2011 Ross Dependency Race to the Pole

The 2011 Ross Dependency stamp issue: Race to the Pole pays tribute to Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Scott of Britain – the two explorers who famously led their parties to the yet-unconquered South Pole. Both had polar experience behind them and were intent on achieving success on behalf of their countries.

The individual stamps in this issue are as follows:

60c - Roald Amundsen

A skilled explorer and well known for his meticulous planning, Amundsen set his sights on the South Pole when he heard of Scott’s forthcoming Antarctic expedition. He departed Norway on 9 August 1910 aboard the ship Fram, at which time his destination was known only to his most trusted officers.

$1.20 - Amundsen triumphs

Amundsen arrived at the Bay of Whales on the Ross Ice Shelf on 14 January 1911, giving him a 97-kilometre advantage over Scott. After spending months preparing depots, he set off with his party on 19 October 1911. They successfully reached the pole on 14 December 1911 and proudly flew the Norwegian flag.

$1.90 - Robert Scott

Robert Scott announced his venture to the South Pole in 1909 and in 1910 the British Antarctic Expedition left London on the Terra Nova for New Zealand. After a perilous leg from New Zealand to Antarctica, Scott and his crew reached Ross Island in January 1911, where they erected their hut at Cape Evans.

$2.40 - The last camp

Before setting out, Scott spent time preparing depots along his route and departed towards the South Pole on 1 November 1911. As they ventured further south, the party reduced in size as successive support teams turned back. On 16 January 1912 they sighted a black speck in the distance, and realised that the Norwegians had beaten them to the pole.

$2.90 - Great explorers, brave men

Amundsen returned to Norway a hero, and in later years successfully flew over the North Pole, making him the first man to visit both poles. Sadly he passed away in 1928 when involved in an airship crash. Scott perished on his return journey from the South Pole, and his body, as well as those of his comrades, was found in November 1912. A cairn with a cross made from skis was erected over his tent, and a second cross was erected at Observation Hill, Ross Island.