Cape Expedition, Scientific Results of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Expedition. 1941-45

[1945 - ]

Expeditions (Special Collections) Q115 C36 1941

Wellington: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research

The supposed scientific nature of this expedition was a front to cover a secret war-time coast-watch programme. The New Zealand Government were suspicious that Germans were using sub-Antarctic islands as bases. Three, four, or five men were stationed at three bases, two on Auckland Island and one on Campbell Island. The men were relieved only once a year. Along with their coast-watching duties the men were charged with making scientific observations on the weather, the environment and the wildlife. All participants in the expedition were demobbed in October 1945.