3. The Journey Begins
On August 8, 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 27-man crew departed Plymouth aboard the Endurance, setting sail for the Antarctic. Their mission was to achieve the first land crossing of Antarctica, a feat never accomplished at the time. This departure was notably timed during the early days of World War I, adding an element of uncertainty to their journey. In contrast, earlier polar missions, such as those led by Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen, had commenced in more peaceful periods, allowing for more straightforward planning and execution. (bbc.co.uk)
