Rare Photos Of First Australasian Antarctic Expedition Taken 100 Years Ago Will Make You Shiver
More than a hundred years ago, the young Australian geologist Douglas Mawson embarked on a first Australasian Antarctic expedition. This expedition is deemed legendary for the resilience, physical endurance, loyalty and accomplishments of the crew.
The Australasian Antarctic Expedition began in 1911. The objective was to investigate, as far as possible, a stretch of essentially unknown Antarctic coast. However this mission turned out to be fatal for 2 of Mawson's crew members. Belgrave Ninnis plummeted down a crevasse with a sledge carrying most of their supplies. Another crew member, Xavier Mertz, perished from exhaustion, starvation and possible toxicity from eating dogs' livers. Mawson's survival was a miracle, as he described it in his journals “Never have I come so near an end; never has anyone more miraculously escaped".
Despite the sacrifices that were made, the 3 years spent in sub-zero temperatures and extremely harsh winds didn't go to waste. The expedition managed to chart large segments of east Antarctic coastline and resulted in major contributions to the knowledge of the region. Furthermore, species on land and sea, previously unknown, were described for the first time. Mawson was hailed as a hero for his persistence, determination and bravery which contributed to the advancement of science.
Thanks to the photographer Frank Hurley and other crew members, we can witness this groundbreaking expedition through these astonishing photographs.
More info: flickr
#1 Huskies Pulling Sledge
It's interesting to see dogs from 100+ years ago. Breeding has changed the overall look of some dogs.
#12 Photo Of The Crew Members
#18 State Library Of New South Wales Follow Hamilton Hand-Netting For Macro-Plankton From Aurora
#23 Australian Antarctic Expedition Members In The Kitchen
The guy sitting is barefoot ... One would think you would be covered head to toe 24/7.
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The expedition started in 1911, not 1991 ;-)
Thanks for pointing out this mistake. I fixed it. Sorry for the confusion :)
I wondered how long I was asleep if 1991 was a hundred years ago.
I was so confused by that...yes, I googled it too!
Ah, and I wondered why they didn't have hot pink ski suits or rather not any color at all!
amazing photos
Amazing photography! Explorer Douglas Mawson is on the Australian $100 bank note. 100-5afc1e...e3b361.jpg
The expedition started in 1911, not 1991 ;-)
Thanks for pointing out this mistake. I fixed it. Sorry for the confusion :)
I wondered how long I was asleep if 1991 was a hundred years ago.
I was so confused by that...yes, I googled it too!
Ah, and I wondered why they didn't have hot pink ski suits or rather not any color at all!
amazing photos
Amazing photography! Explorer Douglas Mawson is on the Australian $100 bank note. 100-5afc1e...e3b361.jpg