Douglas Mawson’s solitary return from Cape Denison

Record summary

Douglas Mawson’s account of returning alone after the deaths of Belgrave Ninnis and Xavier Mertz is a major source for examining starvation, grief, sensory disturbance and meaning-making in polar survival. Later discussions sometimes place the episode beside “third man” experiences, but Mawson’s own narrative must be read closely before assigning that label. The lead is valuable for comparing physiological deprivation with spiritual or extraordinary interpretations. Relevant evidence includes Mawson’s expedition report, diary material and medical-historical commentary on Mertz’s illness and death.