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RefNoMS/591/1/5
LevelItem
TitleBrief summary of proceedings at 'Discovery' Winter Quarters by Captain Robert Falcon Scott
CreatorScott; Robert Falcon (1868-1912); Royal Navy officer; Antarctic explorer
Date23 February 1903
DescriptionThe report describes the voyage of the 'Discovery' to the Antarctic, beginning with their departure from New Zealand on 25 December 1901. The account includes summaries of soundings taken at various points as they navigate the coast. They began encountering very heavy pack ice at the end of January 1902 and identified a sheltered inlet suitable for wintering on 8 February.

Scott details the establishment of base camp over the month of February, including setting up the magnetic huts and equipment to begin taking readings on 1 March. The report outlines several early sledging expeditions from the base to survey the surrounding area, and includes an account of the death of [George] Vince. The first winter passed relatively comfortably, and Scott notes that all efforts were made to carry out scientific observations under the conditions. The report also discusses an outbreak of scurvy in October 1902, and outlines steps that were taken to contain it. A colony of emperor penguins studied and photographed by Reginald Skelton is also mentioned.

An account of Scott's southern journey with [Edward Adrian] Wilson and [Ernest Henry] Shackleton is also included. The party set off on 2 November with the aim of heading as far south as possible, potentially to the South Pole. Despite the early portion of the journey proceeding well, the party were forced to turn back in January 1903 after reaching the ice wall. Shackleton became very ill on the return journey, and Scott describes his symptoms. On their return to the 'Discovery' on 3 February, he was able to recover, but the expedition doctors believe he is not fit to work and Scott has no choice but to send him home on the 'Morning'. The report concludes with summaries of the findings of the various sledge parties that had set out from the 'Discovery' during Scott's absence.
Extent30p
FormatManuscript
AccessStatusOpen
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