John Hunt - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. John Hunt is a British explorer and mountaineer who is best known for his role in the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
- 2. Hunt was born on June 22, 1910, in India, where his father was serving in the British Army. He was educated at Marlborough College and Sandhurst Military Academy.
- 3. Hunt joined the British Army in 1930 and served in various positions, including as a staff officer during World War II. He eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier.
- 4. In 1953, Hunt led the British expedition to Mount Everest, which included climbers such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The expedition successfully reached the summit on May 29, 1953.
- 5. Hunt was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his role in the Everest expedition. He was also awarded the Royal Geographical Society's Founder's Gold Medal.
- 6. After his success on Everest, Hunt continued to have a successful career in mountaineering and exploration. He led expeditions to other peaks in the Himalayas and the Andes.
- 7. Hunt was also involved in the development of outdoor education in the UK and was a founding member of the Outward Bound Trust.
- 8. Hunt served as the Director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme from 1956 to 1965, helping to promote outdoor activities and personal development for young people.
- 9. In addition to his mountaineering and exploration work, Hunt was also a prolific writer. He authored several books, including "The Ascent of Everest" and "Life is Meeting."
- 10. Hunt passed away on November 7, 1998, at the age of 88. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in mountaineering and exploration, and his legacy continues to inspire adventurers around the world.