Chilton, correspondence

This material is held atScott Polar Research Institute Archives, University of Cambridge

  • Reference
    • GB 15 Charles Chilton/Correspondence
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1911-1913
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English.
  • Physical Description
    • Circa 3 letters

Scope and Content

  • MS 101/30/1-3;D Letters (3) to William Speirs Bruce, 1911-1913 [Regarding invertebrates collected during the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, 1902-1904] 4 leaves, holograph and typescript

Administrative / Biographical History

The Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, 1902-1904 (leader William Speirs Bruce) undertook exploration of the Weddell Sea. To the west of Queen Maud Land the expedition discovered Coats Land, which was named for James Coats Jr and Major Andrew Coats who had supported the expedition.

A meteorological observatory (Omond House) was established on Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands which was later transferred to the Argentine government who continue to run it to this day. (Laurie Island is now the oldest continuously operational observatory in the region.)

The expedition conducted a comprehensive scientific program, plans were made to search for the missing Swedish South Polar Expedition, 1901-1903 (leader Nils Otto Nordenskjld) but were set aside when news of their rescue by the Argentine naval ship Uruguay arrived.

Arrangement

Chronological

Related Material

The Institute holds several archival collections containing material on the expedition including one for William Speirs Bruce. See GB 015 Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, 1902-1904, ships logs and plans for additional information.