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BR-SH Is finishing first always important?. The South Pole Once a place that only the brave could see. Five British explorers made a courageous attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. These were Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Lawrence Oates and Edgar Evans.
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The South Pole Once a place that only the brave could see
Five British explorers made a courageous attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. These were Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Lawrence Oates and Edgar Evans. All 5 would never return to their homes and families
The group set off from Cardiff Docks, becoming known as the Terra Nova expedition. This was the name of the boat which carried the men to Antarctica.
With wooden skis and sledges the men faced an arduous journey to the Pole. To make it there and back was a 1600 mile journey. That’s like going to London and back… seven times!
Sadly, on 17th January 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott knew he was a beaten man. Arriving at the South Pole, he and his brave expedition crew were faced with the Norwegian flag. This had been placed there some 34 days earlier by Roald Amundsen and his team.
The return journey proved to be a step too far for the British team. Imagine their emotions: hugely disappointed; hungry and tired; bitterly cold (the Antarctic experiences temperatures as low as -890C)
Edgar Evans From Rhossili, Wales Died 17 Feb 1912 Evans developed severe frostbite in his fingers, nose and cheeks, then suffered a head injury from a fall into a crevasse. Scott’s diary reads ‘When we found him he was on his knees, clothing disarranged, hands uncovered and frostbitten and with a "wild look in his eyes"
Lawrence Oates From Putney, England Died 16 Mar 1912 Oates' feet had become severely frostbitten Scott wrote "Oates' feet are in a wretched condition... The poor soldier is very nearly done." Knowing that his slow progress was putting his colleagues safety at risk, Oates walked from the camp, barefoot into a -400C blizzard. It is believed his last words were, "I am just going outside and may be some time." Scott also wrote in his diary, "We knew that poor Oates was walking to his death, … it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman."
Edward Wilson Henry Bowers Robert Scott All died 29th March 1912 The trio’s frozen bodies were found in the tent in which they died of hunger and wretched cold in November 1912. They were only 11 miles from safety.
Roath Park Lighthouse in Cardiff A lasting memorial in Wales for the Terra Nova expedition
The last entry in Robert Scott’s Diary We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but bow to the will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last ... Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for.
Is winning all important? • Watch this video to see if it changes your mind!
Time for Reflection Give yourself the opportunity to succeed by challenging yourself to take on something amazing. When you experience difficulty and disappointment have the courage to continue. Be true to yourself and stand up for things that you believe in. Remember that reaching a goal is an achievement, no matter how long it takes and how hard it is to reach. May your faith support you
Branwen House Prayer To honour yourself is important. To honour your peer is essential. Tolerate those around you. Respect those who support you and guide you through your journey of self-discovery. Believe in yourself and you will succeed. May your faith support you.