A general photograph of harnessing the dogs during the sledge reconnaissance to the Bluff on the British Antarctic Expedition (1901-4). The sledge flag flying from the central sledge belongs to Ernest Shackleton, as it is distintively square with three diamonds in a band across the centre.

The sledge reconnaissance set out to lay a depot at the Bluff and establish a route for the journey of the Southern Party that was to follow. Scott, Shackleton, and Barne started with two dog teams on 17 September, but had to turn back due to a blizzard. Another team had to start again on 24 September.

Bernacchi, Ford, and Skelton all took photographs of the first failed sledge reconnaissance so they are all possible photographers, but the inscription of 'SK139' might suggest Skelton as the most likely candidate.