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10-16 September, 1921
Saturday 10 September, 1921 Donald Maxwell, artist, author and yachting correspondent writes in The Graphic “The organisers of the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition are to be congratulated on their splendid spirit and enterprise. ……..to misquote from an old and popular song….They’ve got the ship, They’ve got the men, They’ve got the money too.” Monday 12 September, 1921…
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1-9 September, 1921
(Contrary to certain legend) Quest is well equipped with a wide range of the latest scientific equipment – particularly for meteorology, topographical and hydrographical surveying, biological specimen collection and geology. This in addition to modern navigational equipment and sounding gear, a (slightly dented!) Sperry Gyrocompass, Marconi wirelesses, photographic and “kinematography” equipment, a dark-room, a seaplane…
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17-21 August, 1921
Wednesday 17 August, 1921 The selection panel takes place at Scout Head Quarters at 25 Buckingham Palace Road, London, Shackleton is assisted in the selection process by Major Wade, Organising Secretary of the Scout Association, and Sir Percy Everett. Thursday 18 August, 1921 Shackleton selects two scouts to join the expedition, instead of one –…
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1-8 August, 1921
John Charles Bee-Mason (47) joins the expedition team. Cinematographer and Assistant Naturalist. Originally J C Mason, he changed his name to Bee Mason after success making films about bee-keeping. He was a photographer during the war and he is a volunteer with the Scout movement. C E Smith, of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company,…
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July 1-15, 1921
Tuesday 5 July, 1921 Ernest Shackleton attends Summer Court Dinner at the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, where John Quiller Rowett is Master. Note reference to John Rowett’s nickname “Jules”. In their circles with Shackleton, John Rowett’s wife Ellie is often known as “Julie” to distinguish from Shackleton’s sister Eleanor who is also known as Ellie.…
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June 1921 – the team assemble – Part 2
George Vibert Douglas (29) – Geologist. Canadian Douglas, a McGill University student who interrupted his studies to fight in the War, receiving the Military Cross, completed his BSc in 1920. He has just received his MSc, also from McGill. He had met Shackleton in February 1921, when Shackleton lectured at the university. Shackleton recruited him…
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June 1921 – the team assemble – Part 1
Frank Wild (48) : Second-in-Command on the Quest, as he was on the Endurance expedition. In 1921 he is a decorated veteran of four Antarctic expeditions and trusted ally of Shackleton. He answers Shackleton’s call and returns from Nyasaland (Malawi), where he has been farming cotton, in partnership with James McIlroy. Frank Worsley (49) –…
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April 1921 (ii)
Monday 18 April 1921 Shackleton returns from his latest trip to Canada, arriving at Southampton on RMS Aquitania. At this time, his home is at 14 Milnthorpe Road, Eastbourne, where Emily Shackleton is District Commissioner of the Eastbourne Girl Guides and their daughter Cecily (14) is at nearby Roedean School. Also today, Cecily Shackleton arrives…
