Person
Close, John Henry Collinson (1871 - 1949)
- Born
- 15 September 1871
Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia - Died
- 29 December 1949
Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia - Occupation
- Antarctic explorer
Summary
John Close served in Rhodesia during the South African War and taught physical training in Sydney before being appointed as Assistant Collector to the Australasian Antarctic Expedition in 1911. He participated in several reconnaissance sledging parties from the main base at Cape Denison. His longest trek, in company with Cecil Madigan and Leslie Whetter, established a stores depot 80 km from the base. On a further trek with Charles Laseron and Frank Stillwell, the men almost died from carbon monoxide poisoning when ice blocked the entrance of the cave in which they sheltered: their survival was due to Close's actions in creating an air hole in the ice. Little is known of Close's activities after the Expedition. The Close Islands, at the entrance to Buchanan Bay, Antarctica, were named in his honour.
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Details
Chronology
- 1891 - 1901
- Military service - Served in British South Africa Mounted Military Police, Rhodesia
- 1896
- Award - British South Africa Company Medal with Rhodesia clasp
- 1902?
- Career event - Founded British Australian school of Physical Training, Sydney
- 1911 - February 1913
- Career position - Assistant Collector, Cape Denison, Australasian Antarctic Expedition
- 1915
- Award - Polar Medal (Silver)
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Created: 24 March 2022