The Three Mystery Men of South Georgia Island

Episode 8/55: The spectacular story of Ernest Shackleton's failed 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition, which became legendary for what unfolded after they were forced to abandon their initial plan.
Film footage referenced in this video is from "South" (1919) by Frank Hurley, the expedition's photographer.

[@thomassain3985]

You WILL be better off knowing this story.

[@toocooljonny]

Edit Ernest Shakelton was actually Irish

[@Bigohno0]

​@@toocooljonnyHey our profile pic are kiiiiinda similar 👍👌😮

[@RoelofMalan]

Insulting our intelligence, story begins with "uninhabited island" that ' MAGICALLY' has a town and people living there?? 😂😂

[@Bigohno0]

@@RoelofMalan Right??!? 🤔

[@RoelofMalan]

@@Bigohno0 🤔 !!⚡

[@randosavage1459]

"uninhabited island" has a town...

[@chadrowe8452]

With children

[@lobstrocity5534]

😂😂😂

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

Hardly a town

[@hhunstad2011]

Not a town, a whaling station. Different.

[@randosavage1459]

​@@hhunstad2011 Whaling station implies habitation, so my point stands. It wasn't uninhabited. Also, the children find them on the edge of "town" according to the story.

[@christopherrobinmarriott7218]

You need to tell your $75 voiceover guy that it’s not ‘intensive purposes’ it’s for “all intents and purposes”.

[@StickEBallz]

ooook. phew. thought I'd had it wrong all this time

[@melissabruner1224]

RAN HERE TO SAY THIS!

[@TerryWhisk]

The voiceover guy didn’t write the script…

[@frankthetank8050]

The voiceover guy needs to tell the scriptwriter guy that it’s not „intensive purposes“ rather „all intents and purposes“

[@RicAdbur]

The voiceover guy knew. He just didn't think it was his job to rewrite the copy he was given.

[@24TRUTH1]

Shakelton's wisdom in choosing to take along the carpenter due to his attitude, just shows the importance of choosing wise leaders with humility, perseverance, wisdom, discernment and forethought. He saved his men's lives because of it. Mental acuity and health is just as important as physical in a survival situation. Someone who is negative, fearful and discouraging is a complete cancer in such circumstances. One of my favorite stories! Thanks for sharing it!

[@Bambisgf77]

Well said 👏🏻

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

Great comment

[@toocooljonny]

Ernest Shakelton was actually Irish, as were most of Endurance"s crew. He was a proud Irish man, contradicting writers and news reporters when described as "British" he'd say "no, I'm Irish, I was born and raised in Ireland by generations of Irish, Ireland may be lorded over by the British but none the less it doesn't make me any less of an Irish man "

[@DaughterofLir]

Yep, but I think Americans see all of us as British. After all, Cillian Murphy is still having to correct people over a century later.

[@snarklar]

​@@DaughterofLirnot all of us. But yeah you're not wrong

[@hangingwithmatty9465]

Ireland 🇮🇪 for the Irish ❤

[@KryoPhlux]

Hmm. That's interesting. I'm not disagreeing. I'm sure you know what you're talking about, and I know little of the man myself. But he must have had SOME English blood in his family, somewhere. After all, Shackleton is an English name. I come from an Irish/Welsh background myself, and can say with 100% certainty, it's not an Irish name. Maybe he was half English, or 1/4? Or maybe his family just adopted an English name. But even if he were full Irish, his name is full English. And he was mistaken about the term "British" from the sounds of it. British refers to anyone from the British Isles, including England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the hundreds of other little islands that make it up. He would've been able to take offense at being called "English", but if he said he wasn't British, he couldn't have been Irish, technically, either lol. Bottom line is, though, I'm grateful to you for correcting the video. All I knew about him was he was an explorer. Now I know he was also an Irish patriot! :D

[@toocooljonny]

@@KryoPhlux Yes, you would have to delve deep into Irish history to understand the patriotism of the Irish, Britain ruled Ireland with an iron fist and caused millions of deaths due to the forced famine. As for the name Shackleton sounding British, a lot of original Irish surnames were changed by British absentee landlords made easier to pronounce, for example a typical Irish surname "O'Halaghran" pronounced "Oh (son of) Haligran" became O'Halligan, O'Phealón pronounced "Oh Flayloin" became Whelan. Shackleton might have been an a landlords name which a lot of the small holdings farmers would have been named by the British as surnames because they couldn't pronounce their proper real surnames, very much like the slaves in southern America were named after their slave owners. And don't get me started on the Irish because the first indentured slaves abducted and sent to the Caribbean islands.

[@imperfectclark]

The last member of the Shackleton expedition, a ship named Endurance, waited. Her men had won glory and legend... she waited. A hundred, hoary years passed until finally, she was found (2022). Upright and unbroken by the ages, she had outlived them all.

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

Unbroken ?

[@imperfectclark]

@@christopherwhittaker2620 Ok... literally broken by sea ice, but not further broken by "the ages" (surprisingly intact thanks to sterile antarctic waters)

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

@@imperfectclark sure and my apologies I wasn’t meaning to be a pedantic ass hole …I promise 😂👍👍

[@imperfectclark]

@@christopherwhittaker2620 😅 all good

[@Randomblurbz]

Yeah very good mate. What a writer you are. Cheese.

[@Gandalf47]

This story of survival against all odds was fascinating. All 28 men survived due to extraordinary leadership, combined with expert planning, and incredible resourcefulness and critical thinking. If just one decision that they made that enabled them to survive once the Endurance first got stuck in the ice had "gone South" (pun intended), none of them would have survived. In this instance, "Against all odds" is not hyperbole. It exhausted me emotionally to listen to the story, trying to imagine myself being faced with such "life or death" challenges, and I just can't imagine that the outcome would be close to as successful as this one. Everyone survived, and nobody had to resort to eating their friends, they didn't encounter hostile humans or animals, there were no external threats or obstacles other than Mother Nature in the icy seas of Antarctica, and, most encouragingly amazing - they maintained their sense of humor until the bitter end at the Elephant Island rescue. Why has this not been made into a movie? It almost soundls like "The Remnant at the South Pole". Thanks for telling us this story. It was one of the best 35 minutes I have ever spent on You Tube. I am subscribing now.

[@renemeeks3255]

so glad i read this review first. now i dont have to watch it

[@Cooly_own]

80in😊😊8in😊uu⁸😅😊😅

[@paulweeldreyer7457]

It's been made into a movie, at least once, around 2000 I think. Based on Caroline Alexander's book.

[@IronMan-raho]

There's actually a doco on YT about this story that explains it way better. 1 of the captains was from my country New Zealand.

[@KindredPlagiarist]

The expression is "for all intents and purposes" not "for all intensive purposes". This is a very good video.

[@theramplocal]

Oh no way, today I learned

[@beesmitty3435]

Totally correct, but it's one of those clubs that doesn't bother me bc 'intensive purposes' is pretty synonymous.. like instead of every intent and purpose it's saying 'by any meaningful/important intent or purpose..

[@peterj5106]

There's probably the actual correct way then the American way.

[@KindredPlagiarist]

@@peterj5106 there's not

[@blueocean2510]

He may have been born in Ireland, similar to Tom Crean, if so he is Irish not from the UK.

[@sjb3460]

Yes, the greatest rescue of all time. The saddest thing about the whole expidetion is that some of the survivors were killed in WWI.

[@Jason-gg4lm]

🤷‍♂️

[@kidsgrowingup]

It certainly is sad. But that has nothing to do with the expedition.

[@VivaCristoRei9]

@@kidsgrowingupso..?

[@ry-land-]

@@VivaCristoRei9Men beating all odds and surviving just to be killed by some politicians war. It is sad, and an interesting fact. Your comment is useless

[@vincentrobinson9325]

I'm 57 years old. And I have to say, the most incredible, Story of Survival i ever heard in my life !! Wow

[@vincentrobinson9325]

🤘🏻

[@molliwilson5639]

Amazing story

[@davew5161]

Make sure to review The Finest Hour as well

[@altoncrane9714]

As a younger history fan ( about 50 some years ago ) I read the book " endurance " by Alfred Lansing, at least three times. At 68, it still leaves me awed to think of such feats, truly an amazing band of heroes.

[@phiberoptick]

The audio book is great also

[@davew5161]

THE most incredible sailing journey in a small vessel of all time. Shackleton made up his mind to sail from Elephant to S Georgia. An impossible trip, but he knew it was the only way. Even if only a 1% chance to make it. So he decided, and no one challenged him. It was life out death. The whalers with decades of experience in those seas said "What you did can not be done"

[@sjb3460]

I read it too. But I got bored with the boats being called by their proper names. I would have preferred boat 1, boat 2, boat 3.

[@user-kb5fi1hm3u]

Amazing leadership and fortitude of the crew. Frank Hurley 's footage is incredible. Sad stories of the men on return to civilization. Rescue was on my birthday 30th August.

[@michaelbosse3490]

Accuracy of the story aside,I like the style of this video. Original and creative.

[@Sunshine-pn2gy]

Yeah me too, so cool

[@RadikatMLG]

The two dudes talking made the video sound kinda like a podcast, but the story was good.

[@blueocean2510]

Ernest Shackleton was born in Kildare, Ireland, Tom Crean in Kerry, both of them are Irish.

[@toddaulner5393]

So was he supported by England then?

[@Atlas99973]

Plus all of Ireland was British at that point.

[@blueocean2510]

@@Atlas99973 It never was or will be, The Celts do not bow their heads to the Anglos.

[@Atlas99973]

@@blueocean2510 🙏👌😂😂 💪💪

[@LoyalandTrue.]

@@blueocean2510 GSTK to the UDA.

[@ConfirmedGoof]

im so lucky i stumbled across this channel

[@silverXnoise]

This one, and @bobbyfingers are the two best I’ve seen in years. Truly stellar work.

[@chrisg4305]

Me too the Sherman video hooked me

[@theramplocal]

Dude my algorithm recommended this video, awesome and subbed!

[@dagalfheim7056]

I think the appropriate wording is the video stumbled across you

[@storm___]

Amazing storytelling ability and felt like a documentary but also emotionally invested me. Bravo! Brilliant quality.

[@lobstrocity5534]

Man, you're really easy to listen to and understand . For that, i thank you.

[@johnpeace23]

If you ever get the chance, watch Shackleton with Kenneth Branagh,definitely one of the best drama's I have ever seen, I ended up getting it on DVD! And as for Sir Ernest Shackleton, what an absolute hero,legend and leader, this guy doesn't get the acclaim he should get, great man. RIP Sir Ernest.

[@markmenzies4218]

Frank Worlsey is the hero of this whole story.

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

Only him ? No. They are all heroes.

[@Mike-O-Sullivan]

Shackleton and Crean are my twin spirit animals. I have their portraits hanging in my man cave and when the going gets tough, I look toward them and remind myself of the vast odds the human spirit can overcome. Rest their noble souls.

[@jwoody8815]

WOW dude, that painting looks like you could step right into it.

[@wapartist]

The Tom Crean part made me LOL

[@DrinkerOfWindex]

I read every book I could find in our library on Shackleton. Amazing dude.

[@certificateofvaccinationi.d.19]

Try Richard E Byrd next.

[@DrinkerOfWindex]

@@certificateofvaccinationi.d.19 Will do.

[@kylegates6043]

One of the most remarkable feats of human endurance.

[@nicholasbrown3109]

Sick paintings!!

[@svenhurdurburdursson8765]

This channel should be going viral! I love it!!!

[@rebeccascharr2140]

I am so happy I found this and excited to see more. I Love to watch the painting which was a fantastic surprise! That was an added bonus to see that.Thank you for all your work.

[@bradsullivan2298]

This video is so well done and thanks for sharing!

[@Tamaresque]

That was a very slow story, saved by the lovely artwork unfolding before our eyes.

[@robgrey6183]

No radios. No GPS. No satellite phones or decent maps. No contact with anyone else on the planet. I'm old enough to have experienced that, for weeks and months at a time. In the arctic. In the mountains. But, nothing like these men. In a week or so I'll walk across a mountain range. Alone. No cell phone. Just to get that feeling again. I have a copy of "Shackleton's Boat Journey" on my shelf. I read it every year.

[@JosePlata]

The greatest story ever.

[@TheScotian82]

May be. Certainly right up there.

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

I've never heard this tale before. Thanks for sharing - Subscribed!

[@ricocarrillo1945]

Different from the other narrations I'm used to watching on KZbin, but well done. Gained a subscriber

[@jarryd-leekock6611]

Truly an awesome video, very well done sir!

[@Melanie-bn3sj]

I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation of the story. Especially liked the fact that you created artwork depicting the harrowing ordeal. Thank you for bringing quality information, creativity, and your own wonderful voices to the show! ❤

[@azdrifter3968]

Amazing the things humans are capable of surviving. The ones who survived the war right after that must have had the craziest stories to tell their grandkids.

[@kenton6098]

They took the 22 ft. James Caird from Elephant Island to South Georgia. The bilge was filled with rocks for ballast and that’s what they had to lie on. The boat was decked over so there was hardly any headroom.

[@erinmaron3402]

EXCELLENT! I have always loved this story but you added so much more detail and texture in this telling. I HAD to subscribe. Well done guys...

[@soggi_pancakes9860]

this videos are super bingeable, i hope we get more than 55 in the future!

[@granpastreetz]

You all should check out the documentary where guys try to replicate the journey in the exact same type of boat. Enduring the same conditions using the same type of navigation equipment. They were trailed by modern boats in case of emergency. But it shows how they were constantly battling the elements.

[@lgarla23]

What’s it called?

[@granpastreetz]

@@lgarla23 I don't know off hand. I remember it on TV a long time ago I will hunt it down and post it here.

[@thegoodobserver]

​@granpastreetz find it yet? 😁

[@granpastreetz]

Chasing Shackleton is what it's called. I only found the trailer. /NqbOQ_szmCY?feature=shared

[@alistar3.143]

Idk I think it was done by nat geo but they failed

[@jacoblopez4724]

This is what a really big channel looks like before it takes off. Great stuff.

[@user-in3bb6rc7c]

Very visually interesting and relaxing. Great video. I have heard this story many times but it has never been layed out so nicely before. Thanks! Subscribed.

[@atulpandey9567]

Most underrated channel with most authentic and remarkable content 👏 👌 good job guys ❤❤

[@55Folks]

Thank you!

[@HandleTakenlol]

This story would make an epic movie

[@aviationdylan3353]

Fr, this story is insane

[@Ryo7_7]

I remember hearing of this. It was gnarly expedition just with a ship. I couldn't even imagine it. Dig the channel. 👍

[@user-rs9jq2my3w]

Fantastic presentation, well done! Great art btw.

[@ESmyth-nu7ug]

Really cool video... felt a little like podcast banter at times... but not in a bad way... really enjoyed listening... I loved the ending (y)

[@Goldmouthperspective]

75 bucks?! I love how that came in 🤣🤣🤣

[@solyluna1778]

Great story, great painting, great video!

[@lukuscarter3563]

What an amazing historical event. They pulled thru. Men pulled thru.

[@dreamweaver4886]

Thank you so much for this riveting story. The way in which you told it made this video outstanding, and it's one of the best I've seen in a long while. You certainly have gained yourselves a new subscriber. Keep up the good work. Thank you again. ❤

[@55Folks]

Thank you! Appreciate it 👍

[@whorlwinds.9750]

Just found this video- subscribed immediately! So much time and care went into the telling of this story; amazing! Loved everything about it-Visuals: stunning and visceral realtime painting, photos, film footage (where did you find it?), maps. Verbiage: great narrative, journal quotes, accounts of the times, etc. Am blown away by the quality of your work. Can’t wait to watch everything else you have created. Thank you!

[@joeystonehouse8768]

I love this channel dude, the conversational approach to history is just perfect. Buddy coming in with a Seinfeld reference was too good.

[@evanhughes3027]

"For all intents and purposes." Not, "for all intensive purposes"

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

Oh please. It’s not an English exam

[@mei4195]

great vids!

[@annakeye]

*@55 Folks* That has to be one of the best, perhaps _the_ best retellings of the story of Endurance. A more aptly named ship I am yet to hear. We grew up hearing stories of Shackleton and his men and it really does demonstrate that he was an exceptional leader. It's just a pity there aren't more people made of the stuff that gave him the skills to not only survive but to do every damned thing regardless, to get his men. Maybe it being from a different time is part of what made him so exceptional.

[@75blackviking]

Great story. Just came across this channel. Subscribed.

[@hipflask]

Fantastic story. Well done

[@LilyGazou]

The Third Man Factor- great book. Shackleton and his men are the stars of that. I had a similar experience as a mountaineer in my youth- only in regard to having “a presence” in an emergency.

[@wessthemess117]

Amazing narration good job 👍

[@alexivaschenko5567]

Awesome painting

[@carltond.bullington720]

Excellent telling of the shakelton expedition.

[@CarolineBearoline]

Superb! Chef's kiss! I wish I could like and subscribe more than once lol

[@3XLDave]

Cool way to introduce this story.

[@mrconfusion87]

Ah yes! I remember reading about this story in a Reader's Digest issue a number of years ago! Damn bad ass Shackleton and his crew!

[@Corndogg316]

For all intents and purposes. This is one of the better videos I’ve seen on this subject

[@rodrigosenra2693]

wow...this is great, I loved to watch. I know a lot about Shackleton adventure with his crew, but this documentary, alongside with this beautiful painting, it was emotional. Shackleton is my hero, and he was the head of the greatest adventure ever.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

There is a replica of the wee boat - The James Caird, made for a movie which I believe was called, Shackleton's Captain - somewhere in the South Island of New Zealand. It was in a bookstore in Oamaru then Christchurch. Not sure where it is now. The James Caird isn't very big and certainly wasn't designed for those big seas. I understand there was some computer modelling as to the statistical chances of sucess of that journey a number of times and everytime it has failed. Surely their success was a testament to those hard, brave men. However, a special mention must surely go to Worsley for his extraordinary navigation and seamanship.

[@andreaswilliams8415]

This is one of my most favorite stories of all time. I'd never heard the additional information about them fighting in WW 1. Thank you for the wonderful context. These men are all legendary in my opinion

[@davidcraig4112]

Nice work…

[@Sumofabish]

The resemblance of Shackleton and Admiral Richard Byrd in their uniforms is striking. Both were Antarctic explorers

[@jacobrawles8687]

Well done gentlemen.

[@Upgraydez]

What a cool video idea. I like the painting going on during the video. And the discussion aspect is an international change from other documentary channels.

[@righteousviking]

Damn, all of that unimaginable dread, stress, and the sheer inhumanity of surviving the Antarctic, just to get home in time for the War to End All Wars.

[@Myst1cM0nk]

In all honesty, if those weren’t nearly insurmountable odds then idk what are, that’s wild thanks for sharing this story

[@williamsullivan3967]

Guys, stop what you’re doing, the latest 55 Folks dropped!

[@williamsullivan3967]

I forgot to mention, I absolutely love the painting progressions in your videos. Such a cool thing to splice in. Thanks for the effort!

[@55Folks]

👍👍 thanks for watching!

[@spun8389]

Argue you tuuube! It didnt show me that does it I gota hit the bell for this one channel

[@GenMilleXial]

i’m usually good at picking up on these things but is the “all intensive purposes” thing a running gag?

[@Tzunamii777]

I sure hope so 😆

[@GenMilleXial]

@@Tzunamii777 it has to be. they go so far out of their way to show it in the captions too. lol.

[@beesmitty3435]

Usually when people say it you can't quite tell which one they said, lol but that's the most deliberately delivered INTENTISVE IV ever heard..

[@michaelhead7483]

Glad yt recommended these guys. Most of the recommendations are garbage but y'all clearly try to put together a solid video

[@55Folks]

Appreciate it. Yeah we're trying to keep getting better and make stuff actually worth clicking on haha

[@isaak8145]

well done video good job

[@aspie-anarchist9854]

I know shackelton probably felt disappointed he never crossed or hit the pole. But whatever he is way more heroic for this anyway. This story is far more historical and interesting than the Norwegians successful trek to the pole. What's crazy is this was the third time he had been on a failed antarctic expidetion and no one died all three times.

[@jeffjeff4477]

Great episode.Subbed

[@theramplocal]

Same dude, algorithm brought me here. Great video and channel for sure

[@jeffjeff4477]

@@theramplocal Ya Man, enjoyed this story. I've been listening to some pyramid stuff and this popped up... Thank you internet haha Hope all is good with you 👍

[@davepowell7168]

15:58 ?

[@haloharley15]

Is the voice over guy $75 per video? Because Im down as fuck to throw in to keep him in these. It adds so much to such an incredible narrative thats being conveyed as two dudes having a conversation about cool history shit. I absolutely love these videos and cant wait for whoever is next

[@sheepdog1102]

Why what a tenacious bunch of men!

[@joeythegypsy]

That was good. Very interesting.

[@johnmcmenemy3864]

Enjoyed the painting too

[@hunterholland6566]

I found your podcast test episode on Spotify, please release this on more platforms. Your content is so rad

[@55Folks]

Appreciate it! Yeah this is a good reminder to start putting audio versions up elsewhere

[@kathyshields9146]

Just watched, tv, really enjoyed the story and watching the painter. I didn’t intend to watch but curiosity got the best of me so I wanted to leave a comment. This entailed having to go back to the search function, found that subscribed and liked. Went to leave a comment and found in order to do that I had to go to the utube on my phone and again I searched and found you again. This is likely automatic for most, but I’m getting old so it was a lot for me.😂 Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks and good job! 😅😊

[@55Folks]

Awesome to hear - thanks for going to all that trouble!

[@CatchLastCast]

First time listening folks….What a fun entertaining form of literacy my dudes! Really cool! Definately going to subscribe. Great art . Grab a coffee or tea (if you’re a tough guy) and buckle up !!! What a great trip! Seal blubber stove 🔥🔥Facts

[@michaelarchangelthehammer]

Amazing!!. Inspirational,,,dudes were absolute units!.…

[@christopherwhittaker2620]

As a British person I feel I should have known about this truly incredible story. Yet I didn’t. Makes me feel a little embarrassed if I’m honest. I’ve heard the name Shackleton but never knew about this story. And I really enjoyed the conversation between you two guys and the painting is so so good. I’ve subscribed and look forward to checking out past and future videos.

[@blakegoulds8313]

Given the history of people marooned on islands, he was probably worried the carpenter would declare himself king.

[@Sunshine-pn2gy]

Lol

[@Vidar.m]

The average winter temperature at the South Pole is about -49°C. Your home freezer is only about -15°C. The wind chill factor means that it can feel much colder. The lowest temperature ever recorded at the South Pole was - 82.8°C on the 23 June 1982.

[@feedmytv]

to add a little background. in 1915 spark transceivers were a thing and we did intercontinental transmissions, however these records required up to 100kW of power.

[@TheSilmarillian]

Am a wordsmith I paint pictures with words , watching the first drops of black paint that went onto that canvas I knew a story was about 2 unfold not just on canvas................Watched 2 the end I could fall into that piece of art work, me ? ,can draw stick people and smiley faces that be about all good people , can put words 2gether though same as that artist melded colours and paint.

[@lk4136]

heard this story many times before but ye told it well....

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

I would have given up like day 3. Two years is unbelievable.

[@MrSpikebender]

That was pretty cool. It was like story time and Bob Ross all rolled into one.

[@RichardRaue]

Great video, guys. What’s the song playing in the background? It fits quite well, good job!

[@jorgebarranco4200]

Very interesting story. !!!!

[@UNIQUENAME2007]

Cool vid