Capt Scott’s lesser-known companion in Antarctica

THE Scott expedition to the South Pole is one of the most famous stories of English exploration.

When news of Capt Robert Scott’s death in Antarctica reached England 100 years ago, there was mourning in Henley where his mother lived and he had often visited.

However, he is not the only polar explorer with a link to the town. Frank Vernon Browning, who was also a member of the Terra Nova expedition group, is thought to have died in Henley.

Browning, then 28, was one of only two men hand-picked by Scott to join the expedition and he became the cook for the northern shore party. They spent the summer at Cape Adare in a penguin rookery. Disaster struck when the Terra Nova was unable to pick them up as planned at the end of February 1913, due to extreme ice. The stranded crew had to endure winter in the Antarctic despite only having their summer gear and just eight weeks’ rations.

Browning’s skills were needed when the team ventured south and the remaining crew skirted the coast, becoming trapped in what the men called “Inexpressible Island”.

Despite becoming increasingly ill himself, Browning learnt how to make porridge with seal or penguin steak.

When the decision was made to walk 200 miles back to base camp, Browning was pulled on a sledge, although he insisted on walking the final stages.It took the men seven weeks to reach their destination, where they learned of the fate of Scott and his men. Browning came home to Torquay and continued to serve with the navy during the First World War and until 1922. He had two children with his wife Marjorie — Mary and Frank Ernest.

He was presented with the Antarctic Medal by King George V at Buckingham Palace for his part in the expedition. Mount Browning and Browning Pass in Antarctica were also named after him.

However, his life was not to be a long one and he died in 1930 after a bout of double pneumonia. He was 48.

His great nephew Mark Pool, who works at Torquay Library, said: “I believe he died in Henley-on-Thames, where I understand he had gone to work for a senior naval officer as a chauffeur or similar.”