Victor Berry
Biographical notes

Able Seaman - Shackleton Nimrod 1907-1909

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Born 1883, London - Able Seaman, sailed from London 1907 to Lyttleton NZ and then to Antarctica and back to Lyttleton Jan-Mar 1908.

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My family legend has it that my great uncle Victor Berry sailed on the Nimrod with Shackleton. Not long ago, searching through family photos, I came across a photo of two sailors (which I had seen before but not looked at closely). Under a magnifier, much to my surprise I read the name 'Nimrod' on their hats. This seems to confirm the family legend and they could well be standing on the Nimrod.

I would be very interested to see if Victor Berry exists on any crew list for the Nimrod

Mike Rothon

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It seems that your family legend is correct.

Victor Berry - born 1883, London - Able Seaman, sailed from London 1907 to Lyttleton NZ and then to Antarctica and back to Lyttleton Jan-Mar 1908.

Paul Ward - webmaster CoolAntarctica

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Thanks so much for your reply. I attach a copy of the photo.

Underneath the figures are their names written in inverted script. It must have been written on the back of the negative. Victor is the left hand figure and the other is a Walter Spice of whom I know nothing. I get the impression that this must have been an official photograph. Perhaps the Nimrod is recognisable fro the background?

When I was a child I remember that my Grandparents had a framed picture on the wall of about 20 or so sailors assembled in front of a mast on a ship. I'm sure that I was told that it was the Nimrod.

According to my father's written memories, Victor was a 'pier head jump' taking the place of someone who went sick. He later became a Master Mariner but during the slump, took a job with the London Fumigation Co. but died due to an accident with a gas mask.

I am so delighted that our family legend is authentic.

Many, many thanks for you information. I hope the photo is interesting

Mike Rothon