Walter How

Walter How
Born (1885-12-25)December 25, 1885
Bermondsey, London
Died August 5, 1972(1972-08-05) (aged 86)
Occupation Able Seaman

Walter Ernest How (25 December 1885 – 5 August 1972) was an Able Seaman who took part in Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole, from 1914-1917. Born in Bermondsey, London, Walter became a sailor at 12 years old.[1] He married Helen Varey in 1913, and his first daughter was born only six weeks before his departure upon the Endurance.

When the Endurance made a stop at Buenos Aires en route to the Antarctica, How, along with Bakewell, helped smuggle Perce Blackborow on board as a stowaway.[2]

After the Endurance sank, trapped in the sea ice around Antarctica, How was forced to live upon the icebergs along with the rest of the crew. When they later used the three wooden lifeboats to row to Elephant Island, How was in the Stancomb Wills.

On return to England after their eventual rescue, How was awarded the Polar Medal, and joined the Merchant Navy during the War.

How died of cancer on the 5 August 1972 aged 86.

References

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