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After taking part as a crew member of the British Antarctic ‘Terra Nova’
Expedition 1910-1913, Francis Davies remained in contact with several fellow crew
members and scientists throughout his lifetime.
One of Francis Davies strongest friendships was that with the Terra Nova’s captain
Harry Pennell (1882-1916) in fact Francis Davies even gave his son ‘Pennell’
as his middle name. The strength of this bond is seen within Francis Davies Polar
Collection in a letter from Harry Pennell written aboard HMS Queen Mary during World
War One. Harry Pennell was Commander of HMS Queen Mary at the time and writes
to Francis Davies of his concerns regarding Sir Ernest Shackleton during his Imperial
Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917 of which Pennell writes ‘Undoubtedly
and Expedition will have to be sent to the Weddell Sea this next season to try and
relieve Sir Ernest’.
A letter from Harry Pennell to Francis Davies on
his concern for Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Harry Pennell goes on to write about other expedition
members Williams and Nelson and their wartime situations, in particular the fact that
Nelson was now the only original officer of his regiment surviving the war. The
letter is a glimpse into the relationship of two men who understood the perils of
Polar Exploration and of war. It is even more pertinent when one considers the date
on which Harry Pennell writes to Francis Davies, the 11th May 1916. Harry
Pennell was to be killed on the 31st May 1916 aboard HMS Queen Mary when she was sunk
during the Battle of Jutland
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Brian Goodison-Blanks's Blog
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Fri, 12 Jul 2019 16:37:33 GMT.
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 | Brian Goodison-Blanks BA(Hons)
Brian Goodison-Blanks is the Head of the Maritime and Sporting Department at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood. Originally from London, Brian Goodison-Blanks was educated in the South East and Hampshire obtaining an Honours degree in Archaeology, American Studies and Japanese culture from King Alfred’s College, Winchester. Following a short spell working for Canterbury and Colchester Archaeological Trusts as well as The Ambel Project in Aragon, Northern Spain, he joined a well-respected local auction house in 1995 as a trainee general valuer, rising to Auction Room Manager. In 2004 Brian joined Hampton & Littlewood with special responsibility for re-introducing the specialist Maritime Sale to the South West after a 15 Year absence. Brian’s interest in country sports has also led him to introduce the annual Sporting sale.
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