My grandfather used to tell me wonderful stories about his trip to the Antarctic

Trevor Plumley

The expedition to the Antarctic lasted for three years, with crew members experiencing temperatures of 26 degrees below zero and snow-blindness.

Mr Plumley, who died in 1971 at the age of 95, was involved in two runs to Cape Crozier, during which his team lost one member.

His grandson, Trevor Plumley, who lives on the Isle of Wight and is selling the collection, said: "My grandfather used to tell me wonderful stories about his trip to the Antarctic.

Discharge certificate

"I remember he told me that he had cut off the top of his thumb while chopping frozen pemmican (a cake of dried meat) but as it was so cold he had stuck it back on and it healed leaving no scar."

Other items sold included the collar of Mr Plumley's sled dog, his official certificate of discharge, photographs of fellow explorers and HMS Discovery, two Antarctic postcards, geological samples, and playing cards.