expedition overview

These notes and the full size versions of the accompanying photos, are what was supplied for consideration for inclusion in the 2012 edition of the Alumnus Chronicle following the 40th anniversary reunion.

University of St Andrews Greenland Expedition 1971

The University of St Andrews has long been associated with expeditions to Greenland. For over 30 years from 1938, Harald Drever of the Department of Geology, was a regular visitor to the Arctic. During the 1960's and 70's, Philip Gribbon of the Physics Department led a number of visits to Greenland. Primarily mountaineering expeditions, seeking to explore through first ascents, botanical survey work was also undertaken. Expedition team members were selected from among the competent mountaineers of the student population.

The ten-man 1971 expedition explored the hostile Cape Farewell region of southern Greenland. Despite the vagaries of the weather and difficult terrain, the expedition was a resounding success. Over 30 first ascents were completed and botanical studies contributed survey and specimen work for museums and university herbaria.

The 40th anniversary celebration of the 1971 expedition took place at the Scottish Mountaineering Club's Raeburn Hut, near Laggan on the 24th September 2011. All 10 expedition members were present. Three had travelled from various parts of Canada, one from California and the others from homes across Scotland.

The reunion was a remarkable experience. No doubt that 10 weeks together in Greenland and the subsequent consolidation of friendships through shared activities, had touched us all. It was as though we had all stepped out of the base camp tent for a little while and found ourselves stepping back into the Scottish Mountaineering Club hut. 40 years seemed to have barely intervened. We were all there - and everyone seemed to be more or less as they were. OK, maybe older, a little heavier and definitely less hirsute!

On the Saturday, a couple of local hills were climbed in good conditions. A sumptuous meal followed, prepared, as ever, by expedition members. No dried rations this time though and plenty of refreshment! A slide show helped restore fading memories of great ascents and experiences.

The owl also attended, having accompanied Phil Gribbon on his journey from St Andrews. Unbeknown to the rest of us, this mascot, forever associated with the 1971 expedition, has led an active life. It has appeared at many St Andrews University Mountaineering Club annual dinners and other events. Initials of Club Presidents have been carved on its rear. Apparently a mystique has grown around an object that started life as a concrete block in the Greenland village of Nanortalik. The cargo boat carrying the expedition equipment had been delayed by the late-clearing winter pack ice. Expedition members had time on their hands. Carving concrete blocks into interesting objects helped pass the time for some, including Richard Young, sculptor of the owl.

Expedition members, l to r, both photos

John Shade, 4th year Theoretical Physics

Andrew Stephenson; 3rd year Mediaeval History

Philip Gribbon, PhD, Lecturer in Physics

Peter Biggar, 3rd year Arts

Christopher Greensmith, 3rd year Medical Science

Michael Jacob, 4th year Biochemistry

Anthony Shaw, 1st year Mathematics

Richard Young, 3rd year Biochemistry

Robert Mutch, 4th year Geology

Ian Walton, 2nd year Mathematics

Images supplied (at full size):

…...and here is an image of what appeared in the Alumnus Chronicle! No comment.