# XIII: The Ross Sea Party explained — South!

> Chapter companion for South! by Ernest Shackleton.

## What happens

Shackleton recounts the trials of the Ross Sea Party and the Aurora, led by Captain Aeneas Mackintosh. Despite the Aurora breaking from its winter quarters before sufficient supplies were landed, the party successfully laid the vital depots for the transcontinental crossing. Shackleton highlights the extraordinary endurance and self-sacrifice of the men, particularly the long march by Joyce, Wild, and Richards who dragged scurvy-stricken comrades Mackintosh, Hayward, and Spencer-Smith. He also acknowledges the support from New Zealand and key individuals like Leonard Tripp.

## Themes in this chapter

### Endurance and Perseverance

The Ross Sea Party's long march, dragging sick comrades through deep snow and blizzards, exemplifies extreme endurance.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Men like Joyce, Wild, and Richards sacrificed their own strength to save their comrades, fulfilling their duty to the expedition.

### Leadership and Comradeship

Mackintosh's leadership and the unwavering comradeship among the six men were crucial to the depot-laying success.

## Character check-ins

### Aeneas Mackintosh

Captain of the Ross Sea Party; led the depot-laying journey despite severe difficulties and was later lost.

### Hayward

Lost along with Mackintosh after the long march; owed his life to the efforts of Joyce, Wild, and Richards.

### Spencer-Smith

Suffered from scurvy and was dragged on the sledge, enduring without complaint; became an example to all.

### Ernest E. Joyce

One of the key men who, with Wild and Richards, dragged the sick comrades and ensured their survival.

### Frank Wild

Part of the trio that tirelessly hauled the sledges carrying the incapacitated men.

### Richards

Along with Joyce and Wild, he dragged the sick men through deep snow and blizzards.

### Lionel Stenhouse

Left in command of the Aurora; involved in the search for a landing place at Cape Crozier.

### Leonard Tripp

Mentor and friend to Shackleton; devoted his time and advice to the Expedition's interests.

## Key lines

> In spite of extraordinary difficulties occasioned by the breaking out of the Aurora from her winter quarters before sufficient stores and equipment had been landed, Captain Aeneas Mackintosh and the party under his command achieved the object of this side of the Expedition.

Despite the Aurora drifting away before enough supplies could be unloaded, Mackintosh and his men still managed to accomplish their mission.

_Highlights the party's success despite a major logistical setback._

> Mackintosh and Hayward owed their lives on that journey to the unremitting care and strenuous endeavours of Joyce, Wild, and Richards, who, also scurvy-stricken but fitter than their comrades, dragged them through the deep snow and blizzards on the sledges.

Joyce, Wild, and Richards, though themselves suffering from scurvy, saved Mackintosh and Hayward by pulling them on sledges through harsh conditions.

_Emphasizes the self-sacrifice and physical effort of the healthier men._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/south_se/chapters/xiii-the-ross-sea-party
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/south_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/south_se/chapters