Captain Scott's Antarctic Expedition (1910–1912): Equipment and Supplies

Vessels

• Terra Nova – Main expedition ship
• Morning – Support vessel

Transport

• Motor sledges (experimental, often unreliable)
• Horse-drawn sledges (Siberian ponies)
• Man-hauled sledges (primary mode after animal losses)

Animals

• Siberian Huskies (for sledging)
• Ponies (for hauling supplies initially)

Provisions

• Pemmican (concentrated meat/fat ration)
• Biscuits, chocolate, sugar, tea, cocoa
• Fuel (paraffin, coal) for stoves

Scientific & Navigation Gear

• Meteorological instruments, geological tools
• Compasses, sextants, chronometers
• Cameras, photographic plates, film

Survival Essentials

• Fur-lined suits, boots, goggles, mittens
• Tents, sleeping bags, camping gear
• Medical supplies, first aid
• Ropes, ice axes, signal flags, flares
• Personal items: diaries, books

Outcome

Despite meticulous preparation, Scott's party reached the South Pole on January 17, 1912, only to find Amundsen had beaten them by 34 days. All five men perished on the return journey—iconic tragedy that still shapes polar exploration lore.