September 24th: The Day The First Britons Conquered Everest

After 33 days of climbing, Dougal Haston and Doug Scott reached the pinnacle of Mount Everest on September 24th 1975. On top of climbing the highest mountain in the world, the pair were also faced with the challenge of choosing the south-west facing route, which was previously unclimbed and had a record of 5 unsuccessful attempts. Haston and Scott reached the 8,848 metre peak ahead of schedule, and group leader Chris Bonington hoped the other members of the group could reach it too. 
   Although this magnificent achievement has been completed by many, the difficult of the south-west route really tested their strength and determination. Having previously failed to reach the top twice before, success was that little bit sweeter for Haston and Scott on September 24th 1975. The Queen sent her congratulations to the duo, saying it was a 'magnificent achievement'. To be the first Britons to complete the challenge AND set a world record for the fastest time taken to climb that particular route, must certainly earn an unlimited feeling of pride!
   However, four days later tragedy overcame the 1975 south-west expedition's success, when Mick Burke, another climber in Bonington's group disappeared on his ascent of Everest. The devastating occurrence, which is not uncommon on expeditions as dangerous as Everest, somewhat muted the success and celebrations for Haston and Scott, as this beautiful yet baneful mountain demonstrated its fatal potential. Undertaking in such extreme sport as mountain-climbing is also an acceptance of the possible risks, which all men on the expedition  were well aware of. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the disaster that marred their climb. 
   Doug Scott and Chris Bonington went on to become two of the best well-known mountaineers in the world, reaching many more summits and even lecturing on their experiences. Sadly though, Dougal Haston  was killed two years later in a skiing accident in the Swiss Alps. Would you climb Mount Everest? Do you think the risk of death or failure is worth the achievement if successful?