Papers of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition

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

Reference
- GB 15 MS 1326
Dates of Creation
- 1950-1971
Name of Creator
- Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Language of Material
- English Swedish French Norwegian Russian
Physical Description
- 60 boxes 2 map drawers 5 loose volumes

Scope and Content

Administrative and scientific papers of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic expedition including planning papers; communications with the team whilst on the expedition; publicity files; publications and lecture files, scientific programme files and data

Administrative / Biographical History

The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic expedition crossed the continent from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea via the South Pole in 99 days during the Antarctic summer of 1957-58. The main crossing party, led by Vivian Fuchs, established Shackleton base at Vahsel Bay (1956-1957) and used tracked vehicles to cross the continent with dogs and aircraft in support. To facilitate the crossing, a team led by Edmund Hillary reconnoitred a route for them to follow once they'd passed the South Pole and established Scott base at McMurdo Sound (1956-1957). The expedition explored and surveyed largely unknown parts of the polar plateau. They also collected meteorological, glaciological and physiological data as well as carrying out seismic soundings and a gravity traverse on the crossing.

Funding came private and public sources including the governments of the UK, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. It also had the support of the Royal Family. The expeditions 'General Committee' was established in London in 1954. They formed 'The Trans Antarctic Expedition' limited liability Company (granted charitable status) in 1955 along with a 'Committee of Management' and three sub-committees dedicated to finance, the scientific programme and personnel. The offices were at 64 Victoria Street, London. Similar arrangements were made in New Zealand with the formation of the 'Ross Sea Committee' and the 'Trans-Antarctic Expedition New Zealand Inc.' to oversee the later part of the journey. Both companies and the main committees were wound up in 1962. Assets passed to The Trans-Antarctic Association which is a charity that funds Antarctic research: http://www.transantarctic.org.uk/

Arrangement

The papers are broadly arranged in planning files (MS 1326/1-8); expedition communication files (MS 1326/9); expedition publicity, publishing and lecture files (MS 1326-10-12); Science programme files and data (MS 1326/13). Original order within files retained.