Henry Worsley (explorer)

Henry Worsley in 2010

Henry Worsley (4 October 1960 – 24 January 2016) was a British explorer, British Army officer, and a descendant of Frank Worsley, the captain of the Endurance, which was famously used in Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Henry Worsley is best known for his expeditions in Antarctica, including attempts to cross the continent unaided.

Early Life and Military Career

Henry Worsley was born in London, England, and pursued a career in the British Army, serving with distinction in the Special Air Service (SAS). His military career spanned over 36 years, during which he saw active service in operations around the globe, including in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.

Exploration Career

Inspired by his ancestor's connection to polar exploration, Worsley developed a deep fascination with Antarctica. His most notable expeditions include leading the 2008-2009 Shackleton Centenary Expedition to retrace Shackleton's 1908 Nimrod Expedition route to the South Pole. In 2011, he embarked on another significant journey, the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race, with teammates, racing to the South Pole to commemorate the centenary of Amundsen's and Scott's 1911-1912 expeditions.

In 2015, Worsley attempted his most ambitious expedition: a solo, unaided crossing of Antarctica. He aimed to complete the journey without resupply, dragging a sled with his supplies across 1,100 miles of icy terrain. However, after 71 days and having covered over 900 miles, Worsley was forced to call for rescue due to exhaustion and severe dehydration.

Death and Legacy

Henry Worsley succumbed to bacterial peritonitis on 24 January 2016, shortly after being airlifted to a hospital in Chile. His death was widely mourned, with tributes highlighting his courage, determination, and contributions to polar exploration. Worsley's expeditions raised significant funds for the Endeavour Fund, supporting injured servicemen and women.

Worsley's legacy continues through the work of the Endeavour Fund and through the inspiration he provides to explorers and adventurers worldwide. His life and expeditions have been the subject of documentaries and books, celebrating his adventurous spirit and contributions to our understanding of Antarctica.

See Also

• Ernest Shackleton
• Frank Worsley
• Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
• Endurance (1914 ship)
• Roald Amundsen
• Robert Falcon Scott