Four expeditions are currently competing to find the body of a
former Merton student who may have conquered Everest before
Hilary and Tenzing. The expeditions hope to find conclusive proof
that Andrew Irvine reached the summit 80 years after he
disappeared on the mountain’s face. Irvine was 22 when he took time off from his degree to attempt
the climb with George Mallory, whose body was discovered in 1999.
It is hoped that Mallory’s camera would be found on Irvine
and this would provide the necessary evidence. Not enough is
currently known to settle the controversy conclusively.ARCHIVE: 3rd week TT 2004
Oxford first of Everest
