Wilfred Thomason Grenfell
Adrift on an Ice-Pan
"Adrift on an Ice-Pan" by Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell is a firsthand account of a perilous experience written in the early 20th century. This non-fiction narrative details Grenfell's adventures as a medical missionary working on the remote Labrador coast, where he faced extreme conditions and life-threatening situations. The book likely revolves around themes of survival, faith, and the challenges encountered while providing humanitarian aid to isolated communities. In this gripping tale, Grenfell recounts a fateful journey on Easter Sunday 1908 when he set out to perform an urgent medical operation. As he traverses the icy terrain with his team of dogs, he finds himself stranded on a precariously drifting ice pan, battling the elements and the treacherous state of the ice. The narrative details his desperate struggle to survive amid freezing temperatures, his resourcefulness in rationing limited resources, and ultimately the extraordinary efforts of local fishermen who risk their lives to rescue him. Grenfell not only highlights his physical and emotional challenges but also reflects on the bond formed with his loyal dogs, several of whom sacrifice their lives for his survival, encapsulating the profound themes of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of service.