the british antarctic expedition 1907–09 was also called the nimrod expedition. it was the first of three expeditions to the antarctic led by ernest shackleton. the purpose of the journey was to reach the south pole. they did not reach the south pole. they had to turn back, 180.6 kilometers (112.2 miles) away from their destination. this was much nearer the pole than anyone else had come. the group was also the first to climb mount erebus.