Glasgow Digital Library | Voyage of the Scotia | BRUCE | PEOPLE | SHIP | ANTARCTIC | INDEX |
---|
The news of Scott's death on his return from the South Pole had a dramatic effect in Britain. The country went into mourning and it was said at the time that never since the death of Nelson had a nation been united in grief.
Scott and his men died of malnutrition, scurvy and frostbite just 18km (11 miles) from a large food and fuel dump. Many have suggested their death was due to poor organisation and leadership but there were many reasons:
Amundsen's maximum distance in one day was 100km (60 miles). Scott's was 36km (23 miles).
Amundsen averaged 36km (23 miles) per day. Scott rarely exceeded 24km (15 miles).
Amundsen travelled five hours per day, Scott ten to 12 hours per day - a shorter rest period.
William Speirs Bruce wrote the obituary of Captain Robert Scott in the Royal Scottish Geographical Society Journal without making mention of his unheeded advice.
'It is incredible that Scott managed what he did.'
William Speirs Bruce
'The wonder of Scott is that he almost succeeded.'
William Speirs Bruce
'We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end cannot be far. It seems a pity but I do not think I can write more. Robert.'
'Last entry. For God's sake look after our people.'
Robert Falcon Scott
Glasgow Digital Library | Voyage of the Scotia | BRUCE | PEOPLE | SHIP | ANTARCTIC | INDEX |
---|