early in 1912 and about 150 miles from the Pole, Crean was forced to return to base with William Lashly and the critically ill Teddy Evans. On their treacherous 750 mile journey, Crean and Lashly saved the life of their colleague, culminating in the Irishman’s dogged 35 mile solo run through the most harrowing of conditions with just three biscuits and two pieces of chocolate, and were awarded the King’s Medal from King George V in 1913 for their bravery.
Even more dramatically, during the Endurance expedition (1914-16) the crew abandoned ship after it became locked in the ice of the Wendell Sea, sailed in three small boats to the desolate Elephant Island before Crean and five companions, including Shackleton, journeyed 800 miles in the tiny James Caird to South Georgia, marched 40 miles across its uncharted, glaciered interior to reach a whaling station and returned for the castaways on Elephant Island.
The Irishman's incomparable story remained almost unknown due to both his modesty and political necessity: Crean left the British navy and returned to Ireland in March 1920, at the height of the War of Independence, when links to British-sponsored Polar expeditions would have been viewed with hostility.
As the author discovered, Crean rarely spoke about his adventures - even to his family. "It was fascinating to speak to Tom's eldest daughter, Mary," Smith says. "I was asking her questions about Tom when she interrupted me and politely said: 'You know more about my father than I do.' He was a closed book."
Superficially, it's ironic that Crean's outstanding accomplishment was first brought to public attention by an English writer but Smith suggests that this perspective may have been an important element in the telling.
"Here I am, an Englishman, and this story was under the noses of Kerry people for years," he says. "But maybe it needed an outsider to take the story and frame it."
Guinness' Tom Crean ad:
3 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Pittsburghkid | Nov 03, 2011, 10:25 PM EDT
It is ashame that Crean could not have use some common sense on Scott. A group of Swedes beat Scott to the South Pole on Scott last attempt. Scott made it to the South Pole only to find the Swedish Flag. The Swedes did the trek in half the time and returned. Scott's party froze to death on the way back. The Swedes trained with dog sleds. Scott took ponys. The Swedes dressed in Eskome skins. Scott used wool, and cotton. Scott in the end had to "man pull" the supplies sleds. The Swedes never used the "man pull harness". Scott was one of the most stupid explores in history. It is a shame the Crean had to follow a fool.
Greenfire | Nov 03, 2011, 05:41 PM EDT
Having spent a tour of duty in Antarctica, '61 to '62, I can relate to his experiences. I was better prepared for the weather than he so it makes me appreciate the man more! I have the book in my library & have read it. Glad he was Irish!
hybernia | Nov 03, 2011, 02:33 PM EDT
Tom Crean,I just finished reading his story, what a man, a man of iron.