Captain Bob Bartlett a Brigus son
By this time famed as Arctic explorer
Was commissioned by the Canadian government
To take scientists north to Herschel Island’s sphere
To seek new lands in unknown waters
And study the flora and fauna there

Never reaching its planned destination
And ice trapped there by early August
And finally succumbing to ice penetration
They transferred to igloos in a tight tangle
For protection from the elements cold
Until a planned February trek to Island Wrangle

Four men however journeyed south
On their own and determined to seek help
Endured the elements but finally succumbed
And were never heard from again by this nation
A failed attempt, due no doubt
To inexperience and sheer frustration

Bob led the group to destination as planned
After a month of hazardous trek
The group stayed put but Bob and a few
Went on a seven hundred mile perilous fight
Reaching Alaska by May that year
And alerting Ottawa to his crews plight

The schooner “King & Winge” set out
And successfully saved all stranded survivors
Eight months after the Karluk sinking
Bringing to an end with magnificent glory
And heroic deeds of epic proportions
And adding fame to Bartlett’s story
  Submitted By: John Cornick