Harrisson, Charles T. (Charles Turnbull), 1866-1914

Charles T. Harrisson was born in Hobart, Australia ca. 1869. He joined the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 (leader Douglas Mawson), as biologist and artist on board Aurora . He was a member of the party under Frank Wilds leadership who established West Base at the west end of Shackleton Ice Shelf. This party undertook extensive scientific work and Harrisson participated in several sledge journeys, reaching Mount Barr Smith with Wild and two companions in December 1912. He was awarded the Polar Medal for his part in the expedition.

After the expedition, he was appointed biologist to the Commonwealth Fisheries steamer Endeavour and died when the vessel foundered in December 1914.

From the guide to the Charles T Harrisson collection, 1911-1913, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge)