After much anticipation, we are pleased to announce that bookings are now commencing for our Ross Re-visited Voyage 100 years on from the Terra Nova expedition. We have very limited places and will close bookings by the 1st of Decemeber 2010.
Background to Terra Nova Expedition:
It was on this expedition that Robert Falcon Scott and 4 of his party man-hauled to the South Pole only to discover the Roald Amundsen and his dog-sled party had erected a tent flying the Norwegian flag. This race ended in tragedy when Scott and his party failed to return after physical and mental deprivation and extreme bad weather finally halted the party from advancing back to ‘One ton Depot’ only 11 miles away. Scott’s last diary entry, dated 29 March 1912, the presumed date of their deaths. Many historians are of the belief that only for the adverse weather, Scott and some of his party could have survived.
On deciding his final party for man-hauling, Scott had decided that Crean, Evans and Lashly were to return to base at Cape Evans. Their return journey was shrouded in feats of survival and bravery with Tom Crean’s journey to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans (whose mother was Mc Nalty in Limerick) and William Lashly being described by Antarctic historians as “the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”. He was subsequently awarded the Albert medal for his bravery. The Albert Medal can also be viewed at Kerry County Museum.
Also on the Terra Nova were three Corkmen. Kinsale born seaman Mortimer McCarthy, who on his return to Cardiff in 1913 was presented with the Silver Polar Medal by King George. Long after his retirement in 1963 Mortimer revisited the Antarctic with an American expedition to Scott’s hut at Cape Evans. At the age of 81 he was the oldest man to ever set foot on Antarctica.
Courtmacsherry man Patrick Keohane whose diaries can be viewed at Kerry County Museum in Tralee also served Scott’s diaries reveal a personal fondness and deep respect for Keohane. On one occasion Scott, Keohane, Wilson and Sherry-Garrard were pinned down in a storm for four days. Always the optimist, Keohane pointed out to the other lads that if the snow kept melting they could always turn the tent upside down and use it as a boat.
Finally Cobh man Robert Forde at the age of 35 joined as Petty officer. Man hauling for ten hours a day, Forde worked with tireless energy in an epic team effort to establish Scott’s ‘Corner Camp’ 35 miles from Cape Evans. Mount Forde, a monumental peak of over 1,200 metres at the head of the Hunt Glacier was named in his honour.
