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Spitfire over Everest, Kenneth D Neame (Hayloft Publishing)
Just before India became independent, my father was stationed in a photo reconnaissance squadron.
On a whim, and because he could (although not legally), he buzzed over to Everest to "have a look", as you do. Tibet was closed at the time, having just been taken over by China, so my Dad sat on his photos and the story for a while until planning began for Shipton's reconnaissance expedition to evaluate the approach via Nepal.
This book is the story behind these pictures:
https://www.ukhillwalking.com/images/dbpage.php?id=222011
https://www.ukhillwalking.com/images/dbpage.php?id=222034
It is a detailed description of flight training in post-war national service and the wonderfully "go for it" attitude in those rather chaotic times.
More info and purchasing information http://www.hayloft.eu/spitfire%20over%20everest.html
The theme is the background to how he came to be in India, in control of a Spitfire (capable of going to well over the height of Everest – he tested it) and wandering around in the air over the Himalayas before there were many accurate maps. The view of the S Ridge shown was a clear indication that the S Col route would “go”, provided the S Col could be reached.
Whatever one feels about National Service, it clearly gave some great opportunities if you took advantage of the time and place!
Post edited at 16:27
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