Edward R.G.R. Evans, collection

The collection comprises of material relating to the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 (leader Robert Falcon Scott), correspondence on polar explorers, lecture notes and insignia awarded.

Edward Ratcliffe Garth Russell Evans was born in London on 28 October 1881. He was educated at Merchant Taylors School and HMS Worcester, he then joined the Royal Navy in 1896. He took part as a junior officer on the Morning on the British Relief Expedition, 1902-1903, organized to maintain communications with the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904 (leader Robert Falcon Scott). In 1910, he joined the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 (leader Robert Falcon Scott) as navigator and second-in command of the Terra Nova. He participated in the major sledging journeys and as a member of the final support party; he accompanied Scott's polar party as far as the Beardmore Glacier. When he became dangerously ill on the return journey, he was saved by the actions of Thomas Crean and William Lashly. He subsequently took over command of the expedition after Scott's death.

In 1914, Evans returned to naval duty in command of a destroyer and was actively engaged in the Dover Patrol during the First World War. He had a distinguished career in the First World War and was decorated for action in HMS Broke. Evans was knighted in 1935, appointed admiral in 1936, and retired from the Navy in 1939. During the Second World War, he was appointed a Regional Commissioner for London in the Civil Defence Scheme. He was made a peer in 1945 and died in Norway on 20 August 1957.

Published work, Adventurous Life by Edward Ratcliffe Garth Russell Evans (1st Baron Mountevans), alias, Mountevans, Lord, Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd, London (1948) SPRI Library Shelf 92[Evans, E.R.G.R.] South with Scott by Edward Ratcliffe Garth Russell Evans (1st Baron Mountevans), alias, Mountevans, Lord, Collins London (1921) SPRI Library Shelf (7) 91(08)[1910-1913 Scott]

The collection is split into four sub-fonds, the British Antarctic Expedition and papers relating to it, correspondence, lecture notes and finally personal material.

By appointment.

Some materials deposited at the Institute are NOT owned by the Institute. In such cases the archivist will advise about any requirements imposed by the owner. These may include seeking permission to read, extended closure, or other specific conditions.

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The term holograph is used when the item is wholly in the handwriting of the author. The term autograph is used when the author has signed the item.

Descriptions compiled by N. Boneham, Assistant Archivist with assistance from R. Stancombe and reference to The Polar Record, (January 1958) volume 9 number 58 p55 and Encyclopaedia of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans ed. Bernard Stonehouse, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester (2002) ISBN 0471986658 SPRI Library(7) and Robert Keith Headland Antarctic Chronology, unpublished corrected revision of Chronological list of Antarctic expeditions and related historical events,(1 December 2001) Cambridge University Press (1989) ISBN 0521309034

Clive Holland Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England - a catalogue. Garland Publishing, New York and London (1982) ISBN 0824093941

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Further accessions possible.

Material relating to Evans book South with Scott:

• GB 15 May Bowers (MS 873/2/4;WJ)
• GB 15 Apsley Cherry-Garrard (MS 873/2/3;WJ and MS 873/2/6;WJ)