This difference actually meant that the British and Norwegian observers differed by one scale division on the theodolite, which was graduated to half a minute of arc.

Experts in navigation and surveying will always look on this splendidly accurate determination as a fine piece of work by our own people as well as by the Norwegian Expedition.

Lady Scott has remarked on the magnificent spirit shown by her husband and his four specially-selected tent-mates when they knew that Queen Alexandra’s little silk Union Jack had been anticipated by the flag of another nation.  Scott and his companions had done their best, and never from one of them came an uncharitable remark.

In our Expedition Committee Minute Book it is recorded that the following were found at the Pole: 

A letter from Captain Amundsen to Captain Scott: 

   “Poleheim,
   15th December, 1911.

“DEAR CAPTAIN SCOTT,—­As you probably are the first to reach this area after us, I will ask you kindly to forward this letter to King Haakon VII.  If you can use any of the articles left in the tent please do not hesitate to do so.  The sledge left outside may be of use to you.  With kind regards I wish you a safe return.

   “Yours truly,
   ROALD AMUNDSEN.”

Also another note: 

   “The Norwegian Home, Poleheim, is situated in 89 degrees 58 minutes S.
   Lat.  S.E. by E. compass 8 miles.

   (Signed) ROALD AMUNDSEN. “15th December, 1911.”

The Norwegian Explorers’ names recorded at Poleheim were:  Roald Amundsen, Olaf Bjaaland, Helmer Hanssen, Oskar Wisting, Sverre Hassel.

Scott left a note in the Norwegian tent with the names of himself and his companions, and in his diary he agreed that the Norwegian explorers had made thoroughly sure of their work and fully carried out their programme.

Scott considered the Pole to be 9500 feet above the Barrier—­1000 feet lower than the Plateau altitude in 88 degrees.

Bowers took the sights to fix the South Pole.

On the 19th January the northward march was commenced:  the party had before them then a distance of over 900 miles (statute).  Bowers writes on this date quite nonchalantly: 

" ...  A splendid clear morning, with fine S.W’ly wind blowing—­during breakfast time I sewed a flap attachment on to my green hat so as to prevent the wind from blowing down my neck on the march.  We got up the mast and sail on the sledge and headed North, picking up Amundsen’s cairn and our outgoing tracks shortly afterwards.  Along this we travelled until we struck the other cairn and finally the Black Flag where we had made our sixth (?) outward camp.  We then with much relief left all traces of the Norwegian behind, and I headed on my own track till lunch camp, when we had come 8.1 miles.  In the afternoon we passed No. 2 Cairn of the British