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Birth of Douglas Mawson
Sir Douglas Mawson was born on 5 May 1882 at Shipley, Yorkshire, England. When he was just two, Mawson migrated with his family to Rooty Hill, Sydney, Australia. It was here that he attended school. -
Douglas was appointed geologist to an expedition to Vanuatu
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Became Teacher
Mawson was appointed lecturer in mineralogy and petrology in the University of Adelaide. He immediately became interested in the glacial geology of South Australia. -
Mawson presents his idea to explore Antartica
Mawson approached (Sir) Ernest Shackleton, leader of the British Antarctic Expedition, a view to making the round trip to Antarctica on the Nimrod. His idea was to see an existing continental ice-cap and to become acquainted with glaciation and its geological consequences. -
Mawson first trip to Magnetic Pole
Mawson were one of the first to reach the vicinity of the South Magnetic Pole, manhauling their sledges 1260 miles (2028 km); Mawson was responsible for the magnetic observations and the excellent cartographic work. -
Mawson lead first trip to Antartica
n 1912, Mawson set up his own expedition to the South Pole with help from Doctor Xavier Mertz and Lieutenant Belgrave Ninnis. These men were also members of his trek team for the short 10 week Antarctic summer. -
Death of 1st crew member
Mawson's crew suffers its first lost. Belgrave Ninnis died after falling down a deep crevasse. He took the six best dogs and most of the food with him. This only made it harder for Mawson and Mertz to survive. -
Mawson crew lose its 2nd member
Xavier Mertz dies from Vitamin A poisoning and loss of blood. -
End of Journey
Mawson's two-year expedition was over. His team had explored 6437km of untouched land, recording land and coastal features, and meteorological and geomagnetic patterns -
Mawson died
Sir Douglas Mawson died on this day from a cerebral haemorrhage. He was survived by his wife Lady Paquita and his two daughters, Patricia and Jessica.
