Antarctica 100 years ago on this date.

One hundred years ago during the later months of 1911 three major expeditions were underway in Antarctica. Two were seeking to reach the south pole and the other was a major mapping and scientific expedition. The following are the daily situation reports (SITREP)* from each expedition marking their progress.

The three parties:-

1.   The Norwegian South Pole Party (Framheim to Pole 1400km). (Amundson, Bjaaland, Whisting, Hannson and Hassel.
The Norwegian party led by Roald Amundson had departed their base at Franheim at the Bay of Whales on September the 8th 1911 only to return because of freezing weather. They finally departed 20th October. They had reached the polar plateau at 10,000’ altitude on 21st November after ascending steep and crevassed glaciers through the Trans Antarctic Mountains over the previous four days (10 days had been expected). Once at the polar plateau they had planned to leave one of the four sleds behind. The meat from the surplus dogs was to supplement the diet of men and the remaining dogs…

2.   The British South Pole Party. (Hut Point to Pole 1400km) Scott, Oats, Wilson, Bowers and Edgar Evans.
On 1st November the South Pole march began for Scott. Sixteen men set out with ponies and dogs for the Barrier stage of the journey to the Beardmore Glacier. The motor-sledges had been used to lay depots and had been abandoned on the 2nd November at Corner Camp after irepairable breakdown. The drivers continued on laying depots by man-hauling the sleds. Here the plan was to have the dogs return to base. The ponies would be shot for food. Then twelve men in three groups would ascend the glacier and cross the polar plateau man-hauling. Only one group would carry on to the pole. The composition of the final polar group would be decided by Scott during the journey.
In the days leading up to the 22nd Scott’s ponies were troublesome but managing but because of the later start Scott was 580 km behind Amundson….

Sledging Ration for British Party (per man per day).
450g biscuits
340g Pemmican (beef extract with 60% pure fat cooked into a thick tasty soup)
85g Sugar
55g Butter
20g tea
17g cocoa

3. The First Australian Antarctic Expedition – Douglas Mawson and Party.
The MS Aurora with Captain John Davis, had arrived at Hobart from England on 4th November. The ship was busy being provisioned and repaired for the sailing date of 2nd December. Mawson supervised newly arrived expeditioners packing and labelling stores and equipment and loading. Coal was also bunkered.  Key equipment loaded included an air –tractor sledge, two wireless plants, a motor launch and sufficient petrol and benzene.
The objective of the Mawson expedition is to establish a radio station at Macquarie Island and scientific studies, investigate more than 3000km of unmapped Antarctic coastline including establishing 3 stations from which expeditions can be launched.

Air-Tractor Sledge (Grasshopper)

SITREP of each expedition .....

South Pole Party party!

On Saturday the 17^th December 2011 at Mawson station we celebrated the success of the race to reach the South Pole between Robert Scott’s British party and Roald Amundsen’s Norwegian party. 

The setting.

On the snow near the living quarters a Polar Pyramid tent was erected and a dog sledge brought out of mothballs was placed nearby. Tables were set and a memorable outdoor dinner was held in bright sunlight. The menu was heavily influenced by rations available to Antarctic Explorers 100 years ago – pemmican, seal, horse and dog. Our own ‘Captain Scott’ the Chef presented a memorable meal that would have had Amundsen and Scott queuing up for seconds. The weather was perfect for the day - sunny, positive temperatures and light winds.

The date coincided with the success of the Norwegian party 100 years ago. The Norwegians arrived a month ahead of the British party. 

Flags flying an the Mawson 'Polheim'

Amundsen took three days to be satisfied with their astronomical fixes resolving the position of the pole. The North Pole, claimed to have been reached by Frederick Cook in 1908 and Robert Peary 1909, was strongly disputed. Amundsen did not want his success at the South Pole challenged.  

Hearty broth w/ pemmican

Amundsen, who initially left Norway destined to be the first to the North Pole, changed his mind shortly after because the race was over before he started. So with eyes to the South Pole he advised his men and invited all to join him, offering to have any who did not wish to embark on this new adventure the chance to leave the ship. All agreed to stay on.

Enjoying the moment.

Antarctic Seal liver roll for 'Little Dog'.

From Diary entries of both parties the jubilation and despair of each of the parties can be seen.

Norwegian Party - 15th December 1911

‘So we arrived and were able to raise our flag at the geographic South Pole – King Hakon VII’s Vidda. Everyone was together when we planted the flag. Thanks be to God. The time is 3pm when this happened.’

Roald Amundsen

Amundsen spent 3 days at the pole making sure his astronomical fixes were correct. Scott is 670 km behind.

English Party - 16th January 2012

‘We found a black flag tied to a sledge bearer, nearby the remains of a camp, sledge tracks and ski tracks going and coming and the clear trace of dogs paws – many dogs. This told us the whole story. The Norwegians have forestalled us and are first at the pole. It is a terrible disappointment, and I am terribly sorry for my loyal companions...’

Robert Scott