George Hubert Wilkins (1888-1958) was an Australian polar explorer, aviator, cinematographer, and geographer.
Born in South Australia, Wilkins developed a fascination with adventure and exploration from an early age. In his lifetime, he achieved numerous feats that contributed to the progress of geographical knowledge. As a polar explorer, he made significant contributions to understanding the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Wilkins conducted several expeditions, including his successful journey on the submarine Nautilus beneath the Arctic ice in 1931, during which he gathered valuable scientific data about the region's marine life and seabed.
Wilkins was also an accomplished aviator and cinematographer. He utilized aircraft in his expeditions, becoming the first person to fly over both the Arctic (1928) and the Antarctic (1929). These aerial journeys revolutionized the understanding of these regions' topography and climate, allowing for further scientific exploration and mapping. His stunning aerial footage from these flights not only documented the landscape but also inspired many others to pursue exploration and research.
Beyond his polar expeditions, Wilkins's work encompassed extensive exploration across other continents, including Africa and Europe. His passion and commitment to scientific discovery and geographical research made him a highly respected figure in the field.
Today, George Hubert Wilkins is remembered as a pioneer in polar exploration and aviation, whose contributions significantly expanded our understanding of some of the world's most remote and inhospitable regions.
