Ernest Shackleton was a famous explorer of Antarctica
between 1914 and 1917. His expedition ran into problems and he and his crew
were forced to abandon their ship. After a century, 22 negatives found in a hut
first built by the failed expedition of Robert Falcon Scott (1910-1913) were
developed by the Antarctic Heritage Trust (New
Zealand) (1).
Robert Scott’s team built the small hut and eventually left
after they found out the Norwegian team beat them to the area (2).
Shackleton’s team, called the Ross Sea Party, also came across the hut after
being stranded by the ice crushing their ship. It appears that they accidently
left the photos in the snow and cold. Despite the harsh conditions, many of
them were able to be saved and produced for public consumption. Many of the landmarks are clearly noticeable.
The Times of London Printed an exert of news related to
Sheckleton’s voyage and the loss of the ship Endurance (3):
News of the expedition which
Sir Ernest Shackleton led to the Antarctic with the object of crossing the
South Polar continent is expected to reach England at any moment (says Reuter’s
Agency). Sir Ernest Shackleton left for the Antarctic in 1914. Nothing has
since been heard of the expedition. He estimated that it would take him four
months to cross the Antarctic continent, and on the other side he expected to
join hands with the party which, sailing in the Aurora from Tasmania in
December 1914, were to make a base at the Ross Sea and go to meet him early
this year.
Such explorers spread new knowledge in the time when nations
sought to gain glory. The tools used were simple compared to today’s technology
and conditions were often harsh. Many lost their lives. Yet such explorers are admired
because of their determination, skill, and boot strapping endurance. Leadership
often requires sacrifice and sets the bar high for others to follow.
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