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How widespread was cannibalism in the last stage of the retreat?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·Part of What did the survivors do after leaving the ships in April 1848?·3 answers·0·0 following
Most likely: it occurred among the last survivors at a few sites, such as Erebus BayAhead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

Where it stands

Three answers have been proposed. It occurred among the last survivors at a few sites, such as Erebus Bay. leads, with evidence 2 for: partly supported by its tests. Two are still possible.

Why it matters

Rae's 1854 report of cannibalism was denied in Britain for a century; the bones confirmed it for at least one group⁠[1]⁠[2]. Its extent bears on how long the survivors lasted.

Answers 3

Evidence: 2 for
Most likely
It was common along much of the retreat.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: 1 for
Still possible
None of these.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: none yet
Still possible

History

  1. Woodman puts forward: it was common along much of the retreat.
  2. Woodman: inuit accounts describe mutilated bodies at more than one place.For: It was common along much of the retreat.
  3. Keenleyside et al. puts forward: it occurred among the last survivors at a few sites, such as Erebus Bay.
  4. Mays & Beattie: cut marks and pot polish on bones from Erebus Bay.For: It occurred among the last survivors at a few sites, such as Erebus Bay.
  5. Stenton et al.: fitzjames's mandible bears cut marks.For: It occurred among the last survivors at a few sites, such as Erebus Bay.
  6. Asked on this site
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