SS Terra Nova (1884-1943): Whaler, Sealer and Polar Exploration Ship

The SS Terra Nova was built in wood to enable flexibility in the ice, and was used by Robert Falcon Scott's 1910 polar expedition. This newly designed and updated edition presents the definitive illustrated account of the ship's sixty-year history, from its construction in the nineteenth-century days of whaling and sealing to its sinking off Greenland in 1943.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2020
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

SS Terra Nova was a renowned vessel that gained fame for its association with the ill-fated 1910 polar expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott. However, the story of this remarkable ship, constructed entirely of wood to enhance its flexibility in the icy waters, extends far beyond that pivotal expedition. The ship's journey continued until 1943, when it tragically sank off the coast of Greenland.

In this newly designed and revised edition, we present the most comprehensive and visually stunning illustrated account of one of the iconic polar exploration ships of the 'heroic age.' Compiled from firsthand accounts by the men who sailed in her, this book offers a sixty-year history of a ship built by a renowned Scottish shipbuilding yard in the nineteenth-century era of whaling and sealing, a time before coal gas and electricity replaced animal oils as the primary means of propulsion.

The SS Terra Nova was a remarkable vessel, measuring 1,000 feet in length and weighing approximately 12,000 tons. It was designed with a sleek and slender profile, allowing it to navigate through the treacherous ice fields with ease. The ship's construction was a testament to the skill and expertise of the shipbuilders of that era, who meticulously crafted every detail to ensure its durability and reliability in the harsh polar conditions.

One of the most notable features of the SS Terra Nova was its innovative design. The ship was built entirely of wood, a material that was highly prized for its flexibility and strength in the icy waters. This design choice allowed the ship to bend and flex with the movement of the ice, reducing the risk of damage and increasing its stability. Additionally, the wood construction provided a warm and comfortable environment for the crew, as it was able to retain heat and prevent the cold from penetrating the ship's interior.

The SS Terra Nova's maiden voyage was in 1891, when it set sail from London to the Antarctic. The expedition was led by Captain Scott, who was determined to be the first person to reach the South Pole. The journey was arduous, and the ship faced numerous challenges, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and treacherous ice fields. However, the crew of the Terra Nova remained steadfast in their determination, and they eventually reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911.

Despite its success in the Antarctic, the SS Terra Nova's journey was not without its tragedies. In 1912, during the return voyage, the ship was trapped in the ice and eventually became stranded in the Weddell Sea. The crew faced extreme conditions, including malnutrition, hypothermia, and the threat of polar bears. However, they managed to survive and were eventually rescued by a nearby whaling ship.

The SS Terra Nova's final voyage took place in 1943, when it was commissioned to transport supplies to the British troops stationed in Greenland. The ship was carrying a cargo of ammunition, food, and other essential supplies when it encountered a severe storm and sank off the coast of Greenland. The loss of the ship was a significant blow to the British military, and it marked the end of an era for polar exploration.

In conclusion, the SS Terra Nova was a remarkable vessel that played a significant role in the history of polar exploration. Its innovative design, constructed entirely of wood, allowed it to navigate through the treacherous ice fields with ease and stability. The ship's maiden voyage to the Antarctic and its successful expedition to the South Pole were remarkable achievements that showcased the bravery and determination of the crew. However, the ship's final voyage and its tragic sinking off the coast of Greenland marked the end of an era for polar exploration. The legacy of the SS Terra Nova continues to inspire and captivate people around the world, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible feats that were accomplished during the heroic age of polar exploration.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750994088