Antarctic Epic

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22895, 16 December 1939, Page 16

Antarctic Epic

Endurance. By Commander Frank (8s & This book is Commander Frank Worsley’s tribute to his friend, leader, and fellow explorer. Sir Ernest Shackleton. “Endurance” is the name of the ship in which Shackleton and Worsley went to the Antarctic in 1915; but it might well have been the title of the book in any case, for it is indeed a story of endurance, one of the most amazing adventures in modern exploration. Shackleton’s name has possibly been overshadowed by more publicised adventurers; but his achievements cannot be. He is a hero to his biographer, but Commander Worsley does not allow hero-worship to cloud his judgment of the man he so greatly admired and loved, and with whom he shared unimaginable perils and hardships. It is of Shackleton, the leader, that he tells, and it is an inspiring story. Wprsley’s own part in the adventures is related with a modesty almost excessive, for his own courage and endurance equalled his leader’s. The story of Shackleton’s amazing voyage of 800 miles in an open boat from Elephant Island to South Geor- ' gia in the 'Antarctic autumn, accompanied by Worsley and three other men, and of the crossing of South Georgia by three of them, a feat

Worsley. Geoffrey Bles. 31® I® net). never Accomplished before or J has been told before, but as tells it, the reader feels that ae sharing in the adventure and ® ,4 discomforts and perils, and that o* sharing, too, the grave anxict®* ■ Shackleton for the men he had vl compelled to leave behind wtui. ft went for help. It was a despe* ggj chance and that Shackleton pea through was due to his own inSP-j leadership and the courage lution of his companions. , ton’s anxiety for his men _ heavily upon him throughout nightmare journey, and months ahead while he was outfit a rescue expedition. determination never to his great relief and joy the JB|f” vessel arrived in time to a* Ji lives of all his men after ‘rfS e r jiSt perate winter under the S“®*, -pX 3 j. ain upturned boat. ShacMetfja ( cesses were won through for organisation, his consta» 1 for the welfare of his men, _ $ a | spiration his personality &,wli them, and his extraordinary >jjf cal and mental endurance- t c mander Worsley’s book will establish his leader’s miti firmly in the history of h 1?, and of the service in " T. like his are a lasting traditx