Q 01/05

What was Robert Falcon Scott's profession before he became an explorer?

A) Cambridge geologist

B) Merchant seaman

C) Army surgeon

D) Royal Navy officer

Answer · why

D) Royal Navy officer

He entered HMS Britannia as a 13-year-old cadet in 1881 and rose to captain after the Discovery Expedition.

Q 02/05

How many expeditions to the Antarctic did Scott lead?

A) Three

B) Two

C) One

D) Four

Answer · why

B) Two

The Discovery Expedition of 1901-04 and the Terra Nova Expedition of 1910-13.

Q 03/05

On what date did the five-man polar party arrive at the South Pole?

A) 29 March 1912

B) 1 November 1911

C) 17 January 1912

D) 14 December 1911

Answer · why

C) 17 January 1912

They found Amundsen's tent and a letter dated 18 December waiting for them.

Q 04/05

Where was Scott born in 1868?

A) Cardiff, South Wales

B) Leith, near Edinburgh

C) Portsmouth, Hampshire

D) Near Devonport, Plymouth

Answer · why

D) Near Devonport, Plymouth

His father John was a brewer and magistrate whose later financial ruin left the family dependent on Scott's naval pay.

Q 05/05

Which Royal Geographical Society president backed Scott to lead the Discovery Expedition?

A) Fridtjof Nansen

B) John Murray

C) Clements Markham

D) Ernest Shackleton

Answer · why

C) Clements Markham

He had first noticed Scott as an 18-year-old midshipman winning a cutter race in St Kitts in 1887.

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