Part I: Seals teeth and whales ears - Scott Polar Research Institute ...

Chapter 14
Cambridge and the Falklands Fur Seal
Survey, l950-51
Group of Falkland Island fur seals
O
n 23 February 1950 the John Biscoe arrived at our island with HE the
Governor on board.. She departed on 28 February, with Derek, John,
Charlie and me on board, first call Port Stanley. During the five days,
which passed very quickly, I had several discussions with [Sir} Miles Clifford
about my work and plans, which involved spending six months at Cambridge,
writing up and preparing for a year at South Georgia, to study elephant seals
and the sealing industry there.
I also joined in the relief operation, helping to transport many tons of stores
and supplies by hand 70 feet up a rocky slope to the base site. It had been
decided increase the complement to five and to enlarge the base. Bill Sladen
was the new Base Leader and I handed over to him – Post Office accounts,
stores inventories and local knowledge. With him were John Cheal (Surveyor),
Eric Salmon (Meteorologist), Ron Worswick, and Dave Duke (Wireless
Operator). While the handover and re-supply went ahead the materials for
enlarging the base, incorporating our old home, were unloaded and building
began – there was to be an extension to provide a bunk room for five men, the
remainder of the base to be reorganized. It had also been decided to remove the
husky dogs from Argentine Islands base and three teams were put ashore at
Signy. During my research we had collected a supply of seal meat for dog food,
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