The feature article in the October 1947 issue of the National Geographic was the US Navy expedition to Antarctica, led by Rear Admiral Richard Byrd. The whole exercise seemed to be about using all the equipment left over from WW2. 13 ships with 4000 men. Cargo ships, ice breakers, seaplane tenders, even an aircraft carrier and a submarine. The aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea brought 6 Douglas Skytrains (upgraded C47s) equipped with skis/wheels and my favorite, JATO rockets for take off from the flight deck. (Shades of the Doolittle raid). (Above)
Below, the USS Philippine Sea travels through the Panama Canal. As well as these transport planes, there were Martin Mariners, single engine Norseman bushplanes and helicopters. For travel on ice, amphibious tractors in different sizes, bulldozers, dog sleds, you name it. All very exciting, most of the accompanying photographs in the articles were of motorized equipment. After about two months of mapping, measuring, photographing and observing, the expedition had accomplished everything they wanted to, they packed up and left. It appears a good time was had by all.
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