Answers over shackleton emerge from mists of time

Courier readers help to decipher mysterious notes on legendary explorer’s CV that had remained a puzzle for decades

A mystery surrounding one of the great Antarctic explorers has finally been solved, with the help of The Courier and some of the world’s leading experts in Pitman shorthand.

The notes written at the bottom of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s CV have long puzzled historians. However, the Perthbased Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) believes it has finally come to understand them.

The document was prepared by the polar explorer to support his successful application to become director of the society in 1903 and were unearthed by society writer in residence Jo Woolf while raking through the RSGS archives last year.

The CV consists of a half-page summary of his skills and experience, with several accompanying personal testimonials from senior figures from the world of geography, such as Sir Clements Markham, Hugh Robert Mill and Vice Admiral Aldrich.

Robert Falcon Scott described Shackleton as a “marvel of intelligent energy… never tired, always cheerful and is exceedingly popular with everyone…”

More ambiguous were shorthand notes in pencil which the society had been unable to decipher.

Written in light pencil across the front page, it’s believed they were taken during Shackleton’s interview and written in a version of Pitman shorthand.

The RSGS turned to The Courier to ask the public to help decipher the messages and yesterday, it confirmed the mystery has now been solved. The society said it was particularly grateful to Phyllis Cleghorn, Sarah Boyd, Margaret Fisher and especially former Courier journalist and retired RAF PR man Michael Mulford – each of whom spent hours with the original manuscript and provided invaluable input. The shorthand notes read: Line 1: Member Very popular in geographical circles in London

Line 2: Later completed long course training designed for navigation

Line 3: We probably all share his enthusiasm for next Antarctic visit

Line 4: Considerable experience as a journalist down south (Antarctic) Line 5: Various relevant certificates RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson, who now holds a position equivalent to that which Shackleton secured, said: “When we found Shackleton’s CV in the bottom of a box in our archive, we were very excited. It is a great insight to the man – showing his appreciation for careful presentation and good publicity, and the networks at his disposal.

“Getting the shorthand deciphered has been fascinating and we are grateful to the various Courier readers who have come forward to help piece the mystery together.”