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| Captain Robert Falcon Scott CVO 6th June 1868 - 29th March 1912 |
They will be written by those with far greater knowledge of the subject and individuals involved than I, but I would like to add my voice in tribute to these amazing, fine men. Having travelled in the Arctic and experienced a little of what they endured from the comfortable position of modern clothing, equipment and food, I find myself in awe that they achieved so much. In his excellent biography of Scott, Sir Ranulph Fiennes talks about Scott's detractors and debunks their gross slights against his character, I agree with his assertion that to comment on and criticise Scott then you must have experienced some of what he did.
Their efforts and eventual sacrifice are, without doubt, one of the greatest feats of bravery and endurance ever to happen. Their birth and death days should be celebrated as national occasions and marked on every calendar in the land as it is these men who epitomise the adventurous spirit of all mankind. It is the determination, willpower and must-do attitude of men like Scott and his companions that have taken man to the tops of the highest mountains, the depths of the seas and even to the moon.
For all of this we should hold these men in the highest esteem. A man needs no greater heroes than these.
Good post Colin. Scott was one of the school houses at my Junior school in the 50s so we were brought up to admire the courage of him and his companions, especially Captain Oates. The other school houses were also great explorers: Grenfell, Shackleton and Livingstone so we were in aware of these great men at an early age.
ReplyDelete"Had we lived I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale." -- Robert Falcon Scott.
ReplyDeleteOn this very day I remember Scott, Wilson and Bowers as the great men they were.
Greetings from France
Sylvie