Mortimer McCarthy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mortimer McCarthy
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| Born | 15 April 1882 |
| Died | 11 August 1967 (aged 85) New Zealand
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Sailor |
| Known for | Polar exploration |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Coughlan |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Polar Medal (silver) |
Mortimer McCarthy (born April 15, 1882 – died August 11, 1967) was an amazing Irish sailor and polar explorer. He was known for his brave journeys to the coldest parts of the world. He explored the icy lands of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Contents
Early Life and First Adventures
Mortimer McCarthy was born in Kinsale, a town in County Cork, Ireland. This was on April 15, 1882. He grew up in a small place called Lower Cove. It was near the River Bandon, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Kinsale.
Mortimer started his life at sea very young. At just 12 years old, he joined the Royal Navy. He served as a boy seaman. He even received a medal for his service during the Second Boer War. In 1907, McCarthy left the navy. He moved to New Zealand and became a merchant seaman. This meant he worked on ships that carried goods.
Exploring the Poles
In 1910, Mortimer McCarthy decided to join a very special journey. He volunteered for the British Antarctic Expedition. This trip was led by the famous Captain Robert Falcon Scott. McCarthy went on three voyages to the Antarctic with Scott.
He was part of Scott's Terra Nova Expedition. This journey in 1912-1913 tried to reach the South Pole. For his hard work on this expedition, McCarthy received the Silver Polar Medal. King George V himself gave him this award at Buckingham Palace.
After this, McCarthy wanted to join another Antarctic trip. He hoped to go with Sir Ernest Shackleton on the Endurance ship. But he could not get a spot. So, he joined the Northern Exploration Company. This company was in Tromsø, Northern Norway. This gave him the chance to work in the Arctic, another very cold region.
Serving in War
When the First World War began, McCarthy rejoined the Royal Navy. He served on destroyer ships. These were fast warships. After the war, in 1920, he settled down again in Lyttelton, New Zealand.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1963, Mortimer McCarthy was 84 years old. He was one of only three people still alive from Scott's Antarctic expedition. The American Antarctic Survey invited him to visit the Antarctic one more time. On this trip, he became the oldest person ever to visit the South Pole. He passed away in New Zealand in 1967 at the age of 85.
Family Life
Mortimer McCarthy married Ellen Coughlan in 1923. She was also from Kinsale, Ireland. They had three sons together.
Memorials and Tributes
A mountain in Antarctica is named after him. It is called Mount McCarthy. Mortimer's brother, Tim, was also a sailor and explorer. In September 2000, statues of both brothers were put up in their hometown of Kinsale. This memorial honors their amazing adventures.
