John Hunt led the 1953 British expedition that first reached Mount Everest’s summit.
Hunt, a British Army officer, was appointed expedition leader after Eric Shipton was replaced. His careful planning supported multiple climbing teams, high-altitude porters, route fixing, and the establishment of camps on the South Col route.
On 29 May 1953, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal made the expedition’s successful summit ascent. The news was announced in Britain on the morning of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, creating a major international moment.
Hunt is sometimes confused with Hillary or Tenzing because all three are central to the achievement. Hillary and Tenzing were the summit climbers; Hunt was the expedition leader. Everest’s summit success followed many earlier attempts and reconnaissance missions.