Robert Falcon Scott
1868–1912 · British (Devon) · Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
Known for: Led two Antarctic expeditions—reached the South Pole five weeks after Amundsen and died on the return journey in one of exploration's most famous tragedies
Scott was a Royal Navy officer who led the Discovery and Terra Nova expeditions to Antarctica. He chose to man-haul sledges rather than use dogs—a decision that contributed to his death. He and his four companions reached the Pole to find Amundsen's flag already planted.
They died of exhaustion, starvation, and cold on the return march, just 11 miles from a supply depot. Their frozen bodies and journals were found eight months later. His final journal entry—'For God's sake look after our people'—became one of the most famous last words in history.
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