BYRD AND HIS MEN

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 32, 7 February 1935, Page 11

BYRD AND HIS MEN

ALL ABOARD RUPPERT

SECOND EXPEDITION OVER

READY TO SAIL HOME

Cnlled Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

ABOARD JACOB RUPPERT, February 5. Little America has been evacuated, and within 24 hours, unless mishaps occur, Admiral Byrd expects to give up command, of his second Antarctic expedition and; start the homeward trip.

The past 48 hours have seen feverish activity, as the long-awaited break in the, weather came on Sunday, and the Jacob Ruppert was able to berth, alongside the ice pack and take aboard the aeroplanes.and other heavy gear. Even with the Bay of Whales relatively .calm it was perilous work, and most of the men have-been on their feet two days without rest.

The aeroplanes were brought to the side of the bay, and by the use of poles an improvised runway was made on which the "aeroplanes were dragged aboard the vessel. Lighter gear was swung aboard in cargo nets. The expedition's two cows arid ■' bull were crated and safely embarked.

The last to leave the group of buildings which has twice housed Admiral Byrd was a small group under Mr. G. O. NoyilleV one of Admiral Byrd's staff officers. Aboard the Jacob Ruppert today he reported that the farewell took place with a minimum of ceremony. He said he cleaned* up his shack, left a brief note for possible visitors, then closed the door, and left. In *.ie administration building a; cooking fire was;left burning arid a few oddments; of food and discarded clothing were left untouched.