The Life and Adventures of

William Lashly

The Life and Adventures of William Lashly is a book about the remarkable life of William Lashly who served with Captain Scott on both his expeditions to Antarctica.

Born in the Hampshire village of Hambledon, William joined the Navy as a stoker. He was later chosen to accompany Captain Scott on the Discovery. The book tells of his skill and courage in saving Scott's life and also the life of Lieutenant Evans on the Terra Nova expedition. It also gives many insights into his navy career.

Based on original research, this timely book gives many insights into the romantic age of Antarctic exploration from the perspective of an ordinary seaman.

Produced by William Lashly Antarctic Explorer site writers George Skinner and his wife Valerie (a relative of William Lashly) with a Foreword by Lord Mountevans, grandson of Lieutenant (later Admiral) Evans, The Life and Adventures of William Lashly is an ideal introduction to this outstanding explorer.

The Life and Adventures of William Lashly is an A5 centre-stapled soft-back 64 page booklet with many illustrations, expedition time-lines and information on how to find out more.

Originally published in 2013 the book has now been revised and reprinted and still very reasonably priced at only £4.95!

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Foreword by Jeffrey Evans

William Lashly can truly be described as a remarkable man and a very fine Englishman. In a more than full life his sterling character earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him.

Lashly had the rare distinction of serving throughout both of Captain Scott's Antarctic expeditions, that of the Discovery (1901-1904) as well as that of the Terra Nova (1910-13).

On the latter expedition, Lashly, with my grandfather Lieutenant Edward (Teddy) Evans RN and Petty Officer Tom Crean RN, was one of the last people to see Scott, Wilson, Oates, Bowers and Petty Officer Edgar (Taff) Evans RN alive as they set off for the final push for the Pole. After giving what they described as three hearty cheers for their colleagues, the three turned and commenced the 800 mile journey back to Cape Evans.

Lashly's diary with its understatement and enviable economy of style tells the story of the deterioration of Lieutenant Evans' condition due to chronic scurvy to the point where he collapsed on day 42 of the return journey. Lashly and Crean then refused my grandfather’s order to leave him, putting him on a sledge and pulling him to safety.

Without the courage and devotion of his two colleagues my grandfather would undoubtedly have died.

William Lashly was a modest man who steadfastly refused to blow his own trumpet. It is high time that a book is produced on this gallant figure, without whose courage, endurance and resourcefulness, I would not be here and would not have the privilege of writing this Foreword.