December 14: On This Day in World History … briefly
The team returned to Framheim on 25 January 1912 with 11 surviving dogs. They made their way off the continent and to Hobart, Australia, where Amundsen publicly announced his success on 7 March 1912.
1911: Amundsen leaves a sympathetic note for Scott
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen is the first to reach the South Pole, having left the British team led by Captain Robert Scott far behind in the race.
Amundsen’s five-man team used dog sleds, crossing the 2 000 miles (3 200km) of treacherous ice without difficulty, while Scott’s motorised team was dogged with trouble.
Amundsen planted a Norwegian flag at the Pole and left a sympathetic note for Scott before starting back.
I may say that this is the greatest factor—the way in which the expedition is equipped—the way in which every difficulty is foreseen, and precautions taken for meeting or avoiding it. Victory awaits him who has everything in order—luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck — from The South Pole, by Roald Amundsen.
Most notable historic snippets or facts extracted from the book ‘On This Day’ first published in 1992 by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London, as well as additional supplementary information extracted from Wikipedia.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
