Monthly Archives: November 2015

“During the evening, the party congregated in the Billabong, and held a concert. The voices, accompanied by Hussey’s indispensable banjo, sounded strangely out of place amidst the profound silence of the hummocks, yet it is gratifying to hear that ring … Continue reading →

“Bannocks were made from flour, and weighed about 2 1/2 oz. They could be made in advance of use, and were sometimes served stale for luncheon with a sweetener such as jam. The taste was varied with the addition of … Continue reading →

“The camp routine is as follows: Camp rise at 8am, breakfast 8.30. Generally fried seal steak with bannock and tea. Routine duties, viz. seal scouting, tidying camp, etc., till 1pm. Lunch variable (today boiled suet rolls); the cook was subject … Continue reading →

“The blizzard cleared at noon and it was a beautiful evening, but we would far rather have the screeching blizzard with its searching drift and cold camp wind, for we drifted along 11 miles to the north during the night. … Continue reading →

“Pay the official visit to the wreck with the Chief and Wild. Yesterday’s mild blizzard has put the final touch to the destruction wrought by pressure and the salvage gangs. Large snow ramps have formed around the remains of the … Continue reading →

“The canvas erection is completed… It has been christened the Billabong, a tribute to the good luck which rewarded our salvage efforts in the recovery of stores from the original Billabong. During the afternoon, we installed the ‘Hash Chute’ stove, … Continue reading →

“Almost immedately, stores began to float up, beginning with a barrel of walnuts. Other supplies were grappled to the surface—a case of sugar, a boxful of baking soda. By the end of the day, nearly 3 1/2 tons of flour, … Continue reading →

“The sailors are busy at work erecting a canvas hut 23 feet x 11 feet from sails and spars, to be used as a galley and shelter. I searched the ship over for a suitable object that could be converted … Continue reading →

“I was on watch from 3am to 4am and caught an Adelie penguin.” — Thomas Orde-Lees