Squadron Leader Frank Smythe
Mountain warfare expert
A renowned mountaineer, Smythe served as the commander of the Mountain & Snow Warfare Training Camp at Braemar, focused on arctic and cliff-climbing skills
Role at Braemar (Commando MTWC)
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Commanding Officer of the Commando Mountain & Snow Warfare Training Centre, established at Braemar in December 1942
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Designed to teach commandos how to fight in snow-covered mountains, including climbing, skiing, survival, and small-craft use in alpine conditions
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After Braemar, the centre relocated to North Wales and then St Ives, transitioning to cliff assault training for D‑Day under a new name in September 1946
Mountaineering Pedigree
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Born July 6, 1900; one of Britain’s foremost inter-war mountaineers, climber of Mont Blanc’s Brenva Face, Kamet, and multiple Everest attempts in the 1930s
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Joined RAF, then WWII service included mountain warfare training roles in Canada with the Lovat Scouts and in Scotland
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Co-led the camp’s command alongside Major John Hunt, later Everest leader
Training Approach & Legacy
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Described by Major Hunt as a “gentle, most unwarlike character,” whose love of the mountains deeply influenced trainees
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Brought poetic appreciation of the terrain to a brutal training environment—instilling respect for nature along with military precision.