1909 Alistair Forbes Mackay at the South Magnetic Pole
Alistair Forbes Mackay 1876 - 1914
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Journey to the South Magnetic Pole
Alistair - the spelling of his christian name varies with time and source - was the 4th son of Alexander Forbes Mackay and Mabel Innes. Educated in Edinburgh, he undertook biological work and served in South Africa in the Boer War. On his return to Scotland, he passed his examinations in medicine, and returned to the war as a surgeon. Then Alistair entered the Navy as a surgeon, retired after four years' service, and joined Shackleton's 1908 - 1909 South Pole expedition. Alistair joined Australians Professor Edgeworth David and Sir Douglas Mawson as the first people to reach the South Magnetic Pole. The epic three man expedition is well recorded in a journal by Professor David and Alastair's diary. David's journal covers more detail than Mackay's and records that Mackay was a very important member of the small group. Alistair was adept at hunting seals and penguins, usually correct in making important decisions, and displayed a great sense of humour. By comparison, Alistair's diary is more matter of fact but displays some humour in the final paragraph - see right. Alistair Forbes Mackay is commemorated by Mackay Glacier 76°58’ S 162°00' E which was discovered by the South Magnetic Pole Party. |
Final paragraph in Alistair's journal - the moment of being reunited with the expedition's ship
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1913 Arctic expedition
Anxious to resume polar exploration, Alistair joined the ill-fated 1913 Stefansson Canadian Arctic Expedition. Alistair died a stoic death on an ice floe, after refusing assistance, and he was never seen again. Alistair never married. |
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