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