The ‘James Caird’ is now in Liverpool, having been brought home from South Georgia after her adventurous voyage across the sub-Antarctic ocean.

Most of the Public Schools of England and Scotland helped the Expedition to purchase the dog teams, and I named a dog after each school that helped.  But apart from these particular donations I again thank the many people who assisted us.

So the equipment and organization went on.  I purchased the ‘Aurora’ from Sir Douglas Mawson, and arranged for Mackintosh to go to Australia and take charge of her, there sending sledges, equipment and most of the stores from this side, but depending somewhat on the sympathy and help of Australia and New Zealand for coal and certain other necessities, knowing that previously these two countries had always generously supported the exploration of what one might call their hinterland.

Towards the end of July all was ready, when suddenly the war clouds darkened over Europe.

It had been arranged for the ‘Endurance’ to proceed to Cowes, to be inspected by His Majesty on the Monday of Cowes week.  But on Friday I received a message to say that the King would not be able to go to Cowes.  My readers will remember how suddenly came the menace of war.  Naturally, both my comrades and I were greatly exercised as to the probable outcome of the danger threatening the peace of the world.

We sailed from London on Friday, August 1, 1914, and anchored off Southend all Saturday.  On Sunday afternoon I took the ship off Margate, growing hourly more anxious as the ever-increasing rumours spread; and on Monday morning I went ashore and read in the morning paper the order for general mobilization.

I immediately went on board and mustered all hands and told them that I proposed to send a telegram to the Admiralty offering the ships, stores, and, if they agreed, our own services to the country in the event of war breaking out.  All hands immediately agreed, and I sent off a telegram in which everything was placed at the disposal of the Admiralty.  We only asked that, in the event of the declaration of war, the Expedition might be considered as a single unit, so as to preserve its homogeneity.  There were enough trained and experienced men amongst us to man a destroyer.  Within an hour I received a laconic wire from the Admiralty saying “Proceed.”  Within two hours a longer wire came from Mr. Winston Churchill, in which we were thanked for our offer, and saying that the authorities desired that the Expedition, which had the full sanction and support of the Scientific and Geographical Societies, should go on.