G. Murray Levick

G. Murray Levick: British Explorer, Surgeon, and Founder

Here's a comprehensive summary of what we know about G. Murray Levick:

• Full Name: George Murray Levick
• Dates: (July 3, 1876 – May 30, 1956)
• Nationality: British

Career Highlights:

• Explorer: Levick is best known for his participation in the British Antarctic Expedition (1910-1913) led by Robert Falcon Scott. He was part of the "Northern Party" that spent a winter stationed at Cape Adare, studying Adélie penguins.
• Surgeon: Levick held a commission as a surgeon in the Royal Navy and provided medical care during the Antarctic expedition.
• Zoologist: Levick's background and interest in zoology were valuable assets on the expedition. He conducted extensive studies on Adélie penguins, particularly their breeding behavior and social interactions. Some of his notes and observations on penguin sexuality were unpublished for many years.
• Founder: After his naval career, Levick founded the Public Schools Exploring Society in 1932. This organization aimed to encourage exploration and outdoor activities among young people.

Early Life and Education:

• Levick was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
• He studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London.

Naval Service:

• Levick joined the Royal Navy in 1902 and became a surgeon.
• He was known for his expertise in physical training and served on various naval ships before his Antarctic expedition assignment.
• After the expedition, he continued his service in the Royal Navy, including during World War I.

Later Life:

• Following his retirement from the Navy, Levick focused on promoting exploration and physical activity through the Public Schools Exploring Society.
• He was also involved in pioneering rehabilitation and physiotherapy techniques, particularly for the blind.

Legacy:

• Levick's contributions to the understanding of Adélie penguins remain significant, even though some of his observations were not published until recently.
• His participation in the Scott expedition and his pioneering spirit continue to be of interest to historians and explorers.

Additional Points:

• Levick's sister, Ruby Levick, was a well-known sculptor.
• He was promoted to Fleet Surgeon in the Royal Navy in recognition of his service during the Antarctic expedition and World War I.