Archibald McMurdo

"McMurdo" redirects here. For the surname, see McMurdo (surname).

Archibald McMurdo (24 September 1812 – 11 December 1875) was a British naval officer, for whom Antarctica's McMurdo Sound, McMurdo Station, McMurdo Ice Shelf, McMurdo Dry Valleys and McMurdo-South Pole Highway are named.

Biography

McMurdo joined the Royal Navy on 6 October 1824, at the age of 12.[1] He achieved the rank of Lieutenant in 1836, Commander in 1843, and Captain in 1851.[1] His career included two discovery expeditions aboard HMS Terror, the first to north of Hudson Bay, the second to Antarctica.[1] During the latter, McMurdo Sound was discovered and named.[1]

McMurdo achieved command of HMS Contest in 1846, which was detailed to the coast of west Africa.[1] He retired as a vice-admiral.[1]

McMurdo died at Cargenholm, Troqueer Parish, Kirkcudbrightshire on 11 December 1875. His estate was probated at in Drumfries 3 February 1876. (ref.: England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1861–1941.)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 William Loney RN - Background: "Archibald McMurdo, RN"

See also


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