Museum pays tribute to explorer (From York Press)
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Museum pays tribute to explorer Captain Lawrence Oates
7:55am Friday 3rd February 2012 in News
Alan Henshall, curator of the Regimental Museum of the Royal Dragoon Guards, shows Captain Oates’s full dress helmet which is part of the new exhibition (which opens on Tuesday) marking 100 years since the death of the explorer
A NEW exhibition is to open at The Regimental Museum of the Royal Dragoon Guards, in York, to celebrate the life of British explorer Captain Lawrence Oates.
The museum in Tower Street will mark 100 years since Capt Oates’ death during a tragic expedition to the South Pole, by showcasing a number of pictures of Oates as well as personal relics and a replica of the famous Cullum Geographical Medal.
His death was seen as an act of self-sacrifice when, aware his ill health was compromising his three companions’ chances of survival, he chose certain death.
Captain Alan Henshall, curator of the exhibition, said: “Captain Oates was the epitome of the British hero who gave his life to try to save his comrades. We celebrate him every year, and are the only regiment in the British Army which celebrates an individual.”
Opening on Tuesday, tickets for the exhibition are £4 for adults, £2 for children (first child goes free).
As well as the exhibition, the regiment is also holding a service in memory of Capt Oates at York Minster on Saturday, March 17 at 10.30am.
