Admiral Sir Edward Augustus Inglefield Paintings

Admiral Sir Edward Augustus Inglefield was a prominent figure in the 19th century, known for his contributions to naval exploration, particularly in the Arctic regions. Born on March 27, 1820, in Cheltenham, England, Inglefield joined the Royal Navy in 1834, embarking on a career that would see him achieve significant accomplishments in both naval operations and exploration.

Inglefield's most notable contribution to exploration came in 1852 when he commanded an expedition to search for Sir John Franklin's lost expedition in the Arctic aboard the HMS Isabel. Although he did not find Franklin, Inglefield explored parts of Baffin Bay and Smith Sound, charting previously unknown areas and making significant contributions to the geographical knowledge of the Arctic regions. His efforts in these harsh environments were recognized when he was awarded the Royal Geographical Society's Founder's Gold Medal in 1853.

Beyond his exploration activities, Inglefield had a distinguished naval career, serving in various capacities in the Royal Navy. He was promoted to rear-admiral in 1870, vice-admiral in 1878, and admiral in 1885. Throughout his service, he was involved in several significant naval operations and held various command positions.

Inglefield was also an innovator, particularly in the development of naval technology. He patented a design for a screw propeller that was widely used in the Royal Navy, contributing to the advancement of naval engineering during the 19th century.

Admiral Sir Edward Augustus Inglefield passed away on September 4, 1894, leaving behind a legacy marked by his exploratory achievements and service to his country. His contributions to Arctic exploration and naval science have been remembered as pivotal in the advancement of geographic and naval knowledge during his time.