Lt. Col. Horace ‘Rusty’ Westmorland O.B.E.
[1886–1984]

The last link with the early pioneers of Lakeland Rock Climbing Founding Father of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team

Francis J. Morgan-Grant 2021

ISBN 978-0-9556989-3-4

This book tracks a most memorable and distinguished life in 9 chapters capturing the world and characters that Rusty Westmorland held close for so long.

Born in Penrith, he explored the Lake District fells with his family and his love of climbing began following an expedition onto Helvellyn via Striding Edge.  He climbed Pillar, unroped, at the age of 15 and his late teens were spent climbing, he made the first ascent of Chock Gully and Westmorland’s Route on Dove Crag. He went on to climb with George and Ashley Abraham and was proposed by them for membership to the Fell and Rock Climbing Club.

He travelled to Canada in 1911 and secured a job as a chainman with a surveying party. He later joined the Canadian Army and rose to the rank of Lieutenant – Colonel, getting his nickname during WWI. Back in the Lakes he went to the rescue of an injured Wilfrid Noyce in 1946 and as a result, came up with the idea of starting a mountain rescue team – initially called Borrowdale MRT then later Keswick MRT. He was known for his prolific climbing and walking and for his dedication to mountain rescue, for which he received the O.B.E.

What is not known about Rusty, is the fullness of his climbing adventures which spanned over 90 years and is revealed throughout this book. Both the club archives and members have assisted in the extensive research undertaken.

Available to members of the FRCC as a download sent via a link – directly from the author upon receipt of £10.  Any profits from this publication are being donated to The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and Cancer Research UK.

192 pages. Special offer download includes additional text and imagery.

Contact Frank Grant  jacobite15hex@gmail.com  or on 077189 88226 and quote Westmorland Cairn for your club offer.

Chris and Ellie Sherwin