Oscar Wisting Norwegian polar explorer Date of Birth: 06.06.1871 Country: Norway

1. Early Life and Naval Career
2. Antarctic Expedition with Amundsen
3. Northeast Passage Expedition
4. Close Companionship with Amundsen
5. Later Years

Early Life and Naval Career

Oskar Wisting was born in Norway in 1871. Before joining Amundsen's expeditions, he served as a naval gunner in the Norwegian Navy until 1909.

Antarctic Expedition with Amundsen

In 1909, Wisting requested to join Amundsen's expedition to the North Pole. However, Amundsenに変更しました changed his plan and instead set out for the South Pole. At Framheim, Wisting primarily handled tents, equipment, and various sewing tasks. "There was no aspect of tailoring that Wisting could not manage," wrote Amundsen. Wisting also painted tents and served as a veterinarian and occasionally a cook during the journey to the pole with Amundsen, Hansen, Bjaaland, and Hassel. Before leaving the glacier, Wisting planted his broken ski into the snow. Later, when the expedition became disoriented and could not locate their food depot, Hansen spotted Wisting's ski, enabling them to cross the glacier safely.

Northeast Passage Expedition

From 1918 to 1925, Wisting participated in the Northeast Passage voyage aboard the ship "Maud," where he served as a physician and assisted Amundsen when he broke his arm.

Close Companionship with Amundsen

Wisting was one of Amundsen's closest friends and a proven comrade. He remained loyal even during Amundsen's challenging times in 1924. In gratitude, Amundsen took Wisting on a transatlantic flight with Lincoln Ellsworth, enabling Wisting to share in the glory of being the first person to have visited both poles. As Amundsen described it, "Wisting stood at the rudder on the airship 'Norge.'"

Later Years

In 1930, Wisting published a book titled "16 Years with Roald Amundsen." In 1936, he became director of the Fram Museum and oversaw the installation of the "Fram" ship.