Army Captain Returns Home After Historic Antarctica Expedition

Captain Louis Rudd, who became the first Briton and second person to walk unaided across Antarctica, has returned home.

The Army officer touched down at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal after his 56-day trek over the frozen continent.

The 49-year-old completed the solo journey of 925 miles in honour of his friend, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley MBE, who died trying to complete the same trek.

WATCH: Captain Louis Rudd On Why He Always Takes Another 11 Steps

Last month American Colin O’Brady became the first man to journey across Antarctica solo without assistance, finishing his journey in 54 days – beating Capt Rudd by two days.

Capt Rudd's trek was sponsored by the SSVC Welfare Fund.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Captain Rudd said:

"My number one priority and objective was to come out here and ski solo, unsupported and unassisted right across the continent and I've done that."

He congratulated Mr O’Brady and said it was “a minor miracle” that both of them had finished something that no one else had ever before achieved.