SS Terra Nova, first hand
With Scott Before the Mast, by Francis Davies
In October 2020 we ran a review of Michael Tarver's SS Terra Nova – a history of Scott of the Antarctic's 'forgotten' expedition ship. Now the story of that vessel has been taken a step further in With Scott Before the Mast, a book reproducing the journals of a crew member who served onboard with Scott.
Francis Davies was a shipwright and carpenter with the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1913, and his written account of his experiences was inherited by his great-niece Joy Watts. She has edited the text and brought it to publication in a glossy hardback that includes a decent selection of images.
It's good to hear this story from a seafarer's perspective, documenting everything it takes to run an expedition vessel and highlighting the ingenuity needed to solve problems when far from civilisation.
Davies has a pleasant, engaging writing style peppered with relatable anecdotes, such as the time he brought friends onboard for a visit and was mortified when one fell through a hatch that had been left open. All in all, a welcome addition to the body of work around the early 20th century's great age of polar exploration.
With Scott Before the Mast
By Francis Davies (ed Joy Watts)
Reardon Publishing
ISBN 978 19010 37555
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