Simpson, G. C. (George Clarke), Sir, 1878-1965

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George Clarke Simpson was born in Derby in 1878. He was educated at the University of Manchester and studied atmospheric physics at the University g Gttingen. After caring out an investigation into the electrical state of the atmosphere in Lapland, he was appointed to a lectureship in meteorology at Manchester University, and in 1906, awarded a doctorate (DSc).

He joined the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913 (leader Robert Falcon Scott), as meteorologist. In September 1911, he took part in a sledging journey to the western mountains with Scott, Edgar Evans and Henry Bowers. He was highly valued member of the scientific staff, producing outstanding reports on the weather and physics of the atmosphere.

After his year in the Antarctic, he resumed his post at the India Meteorological Department, returning to Britain in 1920, when he was appointed Director of the Meteorological Office, a post he held until his retirement in 1938. During these years, he was instrumental in creating a service to meet the rapidly growing needs of civil and military aviation. He was knighted in 1938.

On the outbreak of the Second World War, he returned to service and was superintendent of Kew Observatory, 1939 to 1946. He was also in charge of the observatories at Eskdalemuir, Lerwick and Aberdeen, and of the Meteorological Office, Edinburgh. He died on 1 January 1965.

Published work, 'Meteorological Report' by George Clarke Simpson in Scott's last expedition volume II, Smith, Elder & Co. London (1913) SPRI Library Shelf (7)91(08)[1910-1913 Scott]

From the guide to the George Clarke Simpson collection, 1902-1954, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn George Clarke Simpson collection, 1902-1954 Scott Polar Research Institute
creatorOf Simpson, G. C. (George Clarke), Sir, 1878-1965. Letter, [19]20 Aug. 17, Derby [Eng.] to Prof. [W.H.] Hobbs [Ann Arbor]. University of Michigan
creatorOf George Clarke Simpson collection, 1902-1954 Scott Polar Research Institute
referencedIn British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-1913, 1885-1913 Scott Polar Research Institute
creatorOf Simpson, G. C. (George Clarke), Sir, 1878-1965. Letter, 1915 Oct. 15, Simla, India, to W.H. Hobbs, Ann Arbor. University of Michigan
referencedIn Schuster, Arthur, Sir, 1851-1934. Papers, 1851-1934. American Institute of Physics, Niels Bohr Library
referencedIn William B. Provine collection of evolutionary biology reprints, 20th century. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913 corporateBody
associatedWith Hobbs, William Herbert, 1864-1952. person
associatedWith Mill Hugh Robert 1861-1950 person
correspondedWith Provine, William B. person
associatedWith Schuster, Arthur, Sir, 1851-1934. person
associatedWith Scott Robert Falcon 1868-1912 person
associatedWith Simpson George Clarke 1878-1965 person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Antarctica Discovery and exploration
Subject
Meteorology
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Person

Birth 1878-09-02

Death 1965-01-01

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