CSMI Alex Frickleton
Headed commando physical fitness and PT instruction at Achnacarry. Frickleton designed the rigorous “Tarzan Course” and managed unarmed combat training programs. He was pivotal in implementing lecture demonstrations and grueling physical standards
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Born 16 January 1919 in Slammanan, near Falkirk. Originally a grocer’s assistant, he enlisted in the Army Physical Training Corps in Glasgow in October 1939 and later transferred to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, before joining the Commando Depot staff at Achnacarry
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Described as a compact, muscular man with closely cropped curls and a dry sense of humour, Frickleton combined a strict physical regimen with an understated, personable leadership style
Role at Achnacarry
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As CSMI, he was head of the Physical Training Team, directly overseeing sergeants Stan Bissell and Roy Bellringer. Together, this trio enforced extreme fitness standards involving 7 mile speed marches, obstacle courses, unarmed combat, live-fire exercises and more
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He designed and implemented the infamous “Tarzan Course”, featuring high-rope and obstacle challenges like the Death Ride, net traverses, cat‑crawls, and toggle bridges—rigorous tests of courage, strength, and composure under stress
Training Methods & Legacy
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Frickleton maintained peak physical fitness standards: trainees were expected to run 7 miles in 1 hour in fighting order, per his regime involving PT, combatives, and endurance work—often in harsh weather and live-fire
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He held boxing demonstrations in makeshift rings, supplemented unarmed combat training, and ensured the Tarzan Course became a core rite of passage—so punishing that even he reportedly couldn’t complete it all in one go
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CSMI Frickleton was lauded as “a splendid warrant officer” whose training left an indelible mark; Major James Dunning later remarked, “no‑one who did their training at Achnacarry ever forgot the Tarzan Course”