The British Army’s storied history with Everest has come full circle, as a dedicated team of Parachute Regiment soldiers reached the fabled summit – one hundred years after Lieutenant George Mallory vanished on the mountain’s perilous slopes.
For decades, British soldiers have admired, attempted, and conquered this vast, snow-covered peak, and this latest feat cements that incredible legacy.
Earlier this year, a small team of soldiers braved Everest’s brutal winds and biting cold, retracing steps taken by legends before them. Led by Major Gethin Davies, the team defied 70mph winds, searing daytime heat, and temperatures plummeting below -30°C to reach the roof of the world, symbolising the grit and determination that runs deep in the British Army.
A Journey Against All Odds
The month-long expedition had a rocky start, with fierce winds halting the first attempt just shy of the summit. But after days of recuperation, the team went back, climbing through the night to avoid crowds and ensure they had Everest largely to themselves. Moving swiftly, they navigated crevasses, scaled dizzying heights, and pushed past exhaustion, relying only on each other and their training.
The night climb began at 18:00, with headtorches lighting the way through the Icefall as temperatures plunged and winds howled. Ascending in silence, they took methodical 20-step bursts, resting at each interval. By the time the team reached Everest’s balcony, the moon was high, and the biting cold was tempered only by the thrill of their mission.
At 3:51 am on 23rd May, beneath a full moon and Tibetan prayer flags, the team reached the summit, becoming the first British Army climbers to do so in seven years. This extraordinary moment was an emotional high, as soldiers shared muffled celebrations, smiling through frozen lips and savouring the breathtaking view from atop the world.
Unmatched Strength and Resilience
Major Gather Davies, the Exhibition leader, reflecting on their achievement, praised the team’s resilience: “The strength of our soldiers to attempt Everest twice in a week is testament to the quality of our people. This wasn’t just a climb – it’s a true demonstration of our very best soldiers’ ability to push against overwhelming adversity.”
This Everest mission is one of the British Army’s finest examples of Adventurous Training – a hallmark of the service’s development programme, proving once again the unmatched calibre of Britain’s armed forces.
For those inspired by this daring feat, the British Army is recruiting now to fill 10,000 jobs across the UK with more than 200 roles to choose from, covering everything from frontline combat and cyber security to helicopter pilots, chefs, and support roles.
If you’re aged 16 to 50, and if you want to find out more about a career in the Army, click here: British Army
