Ernest Shackleton Quiz

1. Which of the lifeboats did Shackleton, Crean, McCarthy, McNish, Worsley and Vincent sail from Elephant Island to South Georgia?

Dudley Docker

James Caird

Stancomb Wills

In what has been described as the greatest feat of open boat navigation, the men sailed the tiny lifeboat 800 miles across the Weddell Sea.

Explanation

In what has been described as the greatest feat of open boat navigation, the men sailed the tiny lifeboat 800 miles across the Weddell Sea.

2. On the Endurance Expedition, what was discovered aboard the ship after it had departed Buenos Aires?

A snake

A fire

A leak

A stowaway

Perce Blackborrow was only 18 when he hid aboard the Endurance and was only discovered after 3 days at sea. He would later have to endure amputations to his badly frostbitten feet on Elephant Island.

Explanation

Perce Blackborrow was only 18 when he hid aboard the Endurance and was only discovered after 3 days at sea. He would later have to endure amputations to his badly frostbitten feet on Elephant Island.

3. What was the name of Harry McNish's cat who also travelled on the Endurance?

Socks

Snowy

Tiddums

Mrs. Chippy

4. In what Irish County was Ernest Shackleton born?

Kerry

Kildare

Laois

Offaly

Shackleton was born at Kilkea near Athy in Co. Kildare.

Explanation

Shackleton was born at Kilkea near Athy in Co. Kildare.

5. Shackleton, Wild, Marshall and Adams set a new Furthest South record at 88 degrees 23' S. Approximately how far were they from the South Pole?

97 miles

150 miles

57 miles

35 miles

Shackleton took the brave decision to turn back due to lack of provisions. The new record was established on January 9th 1909.

Explanation

Shackleton took the brave decision to turn back due to lack of provisions. The new record was established on January 9th 1909.

6. On which ship did Shackleton return to Elephant Island to rescue the remaining Endurance crew in August 1916

Emma

Yelcho

Instituto de Pesca No 1

Southern Sky

Shackleton had made failed attempts on each of the other named ships before finally liberating the crew with the Yelcho.

Explanation

Shackleton had made failed attempts on each of the other named ships before finally liberating the crew with the Yelcho.

7. In 1907 Shackleton lead his own Antarctic expedition aboard what ship?

Endurance

Terra Nova

Yelcho

Nimrod

Nimrod - The British Antarctic Expedition 1907 - 1909

Explanation

Nimrod - The British Antarctic Expedition 1907 - 1909

8. Shackleton named the Endurance's three lifeboats after whom?

The expeditions chief sponsors

The Royal Family

Members of the Royal Geographical Society

Former explorers

9. Shackleton was among a three man team that set a new Farthest South record in 1902. Who were the other two men?

Scott and Wilson

Scott and Crean

Scott and Evans

Scott and Wild

Scott, Shackleton and Wilson achieved the feat on the Discovery Expedition (1901-1904)

Explanation

Scott, Shackleton and Wilson achieved the feat on the Discovery Expedition (1901-1904)

10. In what year was Ernest Shackleton born?

1872

1873

1874

1875

11. Shackleton took part in the first Antarctic hot air balloon ride?

True

False

He did so while on his first expedition in 1902 with Robert Scott.

Explanation

He did so while on his first expedition in 1902 with Robert Scott.

12. Who did Shackleton seek advice from before departure on the Nimrod?

Nansen

Scott

Amundsen

Beardmore

Shackleton consulted Nansen for advice on equipment and transport.

Explanation

Shackleton consulted Nansen for advice on equipment and transport.

13. What latitude did Scott, Shackleton and Wilson reach to establish their new Farthest South record in 1902?

82º 11' S

83º 12' S

82º 17' S

83º 15' S

They turned for base on 30th December 1902 after reaching 82º 17' S.

Explanation

They turned for base on 30th December 1902 after reaching 82º 17' S.

14. After the Endurance had become entrapped in ice and abandoned, the crew set up a series of camps on the ice floes. Which of the below was not one of these camps?

Dump Camp

Ocean Camp

Patience Camp

Glacier Camp

15. "For scientific leadership, give me Scott; for swift and efficient travel, Amundsen; but when you are in a hopeless situation, when there seems to be no way out, get on your knees and pray for Shackleton."Who said this of Shackleton

Douglas Mawson

Roald Amundsen

Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Raymond Priestly