British National Antarctic Expedition

At the beginning of the 20th century, Antarctica was still an uncharted wilderness. The danger to early voyagers due to the rough southern seas and fierce weather conditions meant very few humans had glimpsed the white continent.

Exploration was a daunting task, involving a long voyage through remote and tempestuous seas to reach the continent. The 1901 British National Antarctic Expedition was the vision of Sir Clements Markham, President of the Royal Geographical Society. Naturally cautious, Markham saw the aims of the expedition as purely scientific. Being the first to reach the South Pole was never one of the objectives. By 1900, Markham had raised the necessary funds. Now he needed a ship, crew and scientific team.

Dundee had long been a centre for the whaling industry – the shipyards were well-known for their robust whaling ships capable of surviving rough seas and Arctic Pack Ice. Markham harnessed this expertise to construct the Discovery, the first ship in the British Empire to be constructed specifically for scientific research. While the design was based on the great Dundee whalers, some modifications were needed.

The commission was given to the Dundee Shipbuilders Company to construct the ship at the city’s Victoria Dock. Much of the documentation about the Royal Geographical Society’s work to set up the expedition survives.

The launch of Discovery into the Firth of Tay took place on the 21st of March 1901; crowds of Dundonians lined the dock to see the launch. Sir and Lady Markham were in attendance representing the Royal Geographical Society.

The main purpose of the expedition was to carry out scientific research – not to reach the South Pole. Among the men who served the expedition were a group of scientists who had orders from the Royal Geographical Society and The Royal Society to carry out particular pieces of research. That research was carried out in very difficult and often dangerous conditions.

Forty-eight men started the journey south, each one hand-picked by Scott. Apart from the scientists, the complement was a mixture of merchant and naval seamen, a decision Scott came to regret as tensions broke out between the codes. As well as Scott two other senior crew members stand out in particular; Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson. Both joined him on the journey furthest south in November 1902 – February 1903.

By December 1903 there were 20 miles of ice between Discovery and the open sea with no apparent way out. On January 4th 1904, two relief ships arrived; the Morning and Terra Nova. Finally, on February 16th controlled explosions were used to blow Discovery free from her icy prison and the expedition headed for home.

Landfall was made at Spithead on September 10th 1904 to a rapturous reception. Scott was acclaimed as a national hero and awarded numerous honours.