Ernest Shackleton

Ernest Henry Shackleton was born to Henry Shackleton and Henrietta Letitia Sophia Gavan in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland. His father was a doctor who later moved the family to London.

The Shackleton family moves to London, where Ernest's father decides to pursue a career in medicine, setting the stage for Ernest's future maritime and exploration endeavors.

At the age of 16, Shackleton joins the Merchant Navy, beginning his career at sea and developing the skills that would later serve him in polar exploration.

Shackleton is selected as a junior officer for Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic, his first foray into polar exploration.

Shackleton leads the Nimrod Expedition, reaching a new Farthest South record of 88°23'S, just 97 nautical miles from the South Pole, and discovers the Beardmore Glacier.

Shackleton sets out on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, aiming to be the first to cross the Antarctic continent. The expedition becomes one of the greatest survival stories in history.

After the Endurance is crushed by ice, Shackleton leads a small party in a lifeboat to South Georgia, then returns to rescue the remaining crew stranded on Elephant Island.

Shackleton serves in the British Army during World War I, working in intelligence and diplomatic roles, including a mission to South America to support British interests.

Shackleton launches the Quest Expedition, aiming to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent. The expedition is marred by his failing health.

Ernest Shackleton dies of a heart attack while his ship is anchored at South Georgia. He is buried on the island, where he remains to this day.