Summary

Red/brown suede leather British Army boots worn by Dr Phillip Law predominantly at Heard Island and Macquarie Island, but also in summer for coastal work in Antarctic parts by parties during expedition forays between 1962-1966.

Part of Museum Victoria's collection of artefacts from the post-war era of scientific exploration of Antarctica.

Physical Description

These boots have a thick leather sole that has a smaller ridge rubber sole placed in the middle of it. This rubber sole is kept in place by small pieces of metal. Around the perimeter of the sole are small metal teeth. There are 19 on each boot. The upper section of the shoe comprises reddish/brown suede and leather. It is a lace up boot. Inside there is a plastic mesh lining.

Significance

Protective clothing is extremely significant for Antarctic exploration. In the early days of ANARE, clothing specifically designed for Antarctic conditions was not available. Instead clothing designed for similar conditions needed to be sourced such as mountaineering or Army uses. ANARE relied heavily on Australian, British and US surplus military clothing.

The boots were used predominantly at Heard Island and Macquarie Island, but also in summer for coastal work in Antarctic parts by parties during expedition forays. These areas have a wet/cold climate, which is substantially more challenging than the predominantly dry/cold climate of the Anatarctic continent.

These boots were not in general use by ANARE.

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