John Franklin Robins Aylen born 1832. He served as acting master's assistant in HMS North Star on the British Naval Franklin Search Expedition, 1849-1850 (leader James Saunders), sent by the Admiralty to supply Sir James Ross's search expedition, then to examine Smith and Jones Sounds in search of traces of Franklin's missing expedition. The expedition progressed west through Lancaster Sound to Prince Regent Inlet in August 1850, but was unable to land provisions at Port Bowen or Port Leopold as intended and turned for home, leaving a depot in Navy Board Inlet. After the expedition, Aylen was appointed staff commander of HMS Asia, the steam reserve at Portsmouth.
From the guide to the John Aylen collection, 1849-1850, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge)
