High Altitude Acclimatization

3rd May 1924

It was now time to start the process of acclimatization at higher altitude for the climbers, hence the departure on 3 May from Base Camp of Sandy, Mallory, Odell and Hazard. Before they left, Somervell took specimens of their blood for a haemoglobin test. 'Mine came out by far the greatest percentage of red corpuscles, and Odell next, showing very good acclimatization', Sandy noted with some pride, adding, ‘hope this is a really good sign'. It was planned for Mallory and Sandy to remain at Camp III for acclimatization whilst Odell and Hazard had been briefed to push on establish the North Col Camp or Camp IV at 23,000 feet.