Oxford University Expedition to the Arctic 1935-6 edit
The Oxford University Expedition to the Arctic was an initiative of the Oxford University Exploration Club organized between July 1935 and September 1936. The main purpose of the expedition was a scientific one covering areas like: glaciology, meteorology, survey, radio propagation and geology. The scientific papers and data collected made of this expedtiontion one of the most succesful in the inter-war period. With three previous expeditions sent to Svalvard, the young Oxford explorers did benefit from close cooperation with George Binney and ........... In terms of the physical logistics the main tasks of the expeditions were carried out at three different locations:the base (Brandy Bay), advanced Base and two ice-caps.
Crew members edit
- Sandy Glen Balliol College, glaciologist and leader of the expedition
- Andrew Croft, Christ Church, second in command, dog-driver and photographer
- Andrew Dunlop-Mackenzie, organizer and surveyor
- Arthur Stuart Talbot Godfrey, Royal Engineers, surveyor
- Richard A Hamilton, New College, physicist
- Amherst Barrow Whatman Royal Corps of Signals, wireless operator and in charge of the ionosphere
- D B Keith, Biologist
- K S Bengstssen, Norwegian trapper
- Robert Moss, New college, physicist
- J W Wright, surveyor
The economic support for this student iniciative was partically provided by the University, Colleges and Royal Society. At the same time different government bodies and private firms helped with equipment, food and staff. The crew members personal contributions represented one fouth of the total (£4494).
Programme of research edit
During a 14 months period a comprehensive programme of research was carried out in Spitzbergen.The Base Camp (Whatman and Hamilton) was in charge of a pioneer investigation on ionosphere,terrestrial magnetism, atmospheric electricity and ozone measurements. Metereological reports were transmitted three times daily to the Norwegian government's station in Bear Island, whence they were transmitted to Norway and England. One of the expedition's main tasks was to study the glacial retreat. Sandy decided to have two ice-caps stations Except Karl Bengstssen, the trapper of the expedition, the rest of the members were awarded with the Polar Medal in 1942.
Further reading edit
- Under the Pole Star, A Glen. London, Methuen, [1937]
- The Cradle of the North Wind, A S T Godfrey, 1938
- A talent for Adventure, A. Croft,S.P.A. Ltd 1991
- Richard Hamilton Arctic Journals, E.Hamilton, Salt Publishing, 2012
References edit
Oxford University Exploration Club, Ninth Annual Report, 1936-1937, pp. 12-35