Antarctic Plinth dedicated
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The start of the ceremony
The fourth and final monument "to those who lost their lives in Antarctica in the pursuit of science to benefit us all" was dedicated in the Memorial Orchard of British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Cambridge on Saturday 6 July 2024. Marking the completion of a 20 year project by the British Antarctic Monument Trust (BAMT) the event was attended by some 60 people including relatives and colleagues of those lost and members of the BAS Club. Roderick Rhys Jones, Chairman of BAMT thanked everyone for coming particularly family representatives of Kirsty Brown who was lost in a diving accident in 2003 and Michael Walker who died with Graham Whitfield and Geoffrey Hargreaves in 1976 returning from the ascent of Mount Peary .
He explained that the bronze plinth was originally part of the Antarctic Monument sited on the waterfront in Stanley supporting a stainless needle. Following concerns of corrosion of the needle a decision was taken to replace the monument in 2021. The original monument was returned and Pangolin removed the needle, capped the plinth and donated it to the British Antarctic Monument Trust. Rhys Jones thanked BAS for building the foundation for it in the Memorial Orchard. It is the only monument in the UK where the names of those who lost their lives are marked. A memorial book is on display in BAS Library where pages are turned throughout the year. Memorial books are also held by the Scott Polar Research Institute and at the Falkland Island Museum and National Trust.
The top face of the plinth (with raindrops)
The plinth in the BAS Memorial Orchard
Rhys Jones said that the event drew to a close the project to commemorate those that did not return after 20 years. Achievements include the commissioning and dedication of the Antarctic Memorial in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral, London in 2011 and the dedication of the Northern part of the Antarctic Monument at the Scott Polar Research Institute, a few days later. In 2015 the Southern part of the Antarctic Monument was installed on the waterfront in Stanley, Falkland Islands and the Trust organised a Voyage to remember when a group of 85, families, colleagues and supporters sailed to the Falkland Islands for the dedication by the Bishop of the Falkland Islands. The monument is now under the care of the Falkland Island Museum and National Trust.
He spoke about the onward voyage to South Georgia, Signy Island, Rothera, Deception and other bases on the Peninsula where those who did not return lived and worked. He also drew attention to the successful petitioning for the naming of geographic features for each of those that did not return. In 2006 when BAMT was registered as a charity 15 out of the 29 who had lost their lives had not been recognised. Now all had named features close to where they had died.
After Rod had finished speaking he asked John Dudeney BAS Club Chairman and previously Deputy Director of BAS to read the names of that those who did not return as inscribed upon the plinth.
Jane Francis, Director of BAS, speaking at the Dedication Cermony
Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of BAS, spoke about the importance of Antarctic science to understanding the world and the critical need for a robust safety culture. She also spoke about the huge developments in communications whereby she could speak to staff in Antarctica face-to-face from her desk. Previously communications were limited and labourious - by telex and even morse code.
Alan Cheshire, Antarctic veteran who travelled from Australia to attend, stepped forward to touch the plinth and read the emotive poem he wrote on the 2015 Voyage to Remember organised by BAMT for 85 people to attend the dedication of the Southern Monument in Stanley, Falkland Islands - Gateway to Antarctica.
John Dudeney, Rod Rhys Jones listening to Alan Cheshire's words
All FIDs leave a part of themselves in the Antarctic when it’s their time to go home.
So in a very real sense, the souls of those who rest here for eternity are never, ever truly alone.
They are an integral part of who we are today.
And whilst we may grow old and memories fade, they remain for ever young, and forever in our hearts.'
After the reading Alan Cheshire called for a minute's silence.