Disaster

For years, all that has marked their deaths has been a crude cross and four barely-readable names carved into a rugged lump of rock by unknown hands on weather-beaten Scafell.

But now, the Lake District disaster - one considered "the worst in the annals of British mountain climbing," - will be commemorated later this year.

A memorial service is being arranged for Richard Broadrick, Henry Lupp, Stanley Ridsdale and Algernon Garrett names barely known outside local climbing or history circles.

They died 100 years ago on September 21, 1903, falling an estimated 200ft after taking on the treacherous north-facing Scafell Pinnacle then seen as the most difficult part of the 3,162ft peak.

Only Broadrick, of High Fell, Windermere, was local - the

son of Mrs Broadrick and the late Captain Broadrick, who died 23 years earlier while skating across frozen Windermere.

The others, all highly-educated and middle-to-upper class, were from the south and staying at the Wastwater Hotel, now known by many as the Wasdale Head Inn.

Only Ridsdale survived the fall and, despite massive injuries, he was able to muster a short account of what happened before his life force ebbed away within hours of the disaster.

Mountaineer Guy Newbold, 32, of Seascale, who works at The Barn Door shop at the head of the Wasdale Valley, is now planning a memorial weekend to remember the men.

He explained: "It is the 100th anniversary of the fall which was very significant in terms of British mountaineering because it was the first time we had deaths of a group of roped climbers in England.

"Myself, and a group of other mountaineers and climbers, thought it was appropriate that we should remember this occasion as a mountaineering community and also to extend that opportunity to any one else who has lost people in the Wasdale area over the years."

An inquest held at the Wastwater Hotel and concluded within two days of the four dying, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The then Kendal Mercury and Times reported how the four had set out on a blustery Monday to take part in what was known as a "face climb" on a "very much exposed" area of rock.

Bonded by thick rope tied around the waist, it is believed that Broadrick had been leading the men up Pinnacle when, finding himself "exhausted," he changed places with Garrett who then lost his footing.

Equipped with what would now be primitive gear - hobnail boots and thick heavy ropes with low-breaking strains current essentials such as dynamic-stretch ropes and Global Positioning toolkits, were years from invention, never mind use.

Once they fell, there was little chance that even had they survived, they would have been found in time - with no army of searchers easily summoned, mobilised or able to find them.

This was 1903.

The few fortunate enough to have telephones rang people with three digit numbers.

The rescue effort fell to "dalesmen and doctors" who set off at 7pm that night to navigate the punishing terrain carrying lanterns and stretchers.

In the inquest report, it was remarked how, in some areas, the rescue party had to "crawl on hands and knees" because the ground was "so soft and slippery" underfoot.

Ridsdale described as being "terribly mangled" - was found at 11pm, and it would be 3.30am before his dead body was transported back to the Wastwater Hotel.

The inquest heard how Ridsdale, of Kew Gardens, London, had told rescuers a "little" of what had happened, although those that came across him had not "liked to ask."

On being discovered, his first thought was for his fellow climbers, telling those who attended to him: "I have broken both my legs and my backgo and look after the other chaps"

The inquest was told that if one of the men lower down the rope had fallen the climbers might have managed to recover position but it was not to be.

Summing up, the coroner said bluntly: "The first had fallen and brought down the lot."

They were found roped together at the bottom of Deep Ghyll.

The extent of the tragedy, which was seen as signalling the end of the carefree, golden age of British rock climbing, would not be surpassed for more than 50 years when five people died on Ben Nevis in 1953.

Mr Newbold, who talks of the era with a mixture of admiration and wonder, said: "If you look at what they did, how they did it and the technique and equipment they are using, you realise how well they were climbing. If a route grade is severe now with all the modern equipment, what was it then on a rainy, blustery day with the bare essentials?

"It was phenomenal. There was no margin for error."

Efforts are being made to trace any relatives of the men who may want to attend the service or know that it is taking place.

It is proposed that on Sunday, September 21, a service will take place at St Olaf's Church (the smallest in England), Wasdale, where many a climber is buried, before a procession up to Scafell Crag.

Anyone who can help identify any of the living relatives should contact Mr Newbold on 019467-27246 or 019467-26384.

April 24, 2003 11:00