Memorial to explorer unveiled in his West Sussex birthplace
Ernest Joyce journeyed with likes of Scott and Shackleton
A blue plaque commemorating the exciting life of an Antarctic explorer who went on expeditions with Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton has been unveiled.
Captain Ernest Joyce, an Antarcticexplorerwhotookpart inexpeditionsalongsideCaptain ScottandErnestShackleton,has been memorialised in Felpham, thevillageofhisbirth,withablue plaque memorial stone in the Fisherman’s Gardens.
Joyce was born in one of the 15 coastguard cottages in Admirality Road in 1875 and went on to become a decorated explorer, winning the Albert Medal for his bravery during the Trans-Atlantic expedition.
He was also awarded the Polar Medal with four bars by the Royal Geographical Society, something achieved by only one other man.
He joined the Navy aged 15 and found himself part of Captain Scott’s discovery expedition – the first official foray by British explorers into the Antarctic region – in 1901.
Six years later, Ernest Shackleton recruited him to join the Nimrod Discovery
Expedition. After that, in 1914, he joined the ill-fated Ross Sea Party, where a number of crew members died in tragic and challenging circumstances.
Despite the trials, tribulations and public successesofhisearlierlife,Joyce died alone and impoverished in 1940.
The blue plaque memorial stone, which was put up not far from where Joyce was born, is intended to immortalise his intrepid spirit and undaunted courage, even in death.
Felpham Parish Council chairman Dave Smart said: “Ernest Joyce is a true son of Felpham and it is only right that hisachievementsarerecognised in the village where he was born and where his family lived so people will never forget his contribution to some of the world’smostfamous,andheroic, explorations.”
Kevin Watson, an amateur historian and parish councillor, added:“Iwantedtomakesurehe was properly recognised as part of Felpham’s heritage.”
Mr Watson started researching Joyce’s life after hearing that the students of Felpham Community College had named their new activity centre after him. He said he was impressed by the explorer’s bravery.