anteros_lmc | British Arctic Expedition, 1875-1876

These rather delightful walruses are from the archive of the Scott Polar Research Institute, digitised as part of the Freeze Frame project.

This image and the ones below the cut are from the British Arctic Expedition 1875-1876 led by Sir George Strong Nares. Although Nares brought both his ships home, like many previous expeditions, this one foundered due to the harsh conditions, poor equipment and clothing, and the debilitating effects of scurvy. Nares and his men were supplied with lime juice but the preparation and preservation process had destroyed much of the vitamin C so it had little effect in keeping the dreaded scurvy at bay. Nares arguably had more success keeping boredom in check during the long arctic winter...

An ice-skating rink was made, firework displays were held, boxing matches put on, evening classes were run, and a newspaper was organised. Nares also restarted ‘The Royal Arctic Theatre’ in which the officers dressed up to entertain the crew.

Portsmouth Harbour	Cmdr Stephenson and officers of Discovery	HMS Alert theatricals
Icebergs and aurora	Reindeer sledge	Icebergs, day
Sledge travelling	HMS Discovery, ice rink	Cutting a way through ice