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British polar expeditions 1919–39

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

John Wright
John Wright
Affiliation:
Webbs Farmhouse, Cakeham Road, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8LG, UK
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Abstract

Twenty years of British polar expeditions are described, covering nearly 60 expeditions and over 260 members, virtually all emanating from the universities. Expeditions are catalogued with the official name (if any), dates, areas visited, leader's name, number of members, and mentioning any special features. Backgrounds and principal characteristics of the expeditions are described, particularly scientific objectives and details of members, including distinctions in their later careers. The record includes four deaths, all in the summer and three from drowning, and a single rescue operation of an aircraft by a motor boat. Scientific results are outlined, with main emphasis on the author's speciality (surveying and mapping); hope is expressed that others will describe the other scientific results in future articles. Most expeditions were characterized by absence of publicity, and the virtual impossibility of rescue operations due to isolation and lack of field radio transmitters and aircraft.

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Type
Articles
Information
Polar Record , Volume 26 , Issue 157 , April 1990, pp. 77 - 84
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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