My Hero Writing

                             CAPTAIN JAMES COOK

Captain James Cook is my hero because he explored and charted New Zealand, Australia, Newfoundland and the general Pacific. He joined the British Navy and at age 29 was promoted to Ships Master. He demonstrated many values and dispositions in his life.

                             History

Captain James Cook was born on the 7th of November 1728 and worked as a farmer along side his father until he was 18. That year he was apprenticed to a Quaker shipowner. Eventually he joined the British Navy and was promoted to Ships Master at age 29.

His Family History:

Mum:Grace Pace.

Dad: James Cook.

Wife: Elizabeth Batts

Children: James, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Joseph, George and Hugh Cook.  

Died: 14th of February 1779 (aged 50).

                                                    Voyages

On his first voyage he was 39,Captain of the Endeavor. He sailed to Australia and mapped and charted the coastline including successful passage through the Great Barrier Reef. On the same voyage he traveled to New Zealand and mapped the entire coastline only making a few minor mistakes. On his 2nd voyage he commanded the ship Resolution with Tobias Furneaux who commanded their companion ship the Adventure. They became one of the first ships to cross the Antarctic circle. In the Antarctic fog the ships became separated. The Resolution continued while the Adventure turned back. Captain Cook explored the Antarctic reaching 71'10's on 31 of January 1774. His third voyage was to the American continent, to find a northwest passage around it. From America he headed to Hawaii where he was the first European to make formal contact with the Hawaiians.

                                                  The routes of his voyages.

                                          Motivation

He had been apprenticed to a Quaker shipowner where he had first came in contact with the sea. He later had joined the British Navy where he learnt about charting and navigating. When he was 39 he was captained captain  of the Endeavour and sent on a voyage to Australia. Afterwards having enjoyed that he headed off on two more explorations, talked about earlier in the report.                    

                              Conclusion

Captain James Cook is a role model because he showed much determination in his voyages and exploration. Also we would probably not be here if it wasn't for him.

          

By Alex

                                    Captain James Cook