This object was donated by Peter G Towson, geophysicist and one of 26 expeditioners forming the winter party to the Australia New Zealand Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) Mawson station in 1966. The scientific program included biology, oceanography, geophysics, glaciology, meteorology and upper atmosphere physics.

Established in 1954, Mawson station is Australia's first permanent station on the Antarctic continent. The site was selected by Phillip Law, Director of the Antarctic Division from 1949-1966, who named the station after Sir Douglas Mawson, Antarctic explorer and a member of the Executive Planning Committee.

Conditions on Antarctica are physically demanding, with temperatures at Mawson at times plummeting to below -30 degrees celcius and wind-speeds reach over 180 km/hr. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential in facing severe Antarctic conditions, in particular the outer protective layer which protects the wearer from wind chill.

Part of a complete set of outer-clothing issued to scientists on the 1966 Mason expedition, this object reflects some of the equipment necessary to survive and work in the harsh climactic conditions of Antarctica. In addition it forms part of a collection that signifies Australia's immense contribution to exploration and scientific research of the Antarctic region.

REF:
Australian Government Antarctic Division, http://www.aad.gov.au
Haywood, Elizabeth, 'Australian Antarctica: Celebrating fifty years of Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions', Australia Post, 1997

This object constitutes part of a complete set of outer clothing issued to scientists on the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition at Mawson Base, Antarctica in 1966. It was donated to the Museum in 1985 by Dr Peter Towson, geophysicist to the research party.

Boot, Mukluk, rubber/nylon, used during the Australia New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition, Antarctica, 1966.

Single cream and black laced Mukluk boot. The toe, heel and base of the boot is made from black rubber and the upper, sides and neck of the boot is made of nylon. Three pairs of circular metal eyes, featuring some green discolouration, adorn the upper, through which the laces are thread. A band of fabric has been stitched from the toe to the top of the boot where there is a drawstring and on the back of the heel is a small rubber pull. The tread on the sole is now mostly worn and the inside of the boot is without any extra lining.

Made: Mukluk Boots; Canada; 1966


Used: Australia New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition; Antarctica; 1966

: Towson, Peter; Antarctica

The number '9' appears on the sole and inside the lining of the neck a label reads, 'MUKLUKS X 50-M PATTERN / 1. Size Marked on Mukluks should correspond to your size of G.S.Boot. / 2. Insert one AP16775 Insoles Mesh, and two A16775 Insoles Felt / 1949. Patt into each Mukluk. / 3. To be worn over one pair Socks, G. S. and one pair socks duffle. / 4. Remove insoles for drying when necessary. / 5. Do not remove laces. / 6. If laces are too tight, blood circulation will be restricted / and feet will become cold. If laces are too loose. you will / have insufficient ankle support. / 7. Brush off snow and ice before entering warm place to pre- / vent melting on Mukluk.' 'MEDIUM' is also stamped in black on the inside of the boot.

85/2455-15

1966

410 mm

125 mm