Twenty Years of almost Continuous Activity at the South Pole 19.10.1968

Although the existence of a southern continent had been hypothesized as early as the writings of Ptolemy in the 1st century AD, the South Pole was not reached until 1911. On 14 May 1948, the polar vessel Force, carrying the first expedition to Green-land organized by the ExpCditions Polaires Franpises (Missions Paul-Emile Charcot left Brest carrying the first expedition to Adelie Land organized by ExpCditions Polaires FranGaises (EPF). 

This stamp and the cover was issued to commemorate those 20 years of continuous French Scientific activity in the South Polar Regions.

Thank you Merja.