The Quest Chronicle blog and its origins
In early 2021, it was suggested that I set up a blog to document the “100-years-ago” story of the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition as an unfolding diary. The blog launched in March 2021 and ran though the year up to January 4 2022, the eve of the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s death at South Georgia. By this time, I had decided that the story should be presented in a book and so transferred efforts to that cause – resulting in The Quest Chronicle being published in September 2022. This part of our website contains just some of the posts from the original blog.
Blog posts are listed below in reverse chronological order.
Jan Chojecki
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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 14-30, 1921
Tuesday 14 June, 1921 Shackleton visits John Rowett at Ely Place, staying overnight and departing next day. Friday 17 June, 1921 Lady Emily Shackleton arrives at Ely Place to spend the weekend with the Rowetts. Saturday 18 June, 1921 Sir Ernest arrives at Ely Place for the weekend. Friday 24 June, 1921 Shackleton writes to…
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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…