Everest conquered just in time
EVEREST is conquered. A Union Jack has flown on the 29,000ft peak, carried there by a New Zealand bee-keeper. And nature’s greatest prize belonged to the Queen on the morning of her Coronation.
This dramatic news from the expedition reached London on Monday night just as it seemed as if the cruel mountain had once again beaten back its attackers.
Two attempts had failed. The final bid was made by 34-yearold Edmund Hillary and the great Sherpa climber Tenzing, last Friday, May 29.
From their lonely tent, swept by near gale force winds and at 40 degrees below freezing, they had to climb 1,500ft across rocks, snow and ice no man has ever passed.
Each step, each breath, is agony. Even to think is an unbelievable strain. But they would not be denied — just as Scott of the Antarctic would not be denied.
What a triumphant moment it must have been to stand on top of the world, higher than any man has ever climbed before.
They have returned to safety and reported to Colonel John Hunt, the 42-year-old British ex-Commando who leads the expedition, that Everest — unconquerable Everest — is tamed at last.
There is every indication that the attempt was made only just in time. A monsoon will likely cover Everest in a death shroud of snow within four days.
The expedition was the largest and costliest ever sent to the mountain. It may well be found that £35,000 has been spent.
Although there will be regrets that no climber from Great Britain reached the top, none could grudge the climbers their success.
Before leaving the Palace for the Abbey yesterday, the Queen sent this message to the British Minister in Kathmandu:
‘Please convey to Colonel Hunt and all the members of the British Expedition my warmest congratulations on their great achievement in reaching the summit of Mount Everest. — Elizabeth R.’
Another message went from the Duke of Edinburgh: ‘Everybody is delighted with the wonderful news. Well done. Congratulations to you all. — Philip.’
And from Sir Winston Churchill: ‘My congratulations on this memorable British achievement in which the whole world has been interested for so many years.’