Begg Point

Begg Point (

54°3′S 37°59′W / 54.050°S 37.983°W / -54.050; -37.983Coordinates: 54°3′S 37°59′W / 54.050°S 37.983°W / -54.050; -37.983) is a headland forming the northeast side of the entrance to Johan Harbor, on the south coast and near the west end of South Georgia. It was surveyed by the South Georgia Survey, 1956–57, and named by the UK Antarctic Place-Names Committee for Captain , Master of the whaling transport Coronda, 1933–40; Master of the Southern Opal, 1945–46; Manager on the Southern Harvester, 1946–47; and Manager of the . station at Leith Harbor, 1947–51.

References[]

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Geological Survey document: "Begg Point". (content from the Geographic Names Information System)

during Captain Begg's life and had been through many adventures with him, particularly but not exclusively during WWII. His time as Master of the South Georgia Whaling Station, may also be of interest. This personal item is a "well-loved" example with tons of character where almost every dent tells a story. (see below for some examples) Offered for sale by his grand-daughter who would like it to go to an appropriate party who will appreciate it's historical significances. Captain Sinclair Begg, 1920- 2nd Officer of SS Trannenberg 1921 This silver cigarette case was purchased. 1933–40 Master of the whaling transport Coronda, c1939 Coronda seconded for War Effort on trans- Atlantic route 15/9/40 Coronda attacked by German aircraft nr Liverpool, en route Iceland-Liverpool carrying Herring Oil. The ship was damaged. 1941 - Captain Begg was awarded an OBE for bravery during the incident. "Captain Begg's ship was bombed and set on fire. The ship's hose was at once connected up and the fire was tackled. The cargo was highly inflammable and there was danger of the magazine exploding. The Master decided to send off in the boats all the crew except the fire-fighting party. This party, consisting of himself, his 2nd and 3rd officers, the Carpenter, the Chief Steward and the Radio Officer, extinguished the fire on deck and then worked on the flames between decks, being helped by an escort vessel. After some hours the fire, though still burning, was under control, the crew were brought back on board and the ship taken in tow and anchored. By their brave action, under the determined leadership of Captain Begg, the fire party saved not only the ship but also her valuable cargo. London Gazette - Fourth Supplement - 31st January 1941 http://www./issues/35064/supplements/685 1945 Coronda De-commisionned. The Coronda was the last masted sailing ship in use. It was originally "The Politician" In 1922 Purchased for conversion to carry "Whale Oil" There is a photo and write-up about the Coronda II in "From 70 North to 70 South" by Graeme Somner 1984 A History of the Christian Salveson Fleet. 1945–46 Master of the Southern Opal 1946–47 Manager on the Southern Harvester, 1947–51 Manager of the South Georgia Whaling Co. station at Leith Harbor Begg Point, South Georgia was named after Captain Begg by the UK Antarctic Place-Names Committee. Begg Point is a headland forming the northeast side of the entrance to Johan Harbor, on the south coast and near the west end of South Georgia. (54°3′S 37°59′W) Stories Captn Begg was in radio contact with Shakleton on his last expedition, while Begg was Manager at the South Georgia Whaling Station. A log of these conversations is owned by the family. One of the stories he told was when crossing the North Atlantic during WWII he commented on his luck at not being attacked by a u-boat and said "The Germans looked through their periscope and upon seeing a four masted sailing ship, just assumed that they had had a little too much rum." Almost nearly sank the Romanian Fleet, about 5 or 6 boats. Suez Canal . Captain Beggs boat came adrift and was being propelled by the current towards the Romanian Fleet and would have sank several if not all of their vessels had it not been for a sand bank. The Admiralty was being obstructive over rights of way trying to leave port. Captain Begg called Churchill. Churchill called the Admiralty and told them "Give Begg what he wants".