“The order went forth that we should start the march at 3pm, and that we were each to carry only the following articles—six pairs socks, one spare pair of boots or finnesko, one pair fur mitts, 1lb tobacco or cocoa and 1lb personal gear such as soap, toothbrush etc. We were each served out with a packet of toilet paper, an absolutely indispensable prerequisite.

“Our leader proceeded to set an example by deliberately throwing away all he possessed—away went his watch, about 50 golden sovereigns, silver brushes and dressing case fittings, books and a dozen other things, whereupon we all did likewise until there was a heap of clothing and private property probably of some hundreds of pounds value, lying about all over the floe.”

— Thomas Orde-Lees