Edward Belcher was born in Halifax and entered the Royal Navy in 1812. After long and creditable service as a naval surveyor, chiefly in the western Pacific, he returned to Canadian waters to command one of the Franklin search expeditions (1852-54). In the course of this expedition he quarreled with his subordinates and, against their advice, abandoned his ships in the Arctic ice. For this action, the most controversial in a career marked by controversy, he was court-martialed and, though acquitted, remained under a shadow for the rest of his life. He attained the rank of admiral in 1870, and died in London.

Born in Halifax, 1799 Entered the Royal Navy, 1812 Engaged in exploring and surveying in the Pacific and on the coast of Africa, 1825-48 Led an expedition to the Arctic in 1852 Rear Admiral, 1861; Vice Admiral, 1866; Admiral, 1872 Died in London, England, 18th March, 1877