The Secret South - A tale of Operation Tabarin, 1943-46

To say that this book is a revelation is an understatement. In 1942, a group of Argentine naval personnel went ashore in the South Shetland Islands (part of Antarctica) and claimed them and a large area of the Antarctic continent for Argentina. Sound familiar? The Argentines had assumed that the pressures of fighting a world war would mean that there would be no reaction from Britain. However, they were wrong. A combined scientific and service team was sent in December 1943 to establish a British presence and commence scientific work and exploration. This book was written by Ivan MacKenzie Lamb, a distinguished botanist working at the British museum with a lifelong interest in Antarctic lichen. Disillusioned by the horror of war, he welcomed joining the team as he hoped it would restore his faith in humanity. Lamb’s account doesn’t really say whether he found the philosophical answer he was looking for but his account of exploration in the pre-GPS and Goretex-era is fascinating. A private, somewhat introspective man, he proved to be a tough explorer. Supported by supply ships from the Falklands when the ice permitted, the small team of 13 had to construct their hut and use dog teams for their exploration. He writes that his tale is not one of gruelling hardship and icy wastes, but rather “an unassuming and straightforward account”, covering both the lighter side of life as well as the serious research. An avid expedition diary writer, the team’s isolation is best illustrated by an entry for 20 August 1945 that they had picked up a radio message that the Japanese war was over remarking: “Wonder why Japan collapsed so quickly.” Returning to UK in spring 1946, the expedition were surprised by the apparent indifference to all that they had achieved – “the quietness of our departure was only exceeded by that of our return”. On his return, Lamb continued his botany studies and writing. This is an extraordinary story of an old fashioned Antarctic adventure under fairly basic conditions. Lamb’s account is an enjoyable, enlightening read and highly recommended.