Steve Wroe. BSc (Hons) British Antarctic Survey (1973 to 1975) Before the Mast

 

Reviewed

By 

Steve Wroe

Even after all of this time, the name Antarctica still awakens visions of that mysterious place and reminds us of those great explorers from the ‘Heroic age’.  Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen etc.

Whilst the stories of these great explorers have been told and retold, this book ‘With Scott Before the Mast’ offers a whole new perspective on Scott’s tragic final expedition. The book offers a viewpoint from this expedition which is unique, as it traces the experiences of Scott’s final expedition from the observations of a member of the crew of the Terra Nova, Francis Davies, Leading Shipwright RN.

ISBN 9781901037555

 

The book is based upon his own journals which trace his experiences in chronological order from his background before applying to join the expedition right through the lifespan of the expedition and the Terra Nova’s return to Cardiff almost one year from setting sail. The language throughout the book is clearly in Davies in his own words which brings the book alive as though the author of the journal is speaking to you from off the page.

A wide range of photographs are included, many of which I would suggest have been seldom seen before. The quality of the photographs is clear, are used in perspective and they serve to support the accompanying narrative to good effect.

The story explains the  intricacies of the  day to day workings of a sailing ship in the final days of the era of sail, including the work of the shantyman! Much of the sailing terminology I remembered from my own days on RRS John Biscoe, on my trip to Antarctica in 1973. The way that the minutiae of just living and working on board ship and the way in which it is told, brings the story to life and keeps the reader entranced. The way that the ship was run is explained in the matter of fact style that you would expect from a mariner at this time.

The book tells of Davies initial despair at the condition of the Terra Nova on first sight. As a whaler, the Terra Nova was the crème de la crème of the whaling fleet sailing out of Dundee at the time. However, even the finest of the whaling fleet could not remotely compare with Davies own expectations having only recently discharged from the Royal Navy where ‘Shipshape and Bristol fashion’ was the order of the day.

Davies soon proves his worth to the forthcoming expedition by his resourcefulness as well as his practical skills. These talents were to be put to the test throughout the expedition.

In fact such was the respect and recognition of his abilities in that later on in the expedition Davies asked to be allowed to winter with the base party. Scott happily gives his consent but the Captain of the Terra Nova turned this down saying ‘I’ve got lots of navigators but only one shipwright’! This decision turns out to be prophetic as Davies is the only one on board who is capable of stripping down and repairing the bilge pumps when the ship faces heavy weather sailing back to New Zealand.

Davies journals provide a valuable insight into the character and personalities of the expedition members. When manpower is needed to carry out a task, officers and men all worked tirelessly together although the rank was still respected and formality between the ranks still observed. It is to be remembered that accommodation in the base hut of this expedition was that officers slept in one side of the hut and other ranks in the other half. This was totally at variance with Shackleton’s management style where all were treated equally and Shackleton was referred to simply as ‘the boss’.

To summarise. Whatever your interest in ‘things Antarctic’, this book will prove a fascinating and insightful read. It is beautifully presented and backed up with very clear photographs, as well as letters and documentary evidence. It also provides an insight into the personalities of the expedition members from a first-hand perspective and outlines the day to day activities, be it when sledging, sailing before the mast or the routine of base life.

 

Reviewed by

Steve Wroe. BSc (Hons)  British Antarctic Survey (1973 to 1975)