New DNA Research Uncovers Identities of Franklin Expedition Crew Members
New DNA analysis identifies more members of the ill-fated Franklin expedition
The Conversation
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Recent DNA analysis has identified six members of the ill-fated 1845 Franklin expedition, which lost all 129 crew members. The research, combining archaeology and genetics, has revealed the identities of sailors like Capt. James Fitzjames and Warrant Officer John Gregory, shedding light on their tragic fates and the expedition's history.
- 01The first identification was made in 2019, matching DNA from the great-great-great grandson of Warrant Officer John Gregory.
- 02Capt. James Fitzjames was identified in 2024 through DNA from a tooth, revealing evidence of cannibalism.
- 03Four additional sailors were identified in 2025, including three from HMS Erebus: John Bridgens, William Orren, and David Young.
- 04Henry Peter 'Harry' Peglar is the only identified sailor from HMS Terror, resolving a 167-year-old debate about his identity.
- 05The research combines archaeological findings with DNA from living descendants, connecting modern families to their ancestors.
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The 1845 Franklin expedition, known for its tragic loss of all 129 crew members, has seen new revelations through advanced DNA analysis. Researchers from the University of Waterloo, Trent University, and Lakehead University have identified six sailors from the expedition by analyzing DNA from skeletal remains and matching it with living descendants. The first successful identification occurred in 2019 with Warrant Officer John Gregory, followed by Capt. James Fitzjames in 2024, whose remains showed signs of cannibalism. In 2025, four more sailors were identified: John Bridgens, William Orren, and David Young from HMS Erebus, and Henry Peter 'Harry' Peglar from HMS Terror. Peglar's identification resolved long-standing doubts regarding his identity, as his remains were misidentified for over a century. This genetic research not only sheds light on the fates of these sailors but also connects their modern descendants to a pivotal moment in British polar exploration history, emphasizing the personal stories behind the expedition's tragic end.
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The findings provide closure to the families of the sailors and enhance understanding of the expedition's tragic history.
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