13 Facts About Alexander Macklin

Alexander Macklin was a dog trainer and quartermaster on Shackleton's expeditions.

Alexander Macklin was born on 1 September 1889 in India.

Alexander Macklin went to Plymouth College and then to the University of London.

Alexander Macklin brought back several seals that had been shot for food, and once the men began the long trek across the ice, he and the other dog teams were sent back to Ocean Camp to fetch supplies.

On his return to Britain, Alexander Macklin gained a commission as a temporary lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps, with effect from 22 November 1916.

Alexander Macklin was promoted to temporary captain on 22 November 1917.

Alexander Macklin won the Military Cross for bravery in tending the wounded under fire while serving in Italy.

Alexander Macklin rose to the acting rank of major on 4 May 1919 and, for his service in Russia, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire on 11 November 1919 and awarded the Russian Order of Saint Stanislaus.

Alexander Macklin resigned his commission on 23 March 1920, retaining the rank of captain.

Shackleton was troubled with heart pain throughout the voyage, but despite Alexander Macklin's orders refused to rest.

In 1925 Alexander Macklin relocated to Dundee and began work at the Dundee Royal Infirmary, where he would work for the next 21 years.

Alexander Macklin received the Territorial Decoration, and retired from the army in August 1948 with the honorary rank of colonel.

Alexander Macklin married Jean in 1947 and moved to Aberdeen where he worked as the physician of student health services at the University of Aberdeen.