Charles Reginald Ford collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott) and correspondence.

Charles Reginald Ford was born in London in 1880. He joined the Royal Navy at the age of fifteen and volunteered for the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott), as a steward. He served also as Scott's secretary and accountant. In 1902, he broke a leg skiing, but in 1903, participated in a sledging trip to lay a depot for the Southern Party at Minna Bluff. On his return to Britain, Ford completed the expedition's financial affairs, which included the sale of the expedition ship Discovery. He then toured England as Scott's secretary during the latter's lecture tour and himself lectured in Canada and Australia. In 1906, he settled in New Zealand where he qualified as an architect, forming a partnership, which designed several public buildings in Auckland.

Ford published a short book on his experiences in Antarctica and a book on English ceramics, on which subject he was an expert. He died in Auckland, New Zealand, on 19 May 1972, the last survivor of the British National Antarctic Expedition.

Published work, Antarctica, leaves from a diary kept on board an exploring vessel by Charles Reginald Ford, Whitcombe & Tombs, Christchurch (1908) SPRI Library Shelf, Special Collection (7)91(08)[1901-1904 Scott]

The collection is split into two sub-fonds covering expedition material and later correspondence.

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.

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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 The Polar Record, (September 1972) volume 16 number 102 p446 and Encyclopaedia of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans ed. Bernard Stonehouse, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester (2002) ISBN 0471986658 SPRI Library (7) and Robert Keith Headland Antarctic Chronology, unpublished corrected revision of Chronological list of Antarctic expeditions and related historical events,(1 December 2001) Cambridge University Press (1989) ISBN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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