UK Antarctica

The British Government established its first stations in the Antarctic as part of the wartime expedition known as Operation Tabarin in 1944. Its aims were to deter access to anchorages by enemy ships and to strengthen Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands Dependencies. This also provided an opportunity to undertake scientific research.

The Brit research station in Antarctica is called Rothera, aka 'station R'

From 1955 to 1960, the UK maintained a survey station on Horseshoe Island (Station Y) on the east side of Marguerite Bay. In 1957, a surveyor, John Rothera, crossed the frozen sea ice and explored the area now known as Rothera Point. From 1961 to 1977, UK activity in the area was conducted from Adelaide (Station T) located at the southern tip of the island. For many years this proved a good base from which to undertake further survey of the Antarctic Peninsula

Rothera Station, known as Rothera Point until 15 August 1977, was established in 1975 to replace Adelaide, where the glacier ski-way had deteriorated rendering the operation of ski-equipped aircraft hazardous. A party camped at Rothera Point in the 1975/76 austral summer to open up the air facility. There was a phased construction programme so that by 1980 the station provided accommodation, electrical power generation, vehicle workshops, scientific offices and a store for travel equipment.

Today the development of the Rothera site continues. This is not an expansion but an ongoing programme of replacing old structures making best use of new technologies. Improved insulation and energy production and management systems can further reduce the environmental footprint of the station.

Location

Position: Lat. 67° 34′ S, Long. 68° 08′ W

General location: Rothera Point, Adelaide Island

https://www.bas.ac.uk/about/about-bas/history/british-research-stations-and-refuges/

Brief History of Brit Stations

https://www.bas.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/British-Antarctic-Stations-Refuges-v6.2-2016.pdf