Terra Nova Expedition (British Antarctic Expedition)

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Date: 1910 to 1913
Location: Antarctic

Profile managers: Ros Haywood

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This page gives details and links to profiles of the members of the Terra Nova Expedition (officially the British Antarctic Expedition).

Terra Nova

The expedition was named after its supply ship. Originally built as a whaling ship in 1884, with one funnel, three masts, and a compound steam engine, she formed part of the seal fishery in the Labrador Sea for 10 years.

Robert Falcon Scott bought her for £12,500 for the British Antarctic Expedition 1910. The Terra Nova was reinforced with seven feet of oak against the ice pack.

The wreck of the Terra Nova was discovered in 2012.

Personnel

Robert Falcon Scott

Captain Robert Falcon Scott ('Scott of the Antarctic') Leader of the expedition. Reached the South Pole on 17 January 1912, but he and his companions died a few months later from frostbite, hunger, and exhaustion.

Edward Evans

Lieutenant Edward Evans (second in command) Captain of the supply ship Terra Nova. Travelled to within 150 miles of the Pole, but returned with the last supporting party. Contracted scurvy and nearly died.

Henry Bowers

Henry Robertson Bowers ('Birdie')

Lawrence Oates

Lawrence Oates ('Titus') Lawrence Oates reached the South Pole with the others, but died on their return. His old war wound troubled him so much, he could hardly drag his sleigh. He was the one who famously walked out of his tent, remarking "I may be some time" - never returning, so he would not hamper his colleagues.

Edgar Evans

Edgar Evans Born in Wales, Evans joined the Royal Navy as soon as he was 16, and had been on two expeditions with Scott before. Evans was responsible for all the equipment (sledges, tents, and so on). He died from complications from frostbite and a head injury.