A hundred years ago this week Captain Robert Falcon Scott made his final entry in his diary before he and his team succumbed, a scant eleven miles from their supply depot.
His last words were: "For God's sake take care of our people"
He and his team had shown invincible courage on their return journey from the Pole. Not only in their dogged persistence to reach their goal but also in their selfless care for each other.
Evans died an agonizing death from frostbite but never once complained. Captain Oates, also limping with frozen toes, left his comrades in the tent with these words " I am just going outside. I expect to be away sometime."
He walked to his death in the blizzard in order that his team mates not be slowed down in their race for survival.
What the painting of his heroism does not show is the Cross he was carrying.
In Westminster Abbey on Friday a packed congregation of international figures joined in singing Scott's favourite hymn
"On ward Christian Soldiers."
Although I am a naturalized Canadian there are times when I feel a surge of pride in my Mother Country. This was one of them.
Jubilate.
Ian
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