WINTER ISLAND, Antarctica — Originally known as Base F (or Station F) and later renamed after James Wordie, chief scientist on Ernest Shackleton's major Antarctic expedition, Wordie House dates to the mid-1940s. It was one of a handful of bases built by the British as part of a secret World War II mission codenamed Operation Tabarin. The house is preserved intact and stands near Vernadsky Research Base in the Argentine Islands in Antarctica.
Photograph by David Coleman. Wordie House, a testament to early Antarctic exploration and scientific endeavor, stands as a well-preserved relic of mid-20th century polar research. Originally established as Base F in 1947, it was part of Operation Tabarin, a clandestine British mission during World War II aimed at establishing a presence in Antarctica. The base was later renamed to honor James Wordie, the chief scientist on Ernest Shackleton's famous Endurance expedition. Located on Winter Island in the Argentine Islands, off the Antarctic Peninsula, Wordie House operated until 1954 when its functions were transferred to the nearby Faraday Station, now known as Vernadsky Research Base. The structure remains intact, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the living and working conditions of early Antarctic researchers. Protected under the Antarctic Treaty System as Historic Site and Monument No. 62, Wordie House contains original artifacts, scientific equipment, and supplies. Its preservation highlights the transition from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration to the era of permanent scientific bases on the continent. The site's proximity to the active Vernadsky Research Base provides a stark contrast between past and present Antarctic research methodologies and living conditions, making it a significant stop for educational and tourist expeditions to the region.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Wordie House, Winter Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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