Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition, 1921-1922

The collection comprises of commercial letters, general correspondence, ships logs and other ephemera relating to the expedition.

The Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition, 1921-1922 (leader Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton) was to sail along previously unvisited stretches of the Antarctic continent. Quest arrived in South Georgia in January 1922 where Shackleton died on 5 January. The expedition continued under John Robert Francis [Frank] Wild's command visiting the South Shetland Islands, Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha. The expedition proved the non-existence of New South Greenland. Shackleton was buried in the whalers' graveyard at Grytviken, South Georgia.

Expedition personnel, Sir Ernest Shackleton, John Robert Francis Wild, Frank Worsley, James McIlroy, Leonard Hussey, Alexander Kerr, Douglas Jeffrey, Alexander Hepburne Macklin, George Wilkins, G. Douglad, C.E. Smith, Charles Carr, James Dell, Harold Watts, Thomas Mcleod, Charles Green, James Marr, G.H. Ross, S.S. Young, H.J. Argyles, Christopher Naisbitt, Bee Mason, Norman Mooney, A Eriksen.

The collection is split into four sub-fonds comprising of General correspondence, commercial correspondence, ships logs and miscellaneous papers.

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.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to Robert Keith Headland Antarctic Chronology, unpublished corrected revision of Chronological list of Antarctic expeditions and related historical events, (1 December 2001) Cambridge University Press (1989) ISBN 0521309034

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.

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

The Institute holds archival collections for following expedition members, GB 15 Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, 0015 John Robert Francis Wild, James Dell, George Douglas, Charles Green, Leonard Hussey, Alexander Macklin, Marr, Norman Mooney, Wilkins, Frank Wosley, Douglas Jeffrey and Quiller Rowett.

Shackleton's last voyage, the story of the Quest by John Robert Francis Wild, first published in 1923, SPRI Library shelf (7) 91 (08)[1921-1922]