Stevens, Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition [Ross Sea Party]

• MS 100/136;BJ Report, 1914-1917
• MS 1537/4/4/4;D Account of the Ross Sea Party, 30 October 1914 to 3 January 1917, 35 leaves, autograph
• MS 1537/4/4/10;D Report, 23 March 1915 to 7 May 1915 [Dated 30 July 1915] 2 leaves, autograph
• MS 1537/4/4/18/4;D Meteorological Observations [On board Aurora, instructions for scientific staff] 2 leaves, autograph
• MS 1537/4/4/18/5;D Instructions for taking scientific readings, 1 leaf, autograph
• MS 1537/4/4/18/6;D General rules for ward room, 1 leaf, autograph
• MS 1537/4/4/24;D Receipts for meteorological equipment, July to November 1914, 4 leaves, holograph
• MS 1537/4/4/28;D Invoice for scientific equipment from Baird and Tatlock, London, 16 September 1914 and a letter from Lipton Ltd. Sydney, asking for a promotional photograph from the expedition when they are drinking the tea, 4 leaves, holograph
• MS 1537/4/4/23/2-3;D Letter from the Customs collector about Science equipment with a letter attached about meteorological observations and a page of notes about possible scientific areas of interest in the Antarctic, 3 leaves, holograph and typescript

This expedition was organised by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton to meet the party from Endurance who were to sledge across the Antarctic from the Weddell Sea. After visiting Macquarie Island to provision the Commonwealth Meteorological Expedition the Aurora (Captain Mackintosh) sailed to Ross Island. When ice prevented the creation of a base at Cape Crozier the ship continued to Cape Evans where ten men became stranded when on 6 May 1915 Aurora was driven from her moorings in a blizzard. With minimal supplies and equipment the party laid depots towards the Beardmore Glacier for the expected Weddell Sea party. Three men including Captain Mackintosh died between March and May 1916. During the 1916 winter a party of four wintered at Cape Evans while a party of three were at Hut Point. Aurora (Captained by Stenhouse) drifted for ten months in the Ross Sea before returning to New Zealand. The seven survivors were rescued in January 1917.

Chronological.

The Scott Polar Research Institute holds a number of photographs, film and other illustrative material in the Picture Library, some of which covers this expedition. The catalogue can be searched on line by going to the Picture Library Database and selecting the Enter Polar Pictures link.

The Institute holds several archival collections containing material relating to this expedition see SPRI collection GB 15 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, [Ross Sea Party] 1914-1917, for more information.