New Discoveries from Sir John Franklin’s Expedition
Almost 180 years after the ill-fated expedition led by Sir John Franklin aimed to find the Northwest Passage, researchers have uncovered the identities of four more crew members through DNA analysis.
This research, initiated by scientists at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, adds a new dimension to what is considered one of history’s notable Arctic tragedies. The identified crew members include William Oren, an experienced sailor; David Young, a young boy; John Bridgens, often referred to as Petty Officer Butler; and Harry Pegler, who was in charge of the foretop on HMS Terror.
In 1845, British explorer Franklin embarked with 129 officers and crew on HMS Erebus and HMS Terror to chart the Northwest Passage. However, by September 1846, the ships were trapped in ice near King William Island in Nunavut, leading to Franklin’s death in 1847. By April 1848, the remaining crew abandoned the vessels and attempted to navigate the harsh Arctic terrain on foot or by dragging their boats, but tragically, none survived.
“All 105 individuals died trying to escape,” the University of Waterloo noted in a statement made on May 6. Their findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
Since the mid-1800s, the remains of those who participated in the expedition have been discovered on King William Island and the Adelaide Peninsula. Anthropologists from the University of Waterloo conducted DNA tests on human remains found at the Franklin Expedition site, establishing connections with the DNA of living descendants.
Steven Fratopietro, a co-author of the study from Lakehead University, reported that DNA comparisons showed a perfect genetic match for all four identified individuals.
These new findings bring the total number of recognized Franklin Expedition sailors to six, which now includes Captain John Gregory, identified in 2021, and Captain James Fitzjames, confirmed in 2024.
Douglas Stenton, another study co-author, remarked on the inherently perilous nature of the Northwest Passage expedition. “Many factors contributed to the risks, primarily the brutal Arctic environment: the extreme winter cold, the short voyages that sometimes required crews to over-winter, the potential for ice to crush ships, and the toll of illness and injury under such harsh conditions.”
Interestingly, Stenton noted that among the findings was evidence of cannibalism related to Captain Fitzjames’s remains, identified in 2024. “He wasn’t the only one to face such a fate, but he’s the only one we’ve confirmed,” he said.
Researchers were also intrigued to discover that five of the six identified sailors were located near two boats, situated less than 2.25 miles apart along Erebus Bay. Pegler’s identification came as a surprise, as his body was reportedly dressed as a butler, leading some to question if it actually belonged to him. Stenton speculates Pegler may have been demoted to that role due to some form of misconduct.
He elaborated, stating, “Noncommissioned officers are seasoned sailors and hold significant responsibilities. His attire led many to think the body wasn’t his but belonged to a caretaker carrying Pegler’s documents to his family. Yet, 167 years later, our study definitively disproves that theory.”
Extracting usable DNA was quite challenging, as genetic material tends to degrade over time, even in Arctic conditions. Researchers primarily focused on analyzing teeth because the harder enamel can better preserve DNA despite years of exposure to Elements.
Stenton also shared insights on why the Northwest Passage remains so attractive—it’s seen as a potential shortcut for trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, simplifying access to Asian markets. He emphasized that the Franklin expedition was “the largest and likely the best-equipped Arctic mission of its time,” making its success a point of considerable pride for Britain.
Moving forward, efforts will include collaboration with genealogists and descendants to identify more individuals from the crew while gathering further archaeological DNA samples. Stenton highlighted how this DNA research not only offers a deeper understanding of the tragic loss of life but also brings some closure to the families involved. “This study greatly relies on, and encourages the involvement of, descendants of these men who never returned home. That feels particularly fitting,” he concluded.
