Bruce Allport

Vale Bruce Allport
(1940 to 2014)

Bruce was a Radio Officer at Mawson in 1964 and died on 13 November 2014 in Pattaya, Thailand, aged 74, after suffering a series of brain tumours and cancer. He is survived by his daughter Tanya, son-in-law John, grand-daughters Zarah and Ana Lucia, sister Pat and brother Peter.

A Kiwi and a dedicated follower of the All Blacks, Bruce was trained as a Radio Operator with the Department of Civil Aviation in New Zealand. After working in NZ, Fiji and Australia, he achieved the pinnacle of his career in radio when accepted for the position of Radio Officer at Mawson.

During his 14 months down there, he assisted in many facets of Antarctic life. In addition to his radio duties, he was especially drawn to assisting the mechanics with the maintenance and preparation of the Caterpillar D4s, the SnoTracs and Weasels. All vehicles used in the three month expedition to the Prince Charles Mountains, for which he was appointed Radio Operator.

Returning from the Prince Charles Mountains, he was despatched, on the Nella Dan, to Enderby Land where he was a member of one of the survey parties which carried out a tellurometer traverse, passing through Leckie range in early 1965. It was as a consequence of his work at that time, that Mt. Allport was named after him.

His Antarctic experience uncovered a spirit of adventure in Bruce, especially that of the sea and he spent many of the ensuing years dedicated to a nautical life. After obtaining his Master’s Certificate he sailed the world – from Chinese Junks, to cargo vessels and finally, delivering luxury yachts to many exotic destinations. He finally settled in Thailand, where he was a part owner of an expatriates’ bar, until his passing in November.

Les Miller. Mawson 1964

Published Aurora Journal Summer 2014