Wally Herbert
1934–2007 · British (York) · Modern Era
Known for: Led the first confirmed surface crossing of the Arctic Ocean—3,800 miles by dogsled through the North Pole—overshadowed by the Apollo 11 Moon landing the same year
Herbert's 16-month traverse of the Arctic Ocean is considered the last great journey on Earth. He and three companions traveled by dogsled across drifting pack ice, camping on floes that moved beneath them. The ice was literally shifting under their feet.
His achievement was overshadowed by the Apollo 11 Moon landing the same year. He later proved that Peary likely never reached the North Pole, potentially making his own expedition the first confirmed surface journey to 90°N. He was modest, literary, and a gifted painter.
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