Simpson, G. C. (George Clarke), Sir, 1878-1965

George Clarke Simpson was born in Derby in 1878. He was educated at the University of Manchester and studied atmospheric physics at the University g Gttingen. After caring out an investigation into the electrical state of the atmosphere in Lapland, he was appointed to a lectureship in meteorology at Manchester University, and in 1906, awarded a doctorate (DSc).

He joined the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 (leader Robert Falcon Scott), as meteorologist. In September 1911, he took part in a sledging journey to the western mountains with Scott, Edgar Evans and Henry Bowers. He was highly valued member of the scientific staff, producing outstanding reports on the weather and physics of the atmosphere.

After his year in the Antarctic, he resumed his post at the India Meteorological Department, returning to Britain in 1920, when he was appointed Director of the Meteorological Office, a post he held until his retirement in 1938. During these years, he was instrumental in creating a service to meet the rapidly growing needs of civil and military aviation. He was knighted in 1938.

On the outbreak of the Second World War, he returned to service and was superintendent of Kew Observatory, 1939 to 1946. He was also in charge of the observatories at Eskdalemuir, Lerwick and Aberdeen, and of the Meteorological Office, Edinburgh. He died on 1 January 1965.

Published work, 'Meteorological Report' by George Clarke Simpson in Scott's last expedition volume II, Smith, Elder & Co. London (1913) SPRI Library Shelf (7)91(08)[1910-1913 Scott]

From the guide to the George Clarke Simpson collection, 1902-1954, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge)