Tony Streather facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Streather
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Streather in 1990
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| Born | 24 March 1926 |
| Died | 31 October 2018 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Known for | Mountaineer |
Tony Streather (born March 24, 1926 – died October 31, 2018) was a brave British Army officer and an amazing mountaineer. He was the first person to climb two mountains that were both taller than 25,000 feet (about 7,620 meters)! These included Tirich Mir and Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
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Tony Streather's Army Career
Tony Streather started his army career in the Indian Army during the end of World War II. After the war, in 1947, he joined the Gloucestershire Regiment. He quickly moved up the ranks.
- In 1953, he became a captain.
- By 1967, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel.
His hard work and dedication were recognized. He received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) twice. This is a special award given to people who have done great things for their country.
Amazing Mountain Climbs
Tony Streather was a very skilled mountaineer. He achieved many incredible feats in his climbing career.
First Climb: Tirich Mir
In 1951, when he was a captain in Pakistan, Tony Streather joined a Norwegian team. They made the first-ever climb of Tirich Mir. This mountain is 7,710 meters (25,300 feet) tall and is the highest peak in the Hindu Kush mountains. Tony was originally in charge of supplies, but he ended up being part of the team that reached the top!
After this climb, he was invited to join the famous Alpine Club. He even became its president many years later.
Challenging K2 Expedition
In 1953, Tony was considered for the team that would climb Mount Everest. However, he was not chosen because he needed more technical climbing experience. But soon after, he was invited to join the 1953 American Karakoram expedition. This team tried to climb K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. K2 is known for being very difficult.
Again, Tony started by helping with supplies. But he ended up climbing as high as anyone else on the team. He was part of some dramatic moments high up on the mountain, at 7,800 meters (25,600 feet).
Conquering Kangchenjunga
In 1955, Tony Streather joined an expedition to climb Kangchenjunga. This is the third-highest mountain in the world. He and his climbing partner, Norman Hardie, reached the summit. They did this just one day after the first team made it to the top.
This climb was very special. It made Tony Streather the first person ever to climb two mountains that were both taller than 25,000 feet!
Other Notable Expeditions
- In 1957, he survived a very tough climb on Haramosh, which is 7,397 meters (24,270 feet) high.
- In 1959, he led a successful team that climbed Malubiting Southeast, a peak of 6,970 meters (22,870 feet).
- In 1976, Tony led the 1976 British and Nepalese Army Expedition to Everest. This expedition successfully helped two British Army climbers reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Tony Streather's Family Life
Tony Streather married his wife, Sue, in April 1956. They had four children: one daughter and three sons. In his later years, Tony lived in a village called Hindon, Wiltshire.
He passed away on October 31, 2018, at the age of 92. A famous mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonington, spoke at his memorial service.
