Robert Falcon Scott was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer who died on his attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. He became a naval cadet at the age of 13 and served on a number of Royal Navy ships in the 1880s and 1890s. Find out more about how the BBC is covering the. During this second venture, Scott led a party of five which made up the British part of what has become known as "the race to the South Pole." Read in English by Steve Gough Captain Scott’s ill-fated journey to the Antarctic Pole in 1911 is part triumph, part tragedy – but also a mythic adventure story which has inspired books, articles, and films over the generations. The British Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott became the subject of controversy when, more than 60 years after his death on the return march from the South Polein 1912, his achievements and character came under sustained attack. Captain Robert Falcon Scott was the first British explorer to reach the South Pole and explore Antarctica extensively by land in the early 1900s. The TERRA NOVA Expedition 1910-13. English explorer who commanded two Antarctic expeditions, 1901-04 and 1910-12. Another famous Antarctic explorer was Robert Falcon Scott. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Until that time the image of Scott, in Britain and in much of the world, had been that of heroic endeavour, the cornerstone of his reputation being his "Message to the Public" written just before his death. Eight months later, a search party found the tent, the bodies and Scott's diary. Robert Falcon Scott was born on 6 June 1868 in Devonport. Robert Falcon Scott We just learned about the Roald Amundsen. Robert F. Scott writing in his diary in his quarters in 1910 or 1911, during the 1910–13 British Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole. Scott joined the Royal Navy in 1880 and by 1897 had become a first lieutenant. Robert Falcon Scott was born at Outlands on June 6, 1868, to John and Hannah Scott. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Falcon-Scott, Enchanted Learning - Biography of Robert Falcon Scott, Royal Museums Greenwich - Biography of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Scott, Robert Falcon - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Robert Falcon Scott - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Scott used New Zealand as a base for both the British National Antarctic Expedition in 1901-04 and the British Antarctic Expedition 1910-13. Captain Robert Falcon Scott CVO, RN (6 June 1868 – 29 March 1912) was an English Royal Navy officer and explorer who died on an expedition to the South Pole.He is widely known as Scott of the Antarctic, the title of a 1948 movie.. Scott led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, and the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition, 1910–13. Though Robert Falcon Scott was not born until 1868, the most insightful and succinct description of his career may have been written in the 16th century, when Shakespeare observed that 'some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust … To prepare for the entrance examinations into naval training, Scott studied at Stubbington House School. Evans died at Beardmore (February 17). From 1901 to 1904 he led the first National Antarctic Expedition on board the Discovery. Occasional muted criticisms of his methods and character had generally failed to … Documentary in a series on great explorers covering Robert Falcon Scott. His son Peter was born in 1909. The motors soon broke down; the ponies had to be shot before reaching 83°30′ S; and from there the dog teams were sent back. On January 28, 1907 Scott wrote to the secretary of the Royal Geographical Society, Mr. Scott Keltie, requesting financial assistance (£30,000) for a second expedition to Antarctica. After a two-month ordeal, the expedition of British explorer Robert Falcon Scott arrives at the South Pole only to find that Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer, had … Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated journey to the South Pole is brought to life in this short animated film for primary pupils. He spent years raising funds for the trip. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. They started the 1,500 km journey back. Wilson, H.R. However, the sledges and ponies could not cope with the conditions and the expedition carried on without them, through appalling weather and increasingly tough terrain. Exhausted by their trek, they were bitterly disappointed to find evidence that Roald Amundsen had preceded them to the pole by about a month. Read more. So, from then on th…  © Discovery returned to Britain in September 1904, making Robert Falcon Scottan immediate hero, since the mission had caught the public imagination. Of John's four older brothers, one died young, two went into the Indian army and one became a naval surgeon. His family had a long tradition of military service. Omissions? Camp of the Scott polar expedition in Antarctica, c. 1912. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Although 2020 has been a year of unexpected challenges, the SPRI community continues to work together to continue the legacy of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his four companions who died on their return from the South Pole in 1912, and Frank Debenham, who was the driving force behind the founding of the Institute. Captain Robert Falcon Scott in his sledging gear. The remaining polar party—Scott, E.A. In 1906, he resumed his naval career, becoming Assistant Direct… Robert Falcon Scott was a Royal Navy officer and explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, and the Terra Nova Expedition, 1910–13. Captain Robert Falcon Scott in his sledging gear He attracted the notice of the Royal Geographical Society, which appointed him to command the … In June 1910 Scott embarked on a second Antarctic expedition. When the young explorer was born 5 years later he grew up in comfort at the house. Robert Falcon Scott’s father, John inherited the brewery in 1863 when his grandfather passed. After the mission, Scott was occupied with public receptions, as well as writing the expedition record and giving lectures. He had caught the exploring bug and began to plan an expedition to be the first to reach the South Pole. Robert Falcon Scott has 24 books on Goodreads with 6021 ratings. Robert Falcon Scott Books and Video. While commanding an Antarctic expedition on the HMS Discovery (1901–04), he proved to be a competent scientific investigator and leader and was promoted to captain upon his return to England. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Bowers, L.E.G. The death of Robert Falcon Scott When, on 29 March 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott wrote his last exhortation, ‘For God’s sake look after our people’, two members of his Polar Party, ‘Titus’ Oates and ‘Taff’ Evans, were already dead, and Scott, ‘Doc’ Wilson and ‘Birdie’ Bowers had just a … Robert's father, John Edward Scott, was the youngest of eight children. The weather on the return journey was exceptionally bad. However, at the same time, his family were experiencing hardship. He was destined for a life in the armed forces. With quiet fortitude they awaited their death—11 miles from their destination. Directed by Charles Frend. Robert Falcon Scott, Self: The Great White Silence. In mid December, the dog teams turned back, leaving the rest to face the ascent of the Beardmore Glacier and the polar plateau. The Worst Journey in the World. On November 12, 1912, searchers found the tent with the frozen bodies, geological specimens from Beardmore, and Scott’s records and diaries, which gave a full account of the journey. There was a tradition of seafaring on both his mothers and fathers sides of the family and he first went to sea at the age of 13 years old. With John Mills, Derek Bond, Diana Churchill, Harold Warrender. Robert Falcon Scott Robert Falcon Scott Short Biography. Devonport is currently the largest Naval base in Western Europe. He was awarded several medals and honors and was promoted to the rank of captain and King Edward VII later promoted him a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. He attracted the notice of the Royal Geographical Society, which appointed him to command the National Antarctic Expedition of 1901-1904. But Amundsen had already made i… Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. You may know the sad story of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, the British explorer who aimed to be the first to reach the South Pole—only to arrive in … Robert Falcon Scott The last voyage (1910-12) Scott arrived in Melbourne on 12 October 1910 on his way to Antarctica to unwelcome news: Roald Amundsen was … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. On the first expedition, he set a new southern record by marching to latitude 82°S and discovered the Antarctic Plateau, on which the South Pole is located. After his death Scott was regarded as a national hero for his courage and patriotism, and his widow was given the knighthood that would have been conferred on her husband had he lived. Robert Falcon Scott, British naval officer and explorer who led the famed ill-fated second expedition to reach the South Pole (1910–12). This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Robert Falcon Scott was a polar explorer who died with his team while at the south pole. The returning party reported that when the last supporting party turned back on 3 January 1912, Scott and his party were within 240 km of the Pole. 1. By December 31 seven men had been returned to the base. Memorials to Robert Falcon Scott in New Zealand. Sitter in 14 portraits Robert Falcon Scott was born in Plymouth and began his naval career aged thirteen. The expedition - which included Ernest Shackleton - reached further south than anyone before them and Scott returned to Britain a national hero. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Its aims were to study the Ross Sea area and reach the South Pole. They were in fact only 20 km from a pre-arranged supply depot. Robert Falcon Scott’s most popular book is Scott's Last Expedition: The Journals. In 1910 he set for antarctica on the ship Terra Nova The remaining three men died of starvation and exposure in their tent on 29 March 1912. Medicine chest used by Robert Falcon Scott during his Antarctic expedition, 1910–12. On the second venture, Scott led a party of five which reached the South Poleon 17 January 1912, less than five week… The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He learnt his trade well and progressed through the ranks of the Royal Navy. News of Scott's death. It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more. They lost their family fortune, and soon after, Scott’s father died. He is in his polar gear. Born into a naval family he became a cadet at the age of 13 and entered the navy in 1882. The Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition by Susan Solomon . By March, Oates was suffering from severe frostbite and, knowing he was holding back his companions, walked out into the freezing conditions never to be seen again. The expedition reached further south than any previous attempt and Scott became a national hero. On December 10 the party began to ascend Beardmore Glacier with three man-hauled sledges. Captain Robert Falcon Scott – 10 awesome facts you need to know . Robert Falcon Scott was born on 6 June 1868 in Devonport. The bodies were buried under the tent, with a cairn of ice and snow to mark the spot. On March 29 Scott wrote the final entry in his diary: Every day we have been ready to start for our depot 11 miles away but outside the door of the tent it remains a scene of whirling drift.… We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end cannot be far. Apsley Cherry-Garrard The Voyage of the Discovery: Scott's First Antarctic Expedition by Robert Falcon Scott, Ross … Scott joined the Royal Navy in 1880 and by 1897 had become a first lieutenant. Equipped with motor sledges, ponies, and dogs, he and 11 others started overland for the pole from Cape Evans on October 24, 1911. With his companions, Wright had been searching for Captain Robert Falcon Scott who, with four colleagues, had set off to reach the South Pole the previous year. At the end of his strength and hoping to aid his companions by his own disappearance, Oates crawled out into a blizzard on March 17, at 79°50′ S. The three survivors struggled on for 10 miles (16.1 km) but then were bound to their tent by another blizzard that lasted for nine days. Robert Falcon Scott was born into a reasonably well to do family in Devon, England in 1868. Oates, and Edgar Evans—reached the pole on January 17, 1912. Read more. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The story of British explorer Robert Falcon Scott's 1912 expedition and his quest to … He used the area to start out from for his trips. Born to John and Hannah Scott. There are a number of memorials in New Zealand to British explorer Captain Robert Scott. On 17 January, they reached the pole, only to find that a Norwegian party led by Roald Amundsen, had beaten them there. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. It was estimated they would reach the Pole by 17 January. BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Just under a year earlier, on 1 April 1912, the Terra Novahad arrived in New Zealand with news that the world had been waiting for - confirmation that Scott had not reached the Pole before Amundsen. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. By the age of 15, he was a midshipman. 'Scott of the Antarctic' was a naval officer and explorer, who died attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole. Kapitán Robert Falcon Scott (6. června 1868 – 29. března nebo 30. března 1912) byl britský polárník.Dospěl k jižnímu pólu 17. ledna 1912, o měsíc a den později než Roald Amundsen.Scott a čtyři další členové jeho expedice zahynuli na cestě zpět hladem, zimou a vyčerpáním v mimořádně špatném počasí. Robert Falcon Scott 1868-1912. By January 1912, only five remained: Scott, Wilson, Oates, Bowers and Evans. A sad memorial for an explorer and his team. Corrections? Scott was born on the 6 th of June 1868 In Devonport, Plymouth in the United Kingdom.His father was a brewer and a Magistrate. He married famous English sculptor, Kathleen Bruce in 1908. Updates? At the age of 13, Robert Falcon Scott began his naval career as a cadet. His brother passed away two years later after contracting typhoid fever in the colonial service. Robert Falcon Scott led two expeditions to the Antarctic and attempted to be the first man to reach the South Pole. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Capt. And his career within the navy continued to progress smoothly. Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912), Antarctic explorer. He became a naval cadet at the age of 13 and served on a number of Royal Navy ships in the 1880s and 1890s. LibriVox recording of The Journals of Robert Falcon Scott; Volume 1 of 'Scott's Last Expedition' (Version 2) by Robert Falcon Scott. He was a British sailor who joined up with a man named Ernest Shackleton for the "Discovery" mission to get to the south pole in 1901. Captain Robert Falcon Scott CVO RN (6 June 1868 – 29 March 1912) was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery Expedition (1901–1904) and the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913). Robert Falcon Scott, (born June 6, 1868, Devonport, Devon, England—died c. March 29, 1912, Antarctica), British naval officer and explorer who led the famed ill-fated second expedition to reach the South Pole (1910–12). The whaling ship Terra Nova left Cardiff, Wales in June 1910 and the expedition set off from base the following October, with mechanical sledges, ponies and dogs. Food and fuel supplies were low. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. While commanding an Antarctic expedition on the HMS Discovery (1901–04), he proved Captain Robert Falcon Scott CVO (6 June 1868 – c. 29 March 1912) was a Royal Navy officer and explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery expedition of 1901–1904 and the ill-fated Terra Nova expedition of 1910–1913. Born 6 June 1868, in Plymouth, Devon, England, Robert Falcon Scott was a British explorer and naval officer. Evans died in mid-February. His first expedition to the Antarctic region was the Discovery Expedition during which Scott discovered the Polar Plateau and made some important meteorological, geographical and zoological findings. Robert Falcon Scott, CVO was born on 6 June 1868 in Devonport.He became a naval cadet at the age of 13 and served on a number of Royal Navy ships in the 1880s and 1890s. Scott polar expedition in 1901-04 and the British Antarctic expedition of 1901-1904 family had a long tradition of service! 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