Historical Figure
Robert Falcon Scott
d. 1912
British Antarctic explorer (1868–1912)
Talk to Robert Falcon Scott
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Captain Robert Falcon Scott was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery expedition of 1901–04 and the Terra Nova expedition of 1910–13.
In Their Own Words (5)
Great God! this is an awful place and terrible enough for us to have laboured to it without the reward of priority.
Journal, 17 January 1912, quoted in Scott's Last Expedition (1913) vol.1, ch.18 , 1913
The Beardmore Glacier is not difficult in fine weather, but on our return we did not get a single completely fine day; this with a sick companion enormously increased our anxieties.
Journal, 29 March 1912 , 1912
We arrived within 11 miles of our old One Ton Camp with fuel for one hot meal and food for two days. For four days we have been unable to leave the tent - the gale howling about us. We are weak, writing is difficult, but for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past. We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but bow to the will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last. . . . We have been willing to give our lives to this enterprise, which is for the honour of our country.
Journal, 29 March 1912 , 1912
Make the boy interested in natural history if you can; it is better than games; they encourage it in some schools.
Last letter to his wife, quoted in Scott's Last Expedition (1913) vol.1, ch.20 , 1913
Should this be found I want these facts recorded. Oates’ last thoughts were of his Mother, but immediately before he took pride in thinking that his regiment would be pleased with the bold way in which he met his death. We can testify to his bravery. He has borne intense suffering for weeks without complaint, and to the very last was able and willing to discuss outside subjects. He did not – would not – give up hope to the very end. He was a brave soul. This was the end. He slept through the night before last, hoping not to wake; but he woke in the morning – yesterday. It was blowing a blizzard. He said, ‘I am just going outside and may be some time.’ He went out into the blizzard and we have not seen him since.
Journal, 16 or 17 March 1912 , 1912
Timeline
The story of Robert Falcon Scott, told in moments.
Led the Discovery expedition to Antarctica. His team set a new record by marching to 82 degrees south. They discovered the Antarctic Plateau, where the South Pole sits.
Set out on the Terra Nova expedition with the goal of reaching the South Pole. He chose a combination of motor sledges, ponies, and man-hauling. Norwegian rival Roald Amundsen was racing him with dog teams.
Reached the South Pole. Amundsen's Norwegian flag was already planted there. They'd arrived 34 days too late. Scott wrote in his diary: "The worst has happened."
Died in his tent with two companions, 11 miles from a supply depot. A blizzard pinned them down. His final journal entry: "For God's sake look after our people."
Artifacts (5)
More from the Early 20th Century
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Robert Falcon Scott's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.