HMS Terror (1813)

HMS Terror was a bomb vessel of the British Royal Navy. She is best known for her participation in two ill-fated polar expeditions: the Ross expedition to the Antarctic (1839-1843) and the Franklin expedition to the Arctic (1845-1848).

Built at Topsham, Devon, and launched in June 1813, HMS Terror was initially deployed in the War of 1812, participating in the bombardment of Stonington, Connecticut in August 1814. After the war, she was refitted for polar exploration.

From 1836 to 1837, HMS Terror participated in an Arctic expedition led by Captain George Back, exploring the northern coast of Hudson Bay. The ship became trapped in ice for several months, and sustained considerable damage.

From 1839 to 1843, HMS Terror served as part of James Clark Ross's Antarctic expedition, alongside HMS Erebus. The expedition made significant contributions to the mapping of the Antarctic coastline and the understanding of its magnetic field.

In 1845, HMS Terror, again partnered with HMS Erebus and commanded by Captain Francis Crozier under the overall command of Sir John Franklin, embarked on a major expedition to chart the Northwest Passage. The expedition became trapped in ice near King William Island in 1846. All 129 men aboard both ships perished.

The wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror remained lost for over 150 years. HMS Erebus was discovered in 2014, and HMS Terror was found in Terror Bay, King William Island, in 2016, in remarkably well-preserved condition. The discovery of the wrecks has provided valuable insights into the final days of the Franklin expedition and the fate of its crew. The wrecks are now protected as a National Historic Site of Canada.