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 In 1953 the BBC Books to Read service, announced, "This is surely a book that ought to be in every British Home." The book in question was 'The Ascent of Everest' by John Hunt. Fifty five years later the hero of the book has died and with it closes the final chapter in one of the greatest feats of human endeavour. Of course, along with Tenzing Norgay his illustrious climbing comrade, we are discussing the passing away of Edmund Hillary on 11th January this year.
Edmund Hillary (1919-2008) was, by all accounts, a shy and retiring boy. Hailing from Yorkshire stock, Edmund was born in Auckland, New Zealand and quickly gained confidence by boxing. Through climbing with a school group, he realised although gangly at 6' 5", he was physcially strong and had more stamina than his peers. It was this footing therefore, that set Edmund up to become one of the most famous mountaineers in the world. In 1953 the route to Everest was closed from the north by the Chinese in Tibet and the Nepalese allowed only one expedition a year from the south. Fortunately for Edmund, he found himself invited onto the approved British 1953 attempt on Everest and cunningly made a working friendship with Tenzing who had attempted to climb Everest with the Swiss just a year before. This previous attempt had turned back due to bad weather just 800 feet from the summit. However, it was Tenzing's expert knowledge that no doubt led to the success of the team. The Hunt expedition totalled over 400 people, including 362 porters, twenty Sherpa guides and 10,000 lbs of baggage and like many such expeditions, was a team effort. Indeed, through his lifetime, Edmund Hillary reiterated how combined team efforts placed both him and Tenzing onto the summit. John Hunt, a military minded tactician, replaced Eric Shipton and in all probability, this one decision ensured the success of the assault. Like all British Army expeditions since, it was the sheer volume of stores, supplies and resources which drove the team forth. Unlike the likes of Mallory before him, Hillary was less of a hero, but no less a man. However, the timing of the great news reaching Britain on the day of Elizabeth's Coronation, ensured that the duo's endeavour was celebrated as an example of British gusto in the final years of the Empire. As a true reflection of the man he was, Edmund Hillary was the first to sweep aside any eduring myths surrounding how he and Tenzing set foot on the highest point on any mountain. As suggested earlier the two great men announced their membership of a team.  The closing remarks come from the thoughts of fellow OFC member, David Dimmock who was moved to post on the subject of Hillary's death:
"Sir Edmund Hillary's achievements are well documented, both as a mountaineer and explorer, what is not as well publicised is his work for those less privileged. He founded the Himalayan Trust to help educate and care for the Sherpa people who he came to love and respect dearly, their plight highlighted to him during the Everest expedition and his partner and from then on lifelong friend Tenzing Norgay. He also founded the American Himalayan Foundation to investigate and improve the ecology and living conditions in the Himalayan region. Tenzing Norgay's son recalls in his book "Touching My Father's Soul" Sir Edmund's written eulogy at Tenzing's funeral "To a friend dearly missed" - that to me sums up a man who treated everyone as his equal, an example for us all. The conquest of Everest may be the people's enduring memory of Sir Edmund Hillary, but for me at least the memory of a fine gentleman who cared passionately for those less fortunate will linger for a good while." Kind regards, Dave Dimmock |
