Sir George Hubert Wilkins (1888-1958)
Sir George Hubert Wilkins (1888 to 1958) noted Australian polar explorer, geographer, aviator, submariner and photographer (Photo: Courtesy of Byrd Polar Research Centre, USA)
Nationality and occupation
Australian polar explorer, geographer, aviator and photographer
Achievements
- To 1913 – Took part in various Arctic Expeditions.
- 1918 – Second Lieutenant for Australian Flying Corps and official photographer during World War 1, when he was awarded a Military Cross and Bar for bravery.
- 1923 – Made a comprehensive geographical study of northern Australia.
- 1928 – Made a trans-Arctic crossing by air, for which he was knighted.
- 1928 – Flew over the Antarctic, naming Hearst Land for his sponsor, later renamed Wilkins Island.
- 1931 – Although unsuccessful in reaching the North Pole, proved submarine travel under the polar ice cap possible.
- 1933-34, 1934-35, 1935-36 – Was expedition leader for American millionaire Lincoln Ellsworth's three Antarctic expeditions, with the objective of making the first Trans-Antarctic flight.
- 1938-39 – Adviser and expedition manager for Ellsworth's final Antarctic Expedition.
Wilkins Island, Wilkins Sound, the Wilkins Ice Shelf and, most recently, Wilkins Runway near Casey station in Antarctica have been named in his honour.
