From Pole To Pole

When Quintin Riley joined the British Graham Land Expedition in 1934 he didn't describe himself as 'meteorologist' or 'quartermaster' but as a 'gentleman'. He was one of the group of young inter-war adventurers inspired by the charismatic Gino Watkins. He was also one of very few people to be awarded both the Arctic and Antarctic Medals In 1930 Riley and his companions had arrived in Greenland wearing sports jackets, ties and 'Oxford bags' to investigate the harsh terrain of the ice cap for the British Arctic Air Route. Their bonds of friendship survived their leader's death and were manifest throughout their varied service in WW2. This meticulously researched biography, of interest to military and polar historians is the work of his cousin General Jonathan Riley.