Ernest was a highly decorated explorer awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the Polar Medal with 4 bars by the Royal Geographical Society, only one other person having achieved this.

Born in Felpham in 1875, his father was a coastguard living in one of the fifteen cottages in Admiralty Road. Ernest began his naval career at the age of 15, when he joined Captain Scott's 1901 Discovery Expedition as an able seaman.

In 1907, Shackleton recruited Joyce to go on the Nimrod Discovery Expedition then in 1914 Shackleton recruited Joyce for the Ross Sea party which resulted in a number of deaths and incredible heroics, the Ross sea party became known as The Lost Men.

His effectiveness in the field was widely acknowledged by his colleagues but sadly he made no significant material gains from his expeditions, living out his older years in humble circumstances before dying alone in 1940.

 Plaque located within Fisherman's Gardens outside of The Lobster Pot

 Ernest Joyce and Frank Wild during the British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909

The Albert Medal for Lifesaving is a British medal established by a Royal Warrant on 7th March 1866 and awarded to recognize the saving of life. It has since been replaced by the George Cross. The medal was named in memory of Prince Albert and originally was awarded to recognize saving life at sea.