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Chronology Of The 1933 Houston Everest Flights
MARCH 1932
Headquarters of flight located at College of Aeronautical
Engineering, Chelsea.
Plan for flight to Mount Everest, submitted by
L. V. S. Blacker, considered by Council of Royal
Geographical Society.
APRIL 1932
Letter sent to Secretary of State for India by Council
of R.G.S., intimating that in their opinion the plan
is likely to produce valuable scientific results.
Air Ministry grant facilities at the Royal Aircraft
Establishment, R.A.F. School of Photography, and
Experimental Establishment, Martlesham.
Negotiations with Bristol Aeroplane Company for Pegasus engine. Lord Peel and
Colonel John Buchan join the Committee of the flight.
MAY 1932
Official application made to India Office for permission
to fly across Nepal.
Air Survey Plan made with Geographical Section,
General Staff, War Office.
Colonel Etherton communicates with British Envoy
in Nepal, a former brother officer.
British Envoy at Khatmandu intimates the flight is
receiving sympathetic consideration from Nepalese
Government.
Arrangements made for use of Army Department's
landing-ground at Purnea.
JUNE 1932
Decided that type I.S.3 Pegasus engine be employed
for flight. . .
Lord Clydesdale joins the Committee and is later
nominated pilot.
JULY 1932
Master of Sempill joins Committee.
India Office approached to grant exemption from
customs duties, to loan reserve pilot, and various
other ranks of R.A.F. in India.
Arrangements made for supply of petrol, oil, etc.
Special concessions accorded by P. & O. Steam Navigation Company. Negotiaions opened with Gaumont-British Picture
Corporation for filming expedition.
AUGUST 1932
Governmen of Nepal sanctions flight.
SEPTEMBER 1932
Lad Houston approached by Lord Clydesdale to give financial support to expedition.
Lord Lytton and Wing Commander Orlebar join
Committee.
India Office grant customs exemption.
Oxygen apparatus and heated clothing selected.
G.H.Q. of Expedition transferred to Grosvenor
House, W.1 (October 1932).
OCTOBER 1932
Selection of Eagle cameras and accessories made.
Westland PV.3. selected.
Negotiations for personnel, material, and insurance.
Lady Houston supports flight financially.
Pegasus engine ordered from Bristol.
NOVEMBER 1932
Burnham joins Committee as Honorary
Treasurer.
Air Commodore P.F.M. Fellowes appointed
chief executive officer.
Flight Lieutenant McIntyre appointed second pilot.
Defence Department, Irish Free State, offer two
suitable aeroplanes, gratis, complete with Jaguar
engines. DECEMBER 1932
First acceptance test flight carried out at Yeovil.
FEBRUARY 1933
Westland planes shipped to Karachi in s.s.Dalgoma.
Three Moth aeroplanes with executive officer and
pilots leave London.
MARCH 1933
Westland aeroplanes unloaded at Karachi.
Colonel P.T. Etherton visits Nepal.
From Karachi by air to Purnea. Inspection at Delhi
by H.E. the Viceroy. APRIL 3rd 1933
First flight over Mount Everest. APRIL
4th 1933
Flight over Kangchenjunga. APRIL 19th
1933
Second flight over Mount Everest. |