Robert Falcon Scott - the Terra Nova Expedition

Robert Falcon Scott was a British Naval officer who led two expeditions into the Antarctic region in the early 1900's; the Discovery and Terra Nova. The goals consisted of accumulating scientific research and geographical exploration into unknown territory. Naturally, the objectives included were based on previous accomplishments, and further exploration remained uncertain and questionable. Unfortunately, for Scott, the two expeditions and concluding journey to the South Pole would result in a premature death for the respective team members.

Photo of RFS's quarters on Ross Island, Antarctica: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/01/photogalleries/100111-100-year-antarctic-hut-scott-pictures/#025586_600x450.jpg

In January of 1907, Scott would advise the Royal Geographic Society, now presided by Sir Clements Markham, that he intended to conduct further research in the Antarctica region. Naturally, he was dissatisfied with the results of the Discovery Expedition, and thus the Terra Nova Expedition of 1910 emerged. Similarly, though, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen possessed the desire as well, which undoubtedly frustrated and conflicted with Scott's objectives.

On December 8, the Terra Nova entered Arctic territory and initially began its scrupulous passageway through the thick ice. The safety camp was constructed within a short travelling distance of the ship's embarking departure, where final plans would be devised. 142 miles from Hut Point, the team prepared a storage location that would offer provision reinforcements during the journey. The distance travelled between this point and the original departure location was nearly a 5 day hike. A one way walk to the South Pole would prove over 850 miles each way.

Weather conditions such as blizzards and storms were constantly delaying progress. One such blizzard lasted roughly 4 days, confining the men to the tents. Apparently, this delay is what inevitably led the men to the deaths and ill fortune. According to associated information, had this delay been subtracted from the course, the journey would have allowed the team to reach the necessary encampment before starvation and fatigue controlled them. Eventually, the remaining five men reached the South Pole only to realize that the Norwegians had beaten them. During the return trek to base camp, the crew became increasingly deprived of rations and energy. The first casualty was suffered by an injury to the leg, and therefore died as they camped overnight. Weather was becoming tragically difficult to travel in, and rations were reduced as the individuals fatigue were delaying progress. The determination and motivation levels were significantly reduced. Another member eventually left the shelter of the tent only to never return. The remaining two survivors, not including Scott, appeared to have died peacefully in their sleep once the bodies were recovered a mere 11 miles from another storage location. Weather had not permitted the travel, according to the diary of Scott. While Scott appeared to have died with his had reaching towards the tent opening, his journal reflected that he was the last member to die. Various segments of the writing provided further details of the journey, which even to this day remains an infamous and heroic act.

National Geographic Explorer (2010). Antarctic time capsule hut revealed. Retrieved Jan 14, 2010.

Antarctic Explorers (2010). Robert F. Scott. Retrieved Jan 14, 2010 from http://www.south-pole.com/p0000089.htm