In Search of Old Torquay-Frank Browning

Plaque in Torquay Town Hall

Frank Browning lived in Torquay for most of his life. He was the cook on Captain Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic 100 years ago. Browning was part of a six man party which carried out scientific work in one area but their ship, Terra Nova, could not get back to them because it became stuck in ice. They carved out an ice cave and survived the winter on porridge and penguin steaks

They then walked 300 miles back to Cape Evans, and all suffered from severe frostbite. Browning received the Antarctic Medal from King George V and in Antarctica, Mount Browning and Browning Pass were named after him.

There is an exhibition at Torquay Museum, which has marvellous archive film of the expedition. The men are shown playing football on the frozen sea 70 degrees below freezing 2000 miles further south than any other football match.

I would like to think that his chums affectionately called this super hero iron man
' Gravy'