Sir Albert Hastings Markham (1841-1918), admiral and arctic explorer, born Bagneres-de-Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees. He entered the navy in 1856. In 1875-76 on an Arctic expedition under Sir George Strong, Markham led his party to latitude 83o 20' 25" without the help of dogs, this feat remained a record until broken by Nansen in 1895. For his part Markham was promoted to Captain and received a gold watch from the Royal Geographical Society. Promoted rear-admiral 1891, the following year he was appointed second in command of the Mediterranean squadron under Sir George Tryon. During manoeuvres off the coast of Syria on 22 June 1893 Markhams ship Camperdown rammed the flagship Victoria, which sank with great loss of life. The courtmartial exonerated Markham, since he had carried out the orders of the commander in chief. 1901-1904 he was commander in chief at the Nore, retiring in 1906. Created K.C.B. in 1903 he was aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria for many years
Dictionary of National Biography D.N.B 1912-1921pp366-367