Mawson, Australasian Antarctic Expedition

• MS 1175;D 'Abbreviated log', 7 December 1909 to 28 September 1912 [The first half of the log is concerned with his preparations for the expedition, his visits to London and elsewhere for negotiations with Scott, Wilson and Shackleton, and his efforts to raise money. The second half of the log contains very brief daily entries made during the expedition] 18 leaves, holograph (Xerox)

The Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 (leader Douglas Mawson) established three bases, one on Macquarie Island, the others at Cape Denison and the Shackleton Ice Shelf. Sledging parties from the Cape Denison base explored the eastern coast, the southern area towards the Magnetic Pole and the western coastal mountains. A sledging party consisting of Mawson, Ninnes and Mertz explored the icecap to the south beyond Cape Freshfield. (Only Mawson returned). The party on the Shackleton Ice Shelf carried out explorations including the assent of Gaussberg on the Davis Strait. The party on Macquarie Island led by George F Ainsworth established a wireless station and explored the island during their 23 month stay. Aurora searched for the non existent 'Royal Company Island' and visited Auckland Islands.

Chronological.

For additional collections relating to the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 (leader Douglas Mawson)see the following SPRI collections, Walter Atack, John King Davis, Charles T Harrisson, James Francis Hurley, Douglas Mawson, Thomas Griffith Taylor, Eric Norman Webb and John Robert Francis Wild.

Material is also held at the Mitchell Library part of the State Library of New South Wales, Australia Mitchell Library