By George Manley – Expedition 8848 Artist
Everest Historical Moments Series
1921 saw the first expedition to Everest, it was only reconnaissance trip, to see if it was possible to climb Everest. Very little was known and understood about Everest, the environment, the altitude and the equipment and clothing needed for such a huge undertaking.
Because of World War One, many of the best mountaineers of the time had been lost, the average age of this first team was in the 40s, this was George Mallory’s first visit to Everest and he was the youngest team member.
It was soon discovered that trying to climb Everest in the summer, the monsoon period was not the best time, in spite of this George Mallory reached the North Col at 7000m/23,000ft and first looked into the Western Cwm.
