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After his experiences sledging during the British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913,
and the loss of Captain Scott and his Polar Party on their return from the South Pole,
Francis Davies spent a considerable amount of time designing his own version of a
polar sledge (MA19/2) Many
previous expeditions to Antarctica and even the North Pole had used variations of
a ‘Nansesn’ pattern sledge (MA19/27).
Designed by Fridjof Nansen in 1888 when he undertook his crossing of Greenland, the
sledge was designed to be light but strong enough hold all of the equipment needed
and be hauled by six men.
A 'Nansen' pattern polar sledge similar to those used on the British
Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913.
Francis Davies had experienced first-hand the extreme
environment of the Antarctic and also of the sheer effort of hauling a polar sledge
in such conditions. In a letter to Dr Atkinson written by Francis Davies aboard
HMS Sandhurst in 1920 he outlined his design for a covered polar sledge stating ‘I
have been trying to evolve a type of sledge that would protect the human element from
the biting winds whilst on the march’. He goes on to say that he
had considered many mechanical ideas but they failed due to excessive weight. In
Francis Davies opinion ‘ … the only reliable means on travel in the Antarctic
is by man hauled sledge.’
A letter from Francis Davies to Dr Atkinson in regard to his Polar
sledge design.
Francis Davies design for a covered polar sledge dated 1920.
Certainly Francis Davies training as a Royal Naval
Carpenter and his draughtsmanship are clearly shown in his excellent design for a
covered polar sledge. The four man team is covered and the polar sledge is propelled
along by the men walking on an endless track within a well inside the sledge. What
response Francis Davies received from the Admiralty on his design is not known, but
as someone who had experienced the harsh biting winds of Antarctica you can imagine
he had thoughts of his departed colleagues in mind as he drew up his design.
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This article was
originally published
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Brian Goodison-Blanks's Blog
on
Tue, 30 Jul 2019 15:09:38 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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