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
-
25-30 September 1921
Sunday 25 September, 1921 1.00 am: RMS Aquitania transmits to shore “Exploration ship Quest just astern of Aquitania.” Shackleton wirelesses from Quest “All Well” 8.00 am: A telegram from Ernest Shackleton is transmitted from Quest to John Quiller Rowett via Land’s End: “All well. Cheerioh. Send you affectionate wishes. Goodbye old man. Ernest” Shackleton also…
-
Plymouth, 24 September, 1921
Saturday 24 September, 1921 As well as Gerald Lysaght joining as temporary helmsman as planned, Tom McLeod persuades Shackleton to let him remain with the expedition. The final addition to the Quest’s crew is Query, an Alsatian puppy that has been presented to Shackleton as a mascot. Last minute items of equipment are loaded, including…
-
Plymouth, 23 September, 1921
Friday 23 September, 1921 Quest arrives at Plymouth and slowly crosses the Sound, pausing at Drake Island. She eventually ties up at the West Wharf of the Great Western Millbay Docks. 3.00 pm: Shackleton and John Rowett arrive at Plymouth by the Cornish Riviera Express and head directly to the ship. They are accompanied by…