Sir Ernest Shackleton

[Daniel Morton]

Yes, He did have an expedition in 1907. He made it to within approx 90
miles of the Pole, but had to turn back.

On his return to England he was met at the train station by King Edward
and Queen Alexandra and a huge crowd roaring his name. He was
subsequetly knighted for this effort.

Poor Scot was also there to meet the train. It is my opinion that the
seeds to Scot's later disaster were initaily sown on the train platform.
He had not been met by royalty on his return from his 1902 Expedition.
Nor had he been knighted

There was bad blood between Scot and Shakleton. Shakleton had been part
of Scot's team on his first attempt to the Pole. Because of their poor
diet, he had got scurvy quite badly and was not able to "pull his
weight" on the return back down the Beardmore and across the Ross Ice
Shelf to Hut point. Scot sent him home on the first supply ship. Scot
felt he was a slacker and couldn't cut it.

I believe there was more. Scot was from the Royal Navy. Shakleton came
from the Merchant Marine. A Royal Naval Officer would not think too
highly of an Officer of the Merchant Marine. Shakleton wasn't "one of
the good ole boys".

I think it must have infuriated Scot that Shakleton received public and
royal acclaim. And I think it fueled a drive in Scot to get to the Pole
(First) at all costs. We all know the disasterous consequences.

Scot had refused to allow Shakleton to use the Hut Point camp. So
Shakleton's base facility was at Cape Royds, further from the Pole. If
Shakleton had been able to start from Hut Point, he would have made it
to the Pole first.

Sorry for "waxing eloquent".

Daniel Morton

[Kedi Walton]

>Sorry for "waxing eloquent".

Don't apologise! Very interesting!

[<bob> <Lewis>]

Dear Daniel,
Hi!
I agree with Kedi.
Thanks for the information about Scott and Shackleton.
It is easy to believe that the rivalries existed among such driven people.
Considering the stakes, being remembered for all of history, I would be
surprised if there was no pettiness, frustrations, anger, or resentment
between such people.
Thanks for your information.
bobalewis

[Sal Weir]

<< There was bad blood between Scot and Shakleton. >>

Daniel,

thanks for waxing eloquent; your commentary was very illuminating and
instructive. One of the grand things about this NSPT is the intelligent people
I encounter; I have never been one to tell smart people to shut up or stop
before they're done making a point.

2 points occur to me:

1. politics intrudes in every human pursuit. I will not make further reference
to a certain modern-day politician...nuff said!

2. a question: why was not Scott given the royal treatment?

ever interested in NYC

[Daniel Morton]

Sal,

Thanks for your comments. Very perceptive.

The one that I find the most intriguing is why Scott wasn't knighted.
He was promoted to Captain and received several medals.

Daniel Morton

[Kenneth R Simon]

Remember Scott's naval service recxord was no so pristine...

Ken Simon
p003...@pb.seflin.org