I was lucky enough to spend Christmas 2019 in Grytviken. Christmas Day was a warm, sunny summers day and before tucking into our Christmas lunch we walked to the cemetery to seek out a geocache that a tourist had hidden a year before. We finally found it – a wee dram of Shackleton Whisky! The museum team were very happy to raise a glass to toast ‘the Boss’. 

We met Shackleton on Bora Bora in 1991. A singlehanded South African sailor was part way through achieving the first-ever open boat circumnavigation; Shackleton was his oft-mentioned hero though he never quite became ours. But the James Caird’s voyage played a deep part in our reaching South Georgia: sextant in hand, many unknowns, in awe. Good judgement of people had made Shackleton return, good judgement and respect of nature was needed for our long stays. Our Shackleton circle closed in Cape Town: arriving there from South Georgia we re-met our sailor friend, now married, father of a son. His name: Shackleton.

I first visited my cousin Ernest’s grave aged 47, almost the same age he was when he died on 5th January 1922 on the Quest at Grytviken, close by where he was later buried. I have revisited many times –special occasions have included visiting with Shackleton’s photographer Frank Hurley’s daughters, Adelie and Toni. Another memorable visit was with a friend, Falcon Scott; Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s only grandson.
There could not be a more appropriate final setting for a remarkable human. South Georgia is a wonderful place to visit, well worth the trouble of getting there.
Image: With Falcon Scott, Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s only grandson.

In 2020 I was privileged to visit South Georgia and visit Shackleton’s grave. As visitors gathered round and mused over the explorer’s life and legacy, I discovered the little-seen inscription on the back of his gravestone. In Robert Browning’s words I felt the essence of the man was beautifully and powerfully captured: I hold that a man should strive to the uttermost for his life’s set prize".

Shackleton’s last expedition used my grandfather’s dogs. They were bred for hauling loads of fish across a frozen Lake Winnipeg in Canada and were, more or less, famous. The Hudson’s Bay Company alerted him. Grandpa’s dog handlers trained and delivered the dogs to England.
I have had a drink at Shackleton’s grave in Grytviken.

(Editors note: This family story of Shacklton's dogs probably relates to the earlier Endurance Expedition.)

Tim Jarvis AM,
I was asked by Sir Ernest’s granddaughter, the Hon Alexandra Shackleton, to lead the expedition team to authentically retrace the survival journey he undertook after the loss of the Endurance. This involved rebuilding a replica James Caird and sailing it from Elephant Island to South Georgia, followed by a climb through the mountains of South Georgia from King Haakon Bay to Stromness whaling station. We did this in 2013 using only period clothing, equipment, food and navigational techniques.
I have always been inspired by Shackleton’s personality, from his unquenchable optimism, to his determination, crisis leadership and emotional intelligence. 100 years on, his legacy for me is what his leadership teaches us about how to tackle threats like climate change and biodiversity loss. His goal was to save all his men from Antarctica. Ours is to save Antarctica from man.  

My wife and I first visited South Georgia Island and Shackleton's grave site in 2003, after spending a day at Elephant Island that played such a huge part in Shackleton's leadership role during the months following his ship's disaster. He finally got ALL of his crew back home to safety, after months of seemingly impossible circumstances of weather, food, clothing and equipment needs. Very few expedition leaders of that century of cold-area exploration kept everyone alive.
We have visited the site four times in the past twenty years and re-read the books about Shackleton's expedition with sheer wonder every time.

South Georgia and especially Grytviken are one of the most amazing places I have ever visited; from the cemetery where I first "got acquainted" with Sir Ernest Shackleton to reading about his explorations. The place is so unique, so much so, my wife and I are returning in early 2022.

Shackleton’s story is embedded in SGHT (South Georgia Heritage Trust) – his image, words and story pervade our charitable work for South Georgia. However my deepest connection with Shackleton came on seeing the life-size replica of the James Caird lifeboat that SGHT purchased for the South Georgia Museum. Having spent days at sea (feeling pretty grotty) on the large, safe and comfortable vessel that took me from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia, I was staggered at how small and basic the James Caird was. What immense courage and leadership to set sail from Elephant Island in search of rescue in that tiny vessel!

Landing at Fortuna Bay South Georgia, we completed part of the Shackleton Walk to Stromness Bay. In Grytviken, we toasted and bowed our heads at his grave and saw the replica of the James Caird. However, my interest in Sir Ernest was cemented at Point Wild, Elephant Island, where few ever land. Shackleton's leadership, bravery, love for his men hit home as his amazing story was brought to life, right there, by our Chilean historian, surrounded by waves and chinstrap penguins, beneath the bust of Captain Luis Pardo, Master of Chilean Vessel Yelcho that rescued Shackleton’s men.

Image: Hearing the story, Point Wild

On the occasion of my 50th birthday, I went to South Georgia and Antarctica. During the trip I got to know the fascinating story of Ernest Shackleton and his brave men, enduring incredibly harsh conditions – and against all odds find a good way out! Truly inspiring.

In 1981 I joined a scout group in Chorleywood where Dr Leonard Hussey had been President and had left his collection of glass slides (that were used for the Shackleton 1914 expedition lecture) to the President of that time. I was lucky enough to see these on a couple of occasions, notable when newsreader Richard Baker read the accompanying script. Inspired by the shot of the Endurance in the ice taken at night and the story of survival, I always hoped to travel to the Antarctic, but it was not until 2020 I was able to visit South Georgia.

In 1961, I went to South Georgia for a year, aged 10, with my parents, as my father (Henry Ruddy) was on his second tour as Customs and Administrative Officer and Magistrate, which he left in 1966. We lived on King Edward Point and regularly visited Shackleton’s Cross on our walks; also round to Grytviken and onwards to Gun Hut near Hestersletten; and this photo of me was taken at Shackleton’s grave en-route in the brief summer period. At the time I took it all for granted but now I am very proud to have had such an unusual experience and of course I have learned a lot more about the island in the intervening years. I have many letters and memorabilia from my father as well as books about the island which I enjoy reading which have reminded me about my stay, its pleasures and difficulties, and reinforced what an incredible journey Shackleton and his men made.

I first heard of Shackleton in 1994 on my first trip to Antarctica. I couldn't believe he saved all his men. Read Lansing's 'Endurance' and promptly became a Shackleton "groupie." Since then I have been fortunate to visit King Haakon Bay (at the first landing site and Peggotty Camp), and go to his grave four times, and read more about him and his various exploits. Still think that he is one of the greatest leaders of all time. An example and inspiration for us all.

As a 14 year old I was too busy to read a book; it always took me ten times longer than anyone else (dyslexia). So I played sport or worked with fishermen for pocket money. My brother, Ray, gave me a copy of 'South'. It was inspiring, leaving me open mouthed. The greatest adventure story ever written. It was a wonderful two hours sitting next to Sir Ernest's memorial reflecting on his story with 'Goldie' in the background. ENDURANCE!

Preparing for our trip to South Georgia, I watched 'Endurance' and became fascinated by Shackleton’s story, his determination and courage. I was especially struck by the way the ship’s crew carried on playing football, board games, performing plays, during that harsh and everlasting first winter, and never lost faith. Seeing Elephant Island from the comfort of a modern ship I was further moved by the fortitude of those men and the trust they deposited on their leader. The experience inspired me to write a poem (in Spanish), which is included in a book that was published this year.

Sir Ernest Shackleton you could say brought me Frank Wild. It was only by reading about Shackleton that I discovered Wild, and that set me on a journey to find out as much as I could about Wild. After eight years of research and a book 'The Quest for Frank Wild', I found Wild’s ashes and we returned them to Grytviken.
Both Shackleton and Wild inspire me by their loyalty and friendship towards each other and Shackleton’s candidness about his feelings regarding Wild. "I love him, he is my other self…."

We were ‘introduced’ to "The Boss" via Lansing’s 'Shackleton’s Valiant Voyage' and Huntford’s 'Shackleton' biography; still retaining original copies decades later. Each dreamed when we might ‘boat journey’ to remote South Georgia Island.
As strangers in 2003, we found ourselves visiting Shackleton’s peaceful place. Both planned to quietly contemplate life, yet surprising discovered someone else disturbing our solitary reflection.
We met, recited poetry, eventually leading to our 2006 legal marriage at Shackleton’s grave and a lifetime of love. Peter now lectures on Shackleton’s life. We have met Endurance crew children and returned many times to the beauty of South Georgia.

As a military historian, I first encountered “Shackleton" as the name of a long-range maritime patrol aircraft built by Avro and flown by the RAF and the South African AF. Entering service in 1951, the last of the 185 built was retired in 1991. Among the missions the plane performed during its long life was, fittingly, search and rescue.

As an ex-whaler and artist specializing in paintings of the polar regions; Shackleton is my hero!
As a young boy I was fascinated about polar explorers, principally Shackleton.
I have been fortunate to work and visit in the areas that Shackleton knew, such as South Georgia, Elephant Island, and Antarctica, on many occasions. During a circumnavigation of South Georgia, I went ashore at Peggotty Bluff King Haakon Bay.

According to Jonathan Shackleton, I am a second cousin three times removed. I have always been fascinated about Antarctica and hearing stories from other Shackleton relations.
I was thrilled to be able to visit South Georgia in 2006 as part of an Irish group to celebrate the great man himself!

"Still an Inspiration” reads the message on the wreath laid at Shackleton’s grave by the crew of HMS Protector on 5 December 2021.
In a graveside memorial service attended by the crew, Executive Officer Commander Thomas Boeckx outlined Shackleton’s deeds while Commanding Officer Captain Mike Wood laid the wreath on the grave.
Ship’s Chaplain, Mike Chatfield, said: “It was a privilege to remember Sir Ernest Shackleton with HMS Protector’s ship’s company at his grave on South Georgia, nearly 100 years from his burial in March 1922. The stories of his expeditions and the epic 800-mile journey he and his companions made from Elephant Island to South Georgia to find help, demonstrate his courage, leadership and commitment to look after those in his care."
Images: Some of the crew of HMS Protector presenting the wreath they had laid on Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave to the SG Museum, and the inscription from the wreath.

Since childhood I have loved Polar exploration. I was still young when I read Shackleton’s 'South' and after that he was always in the background of my life because he was Irish.
Over the years I read everything I could on him, and through him discovered the other Irish Polar explorers of the early 1900s: Patrick Keohane, Robert Forde, Tim and Mortimer McCarthy and Tom Crean. I also learned about the Irishmen of the 1800s who paved the way: Edward Bransfield discovered the Antarctic mainland, and Francis Crozier explored both poles.
So I am grateful to Shackleton for leading me to all the others.
I visited his grave, and now I live beside a Shackleton home in Dublin! Image: The plaque on the house where Shackleton used to live, Marlborough Road, Dublin, Ireland.

Shackleton found me in Brazil during the BT Global Challenge yacht race. We were preparing for the Southern Ocean and the skipper recommended his story. As the icy gales blew and I read his adventures, an unshakeable dream took root.
Two decades later, on a century-old sailing ship, I spied South Georgia. We walked the last miles of his famous journey to safety. And a few weeks later anchored off the very beach on Elephant Island from which Shackleton set off.
My chance encounter inspired me, gave me a hero for life, and showed me that if you treasure and believe in your dreams, they can come true.

I was introduced to Shackleton by my best friend Kalpana Chawla, one of the astronauts who tragically perished in the explosion of the Columbia space shuttle in 2003. She had directed me on a journey through the many books about this remarkable man, to understand the essential qualities of leadership as he successfully led his men across the ice, the water, and South Georgia Island. He was focused, he was kind, he was demanding, he was inspirational.
In 2016 I was deeply fortunate to bring some of Kalpana’s ashes to share with dear friends over Shackleton’s grave.

One month before the centenary of the death of Sir Ernest Shackleton I was there with the Hondius. Many of us were on that cruise to watch wildlife, the solar eclipse and explore new lands. My first motivation for the trip was to experience what I learned about Sir Ernest Shackleton last March while watching a documentary. His last journey and a welcoming stay in Rio de Janeiro on the way to SG also played the link to take my city flag to his last call. My deepest respect for all he did and left to us.
Image: Alexandre with the flag of Rio de Janeiro at Shackleton's grave.

I first went to Antarctica in 2000 and read as much about Shackleton and Scott as I could find. The trip to S Georgia was a highlight in 2017.

I first met my partner on 5th January. Our first date was to a food place down the beach - near to the port where a boat called the NDURANCE was docked, laying pipes off the coast of Aberdeen, UK. We looked at moving in together and we looked for some pictures to hang in our house. The first one we saw in a shop window was Hurley's one of the Endurance stuck in the ice for £5! Before the birthday of all of our now 3 kids together- Shackleton has appeared in either questions on quiz shows, programmes or documentaries about him. He also appeared in person himself discussing his findings of research on the Endurance Party, right before my partner became seriously ill in hospital... he just appears whenever I need a guide. These are only a few times he's steered me in the right direction. It's almost as if he has some sort of moral compass for us to reference, and inspirational guidance no matter what happens

In 1963, aged 17, I won a school prize and chose the biggest book offered: ‘South!’ It opened my mind to polar exploration, and I dreamed of following that path. Initiating a university expedition to Arctic Norway in 1966, I applied to BAS as a geologist in 1967 – only to discover that they didn’t accept women! Frustrated, I read widely and watched every TV program about Antarctica, longing to help protect its environment. In 1999, inspired by the cover photo of ‘Life in the Freezer’ I designed the Antarctic Tartan, a symbolic ‘map’ incorporating its vivid colours. Thanks to Shackleton’s ‘South’!

I have been interested in polar adventures and their heroes since age 9; of these, Shackleton is my favourite. At 72, I took the trip to Antarctica in order to follow in the footsteps of Shackleton. The intensity of the environment, the solitude, resilience and endurance of the inhabitants of Antarctica were beyond my imaginations. Book descriptions pale in comparison. Shackleton as a person is unique; his compassion towards his crew, his endurance drive to never to give up, and his dream to reach beyond the world he knew were just inspirational. He was indeed the master of his fate and the captain of his soul (Invictus).

In April 2011 we, four Dutch bird friends, were on tour to realize an old dream of visiting the unreachable island Tristan da Cunha. The only way was flying to Ushuaia and sailing with the mv Plancius to Antarctica, and then along the South Atlantic islands to Europe. On the 4th of April, we visited South Georgia and made a stop at Grytviken. I remember every step at Shackleton’s grave, the post office, the museum, and especially the church, where we rang the most southern bell o earth. On the 12th of April our dreams came true when we landed on Tristan da Cunha. Then unbelievable, now unforgettable.

Shackleton has been my hero since school. I’ve been lucky to visit South Georgia and toast The Boss, to Elephant island and to the Weddell Sea at the point on the ice they took to their boats. I met Trevor Potts in Antarctica and at his home where I saw his replica of the James Caird. I give illustrated talks to schools and adult groups on Shackleton, his expeditions and awesome leadership qualities. To see the awe and amazement on young children's faces when I tell them about his rescue mission is a treat. An inspiring story for all.

The extraordinary leadership of Shackleton demonstrated throughout the Endurance Expedition (from offering his ship and men to the nation at the outbreak of war to recovering his men from Elephant Island after the loss of his ship and raising the alarm via the James Caird journey) is inspirational. In celebration of his remarkable achievements, I led a Royal Navy expedition sailing a 67-foot yacht into the Weddell Sea, before heading up to South Georgia, past Elephant Island, for a team of sailors and Royal Marines to follow the route taken by Shackleton, Crean and Worsley to Stromness: Antarctic Endurance 2016.

I made my first visit to the Antarctic Peninsula in February 2015 and learned enough of the great man to pique my interest. In March 2016 I visited Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. The visit to Grytviken, the cemetery and the museum inspired me to see the original “James Caird” at Shackleton’s old school so I arranged that on my next visit to London in April 2017. (I had booked with the school well in advance). Shackleton demonstrates to me that any difficulties or hardships I face are immaterial.

On my first trip to Antarctica, I read Endurance by Alfred Lansing. I was hooked. Since then, I had the great good fortune to visit King Haakon Bay (and barely existent cave) and Elephant Island (SO forbidding). I did the Shackleton hike. I got into his hut at the Ross Sea and just stood in awe. I have toasted him at his grave a few times. For me, Raymond Priestly's quote perfectly captures the man : “For scientific discovery give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton." My hero.

My interest in Ernest Shackleton began as a teenager reading stories about Antarctica in Boy’s Life magazine. Ten years ago, at 68, I finally made it to South Georgia Island and had the privilege of visiting his final resting place. Seeing the replica of the James Caird in the Grytviken museum and actually landing on Elephant Island increased my understanding of his accomplishments, his leadership skills and my amazement that he was able to save all of his men.

In London in 1919 Ernest Shackleton came to my grandfather Lowell Thomas for advice on how to give a travelogue––and I gratefully claim this as a family connection. In 2013 I visited Elephant Island and also Grytviken, where I stood for a long time, alone, at Shackleton's grave. There was nothing but the sound of the wind, snowflakes scratching my parka, and a feeling of utter peace. I count those visits as highlights of my life.

I ran into Sir Shackleton's history after a recommendation coming from another seaman; Brazilian navigator and author Amyr Klink. A man of great deeds like Mr. Klink was inspired by Sir Shackleton, so I HAD TO know more about the source of such great influence!
Reading Lansing’s coverage on the historical trip made by the Endurance made me travel, suffer and celebrate along with Shackleton’s crew and also inspired me a lot in seeking to become a better leader in all instances of my life.

My grandfather, Petter Sørlle, was a whaler. He made the first map of South Orkney Islands 1911-1913, and he also invented the stern slipway for factory ships in 1925.
I always wanted to see Signy Island, named after my grandmother who I lived with as a child.
In 2011 my wife and two children joined on a cruise with the Hurtigruten ship Fram, and on our way to South Orkney Islands we visited Strømnes and were able to do the 'Shackleton Walk' - the last part of Ernest Shacleton's journey to save the crew of Endurance. He was met in Strømnes by Thoralf Sørlle, his friend and my grandfather's uncle.

I was sick, stuck at home and feeling sorry for myself. Looking for something to read, I perused my new husband's bookshelf and found an old paperback copy of Lansing's 'Endurance'. I soon stopped feeling sorry for myself.
It was the most riveting adventure story I had ever read, and all the more captivating because it was true.
In 2019 I finally visited South Georgia & Shackleton's grave.
As our ship sheltered from a fierce storm in the lee of Elephant Island we gained a small crumb of understanding of what he and his men endured.

His story continues to astonish.

Shackleton was a friend of my great grandfather Morris Ranson.
In 1914, when the Endurance had been refitted in Millwall Dock, Morris visited Shackleton there with his son Morris, aged 12.
The boy became my grandfather, who often told me of meeting Shackleton and the crew on the ship before it sailed for the South Pole. His father was an early probation officer in London, but it was through Morris’s work as an Anglican lay preacher that he had met Shackleton.
Our family’s profound interest in Shackleton’s story is from the perspective of an enduring bond of friendship between two men of very different backgrounds.

Shackleton found me early on, as part of my family history. My grandmother, on my father’s side, was called Cecilia Cater. Her family moved from Britain to Punta Arenas (Chile) in the late 1890´s, when her father was appointed to the parish in that city. Reverend Cater, my great-grandfather, supported the rescue efforts by organizing lectures by Shackleton in the chapel and the adjacent school.
In 2018 my wife and I travelled to South Georgia and Antarctica, saw Elephant Island from the ship, and visited Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken.

I have been captivated by the strength (emotional, physical, ethical) demonstrated in Shackleton’s many adventures, sharing them vicariously through many published accounts. I boarded what may have been the last boat to depart and return from the White Continent prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020).
We retraced the team’s footsteps, covering the final segment of his, Crean’s, and Worsley’s phenomenal trek to stand above Stromness. Knowing I was a Shackleton “groupie”, I was asked if I would like to read Shackleton’s account, as recalled in 'South'. Thrilled, I did so. A life-changing experience, to be sure.

To "The Boss" - an inspiration.

Interest in Sir Ernest Shackleton was sparked on finding Alfred Lansing’s book in the library of a small sports’ club in Kenya.
The bow of the Yelcho, pictured in 1998, is gate guardian to the Chilean naval facility at Puerto Williams on the Beagle Channel far south in Chile.
We also saw James Caird at the Greenwich Naval Musuem when it was on loan from Dulwich College (the explorers’ school) for the exhibition 'South'. Unfortunately no photos were allowed.
All summed up in the amazing pictures of the Endurance wreck on its discovery this week.
Shackleton has been a big part of our lives.
My husband died in 2018, but when I heard about the discovery of the wreck after having seen it (the Shackleton22 Expedition) leave Cape Town on television, I went to our special tree to let him know.

In 2009, the Royal Navy deployed HMS Manchester toward South Georgia, part of the South Atlantic patrol. Before leaving the Falklands I asked my wife to mail me a book for the boring journey I thought I was undertaking. In all her wisdom she sent a copy of 'South!' the official account of the Endurance Expedition. During those long seadays, sailors have the option to read, watch movies, hit the gym or sleep during off-watch periods. I picked up the book reluctantly and read it. Within a few hours I was hooked. Upon arrival at Grytviken a few days later, I walked out of the darkness of the ship towards the light that bathed South Georgia’s impressive scenery. Reading that book changed my life. I joined Tim Jarvis in 2012 for Shackleton Epic Expedition, followed by 10 years of research, building and equipping not just one but two replica boats. There have been no boring days ever since! I now work as a polar guide, and share what I have learnt with others.

My grandfather was a friend of Frank Hurley, and we grew up with Endurance photographs on the walls of our grandparents' house. In 2016 I took a trip with Oceanwide Expeditions which called at the incredibly beautiful South Georgia. I was delighted that there was an exhibition of Frank Hurley's photographs in the excellent museum. Of course I had a drink at the grave. A few weeks later, in Ireland, I met Tom Crean's granddaughter, which was amazing.

Shackleton was waiting for me in a airport bookstore. There I met him, in Caroline Alexander's amazing narrative. Since then Shackleton and his legacy has been part of my life. Some years ago I was going through some troubles and almost gave up on my master's degree. But Shackleton came to aid: I put on my computer screen that famous photo where part of Endurance crew waves to Shackleton and others men on James Caird while leaving to get help. This photo gave me strength to finish my dissertation. To honor Shackleton, the dissertation epigraph was "By endurance, we conquer".