PREFACE 
the war was when we left Buenos Ayres. Then the Russian 
Steam-Roller was advancing. According to many the war 
would be over within six months. And so we left, not without 
regret that we could not take our place there, but secure in 
the knowledge that we were taking part in a strenuous campaign 
for the credit of our country. 
Apart from private individuals and societies I here acknow- 
ledge most gratefully the assistance rendered by the Dominion 
Government of New Zealand and the Commonwealth Govern- 
ment of Austraha at the start of the Ross Sea section of the 
Expedition ; and to the people of New Zealand and the 
Dominion Government I tender my most grateful thanks for 
their continued help, which was invaluable during the dark 
^ days before the relief of the Ross Sea Party. 
Mr. James Allen (acting Premier), the late Mr. McNab 
(Minister of Marine), Mr. Leonard Tripp, Mr. Mabin, and Mr. 
Toogood, and many others have laid me under a debt of grati- 
tude that can never be repaid. 
This is also the opportunity for me to thank the Uruguayan 
Government for their generous assistance in placing the govern- 
ment trawler, Insiituto de Pesca, for the second attempt at the 
rehef of my men on Elephant Island. 
Finally, it was the Chihan Govenmient that was directly 
responsible for the rescue of my conu'ades. This southern 
Republic was unwearied in its efforts to make a successful 
rescue, and the gratitude of our whole party is due to them. 
1 especially mention the sympathetic attitude of Admiral 
Munoz Hurtado, head of the Chilian Navy, and Captain Luis 
Pardo, who commanded the Yelcho on our last and successful 
venture. 
Sir Daniel Gooch came with us as far as South Georgia. I 
owe him my special thanks for his help with the dogs, and we 
all regretted losing his cheery presence when we sailed for the 
South. 
b 
XV 
