Nordenskjld, Swedish South Polar Expedition

• MS 1253;MJ Diaries (7), 31 December 1901 to 7 November 1903 [Including sledge journey over the Larsen Ice Shelf, October to November 1902 in volume IV and notebook on preparations for the expedition in volume VII] 7 volumes, microfilm

The Swedish South Polar Expedition, 1901-1903 (led by Nordenskjld) mapped the unknown gap between Gerlache Strait and Orlans Channel, discovered and mapped Antarctic Sound and Crown Prince Gustav Channel, proved that Dumont d'Urville's Louis Philippe Land (now Trinity Peninsula) was part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

During the winter of 1902 the ship Antarctic (Captain Carl Anton Larsen) visited Terra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Three men wintered at Hope Bay in 1903 while a shore party of 6 wintered on Snow Hill Island in 1902 and 1903.

The expedition ship, Antarctic was crushed in pack ice of Erebus and Terror Bay in February 1903 leaving three parties stranded. The Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, 1902-1904 (leader William Speirs Bruce) was preparing to search for the survivors when news arrived that they had been rescued by the Argentine naval vessel Uruguay, November 1903.

Chronological.

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 an archival collection for expedition member Johan Andersson.

MS 1253;MJ Originals in Kunglia Vetemskapsadamien, Stockholm, Sweden (1982)