Captain John King Davis, esteemed as one of Australia's prominent Antarctic explorers, has long been remembered for his significant contributions to the exploration of the icy continent. Despite his accolades and the legacy he built, Davis's final resting place in Melbourne remained unmarked for decades, a fact that contrasts sharply with his heroic achievements in the field of exploration. His contributions during the so-called 'Heroic Age' of Antarctic exploration have been pivotal, yet he did not receive the recognition he deserved at his grave until now.

This situation changed after a chance discovery by Alison Hutchison, who has been passionate about Antarctica for years. About 20 years ago, while browsing in a second-hand bookshop in Daylesford, Victoria, she came across a book written by Davis. Captivated by his engaging writing and remarkable leadership qualities, Hutchison embarked on a journey to ensure that Davis's contributions would not go unnoticed, which ultimately led to the initiative to mark his grave.

The memorial ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, represents an important culmination of this effort, setting up a new stone and plaque at his grave. This action not only honors Davis's memory and contributions to Antarctic exploration but also serves to remind the public of the importance of preserving the legacies of historical figures who have played pivotal roles in our understanding of the world around us.