The Worst Journey in the World · Chapter
I: From England to South Africa explained
The Terra Nova departs from Cardiff on June 15, 1910, beginning its voyage to the Antarctic.
What happens
The Terra Nova departs from Cardiff on June 15, 1910, beginning its voyage to the Antarctic. The chapter describes the informal yet hardworking atmosphere aboard, the diverse personnel including scientific staff and naval officers, and the early scientific observations made at sea. It highlights the stop at Funchal, Madeira, and the exploration of South Trinidad Island, where the party encounters land-crabs, birds, and various scientific pursuits. The narrative emphasizes the voluntary labor system, the challenges of life at sea, and the camaraderie among the crew.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Scientific Inquiry
The chapter emphasizes the scientific work aboard, including tow netting, magnetic observations, and the study of sea life, birds, and insects. The crew's keenness for observation and collection is highlighted.
Companionship and Loyalty
The informal volunteer system and the willingness of all officers and crew to work together, even in difficult conditions like coaling and pumping, demonstrate strong camaraderie and mutual support.
Human Endurance and Suffering
The chapter describes hardships such as lack of fresh water, heat in the tropics, constant pumping, and the discomfort of sleeping on deck during rain, yet the crew endured without complaint.
Characters to notice
- Captain Scott
Scott is mentioned as the leader who organized the expedition, noting that the worst part was over after preparation. He announced Cardiff as the first port on return.
- Edward A. Wilson
Wilson is chief of the scientific staff, a specialist in birds, and an artist. He painted a Portuguese man-of-war and is noted for his tact, hard work, and role as a friend-in-need.
- Harry Pennell
Pennell is an untiring observer who kept a detailed hourly log of sea life. He later worked the Terra Nova back to Cardiff.
- Titus Oates
Oates is described as an 'adaptable helper' and participated in the landing party at South Trinidad Island with the dogs.
- Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Cherry-Garrard is an 'adaptable helper' who shot birds from the ship with Wilson and later landed on the island.
- Teddy Evans
Lieutenant Evans was in command of the ship and led the exploration party at South Trinidad Island.
- Victor Campbell
Campbell served as first officer and sighted South Trinidad Island from the fore yardarm.
- Edward Atkinson
Atkinson is a specialist in parasites (helminthology) and a surgeon. He landed with a small rifle and examined specimens.
Key passages
“Scott used to say that the worst part of an expedition was over when the preparation was finished.”
Scott believed that the most difficult phase of an expedition was the preparation, and once that was done, the rest was easier.
Reflects Scott's relief at departing from Cardiff.
“There wasn’t an officer on the ship who did not shift coal till he was sick of the sight of it, but I heard no complaints.”
Every officer had to handle coal until they were tired of it, yet no one complained.
Illustrates the voluntary labor system and the crew's resilience.
“The land-crabs are little short of a nightmare. They peep out at you from every nook and boulder. Their dead staring eyes follow your every step as if to say, ‘If only you will drop down we will do the rest.’”
The land-crabs were terrifying, watching from every crevice as if waiting for someone to fall so they could attack.
Describes the menacing presence of land-crabs on South Trinidad Island.
