Andy and Stan were allowed to find a place to rest. They were very tired from their efforts. They got themselves hot drinks and rested. Soon they were joined by others that had been doing much of the hauling and rope handling. Flying Officer Crombie spoke to Flight Sergeant Bradley, “You’ve all done a terrific job here, Brad. I think we are better to wait for the rescue team to arrive rather than try to take these injured men down. We’ll let them do that and also let them bring up the dead person. You and your team have had enough. When you are ready and the men have rested, you can start to return to base. You may need to camp somewhere overnight and get to base tomorrow morning. My team can hold the fort until the rescue team arrives. I think they’ll know their way, even in the dark and they’ll have torches. We will most likely have to stay up here overnight unless the sky clears and we can get a chopper in.”
The mist continued to thin and was visibily, steadily improving. The slight breeze was from the south which could mean more snow would fall if it caused a temperature rise. With it there was a lifting of spirits all round.
Flying Officer Crombie went across to Major Garasov. “How are you feeling, sir?” he asked. “Can you tell me what happened, please?”
Major Garasov nodded. “I’m comfortable but will be glad to get medical treatment. I fear that my injuries are more than a dislocated shoulder. As for what happened, as the most experienced person I was the lead man and all four of us were roped together. Visibility had reduced and I called a stop to check on where we were. While I was consulting map and compass, the no. 4 man walked away towards the cliff edge followed by no. 3. As they stood together, it all suddenly gave way and they dropped, pulling no. 2 and myself after them. I was caught by surprise and we had no time to try and brace ourselves to hold them. As we fell, I tried to get my ice axe free to try and jam it into the cliff-face but it meant that I fell more to the side. Then the rope snagged on the rock that was jutting out and it pulled us all up. That may have saved our lives. By the way, where is my no. 2 man?”
“I’m sorry to say that the team reported him as dead. He had a nasty head wound and they couldn’t find breath or pulse. We are leaving it to the rescue team to bring him up. My men are worn out with the effort they have put in so far.”
Major Garasov nodded, “They are brave men and they have saved three lives. Could I speak with the two that rescued me, please?”
Flying Officer Crombie nodded, “Certainly. I’ll ask them to come across when they’ve rested a little more. Would that be okay, sir?” Major Garasov nodded and lay back again and closed his eyes. He was impressed that this air force officer had been courteous in the way he had addressed him.
Ten minutes later, Crombie went over to Andy and Stan. “How are you two feeling?”
“We’re getting there, sir,” said Stan.
“Right, Major Garasov has asked to speak with you both. Remember that he is an officer so treat him accordingly.” They both nodded their understanding.
“We’d better see what he wants,” said Andy as he rose to his feet. Stan nodded his agreement, rose, and they both walked across to the major.
As they came and stood before Major Garasov, Andy said, “Sir, you want to speak to us?”
“Yes,” said Major Garasov, “I want to thank you for saving my life and the lives of two of my team. Given the conditions, how did you know that we were down there?”
“Well sir,” said Andy, “we came across your tracks in the snow and followed them since we were going in the same direction. Then we noticed that there was snow scuffed away and the tracks stopped. So we investigated and found what appeared to be a snow overhang broken away. We guessed the rest and decided to send someone down to check further.”
“I’m very glad that you did. We might have perished before we were discovered missing. Again, I want to thank you for saving my life. We may never meet again but I will not forget what you did for me today.”
Corporal Stanier replied, “We only did our duty, sir, as others would do. We hope that you get well soon.” Both corporals came to attention and nodded their heads before turning away to join the rest of their team getting ready to return down the mountain.
The mist was steadily dispersing as the day wore on and visibility was continually improving. As Bradley’s team shouldered their rucksacks and prepared to move out, the beat of helicopter rotors was heard. Everyone stopped. There was a buzzing of the radio and Crombie quickly took it from his radio man. “Flying Officer Crombie here. Is that RAF Mountain Rescue? Over.” “Confirmed, sir. Flight Sergeant Watson speaking. We are looking for a landing spot but you could help us. We’d like to get people out before last light, if we can.”
“Understood, Flight. We are about fifteen minutes’ walk south of Carne na Criche, which would be a suitable landing place for you. If we light a
