Sea Classics Magazine
Where History Sets Sail
Read about the world’s major sea battles and first-hand accounts from the men who fought and lived through them. From the early days of sailing vessels, to the post Cold War nuclear navies of today, Sea Classics has it all. Sea Classics offers special features including the Navy & Maritime Museum issue, a full-color warships calendar and even a holiday gift guide for the sailor in your family.
ON THE COVER:
Over 30 searches were launched to find HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The searches were as hazardous as the original expedition and sailors died of disease and exposure. In this oil painting by Francois Musin, HMS Resolute has beached against the ice as rescuers set out to find possible survivors from the two ships. In 1852, Edward Belcher was given command of the government Arctic expedition in search of Franklin. It was unsuccessful. Belcher’s inability to render himself popular with his subordinates was particularly unfortunate on an Arctic voyage and he was not wholly suited to commanding vessels among the ice. Four of the five ships (including Resolute) were abandoned in pack ice. Belcher was court-martialed but acquitted. HMS Resolute was eventually recovered intact by an American whaler and returned to the UK. Timbers from the ship were later used to manufacture three decks, one of which, the Resolute Desk, was presented by Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes. This desk has often been chosen by presidents for use in the White House’s Oval Office.