The RRS ''John Biscoe'' was a supply and research vessel used by the

British Antarctic Survey The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is the United Kingdom's national polar research institute. It has a dual purpose, to conduct polar science, enabling better understanding of global issues, and to provide an active presence in the Antarctic on ...

between 1956 and 1991.

History

An earlier vessel, operated from 1947-56. Both were named after the

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

explorer

John Biscoe John Biscoe (28 April 1794 – 1843) was an English mariner and explorer who commanded the first expedition known to have sighted the areas named Enderby Land and Graham Land along the coast of Antarctica. The expedition also found a number of is ...

, who discovered parts of

Antarctica Antarctica () is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean, it contains the geographic South Pole. Antarctica is the fifth-largest contine ...

in the early 1830s. ''John Biscoe II'' was replaced by in 1991. After decommissioning, she was sold and eventually scrapped in 2004 under the name ''Fayza Express''.

Command

''Biscoes first visit to

Halley Research Station Halley Research Station is a research facility in Antarctica on the Brunt Ice Shelf operated by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The base was established in 1956 to study the Earth's atmosphere. Measurements from Halley led to the discov ...

, in 1959/60 was under the veteran captain, Bill Johnston. From 1975, joint Masters of ''John Biscoe'' were Malcolm Phelps and Chris Elliott. Chris Elliott had joined BAS as Third Officer on ''John Biscoe'' in 1967, becoming Second Officer in 1970. He established the successful Offshore Biological Programme cruises and helped superintend the building of replacement . Elliott was awarded the

Polar Medal The Polar Medal is a medal awarded by the Sovereign of the United Kingdom to individuals who have outstanding achievements in the field of polar research, and particularly for those who have worked over extended periods in harsh climates. It w ...

in 2004 and an

MBE Mbe may refer to: * Mbé, a town in the Republic of the Congo * Mbe Mountains Community Forest, in Nigeria * Mbe language, a language of Nigeria * Mbe' language, language of Cameroon * ''mbe'', ISO 639 code for the extinct Molala language Molal ...

in 2005. The sea passage between Adelaide Island and Jenny Island is named after Chris Elliott.

Footnotes

External links

Newsreel footage of a resupply voyage by the ''John Biscoe'', 1964
{{DEFAULTSORT:John Biscoe History of Antarctica Hydrography Oceanographic instrumentation Research vessels of the United Kingdom 1956 ships British Antarctic Survey