Ross Ice Shelf in History

Crean accompanies Lieutenant Michael Barne on three sledging trips across the Ross Ice Shelf, then known as the "Great Ice Barrier" including the 12-man party led by Barne which set out on 30 October 1902 to lay depots in support of the main southern journey undertaken by Scott, Shackleton and Edward Wilson

The Barne party passes the previous furthest south mark,set by Carsten Borchgrevink in 1900 at 78 degrees 50S, a record which they held briefly until the southern party itself passed it on its way to an eventual 82 degrees 17S

During the Antarctic winter of 1902 Discovery became locked in the ice, efforts to free her during the summer of 190203 failed, and although some of the expeditions members (including Ernest Shackleton) left in a relief ship, Crean and the majority of the party remained in the Antarctic until the ship was finally freed in February 1904

Crean participates in the depot-laying journey that establishes One Ton Depot for the later southern march.

Crean leaves with the main southern party, contributing extensive sledging experience as the expedition advances toward the Beardmore Glacier.

Crean and Lashly haul the severely ill Edward Evans north after the last supporting party turns back.

Crean begins a solitary 35-mile march to Hut Point to obtain help for the critically ill Edward Evans.

Crean joins the search that discovers the fate of Scott and companions, months after he last saw the southbound party alive.

Keohane participates in the search for Oates, whose body is not found, while the party identifies evidence near his final route.