MAWSON RETURNS FROM ANTARCTICA - DIARY ENTRY 3

Happenings at Home,
January - March 1914
Mawson Returns From Antarctica

Image: close up Antarctic explorer Douglas Mawson - Follow a Digger through WWI with this historically engaging Great War Diary which recreates the life of a typical Australian soldier in the trenches. Available for purchase here.

As always I have noted those events and happenings I feel are of value in conversation:

You will recall prior to your departure, the Australian explorer who accompanied Shackleton to the Antarctic in 1907, Douglas Mawson, set off on an expedition of his own to the Antarctic. In January, after just more than two years, he returned. We have all here followed his adventures with interest. I imagine you have no word of his deeds nor the perils faced at that most bitter place in the world. I will not recount all as it is such a story it would surely take pages. I had saved for you a page from the Herald of 27 February which gives an exciting account of his expedition and the discoveries he led but unfortunately Mother used it to wrap potato peel. Mr Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition will surely be renowned for its achievements for he proved himself a man of great and exact science rather than a fanciful explorer seeking riches or fame. It will also be recalled for the tragedy of loss as two of Mawson’s companions were lost.  Englishman Belgrade Ninnis rode his sled and dogs into an ice crevasse taking with him much of the trio’s supplies. Mawson and Xavier Mertz, his Swiss colleague, were left with only a few days food and had no choice but to turn back. Poor Mertz died within 100 miles of a hut and certain salvation. Mawson alone made it back but the toll was evident on him.  As he disembarked the Aurora whaling ship, he was by account sullen and drawn. In truth, his arrival in Adelaide was with little fanfare.