Walter Ernest How

Walter Ernest How was born in Bermondsey, London, on 25 December 1884. He was educated in Hemel Hempstead and went to sea at the age of twelve. After much experience at sea off the Labrador coast, he joined the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition [Weddell Sea Party], 1914-1916 (leader Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton) as able seaman in Endurance . After the ship was crushed in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea, he and his companions escaped in boats to Elephant Island. A party of six led by Shackleton made the epic journey from Elephant Island to South Georgia to seek help from the Stromness whaling station and in August 1916, How and the remaining members of the expedition were rescued from Elephant Island.

How made many sketches of the expedition, including some of the Endurance and the ships involved with the rescue of the Elephant Island party. He received the Polar Medal for his part in the expedition.

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