 Bruce continued to lobby for recognition , highlighting the distinctions between the treatment of SNAE and that of English expeditions . When the war finished he attempted to revive his various interests , but his health was failing , forcing him to close his laboratory . On the 1920 voyage to Spitsbergen he travelled in an advisory role , unable to participate in the detailed work . On return , he was confined in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and later in the Liberton Hospital , Edinburgh , where he died on 28 October 1921 . In accordance with his wishes he was cremated , and the ashes taken to South Georgia to be scattered on the southern sea . Despite his irregular income and general lack of funds , his estate realised £ 7 @,@ 000 ( 2016 value about £ 280 @,@ 000 ) . 
