In 1915, Shackleton and the crew are still living on Endurance and waiting for the ice to loosen up.
Still thinking about Henry Knox, this riff from Orde-Lees' journal caught my attention today. As Knox was to Washington, Tom Crean was to Shackleton - the sort of person who goes above and beyond the job description. In this journal entry, it appears Crean was looking ahead to difficult times - out on a practice run, he takes along 16 gallons of gas for, seemingly, no reason. Orde-Lees, on the other hand, seems to be unaware of potential danger ahead.
Orde-Lees' journal, October 12, 1915...
"I was out sledging with Tom Crean today. He had only five dogs out and with a full load of sixteen gallons of petrol besides the two of us so the pace was anything but thrilling. ...
Tom Crean is a fine character one of the most reliable men on the expedition. As his name suggests he is an Irishman & a giant at that. He started as an ordinary sailor in the navy & was in Scott's expedition on H.M.S. Discovery & again in his last expedition when, by walking thirty miles alone to fetch help, & thereby save the life of Commander Evans dangerously ill with scurvy, he gained the Albert medal for conspicuous bravery. His staunch loyalty to the expedition is worth a lot.
I got into rather serious trouble today for crossing the frozen "lead" just ahead of the ship. It was quite safe but Sir Ernest considered that it was not so & he has more experience than I have, I suppose he is right as usual & I was wrong!"
Many thanks to Orde-Lees for the interesting journal entry!
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