Explorer Ludwig Leichhardt received the Patron’s Medal May 24
German scientist and explorer Ludwig Leichhardt was awarded the Patron’s Medal by the Royal Geographical Society on May 24, 1847 for his extraordinary exploration and mapping of Queensland, Australia.
Ludwig Leichhardt
From Australia’s Explorers series
Issued 1983
Designer: Dianne Quinn
Birth Bicentenary of Ludwig Leichhardt (1813-1848)
Issued 2013 by Australia
Designer: Melinda Coombes
Ludwig Leichhardt, a Prussian naturalist and explorer, made a significant impact on the early exploration of Queensland in the mid-19th century. Born in 1813 in the Prussian province of Brandenburg, Leichhardt developed a keen interest in the natural sciences, which eventually led him to Australia. His most famous expedition began in 1844 when he embarked on an ambitious journey from the Darling Downs in Queensland to Port Essington in the Northern Territory. This remarkable expedition covered nearly 4,800 kilometres and took over a year to complete. Despite facing immense challenges such as harsh terrain, limited supplies, and conflicts with Indigenous peoples, Leichhardt and his team successfully completed the journey, earning him considerable acclaim.
https://historyqueensland.org/queensland-historical-documents/ludwig-leichhardt/
Leichhardt undertook 3 expeditions into the interior of Australia. His third, and last, trip happened a year after receiving the Medal. He was last seen on April 3, 1848.
In the years after the disappearance several attempts were mounted to try and find the expedition, and although some signs were discovered (the letter ‘L’ marked on trees, and possible camp sites), no verifiable evidence of what had happened to the group was ever found.
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/leichhardt-expedition
The National Museum of Australia acquired Leichhardt’s Medal and have it on display. Leichhardt nameplate and medal
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