 The British National Antarctic Expedition, later known as the "Discovery" Expedition, was a joint enterprise of the RGS and the Royal Society.A long-cherished dream of Markham's, it required all of his skills and cunning to bring the expedition to fruition, under naval command and largely staffed by naval personnel.Scott may not have been Markham's first choice as leader but, having decided on him, the older man remained a constant supporter.