James Moore collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the Cambridge University Expedition to West Spitsbergen, 1932 and the British Graham Land Expedition, 1934-1947 (leader John Rymill).

James Inglis Moore was born in 1911. He read engineering at St. John's College, Cambridge, and in 1932, participated in the Cambridge University Expedition to West Spitsbergen, sailing from Kings Lynn in a thirty ton fishing smack. He joined the British Graham Land Expedition, 1934-1937 (leader John Rymill), as second engineer in Penola. He became a member of the shore party base, but was unable to participate in major sledge journeys due to frostbite.

After the expedition, he emigrated to South Africa, remaining in Africa for twenty-seven years. During the Second World War, he served with the South African Engineers in Abyssinia and with the Eighth Army from El Alamein onwards, for which he was awarded the MBE. He later became chief mechanical engineer to the Kenyan government, retiring to Cornwall in 1964. He died on 8 March 1969.

The collection is split into two sub-fonds covering the two expeditions respectively.

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.

Anyone wishing to consult material should ensure they note the entire MS reference and the name of the originator.

The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.

The Scott Polar Research Institute holds a number of photographs, film and other illustrative material in the Picture Library, some of which covers the expeditions Moore was involved with. The catalogue can be searched on line by going to the Picture Library Database and selecting the Enter Polar Pictures link.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to 'James Inglis Moore, MBE,' by Alfred Stephenson in The Polar Record volume 25 number 154 July 1989 p261 and British polar exploration and research a historical and medallic record with biographies 1818-1999 by Lieutenant Colonel Neville W Poulsom and Rear Admiral John A L Myres, Savannah Publications London (2000) SPRI Library Shelf 737.2

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue, Garland Publishing New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941.

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Further accessions possible.