Sledge and sledge flag from Shackleton's British Antarctic Expedition acquired for the nation Sledge Flag from Shackleton's British Antarctic Expedition. Photo: Bonhams. LONDON .- The National Maritime Museum and the Scott Polar Research Institute have acquired the sledge and sledging flag that Dr Eric Marshall (1879-1963) used on the British Antarctic Expedition (BAE) of 1907-1909 one of the most important expeditions in British polar history. NHMF safeguards nationally important heritage at risk of loss, establishing a UK wide collection of outstanding heritage over the past 40 years. The sledge and sledging flag are the two most recent treasures supported by the Fund, with a grant of £204,700, to mark its 40th anniversary, and symbolise the remarkable achievements of these explorers. They join significant items from other polar explorations that have been saved for the nation including: