December 14

Born in England in 1887, Ninnis embarked on a naval career before joining Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition to Antarctica in 1910. He served as sledging officer and surveyor, helping to chart previously unrecorded regions of the Ross Ice Shelf. Known for his leadership and surveying skills, he played a crucial role in the expedition’s scientific and geographic objectives. On December 14, 1912, he fell through an iceberg crevasse with essential supplies during a sledging journey, leading to his untimely death. His loss marked a tragic turning point for Scott’s team, impacting their hopes of returning safely. Ninnis is remembered as a brave and dedicated explorer whose efforts expanded understanding of the Antarctic landscape.