Medal - Polar expedition of the Belgica in Antarctica

Reverse

Ship at sea to the left.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
EXPEDITION ANTARTIQUE BELGE 1897 - 1899
HIVERNAGE
AD. DE GERLACHE // COMMANDANT

Engraver: François Wissaert

Comment

The Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897-1899 was led by Lt Adrien de Gerlache of the Belgian Navy, and had a broad range of scientific goals. The expedition took longer than expected due to the ship being trapped in pack-ice for 13 months. Among the crew was second-officer Roald Amudsen, who was the first man to reach the South Pole in 1911.