2022: Blog | New discoveries
08/03/2022
Little did I think that when writing the last blog about rediscovering lost artefacts that I would be able to follow on so swiftly with something quite so relevant.
This season, we have been fortunate enough to be supported by HMS Protector. We met them in the Falklands where we were welcomed with open arms for our journey South. We have been lucky enough to see them a couple of times this season and now we have just a final, and important, meeting left - our lift home. Their last welfare check really was quite the event. We had been invited on board for dinner, laundry and most importantly the first shower in 6 weeks, which we were firmly told was to happen before food. All in all a good night out.
Pictured: newly discovered markings along with maps on whale bone at Port Lockroy
The next day on the island we gained further invaluable support, from electricians assisting with our new weather station installation to keen crew members undeterred by the grunt and guano work that would not have been possible with a team of three. It was during one of these less desirable guano filled tasked that they helped discover two previously unrecorded artefacts. During the excavation of the back of Bransfield House, an earthware jar and a map of the local area, including Goudier, Bills, Boogie and Woogie islands, were found. This has lead to a flurry of activity with specialists the world over being consulted as to the best way for us to conserve both of these artefacts, before the rapidly approaching winter chases us from the Antarctic.
It turns out that Bransfield House and Goudier Island, on this occasion, were ready to give us a further intimate glimpse, which we were fortunate enough to share with new found friends, into their ever growing wealth of history.
Thank you to all of those members of HMS Protector that helped us on the island and all of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make all of this possible. We are thoroughly looking forward to seeing you in a few short weeks and for the journey back North (sea sickness aside).
Kit Adams, Port Lockroy General Assistant 2021 - 2022
Many historic expeditions and explorers, including the men of Operation Tabarin (a top secret mission to Antarctica during World War II) have followed this same route to Antarctica. Whilst I set sail on a modern ship, the 14 men of Operation Tabarin left Stanley on 2 small ships, one of which was not ice strengthened. Not only did they have the dangers of a polar expedition in front of them, but also the potential threat of enemy forces during WWII.
This film captures the 134ft HMS William Scorseby at sea in Feb 1944 (Reproduced courtesy of BAS Archives, Ref AD6/16/1944/1.1).We, like our polar ancestors, are now heading South through the furious 50°'s and eventually to the screaming 60°’s, where the winds batter the Southern Ocean, with terrifying intensity. I cannot begin to imagine what it would have been on The Scorseby, with the men of Operation Tabarin in such weather. I am hoping to experience some of the beauty and wonder of Antarctica's wildlife on my journey there. With perhaps a small bit of Antarctic adventure thrown in. Although perhaps I should be careful what I wish for!
