Book Description

The aristocracy of Antarctic exploration does not include the name of Thomas Orde Hans Lees. He came away from Shackleton's 1914 expedition with the reputation of being the least popular and most criticised of the men involved in the Endurance adventure in the Weddell Sea. Not only was he disliked simply for being himself but he was also expected to become the first victim of cannibalism if the 22 men of Elephant Island had run out of food. Previous accounts of Shackleton's adventure have unfailingly mentioned that Orde Lees was unpopular. Though they have plundered his excellent journal for much of the detail of life on board the Endurance, on the pack ice and finally on Elephant Island, the part he played in keeping the men alive has not been recognised. His journal has - surprinsingly - never been published and this book is a long overdue testament to a much misunderstood - and probably unfairly maligned - man. After his rescue from Elephant Island, Orde Lees campaigned vigorously for the use of parachutes in the newly formed Royal Air Force and he was publicly credited with being the primary advocate. Many pilots owe their lives to his faith in this new invention. He went on to perform more service for his country in Japan and spent the final period of his life in New Zealand.