Statue Perce Blackborow Shackleton Expedition

Hello, my name is John Blackborow, grandson of Perce Blackborow.

Perce sailed with Shackleton on the 1914 Expedition with the ship ENDURANCE, recently discovered in remarkable condition in all this time.

Having not been accepted as a crew member when he was interviewed in Buenos Aires, he stowed away with the help of a mate who was accepted as older and more experienced. They were not destined to fulfil the purpose of the expedition, which was to cross the Antarctic with dogs and sledges via the South Pole.

The ENDURANCE came across extreme pack ice and was held by the intense pressure until it was abandoned, the ship eventually sinking.

Now came one of the most incredible feats of survival, hardship, seamanship and endurance in the annals of survival.

Many men had frostbite and were scarred by the experience-Perce having his toes amputated on his left foot with frostbite and gangrene on Elephant Island- where they waited for rescue in extreme conditions. Spent three months in hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile.

The war was still going on, and Perce tried to enlist in the Royal Navy but was turned down owing to his amputation. So it was back to the Merchant Navy.

Then coming back to Newport as a Dock Boatman, living in Pill, where he was born, then Maesglas brings up his family.

As a historical asset to Newport with its history of Royal Navy and Merchant Navy sailors, we have approached Newport Council for permission to erect a bronze statue of Perce Blackborow, as in the iconic photo taken aboard the ENDURANCE, with the ship's cat Mrs Chippy, which belonged to the carpenter

McNeish.

We have given the go-ahead for a small model [maquette] to show and help raise funds for the next stage, scaled up in clay and ready for the foundry- cost to be advised.

Bronze maquette is being looked at to be sold shortly when we get some costings.

We will be approaching various sources for help to fund this project, along with a family contribution.

Many thanks from

John Blackborow and all family of Perce Blackborow