Bickerton, Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914

• MS 1509;Boxed Diary, [1911-1914] [Australasian Antarctic Expedition] typescript

The Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 (leader Douglas Mawson) established three bases, one on Macquarie Island, the others at Cape Denison and the Shackleton Ice Shelf. Sledging parties from the Cape Denison base explored the eastern coast, the southern area towards the Magnetic Pole and the western coastal mountains. A sledging party consisting of Mawson, Ninnes and Mertz explored the icecap to the south beyond Cape Freshfield. (Only Mawson returned). The party on the Shackleton Ice Shelf carried out explorations including the assent of Gaussberg on the Davis Strait. The party on Macquarie Island led by George F Ainsworth established a wireless station and explored the island during their 23 month stay. Aurora searched for the non existent 'Royal Company Island' and visited Auckland Islands.

Chronological

The Institute holds an archival collection for the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 leader Douglas Mawson