An Unsung Hero

Kerry-born Tom Crean ran away from home as a youth, and joined Scott’s Discovery voyage in December 1901, not returning to England until 1904. He went back to the Antarctic with Scott on his fateful attempt on the South Pole, eventually having to bury him. By now one of the most experienced men in this extreme climate, he was invited to join Scott’s great rival Shackleton on his Endurance expedition. Once again, he played a leading role, and sailed in the open James Caird across the southern ocean to South Georgia to sound the alarm for the stranded team in the Antarctic. After playing this heroic role in saving the mission, Crean retired to live quietly with his family in Ireland.