The Mt. Everest Expedition of 1938 was unsuccessful in reaching its goal. The Rongbuk Monastery was reached on April 6th and Camp 3 at the foot of the North Col was occupied on April 26th. Because of poor weather conditions and the health of the climbers it was decided to withdraw temporarily and return late in May from a rest in the Kharta Valley. Heavy snowfall early in May spoiled the chances for a successful climb and although Camp 3 was reoccupied on May 18th, the North Col was not reached until the 28th. After a retreat because of the bad snow conditions the North Col was reoccupied on June 5th and an attempt made on the upper slopes of the mountains. Camp 6 was occupied and on the 8th progress above was impossible because of the deep powder snow, and an attempt to climb the rock step above ended in failure. The North Col was finally evacuated on June 12th and on the 18th the party left Rongbuk for home.

K. A. H.