Theale Green Community School

Hunt House

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Lord Hunt

Lord Hunt visiting Theale

Why Hunt? - Lord Hunt

Phone: 01189 308510

E-mail: mcollins@thealegreen.org.uk

Hunt house is named after the famous mountaineer, Lord John Hunt, who led the successful Everest expedition in 1953.

Lord Hunt was born Henry Cecil John Hunt on 22 June 1910, in India. He was educated in England at Marlborough College and Sandhurst, from where he passed out with the King's Gold Medal and the Anson Memorial Sword.

His first commission was in the King's Royal Rifle Corps and with them he returned to India in 1931. After further service in Burma, he returned to England in 1940. His next appointment was chief instructor in the Commando Mountain and Snow Warfare School, reflecting his accomplishments as an experienced mountaineer. In 1944 he rejoined the King's Royal Rifle Corps and was awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order).

Hunt was an accomplished mountaineer, having spent childhood holidays climbing in the Alps. He already had extensive knowledge of the Himalayas due to several expeditions he took part in whilst serving in India, and was chosen to lead the 1953 team. The Everest Committee felt Hunt was an exceptional leader, a careful planner and inspired team leader, and who would carry out the expedition with military precision.

And so it was that Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing reached the 29,028ft summit of Everest. Their success was announced in Britain on 29 May 1953, coinciding with the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

After his visit Lord Hunt allowed the House to take on his name.

 

 

 

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Lord Hunt on the slopes of Everest