Ernest Henry Shackleton Biography and Timeline

Birth of Ernest Henry Shackleton

Birth of Ernest Henry Shackleton, County Clare, Ireland

Discovery of South Pole

The National Antarctic Expedition accept Shackleton

National Antarctic Expedition

The National Antarctic Expedition accept Shackleton

Discovery Expedition

Joins Scott's Discovery Expedition, his first Antarctic expedition

Discovery 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"

Discovery Expedition

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

Discovery Expedition

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

Discovery Expedition

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

Discovery Expedition

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).

Discovery Expedition

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

Return from Antarctica

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

Discovery of South Pole

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

Secretary of Scottish Geograpical Society

Appointed Secretary of the Scottish Geograpical Society

Discovery of Beardmore Glacier

Discovers the Beardmore Glacier

Nimrod Expedition

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

Nimrod Expedition

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

South Pole

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

South Pole

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

South Pole

Climbs Mt Erebus, the worlds southernmost active volcano

South Pole

The Endurance leaves Plymouth for Buenos Aires

Discovery of South Pole

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

Discovery of South Pole

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

Discovery of South Pole

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

Farthest South

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

South Pole

Names the area where they stop as King Edward VII Plateau

Farthest South

Turns back after reaching a new farthest south record.

Role range: 1907-1909

Nimrod Southern Party Turns Back

Chooses survival rather than continuing toward the South Pole.

Role range: 1907-1909

Discovery of South Pole

Reaches the South Magnetic Pole

South Pole

The Nimrod spots Shackleton from Cape Royds & pick him up

Discovery of South Pole

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

Knighthood

Recieves a hroes welcome & a knighthood

Antarctic Crossing Plan

Names the venture the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition Announced

Announces plans to cross Antarctica from sea to sea.

South Pole

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

South Pole

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

South Pole

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

Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition

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

South Pole

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

Endurance Expedition

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

James Caird Voyage

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