 He only spent short periods in Antarctica, returning with the "Terra Nova" to wait out the winters of 1911 and 1912 in Lyttelton, New Zealand.Due to the absence of Robert Falcon Scott on land, Pennell assumed the role of command on the Terra Nova, which would bring fresh supplies back to Antarctica with each voyage.Despite not being a part of the main landing party for the Pole, Pennell was a popular member of the expedition.