The 1924 Expedition Team

23rd March 1924

This was Sandy’s first opportunity to meet the other members of the expedition, several of whom knew each other from 1922 (such as Charles Bruce, Geoffrey Bruce, Mallory, Edward Norton, John Noel, and Howard Somervell). Gyalzen Kazi, who had been interpreter on the 1921 expedition, was confirmed in his role of head Sherpa of 1922, and Karma Paul came back as interpreter. The new members this time were, in addition to Sandy, Bentley Beetham, John de Vars Hazard, Richard Hingston, and Edward Shebbeare. Everyone was full of optimism and the 1922 veterans each privately expressed the belief that they had the strongest possible team. Indeed Norton wrote later: ‘I don’t believe a stronger party will ever be got together for Everest.'

Image courtesy of The Alpine Club Collections

"1924 Expedition Members
Brig. Gen. Charles G. Bruce (Leader)
Lt. Col. Edward FE. Norton (Leader)
George Leigh Mallory (Climbing Leader)
Bentley Beetham
Capt. C. Geoffrey Bruce
John de Vars Hazard
Maj. Richard W. G. Hingston (Medical Officer)
Andrew C. ‘Sandy Irvine
Capt. John B. L. Noel (Photographer/Film-maker)
Noel E. Odell
Edward. O. Shebbeare
Dr T. Howard Somervell
Karma Paul (Interpreter)
Gyalzen Kazi (Sirdar)"