June 5, 1924

Table of Contents
Introduction
June 5, 1924
June 6, 1924
June 7, 1924
– Comments on Mallory’s note to Noel
– Comments on Mallory’s note to Odell
– Some notes on the oxygen question
– Some notes on Mallory’s equipment list – The sleeping bag issue		June 8, 1924
– Mallory & Irvine’s ascent to 8500 m/28,000 ft.
– Mallory & Irvine’s ascent beyond 8500 m/28,000 ft.
– Climbing the Second Step – Is the Mystery finally solved?
Beyond the Second Step – Hypotheses & Considerations
Where is Andrew Irvine?
Conclusions
Expedition Waste
  • Mallory, Irvine & Odell at C 4, preparing for final summit attempt (Norton 4, p. 124).
  • Hazard + 5 porters back from C 3 to C 4, starting 11 a.m., arriving 2:30 p.m. (Hazard 4 p.m.) (C3 & C4 diaries; Norton 4, pp. 117 & 124); transport of oxygen cylinders by these porters is explicitly stated in C4 diary
  • Somervell descending from C 4 to C 3 in the afternoon, arriving 5:30 p.m.; next day down to BC (C3 diary; Norton 4, ibid.)

On this day, Geoffrey Bruce sent the following message from C 3 to C 4, which was found with
Mallory’s body in 1999:

Dear Mallory,
Herewith 2 tins Bully Beef, 2 tins Bovril, 1 tin Meta, 1 tongue, 1 tin Foie, + 1 tin Biscuits
Also 1 tin Mixed Petrol & Oil from dump.
The porters have instruction to pick up the oxygen cylinders put aside by you at the dump.
For coolies: 1 tin Biscuits, 1 lb. Salt
Let us know developments as soon as you can. Hazard is off to the Base today!
Hingston, Noel, & I are ready for any emergency.
Do you want me up yet? I think I could manage to do a bit, though my heart is undoubtedly a bit ”worky”.
   Yours
   Geoffrey Bruce

As the note is dated “Camp III, 5 June”, it must have been brought up by Hazard with the requested
supplies the same day.

The remark, “Hazard is off to the Base today”, refers to the original plan before Hazard was signalled
to go back to C 4 in the morning of 5 June.

Bruce’s remark about the condition of his heart refers to the after-effects of his load carrying efforts at
C 5 during the attempt with Mallory on June 1st.

Weather that day: “A brilliant day with a maximum temperature of 105°, though the air temperature
never rose above freezing.” (Norton 4, p. 124)