Your Progress
In this transcript, you have edited

0 lines

Out of 1 available lines
0:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

My name is Ingrid McGaughey and I'm having My name is Ingrid McGaughey and I'm having
0:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a conversation with Bob Dingle at his home in Swansea on the 24th of August 2011. a conversation with Bob Dingle at his home in Swansea on the 24th of August 2011.
0:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Bob did seven winters down south including Heard Island '51 and Mawson '54. Bob you've... Bob did seven winters down south including Heard Island '51 and Mawson '54. Bob you've...
0:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

often said that Heard Island for you was one of your best years down south. often said that Heard Island for you was one of your best years down south.
0:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

What made it so good? [Bob] Probably the environment itself sort of What made it so good? [Bob] Probably the environment itself sort of
0:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

thing you know it was a..  a magical island I recall it thing you know it was a..  a magical island I recall it
0:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you know. Plenty of bird life, plenty of sea life you know. Plenty of bird life, plenty of sea life
0:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and ah some delightful walking opportunities too, and ah some delightful walking opportunities too,
0:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

most of it on, on the icescape itself, sort of thing, yeah. most of it on, on the icescape itself, sort of thing, yeah.
0:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

In fact we,  um the three of us,  were the first to walk around, do a In fact we,  um the three of us,  were the first to walk around, do a
1:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a complete circumnavigation of Heard Island. a complete circumnavigation of Heard Island.
1:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

My two companions, who were on that trip with me,  they're no longer alive I'm afraid, there was My two companions, who were on that trip with me,  they're no longer alive I'm afraid, there was
1:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

there's Nils Lied, who was a radio operator and there was there's Nils Lied, who was a radio operator and there was
1:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a ... one of the biologists sort of thing. Can't think of his name for  a ... one of the biologists sort of thing. Can't think of his name for 
1:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the moment, it'll come back to me eventually. But we did the  the moment, it'll come back to me eventually. But we did the 
1:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

anticlockwise track around the island and I think it took us about anticlockwise track around the island and I think it took us about
1:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sixteen days or something like that.  Did a fair bit of fuller research work with the uh with the sixteen days or something like that.  Did a fair bit of fuller research work with the uh with the
1:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

penguins and seals and things like that. penguins and seals and things like that.
1:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

It was It was
1:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a good trip, yeah, I must admit, yeah . Sixteen days, I think from memory. It a good trip, yeah, I must admit, yeah . Sixteen days, I think from memory. It
2:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

has been circumnavigated again, the following year I think has been circumnavigated again, the following year I think
2:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

but they went in the reverse direction, but we were the first to do it, that's to our  but they went in the reverse direction, but we were the first to do it, that's to our 
2:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

credit I think. Yeah credit I think. Yeah
2:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid] What did the research work involve? [Bob]As far as ?met? goes?  [Ingrid]No when you circumnavigate ... [Ingrid] What did the research work involve? [Bob]As far as ?met? goes?  [Ingrid]No when you circumnavigate ...
2:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

...gated the island? [Bob]  Ah, mostly so, mostly biological yeah yeah ...gated the island? [Bob]  Ah, mostly so, mostly biological yeah yeah
2:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

We were doing doing sort We were doing doing sort
2:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

of seal counts and penguin counts and all the rest of it. [Ingrid] When you of seal counts and penguin counts and all the rest of it. [Ingrid] When you
2:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you left Heard did you know you left Heard did you know
2:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

then, that you would apply to go back with the Antarctic Division? [Bob] I think so yeah then, that you would apply to go back with the Antarctic Division? [Bob] I think so yeah
2:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think so, I'm pretty sure of that. [Ingrid] So you've already talked about how Phil Law approached I think so, I'm pretty sure of that. [Ingrid] So you've already talked about how Phil Law approached
2:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you to go down with the for, the 1st group to go to Mawson in 1954.  Can you tell me a you to go down with the for, the 1st group to go to Mawson in 1954.  Can you tell me a
3:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a little bit about the pre-departure preparations for that? [Bob]What for the 1954? a little bit about the pre-departure preparations for that? [Bob]What for the 1954?
3:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah well I would have spent most of my time at, at the Tottenham Depot where Yeah well I would have spent most of my time at, at the Tottenham Depot where
3:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

most of our stores were packed sort of thing. And we had most, most of the most of our stores were packed sort of thing. And we had most, most of the
3:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

buildings we took, well all the buildings we took with us naturally, sort of thing and buildings we took, well all the buildings we took with us naturally, sort of thing and
3:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

they were sort of prefabricated. And ah they were sort of prefabricated. And ah
3:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the prefabricated units were sort of, landed at Tottenham  and then, then it was our  the prefabricated units were sort of, landed at Tottenham  and then, then it was our 
3:45

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

job there to sort of, build the buildings at Tottenham to make sure that we knew what job there to sort of, build the buildings at Tottenham to make sure that we knew what
3:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we were doing sort of thing and make sure that everything fitted.  So we did we were doing sort of thing and make sure that everything fitted.  So we did
3:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a sort of a trial run of everything, construction work, before we sort of a sort of a trial run of everything, construction work, before we sort of
4:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

directly landed at uh directly landed at uh
4:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

at Mac... at Mawson yeah.  [Ingrid] Did you at Mac... at Mawson yeah.  [Ingrid] Did you
4:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

have any other duties at the store as well? [Bob] Oh  just helping the, just helping the have any other duties at the store as well? [Bob] Oh  just helping the, just helping the
4:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

stores manager sort of thing. Helping him to sort of pack stuff you know. Yeah, yeah stores manager sort of thing. Helping him to sort of pack stuff you know. Yeah, yeah
4:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

He was always good scout to work with, no doubt about that, George Smith. I think he was He was always good scout to work with, no doubt about that, George Smith. I think he was
4:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

he was of the main sort of research unit for he was of the main sort of research unit for
4:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Antarctic Division because he knew how to sort of analyse what the people were Antarctic Division because he knew how to sort of analyse what the people were
4:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

like sort of thing, you know. He was a good,  he was like sort of thing, you know. He was a good,  he was
4:53

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a good sort of, he was always able to sort of say. "Well this fellow is no bloody  a good sort of, he was always able to sort of say. "Well this fellow is no bloody 
4:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

good" sort of thing and that was good" sort of thing and that was
5:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a big help, yeah yeah.   Nothing, nothing unusual for George to a big help, yeah yeah.   Nothing, nothing unusual for George to
5:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sort of come and say "You're going to get trouble with that bastard you know...."  [Ingrid] And was  sort of come and say "You're going to get trouble with that bastard you know...."  [Ingrid] And was 
5:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

he right? [Bob]  He was right yeah yeah yeah. He was,  he was he right? [Bob]  He was right yeah yeah yeah. He was,  he was
5:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

he was more adept at picking people not Phil Law was,  I would say yeah. he was more adept at picking people not Phil Law was,  I would say yeah.
5:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yes. [Ingrid]So was George Smith actually involved with the selection process or did he Yes. [Ingrid]So was George Smith actually involved with the selection process or did he
5:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

just make his comments known later?  [Bob] No he would make his comments known. Now what his just make his comments known later?  [Bob] No he would make his comments known. Now what his
5:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

communication link with Phil Law was I,  I wouldn't really know but I think he was communication link with Phil Law was I,  I wouldn't really know but I think he was
5:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was the sort of person who would sort of, if he sort of doubted somebody, I think he was the sort of person who would sort of, if he sort of doubted somebody, I think he
5:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

would sort of get the message through to Phil Law. Yeah because most people had to spend a would sort of get the message through to Phil Law. Yeah because most people had to spend a
5:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

fair bit of time out at Tottenham fair bit of time out at Tottenham
6:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sort of  helping to sort of pack supplies, and, and pre ... sort of  helping to sort of pack supplies, and, and pre ...
6:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and manage buildings sort of thing.  [Ingrid] So to your knowledge was anyone ever selected and and manage buildings sort of thing.  [Ingrid] So to your knowledge was anyone ever selected and
6:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

then did not go south because they were found to be unsuitable in that intervening period? [Bob] No I  then did not go south because they were found to be unsuitable in that intervening period? [Bob] No I 
6:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I can't, I can't.. that sort of thing, no, no. I mean it could have happened, yeah. I can't, I can't.. that sort of thing, no, no. I mean it could have happened, yeah.
6:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Could happen. [Ingrid]Can you tell me Could happen. [Ingrid]Can you tell me
6:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a little bit about your trip down to Mawson and your first impressions? a little bit about your trip down to Mawson and your first impressions?
6:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah that was when we sort of had the Kista Dan wasn't it? Yeah that was when we sort of had the Kista Dan wasn't it?
6:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah the Kista Dan that came to, to Mawson Yeah the Kista Dan that came to, to Mawson
6:53

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Took a fair bit of... took a fair time sort of.... There was a fear that Took a fair bit of... took a fair time sort of.... There was a fear that
6:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a lot of bad ice that year sort of thing, took us such an awful  a lot of bad ice that year sort of thing, took us such an awful 
7:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

long time to sort of get into the actual, long time to sort of get into the actual,
7:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the actual sort of uh landing area. the actual sort of uh landing area.
7:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think it was I think it was
7:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a bad year for ice and we....a lot of the stuff was a bad year for ice and we....a lot of the stuff was
7:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

landed before we actually got to the coast sort of thing. It landed on the sea landed before we actually got to the coast sort of thing. It landed on the sea
7:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ice and ah, and trucked in.  When I say trucked in, using weasel power to sort of ice and ah, and trucked in.  When I say trucked in, using weasel power to sort of
7:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

take take it in, but not too much because as I say it was a such take take it in, but not too much because as I say it was a such
7:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a sort of tricky business sort of... but a sort of tricky business sort of... but
7:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Bob Davis was keen, keen to to get ashore and get started and I think he  Bob Davis was keen, keen to to get ashore and get started and I think he 
7:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

?scored? some of the advanced work a little too early sort of thing you ?scored? some of the advanced work a little too early sort of thing you
8:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

know, because he lost one weasel in broken ice and probably put know, because he lost one weasel in broken ice and probably put
8:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the fair bit of pressure on the other weasels too sort of thing. When the fair bit of pressure on the other weasels too sort of thing. When
8:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

if we waited another couple of weeks we could have done it quite easily yeah. if we waited another couple of weeks we could have done it quite easily yeah.
8:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

So when you say one weasel was lost through the broken ice was that So when you say one weasel was lost through the broken ice was that
8:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

during the landing stage ? [Bob]During the .... before the landing yeah. [Ingrid] Was that weasel during the landing stage ? [Bob]During the .... before the landing yeah. [Ingrid] Was that weasel
8:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ever recovered. [Bob]Um I can't remember . Can't remember. I think I think I ever recovered. [Bob]Um I can't remember . Can't remember. I think I think I
8:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

think it was actually. think it was actually.
8:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think it went down with three, three wheels.  Yeah I think it would have been I think it went down with three, three wheels.  Yeah I think it would have been
8:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

recovered.  But it wasn't, it didn't actually sort of sink or anything like that, it just sort of recovered.  But it wasn't, it didn't actually sort of sink or anything like that, it just sort of
8:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

broke through the ice and the the rest of the ice, free ice sort of kept it broke through the ice and the the rest of the ice, free ice sort of kept it
9:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

from sinking yeah yeah . I have to think about these things . [Ingrid] So what did, from sinking yeah yeah . I have to think about these things . [Ingrid] So what did,
9:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

what was sort of the pattern of work over that first couple of weeks when you were at what was sort of the pattern of work over that first couple of weeks when you were at
9:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Mawson? [Bob] Oh hectic, hectic, no question about that, yeah.    Because there was a,  there's Mawson? [Bob] Oh hectic, hectic, no question about that, yeah.    Because there was a,  there's
9:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

no, there was no level ground at Mawson anywhere, I mean it was, it was a very much no, there was no level ground at Mawson anywhere, I mean it was, it was a very much
9:25

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a sort of a hilly sort of environment. a sort of a hilly sort of environment.
9:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And once again there wasn't an awful lot of building that we had to deal with while we were there.  And once again there wasn't an awful lot of building that we had to deal with while we were there. 
9:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

There was the main sort of accommodation hut,  where everything happened  ??? There was the main sort of accommodation hut,  where everything happened  ???
9:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

out  main accommodation hut anyway, I mean we all slept together aboard a ... out  main accommodation hut anyway, I mean we all slept together aboard a ...
9:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

say, we did have cubicles sort of thing but they measured about six feet wide say, we did have cubicles sort of thing but they measured about six feet wide
9:52

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

or something like that. The kitchen was in the main hut . It was or something like that. The kitchen was in the main hut . It was
9:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the main recreation area, the main toilet area, the main weather bureau sort of the main recreation area, the main toilet area, the main weather bureau sort of
10:07

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah yeah.  [Ingrid] So that was Bisco Hut?  [Bob]That was Bisco, yeah. [Ingrid] So when you say that there yeah yeah.  [Ingrid] So that was Bisco Hut?  [Bob]That was Bisco, yeah. [Ingrid] So when you say that there
10:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was the main radio area, so there was the rec room and the mess at one end? was the main radio area, so there was the rec room and the mess at one end?
10:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

The mess would've been at one end, yeah the mess and the kitchen would have been at one end. The mess would've been at one end, yeah the mess and the kitchen would have been at one end.
10:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And there would have been about four, would have been about three ... three bunk And there would have been about four, would have been about three ... three bunk
10:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

areas on the same side that the kitchen was on, and there would have been about seven bunk areas on the same side that the kitchen was on, and there would have been about seven bunk
10:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

areas on the other side, yeah. [Ingrid] And the radio room and the ablutions area? areas on the other side, yeah. [Ingrid] And the radio room and the ablutions area?
10:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Now the ah, radio no .... Now the ah, radio no ....
10:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the radio was separate. There was a separate building for the radio and that  the radio was separate. There was a separate building for the radio and that 
10:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

building housed the, ah, the doctor's surgery, building housed the, ah, the doctor's surgery,
11:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

radio.  That would have been it I think yeah. [Ingrid] And what did you do for your ablutions radio.  That would have been it I think yeah. [Ingrid] And what did you do for your ablutions
11:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

block?  [Bob]  Ah, that was down the ah block?  [Bob]  Ah, that was down the ah
11:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ablutions block would would have been down at the, ah, main main diesel generator section, ablutions block would would have been down at the, ah, main main diesel generator section,
11:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the main, the main source of power. I think we had three, three ?Vista? the main, the main source of power. I think we had three, three ?Vista?
11:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

power generators. Three diesel power generators and power generators. Three diesel power generators and
11:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we had we had
11:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a bathroom off the, off the engine room a bathroom off the, off the engine room
11:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and the exhaust from the diesel units went through the main and the exhaust from the diesel units went through the main
11:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

water tank so that we sort of, threw the snow into the water tank and the water tank so that we sort of, threw the snow into the water tank and the
12:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

exhaust mel.. melted,  melted up the water for us. exhaust mel.. melted,  melted up the water for us.
12:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And that was quite some distance from the main station yeah. And that was quite some distance from the main station yeah.
12:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid] And did you have the opportunity to have showers or baths during your time there?  [Bob] Oh yeah [Ingrid] And did you have the opportunity to have showers or baths during your time there?  [Bob] Oh yeah
12:25

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah about once a yeah about once a
12:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a week or something like that, yeah.  I don't know if it would have been once a a week or something like that, yeah.  I don't know if it would have been once a
12:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a week because there was you see, there was twelve of us I think a week because there was you see, there was twelve of us I think
12:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think first year . Twelve? I think first year . Twelve?
12:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Ten or twelve.  A good think about this .... Ten or twelve.  A good think about this ....
13:07

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I've probably got I've probably got
13:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I've probably got a job to remember the people's names.  I've probably got a job to remember the people's names. 
13:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

This old book gets a lot of use. [Ingrid]The ANARE This old book gets a lot of use. [Ingrid]The ANARE
13:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Outpost book by Bechervaise and Law?  [Bob] Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Outpost book by Bechervaise and Law?  [Bob] Yes. Yeah. Yeah.
13:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

This is Mawson we're talking about isn't it? [ Ingrid] Mmm, Mawson '54. This is Mawson we're talking about isn't it? [ Ingrid] Mmm, Mawson '54.
13:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Bob] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 now ten of us. [Ingrid]  Ten.  [Bob] There were ten of us. [Bob] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 now ten of us. [Ingrid]  Ten.  [Bob] There were ten of us.
13:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I thought it was ten. [Ingrid] So you mention that the 1st few weeks were very hectic so you put up I thought it was ten. [Ingrid] So you mention that the 1st few weeks were very hectic so you put up
14:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Bisco Hut,  the hut for the radio room and the doctor's surgery. [Bob]Yeah yeah.  [Ingrid]  and also Bisco Hut,  the hut for the radio room and the doctor's surgery. [Bob]Yeah yeah.  [Ingrid]  and also
14:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a diesel [Bob] diesel generator ...[Ingrid] generator hut . [Bob]And the, the mechanics workshop a diesel [Bob] diesel generator ...[Ingrid] generator hut . [Bob]And the, the mechanics workshop
14:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sort of thing.  [Ingrid] Were there any other huts at all?  [Bob] No no. Oh there were a couple of sort of thing.  [Ingrid] Were there any other huts at all?  [Bob] No no. Oh there were a couple of
14:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

couple of stores huts, sort of thing, where we could, sort of um,  couple of stores huts, sort of thing, where we could, sort of um, 
14:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the two, two... There was one store hut that I can remember the two, two... There was one store hut that I can remember
14:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

better that the other one.  [Ingrid] So what was your feeling when you watched the ships sail off leaving the better that the other one.  [Ingrid] So what was your feeling when you watched the ships sail off leaving the
14:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ten of you ten of you
14:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

for the, to be in the first wintering [Bob]Yeah [Ingrid] station group? [Bob]I really can't remember. for the, to be in the first wintering [Bob]Yeah [Ingrid] station group? [Bob]I really can't remember.
14:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I don't think there was any sort of big reaction sort of I don't think there was any sort of big reaction sort of
14:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

thing I mean it happened, that's it. You've got to take it. thing I mean it happened, that's it. You've got to take it.
14:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

It's so long ago I can't sort of, recollect any feeling.  [Ingrid] So what was the year It's so long ago I can't sort of, recollect any feeling.  [Ingrid] So what was the year
15:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

like?  [Bob]  It was a good year actually yeah. We had a, we had a cook like?  [Bob]  It was a good year actually yeah. We had a, we had a cook
15:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a cook who was,  had a cook who was,  had
15:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a drink problem. So we had to sort of handle him a drink problem. So we had to sort of handle him
15:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a little bit sort of thing. We had a little bit sort of thing. We had
15:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a Frenchman who was, supposedly a a Frenchman who was, supposedly a
15:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

dog handler but he was,  he wasn't of much use at all actually, he was dog handler but he was,  he wasn't of much use at all actually, he was
15:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

physically incapable I would say.  There were people physically incapable I would say.  There were people
15:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

like Macey . You know Macy with a like Macey . You know Macy with a
15:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a background sort of.  Phil Storer of course a background sort of.  Phil Storer of course
15:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Bill, Bill was quite handy with tools, or I mean you know, he could sort of put, put a Bill, Bill was quite handy with tools, or I mean you know, he could sort of put, put a
16:00

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

put a hut together and all the rest of it. put a hut together and all the rest of it.
16:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

But there were But there were
16:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a couple of um, I would say misfits. When I say misfits not, not suitable a couple of um, I would say misfits. When I say misfits not, not suitable
16:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

expeditioners really.  And the cook was one of them, must admit expeditioners really.  And the cook was one of them, must admit
16:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a bit of a a bit of a
16:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a problem. That was the only time I had trouble with fellow a problem. That was the only time I had trouble with fellow
16:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

expedition members, I would say. yeah. [Ingrid] So how did the station group manage the expedition members, I would say. yeah. [Ingrid] So how did the station group manage the
16:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

cook? [Bob] Well we had to sort of cook? [Bob] Well we had to sort of
16:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

make sure that the liquor we had, we didn't have much liquor sort of thing, but the make sure that the liquor we had, we didn't have much liquor sort of thing, but the
16:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

there was some stuff that we sort of um inherited from there was some stuff that we sort of um inherited from
16:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a previous British expedition that Phil had suddenly picked up somewhere or other a previous British expedition that Phil had suddenly picked up somewhere or other
17:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

including clothing and grog and it was the grog to had to including clothing and grog and it was the grog to had to
17:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

keep the, with the watch out keep keep the, with the watch out keep
17:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a watch on sort of thing. Yes a watch on sort of thing. Yes
17:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we inherited quite a fair bit of old British  we inherited quite a fair bit of old British 
17:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

clothing. Because once again it was nothing special for Antarctic people in  clothing. Because once again it was nothing special for Antarctic people in 
17:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

those days, sort of thing.  I mean we were, we were under underdressed I would say if  those days, sort of thing.  I mean we were, we were under underdressed I would say if 
17:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

anything. I think ?sub? Antarctic anything. I think ?sub? Antarctic
17:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

version in the 1950s was a version in the 1950s was a
17:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was hand outs all round. [Ingrid] So what sort of was hand outs all round. [Ingrid] So what sort of
17:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

gear were you provided with? [Bob]Well I mean, it was, it was reasonable sort of thing I  gear were you provided with? [Bob]Well I mean, it was, it was reasonable sort of thing I 
17:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

mean. I've still got one of the garments here as, as it is sort of thing mean. I've still got one of the garments here as, as it is sort of thing
18:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

gaberdine type um weatherproof. gaberdine type um weatherproof.
18:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And then And then
18:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a few heavy, heavier items for specialised work or things like that, but I mean a few heavy, heavier items for specialised work or things like that, but I mean
18:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when we were, when we did the circuit of Heard Island I mean, we were sort of underdressed when we were, when we did the circuit of Heard Island I mean, we were sort of underdressed
18:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I would say quite, quite thoroughly I would say quite, quite thoroughly
18:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and the main, the main, the main people with us that year would have been, would have and the main, the main, the main people with us that year would have been, would have
18:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

have been let me see,  Bill Storer; have been let me see,  Bill Storer;
18:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

John Russell, who was the engineer; Bill Harvey, who was a carpenter. John Russell, who was the engineer; Bill Harvey, who was a carpenter.
19:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think they were, they were about the main productive workers. You know some I think they were, they were about the main productive workers. You know some
19:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

people are productive and some of them are sort of bludgers. Yeah people are productive and some of them are sort of bludgers. Yeah
19:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid]How was Bob Dovers as the OIC? [Bob]No good, no.  Because he spent most of his [Ingrid]How was Bob Dovers as the OIC? [Bob]No good, no.  Because he spent most of his
19:23

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

time out in the field, sort of thing, so I'd say that Lem Macey sort of time out in the field, sort of thing, so I'd say that Lem Macey sort of
19:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

provide the,  the control of the of the station, sort of thing. Lem was provide the,  the control of the of the station, sort of thing. Lem was
19:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a good scout yeah. [Ingrid]And what was Lem's official role down there? [Bob]He  a good scout yeah. [Ingrid]And what was Lem's official role down there? [Bob]He 
19:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was second in, second in charge sort of thing, but he was senior, senior radio operator sort yeah was second in, second in charge sort of thing, but he was senior, senior radio operator sort yeah
19:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah . [Ingrid] And you also had Bruce  Yeah . [Ingrid] And you also had Bruce 
19:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Stinear down,[Bob] Oh Bruce Stinear... [Ingrid]he was a geologist.   [Bob]yeah yeah Stinear down,[Bob] Oh Bruce Stinear... [Ingrid]he was a geologist.   [Bob]yeah yeah
20:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah Bruce, because he was tied up with the geology sort of thing. Yeah Bruce, because he was tied up with the geology sort of thing.
20:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

But he was not a, Bruce was not a... not a  But he was not a, Bruce was not a... not a 
20:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

very practical person, you know what I mean. You know some people can handle tools and some people very practical person, you know what I mean. You know some people can handle tools and some people
20:23

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I'm afraid Bruce was one of them, he was, I wouldn't say he was incapable but ah... I'm afraid Bruce was one of them, he was, I wouldn't say he was incapable but ah...
20:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Because it was an interesting year in that you very much had your own work program Because it was an interesting year in that you very much had your own work program
20:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

as well as the building of a station?  [Bob]As well as the building, yeah yeah  [Ingrid]  So there were as well as the building of a station?  [Bob]As well as the building, yeah yeah  [Ingrid]  So there were
20:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a lot of roles you needed to do outside your work?  [Bob]Yeah yeah . I think I think a lot of roles you needed to do outside your work?  [Bob]Yeah yeah . I think I think
20:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think Bill Storer, and myself and, and the carpenter were the I think Bill Storer, and myself and, and the carpenter were the
20:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

main sort of workers there or, once again the diesel mechanic main sort of workers there or, once again the diesel mechanic
21:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was a busy, busy boy too. I think there are six of us who was a busy, busy boy too. I think there are six of us who
21:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

were other nationals and there were four Australians I think, and the others were were other nationals and there were four Australians I think, and the others were
21:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

were sort of from other parts of the world, yeah . Frenchmen and the were sort of from other parts of the world, yeah . Frenchmen and the
21:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the Cook was came from the, from the the Cook was came from the, from the
21:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

oh dear, oh dear.... What's the British oh dear, oh dear.... What's the British
21:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Islands? [Ingrid] Jersey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight?  [Bob] No, no further south Islands? [Ingrid] Jersey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight?  [Bob] No, no further south
21:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Sicily. Sicily.
21:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I'll think of it later on. I'll think of it.  It'll come to me. I'll think of it later on. I'll think of it.  It'll come to me.
21:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

The the islands were taken over by the uh The the islands were taken over by the uh
22:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

South Americans. South Georgia. [Ingrid] Falklands. [Bob] Falklands. Yeah that's it. South Americans. South Georgia. [Ingrid] Falklands. [Bob] Falklands. Yeah that's it.
22:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

He came from Falklands. He came from Falklands.
22:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

So there was a Frenchman, a Falkland Islander. There was So there was a Frenchman, a Falkland Islander. There was
22:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a New Zealander and three of us from the U.K. I think a New Zealander and three of us from the U.K. I think
22:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah three of us from the U.K. Odd, odd, odd group . Yeah three of us from the U.K. Odd, odd, odd group .
22:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid] So what did your work duties involve? [Bob]Well mine, mine was primarily [Ingrid] So what did your work duties involve? [Bob]Well mine, mine was primarily
22:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the, the weather side of it. And you sort of made the, the weather side of it. And you sort of made
22:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you made sure  that you helped anybody else who wanted help sort of thing, yeah.  you made sure  that you helped anybody else who wanted help sort of thing, yeah. 
22:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I mean you had to work together there was no question about that. [Ingrid]So what sort of I mean you had to work together there was no question about that. [Ingrid]So what sort of
22:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

program did you have for the meteorological observations? [Bob] Ah well they were, they were program did you have for the meteorological observations? [Bob] Ah well they were, they were
23:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

three hourlies, but there was ah, the stats at  three hourlies, but there was ah, the stats at 
23:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

6 ... 6 in the morning and the observations were 6, 9, 12, 3, 6 ... 6 in the morning and the observations were 6, 9, 12, 3,
23:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

6 and 9 at night. And then the rest of the night was for sleeping 6 and 9 at night. And then the rest of the night was for sleeping
23:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah.  And I was, I was equipped with  yeah.  And I was, I was equipped with 
23:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the normal sort of weather observing sort of equipment, sort of thing .... the normal sort of weather observing sort of equipment, sort of thing ....
23:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

We did, did balloon flights but we did not have We did, did balloon flights but we did not have
23:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the facilities for the facilities for
23:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

upper atmosphere sort of, examination sort of thing. upper atmosphere sort of, examination sort of thing.
24:07

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

But most of my, most of my work would have been tied up with the building work I would say But most of my, most of my work would have been tied up with the building work I would say
24:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah.   [Ingrid] So with the balloon flights, what was the purpose of those?  [Bob]  Wind, wind yeah.   [Ingrid] So with the balloon flights, what was the purpose of those?  [Bob]  Wind, wind
24:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

upper winds yeah.  [Ingrid]  And were there other weather observers with you that year?  upper winds yeah.  [Ingrid]  And were there other weather observers with you that year? 
24:23

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Bob]No no no. [Ingrid] So you did all of the obs from six? [Bob] All of the obs yeah from 6 [Ingrid] through 9.  [Bob]till 9 [Bob]No no no. [Ingrid] So you did all of the obs from six? [Bob] All of the obs yeah from 6 [Ingrid] through 9.  [Bob]till 9
24:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah.  [Ingrid]   And you mentioned that yeah.  [Ingrid]   And you mentioned that
24:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a lot of your work was the building program.  Are there any particular aspects of that that a lot of your work was the building program.  Are there any particular aspects of that that
24:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you can recall? [Bob]Of the building? No except for the fact that some of these things you can recall? [Bob]Of the building? No except for the fact that some of these things
24:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sort of got out of shape in the process of good travelling from, from Melbourne to sort of got out of shape in the process of good travelling from, from Melbourne to
24:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Antarctic, sort of thing.  Or maybe it was because we didn't have the Antarctic, sort of thing.  Or maybe it was because we didn't have the
24:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

right equipment to sort of make sure that the things were level and right equipment to sort of make sure that the things were level and
25:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

all the rest of it sort of, yeah.  Because the surface area was pretty all the rest of it sort of, yeah.  Because the surface area was pretty
25:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

rough there, there was no question about that. I think we spent more time hammering lumps of rough there, there was no question about that. I think we spent more time hammering lumps of
25:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

lumps of rock than doing anything else.[Ingrid] To provide lumps of rock than doing anything else.[Ingrid] To provide
25:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a level platform for the building?  [Bob] Yeah yeah . And then you all had to be a level platform for the building?  [Bob] Yeah yeah . And then you all had to be
25:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

tied down, yeah and that meant sort of tied down, yeah and that meant sort of
25:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

using the air compressor drills to sort of ah, drill, drill holes, and then sort of using the air compressor drills to sort of ah, drill, drill holes, and then sort of
25:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

secure our ropes into the hull,  sort of thing, to wire them down you know. secure our ropes into the hull,  sort of thing, to wire them down you know.
25:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Can you recall how the Can you recall how the
25:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the huts were put together?  [Bob]Well they, they  built them  the huts were put together?  [Bob]Well they, they  built them 
26:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

in sections and then there was a steel rod, that was sort of, go from one in sections and then there was a steel rod, that was sort of, go from one
26:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

direction, from that from one building into the other one sort of thing and then direction, from that from one building into the other one sort of thing and then
26:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

they were bolted together, do you know what I mean? That's lengthwise, yeah. [Ingrid]So they were  they were bolted together, do you know what I mean? That's lengthwise, yeah. [Ingrid]So they were 
26:23

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the silver, like the silver, like
26:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a sort of box? [Bob]Yeah [Ingrid] The ?excel? plastics huts? Cool. Did a sort of box? [Bob]Yeah [Ingrid] The ?excel? plastics huts? Cool. Did
26:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you have any other interesting work programs during the year other than the you have any other interesting work programs during the year other than the
26:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

building of the huts?  [Bob] No building of the huts?  [Bob] No
26:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I wouldn't say so I wouldn't say so
26:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

because,  though there was Dovers and Stinear spent a fair bit of because,  though there was Dovers and Stinear spent a fair bit of
26:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

time in the field sort of thing and Bill Storer there time in the field sort of thing and Bill Storer there
27:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

well did spend well did spend
27:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a fair bit of time with them too, actually because ah there were four of them who did  a fair bit of time with them too, actually because ah there were four of them who did 
27:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

one of their main projects  and they, there was, there was one of their main projects  and they, there was, there was
27:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a there  Dovers, ah Bill Storer, a there  Dovers, ah Bill Storer,
27:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Bill Harvey the carpenter,  and Bruce Stinear, who did the main, Bill Harvey the carpenter,  and Bruce Stinear, who did the main,
27:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

one of the main sort of exploratory trips and they, they had trouble one of the main sort of exploratory trips and they, they had trouble
27:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and in the direction of  ??? Island, sort of thing and the ice broke up and sort of and in the direction of  ??? Island, sort of thing and the ice broke up and sort of
27:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

they got trapped there for they got trapped there for
27:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a while yeah.  [Ingrid]Did a while yeah.  [Ingrid]Did
27:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you have the opportunity to do any field trips while you were down there? [Bob]Me no you have the opportunity to do any field trips while you were down there? [Bob]Me no
28:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I can't, no if you're the weather work you sort of stay with it sort  I can't, no if you're the weather work you sort of stay with it sort 
28:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

of thing. No I never did any field trips, sort of thing. Except  of thing. No I never did any field trips, sort of thing. Except 
28:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when stations were there were three or four weather men with your sort of thing  when stations were there were three or four weather men with your sort of thing 
28:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you would do it then yeah fair enough. But I was mostly, mostly base camp you would do it then yeah fair enough. But I was mostly, mostly base camp
28:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so tied up mostly on the main station. so tied up mostly on the main station.
28:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Once again I'd sort of did the sort of navigation of, of Heard Island Once again I'd sort of did the sort of navigation of, of Heard Island
28:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and the circumnavigation of Macquarie Island too, for that matter. and the circumnavigation of Macquarie Island too, for that matter.
28:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

You would have done the one around Macquarie didn't you?  Yeah. Delightful Island isn't it? You would have done the one around Macquarie didn't you?  Yeah. Delightful Island isn't it?
28:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid] Beautiful.  [Bob] Yeah yeah. And I think it would have been even better in my diaries,  [Ingrid] Beautiful.  [Bob] Yeah yeah. And I think it would have been even better in my diaries, 
29:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

my days because, the the destruction of rabbits and all the rest of it my days because, the the destruction of rabbits and all the rest of it
29:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

has only been done in a matter of the last fifty odd years or so, in the last 40 odd years yeah has only been done in a matter of the last fifty odd years or so, in the last 40 odd years yeah
29:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah. yeah.
29:25

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

What were the medical facilities like at Mawson in '54? What were the medical facilities like at Mawson in '54?
29:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Basic I would say yeah . I don't think there was Basic I would say yeah . I don't think there was
29:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the bed for the bed for
29:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a sick man or anything like that. Surgery was a sick man or anything like that. Surgery was
29:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

minimal. minimal.
29:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think Bob Summers spent more time looking after the dogs than he did human people sort of I think Bob Summers spent more time looking after the dogs than he did human people sort of
30:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

thing, yeah I think I think we were thing, yeah I think I think we were
30:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a pretty fit group of people in that respect. I don't know what would have a pretty fit group of people in that respect. I don't know what would have
30:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

happened if we had anything, if we had happened if we had anything, if we had
30:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a real problem. [Ingrid] Did you have your appendix out before you went down? [Bob]I did yeah. a real problem. [Ingrid] Did you have your appendix out before you went down? [Bob]I did yeah.
30:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Did all of the men have their appendix out? Did all of the men have their appendix out?
30:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And the food on the station? [Bob] Well mostly canned food. Oh we did eat a fair amount of And the food on the station? [Bob] Well mostly canned food. Oh we did eat a fair amount of
30:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

some of us,  some of us who would accept it would eat seal. Seal meat some of us,  some of us who would accept it would eat seal. Seal meat
30:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Never tried penguins. Didn't do any fishing. No time for fishing Never tried penguins. Didn't do any fishing. No time for fishing
30:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

But I would say mostly, mostly canned food and get a bit sort  But I would say mostly, mostly canned food and get a bit sort 
30:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

of sick of that don't you? What was it like in your time? [Ingrid] Not of sick of that don't you? What was it like in your time? [Ingrid] Not
31:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

bad.  [Bob] Not bad it would have been sort of cold storage wouldn't you?  [Ingrid]  Oh yeah I mean we had bad.  [Bob] Not bad it would have been sort of cold storage wouldn't you?  [Ingrid]  Oh yeah I mean we had
31:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

canned food and frozen meats and fish and cray fish for special occasions. canned food and frozen meats and fish and cray fish for special occasions.
31:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Bob] Fish and cray fish.  [Ingrid] And we also had a hydroponics so we used to grow  [Bob] Fish and cray fish.  [Ingrid] And we also had a hydroponics so we used to grow 
31:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a small amount of fresh lettuce and  a small amount of fresh lettuce and 
31:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

cucumbers.  [Bob]  Yeah.  [Ingrid] So did you have any frozen meat or anything?  [Bob] Very little because we cucumbers.  [Bob]  Yeah.  [Ingrid] So did you have any frozen meat or anything?  [Bob] Very little because we
31:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

didn't have the facilities and I'm talking about Mawson, sort of thing didn't have the facilities and I'm talking about Mawson, sort of thing
31:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

didn't have facilities to sort of, the freezer facilities to sort of preserve it. didn't have facilities to sort of, the freezer facilities to sort of preserve it.
31:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

So did you leave most of your food stuffs in the store or in a pile in So did you leave most of your food stuffs in the store or in a pile in
31:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a snowbank or....? [Bob] No in the store. Yeah. a snowbank or....? [Bob] No in the store. Yeah.
32:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

No the variety of food was not, was not good. No the variety of food was not, was not good.
32:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Not the way I would live normally. Must admit. [Ingrid] No biscuits. [Bob]No biscuits no porridge Not the way I would live normally. Must admit. [Ingrid] No biscuits. [Bob]No biscuits no porridge
32:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Oh yeah, porridge there would be porridge. Definitely. [Ingrid] Where there any Oh yeah, porridge there would be porridge. Definitely. [Ingrid] Where there any
32:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

memorable meals or celebrations while you were down there?  [Bob] Oh birthday celebrations yeah memorable meals or celebrations while you were down there?  [Bob] Oh birthday celebrations yeah
32:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

yeah but nothing nothing really memorable sort of thing. I mean if you had yeah but nothing nothing really memorable sort of thing. I mean if you had
32:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a birthday well you had a birthday well you had
32:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a sort of celebration somewhere or other.  Those who sort of like a sort of celebration somewhere or other.  Those who sort of like
32:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the odd drink would have helped themselves sort of thing but other than that it was pretty the odd drink would have helped themselves sort of thing but other than that it was pretty
32:53

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

pretty primitive yeah . [Ingrid] Did you have any midwinter celebrations? pretty primitive yeah . [Ingrid] Did you have any midwinter celebrations?
33:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think we might have had, but I don't really remember them, sort of thing. I can remember them on I think we might have had, but I don't really remember them, sort of thing. I can remember them on
33:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

places like, like Wilkes station because, as I say, I was officer in charge of the base sort of thing places like, like Wilkes station because, as I say, I was officer in charge of the base sort of thing
33:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and you had to sort of, you know, do and you had to sort of, you know, do
33:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a few things. Yes a few things. Yes
33:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it was amazing how we managed at Wilkes, I must admit.  Still I'm getting away from Mawson. it was amazing how we managed at Wilkes, I must admit.  Still I'm getting away from Mawson.
33:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

So you'd already wintered on Heard island in '51. Were there any particular that you took down to So you'd already wintered on Heard island in '51. Were there any particular that you took down to
33:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Mawson, books or hobbies or special interests in your personal luggage for the year? Mawson, books or hobbies or special interests in your personal luggage for the year?
33:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

. .
33:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I don't think we had I don't think we had
33:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

any films. We might have had some records.  any films. We might have had some records. 
34:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

That would have been it. Packs of cards yes.  Dart board possibly. That would have been it. Packs of cards yes.  Dart board possibly.
34:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

You know there was nothing, there were no sort of outstanding sort of items of equipment You know there was nothing, there were no sort of outstanding sort of items of equipment
34:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

in that respect. [Ingrid]Did you bring back any mementos of Mawson or make anything in that respect. [Ingrid]Did you bring back any mementos of Mawson or make anything
34:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

while you were down there?  [Bob] No I didn't. Too busy on things meteorological while you were down there?  [Bob] No I didn't. Too busy on things meteorological
34:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah.  [Ingrid]  Was music Yeah.  [Ingrid]  Was music
34:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a part of your time down there? [Bob] Well it could have been, yeah a part of your time down there? [Bob] Well it could have been, yeah
34:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid] Did you take any musical instruments or .....? [Bob] Ah, no, no instruments. [Ingrid] Did you take any musical instruments or .....? [Bob] Ah, no, no instruments.
34:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid] It was a fairly austere year really wasn't it?  [Bob] Yeah it would have been.  [Ingrid]Work, work, work! [Ingrid] It was a fairly austere year really wasn't it?  [Bob] Yeah it would have been.  [Ingrid]Work, work, work!
34:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yeah that's right Yeah that's right
35:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

there was so much to be done sort of thing. And  there was so much to be done sort of thing. And 
35:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

once again we didn't, a place like Mawson, I mean, there was no recreation room sort of thing once again we didn't, a place like Mawson, I mean, there was no recreation room sort of thing
35:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you know. I mean the ah, d I mean you all live together and that was it. you know. I mean the ah, d I mean you all live together and that was it.
35:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

No come to think of it No come to think of it
35:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the living conditions were sort of pretty, pretty, oh dear the living conditions were sort of pretty, pretty, oh dear
35:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ordinary.  Yeah very ordinary. [Ingrid] So living together in fairly close ordinary.  Yeah very ordinary. [Ingrid] So living together in fairly close
35:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

proximity did that create any particular problems during the year? [Bob] Not really. No, no, no.  Our only proximity did that create any particular problems during the year? [Bob] Not really. No, no, no.  Our only
35:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

problem was problem was
35:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the drunken cook sort of thing.  And we learned how to sort of control that eventually. [Ingrid] So the drunken cook sort of thing.  And we learned how to sort of control that eventually. [Ingrid] So
36:00

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

overall if you had to sum up your year at Mawson, how would you encapsulate it? overall if you had to sum up your year at Mawson, how would you encapsulate it?
36:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

It was a hard year I would say. It was It was a hard year I would say. It was
36:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a hard year. Mainly because of the sort of restricted living a hard year. Mainly because of the sort of restricted living
36:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

conditions yeah yeah. [Ingrid]There is conditions yeah yeah. [Ingrid]There is
36:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a picture of the raising of the flag at Mawson. It was in the February  a picture of the raising of the flag at Mawson. It was in the February 
36:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

1954 when you first arrived. [Bob] Oh yeah, yeah.  [Ingrid] Can you tell me 1954 when you first arrived. [Bob] Oh yeah, yeah.  [Ingrid] Can you tell me
36:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a little bit about that,  how that was organised?  [Bob]Not really. Probably been a little bit about that,  how that was organised?  [Bob]Not really. Probably been
36:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

re..  probably been sort of worked on by, by er re..  probably been sort of worked on by, by er
36:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Dick Thompson or somebody or other. Yeah.   [Ingrid] And did you have much media coverage Dick Thompson or somebody or other. Yeah.   [Ingrid] And did you have much media coverage
36:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

or did the expedition itself have much media coverage either before or after you or did the expedition itself have much media coverage either before or after you
36:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

came back?  [Bob] Ah... well not that I know of, sort of thing yeah came back?  [Bob] Ah... well not that I know of, sort of thing yeah
37:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I was certainly never involved with anything like that. [Ingrid]So there was no sort of fuss or fanfare when you [Bob] No, no I was certainly never involved with anything like that. [Ingrid]So there was no sort of fuss or fanfare when you [Bob] No, no
37:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Ingrid]you arrived back at  [Ingrid]you arrived back at 
37:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Bob] no no no, there would have been [Ingrid]Melbourne? [Bob] There would have been a sort of, relatives [Bob] no no no, there would have been [Ingrid]Melbourne? [Bob] There would have been a sort of, relatives
37:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

relatives and friends sort of, at the wharf, sort of thing. For the departure down at, for  relatives and friends sort of, at the wharf, sort of thing. For the departure down at, for 
37:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

about the return I don't know because that was who was unpredict .... about the return I don't know because that was who was unpredict ....
37:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

able sort of thing. [Ingrid] Is there any other comments you'd like to make about your year at Mawson? able sort of thing. [Ingrid] Is there any other comments you'd like to make about your year at Mawson?
37:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Well I would say it was a hard year, but it was Well I would say it was a hard year, but it was
37:45

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

by all accounts a fairly successful year. Yeah yeah yeah. We had by all accounts a fairly successful year. Yeah yeah yeah. We had
37:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a few problems though, yeah yeah, transport, the uh ... a few problems though, yeah yeah, transport, the uh ...
37:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sort of suitability of the weasel sort of suitability of the weasel
38:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and  that sort of thing. and  that sort of thing.
38:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And the facts that of we had dogs but we didn't make as much use of them as we should have And the facts that of we had dogs but we didn't make as much use of them as we should have
38:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

done sort of thing. done sort of thing.
38:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Yes it was Yes it was
38:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a hard year. No question.  [Ingrid]We might finish  a hard year. No question.  [Ingrid]We might finish 
38:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

there then. there then.