Focusing on the often forgotten, but revealing stories of the individuals involved, this highly textured series, authoritatively presented by Sara Wheeler marks the centenary of Scott's ill fated polar expedition.

Scott's Terra Nova Expedition famously reached the South Pole on 17th January 1912. When they arrived they discovered that Amundsen had got there 33 days before them. They all perished on the return trip. The stated aim of the endeavour had been "to reach the South Pole and to secure for the British Empire the honour of this achievement".

In all there were sixty-five men involved in the ship and shore parties, this is the story of five of them. Key individuals, each with their own reasons for being there, their own fascinations and interests, their own Terra Nova Expedition.

Today's episode focuses on Lawrence Oates.

Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4. Show less