Ernest Henry Shackleton Biography

Birth of Ernest Henry Shackleton, County Clare, Ireland

The National Antarctic Expedition accept Shackleton

The National Antarctic Expedition accept Shackleton

Joins Scott's Discovery Expedition, his first Antarctic expedition

Scott, Wilson and Shackleton left on 2 November 1902 with dogs and supporting parties. Their goal was "to get as far south in a straight line on the Barrier ice as we can, reach the Pole if possible, or find some new land"

The first significant milestone was passed on 11 November, when a supporting party passed Borchgrevinks Farthest South record of 78 degrees 50 mins

On 30 December 1902, without having left the Barrier, they reached their Furthest South at 82 degrees 17 mins S

Scotts team, including Shakleton, reaches the furthest south so far at 82 degrees 17S. Scott blames Shackleton for not reaching the Pole, the team was suffering from scurvy

Appointed Secretary of the Scottish Geograpical Society

Among these, against his will, was the convalescent Shackleton, who Scott decided "ought not to risk further hardships in his present state of health".

The party eventually reached the Discovery on 3 February 1903 after covering 960 miles (1,540 km) including relays, in 93 days travel at a daily average of just over 10 miles (16 km).

The relief ship provided an opportunity for some of the party to return home.

Returns from the southern journey weakened by illness and is later sent home on the relief ship Morning

Discovers the Beardmore Glacier

Launches his own Antarctic expedition, later crossing the Polar Plateau to within 97 miles of the South Pole and taking motion pictures in Antarctica

Raises backing for the British Antarctic Expedition in Nimrod, aiming for the South Pole and scientific exploration

Crosses the Polar Plateau to within 97 miles of the South Pole

Comes within 97 miles of reaching the South Pole, forced back by starvation

Shackletons ship, the Nimrod, leaves Port Lyttlelton for the South Pole

Climbs Mt Erebus, the worlds southernmost active volcano

The Endurance leaves Plymouth for Buenos Aires

Recieves a hroes welcome & a knighthood

Writes, "The end is in sight...we are weakening rapidly"

Shackleton stops at 88 degrees 23S, 111 miles short of the South Pole. Names the area where they stop as King Edward VII Plateau

Turns back at about 88 degrees 23 minutes south, within roughly 97 nautical miles of the South Pole

Turns back after reaching a new farthest south record.

Chooses survival rather than continuing toward the South Pole.

Names the area where they stop as King Edward VII Plateau

Reaches the South Magnetic Pole

The Nimrod spots Shackleton from Cape Royds & pick him up

Arrives in New Zealand having led an expedition to within 111 miles of the South Pole

Names the venture the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

Announces plans to cross Antarctica from sea to sea.

The Endurance arrives in the Thames for Shackletons expedition to the South Pole

The Endurance sails from the Thames for the expedition to reach the South Pole

Visits George IV who supports the expedition to the South Pole despite immenent war

Endurance sails from Plymouth as Shackleton begins the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition

Anchors in the Weddell Sea trapped in ice, The Endurance is crushed & sinks

Endurance becomes trapped in Weddell Sea pack ice, ending the planned crossing of Antarctica

Leaves Elephant Island in the James Caird with five companions to seek rescue from South Georgia

Rescues the remaining Endurance crew from Elephant Island without loss of life

Death of Ernest Henry Shackleton

Leads his 4th expedition to the South Pole but dies in South Georgia. Death of Ernest Henry Shackleton, coronary thrombosis