John's diverse background in the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service has undoubtedly influenced his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. His extensive training in mountain and arctic warfare, combat diving, skydiving, tracking, and sniper skills has equipped him with a unique set of abilities to thrive in challenging environm
John's diverse background in the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service has undoubtedly influenced his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. His extensive training in mountain and arctic warfare, combat diving, skydiving, tracking, and sniper skills has equipped him with a unique set of abilities to thrive in challenging environments.
Living in the French Alps has provided John with ample opportunities to pursue his outdoor passions. His love for telemark skiing, climbing, and mountaineering has taken him to numerous peaks throughout Europe, where he has showcased his skills and competed in local telemark competitions.
Even after leaving the military, John remains committed to maintaining his physical fitness and endurance. Owning and coaching two CrossFit gyms in Geneva and Chamonix has allowed him to stay in peak condition while also pushing his limits in various sporting events.
During his spare time in Sweden, John continues to seek out new adventures. Whether it's exploring local lakes by canoe, practising jujitsu and Muay Thai, hiking in the Italian Dolomites, embarking on expeditions, or telemark skiing during the winter months, he consistently pushes himself to new heights and embraces the challenges of outdoor exploration.
An avid outdoorsman from a young age, Matt was born and raised on the rugged west coast of Scotland. His early years were spent exploring the wild landscapes around him, from the mountains of Arran to remote coastal islands and untamed moorlands, sparking a lifelong curiosity for adventure and the unknown.
That passion for challenge and di
An avid outdoorsman from a young age, Matt was born and raised on the rugged west coast of Scotland. His early years were spent exploring the wild landscapes around him, from the mountains of Arran to remote coastal islands and untamed moorlands, sparking a lifelong curiosity for adventure and the unknown.
That passion for challenge and discovery led Matt to join the British Army in June 1994, beginning a career defined by endurance, adaptability, and exploration. Over the years, he completed two six-month tours in Bosnia, followed by deployments to Macedonia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland, Iraq, and two six-month tours in Afghanistan.
Matt successfully completed Airborne Parachute Selection, Army Commando Selection, during this time, he also qualified as a Survival, Escape and Evasion Instructor.
His expertise grew further during six years of training in Norway with the Royal Marines, developing advanced Arctic Survival and Ski Touring skills. Today, he holds over 25 years of global experience in adventure leadership, survival instruction, and expedition planning from deserts and jungles to the frozen north.
Matt continues to connect people to history, wilderness, and the spirit of adventure walking in the footsteps of legends while inspiring others to discover their own resilience.
Dr Robert Lyman MBE FRHistS is a writer and historian. Since finishing a twenty year career in the British Army in 2001 he has published widely on the Second World War in Europe, North Africa and Asia.
He is Field Marshal Bill Slim’s military biographer. His presentation of the case for Slim won a National Army Museum debate in 2011 for
Dr Robert Lyman MBE FRHistS is a writer and historian. Since finishing a twenty year career in the British Army in 2001 he has published widely on the Second World War in Europe, North Africa and Asia.
He is Field Marshal Bill Slim’s military biographer. His presentation of the case for Slim won a National Army Museum debate in 2011 for Britain’s Greatest General and his case for Kohima/Imphal won a National Army Museum debate in 2013 for Britain’s Greatest Battle.
He was the BBC’s historical adviser for the VJ commemorations in 2015 and 2020 and is a regular contributor to documentary films on aspects of the war.
He has collaborated with General Lord Dannatt to write two books. Victory to Defeat, The British Army 1918-1940, published in 2023 and Korea, War Without End, published in May 2025.
Duncan is an accomplished Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, and Survival Instructor whose career reflects the ethos of the WW2 Special Forces resourceful, resilient, and relentlessly self-reliant.
With decades of experience, including service with 23 SAS (R) and extensive independent travel through some of the world’s most deman
Duncan is an accomplished Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, and Survival Instructor whose career reflects the ethos of the WW2 Special Forces resourceful, resilient, and relentlessly self-reliant.
With decades of experience, including service with 23 SAS (R) and extensive independent travel through some of the world’s most demanding environments, Duncan embodies the timeless principles of endurance and adaptability that defined Britain’s wartime raiders and reconnaissance patrols.
From tackling the 95-mile (152 km) West Highland Way to Ultramarathons to rebuilding his strength after multiple major surgeries, Duncan’s journey is marked by quiet determination and the kind of mental fortitude once expected of wartime mountain troops and special duties operatives.
A committed advocate for personal development and lifelong learning, Duncan continues to refine his craft and share it widely. He trained in Combat Survival (SERE) under the renowned John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman himself a link to the SAS and survival training traditions of WW2 and went on to help shape the modern civilian standard by designing the Level 4 accredited Survival Instructor Award.
At the heart of Duncan’s leadership lies the same adventurous spirit that drove the men and women of the Special Operations Executive into the field: a belief that confidence, competence, and contextual understanding are best built through real experience.
Whether leading in the mountains or interpreting the routes of wartime missions, Duncan’s aim is to help every SOE Expeditions participant not only explore the terrain but also connect deeply with the history beneath their boots understanding what it meant to operate with courage and ingenuity behind enemy lines.
Alexandra Sands has dedicated her career to supporting the U.S. Special Operations community, both as a graduate of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and as an industry support contractor for multiple organizations focused on Information Operations and Unconventional Warfare.
Having traveled extensive
Alexandra Sands has dedicated her career to supporting the U.S. Special Operations community, both as a graduate of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and as an industry support contractor for multiple organizations focused on Information Operations and Unconventional Warfare.
Having traveled extensively across the United States, the Middle East, and Europe, Alexandra is always in search of the next destination that offers cultural depth and historical perspective.
Now working in the technology sector, she applies an unconventional understanding of modern conflict while drawing lessons from World War 2. Examining how similar tactics and clandestine methods are used today and adapted to contemporary information environments.
Alexandra continues her mission to honour and strengthen partner alliances and Special Operations Forces advocacy through SOE Expeditions.
Living an adventurous life, she is a U.S. national indoor vertical formation skydiving champion, currently training in Warsaw, Poland. Most days are spent conditioning both body and mind through hiking and rock climbing, as she prepares for her next challenge scaling the ice walls of Colorado or traversing Norway's frozen plains following in the ski trails of Op Rype.
Our American cousin Mitch is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with a lifelong appreciation for the mind’s ability to motivate the body to accomplish the impossible. During his military service, he trained in winter, mountain, and desert warfare, waterborne operations, and unconventional warfare.
Mitch was one of the first America
Our American cousin Mitch is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with a lifelong appreciation for the mind’s ability to motivate the body to accomplish the impossible. During his military service, he trained in winter, mountain, and desert warfare, waterborne operations, and unconventional warfare.
Mitch was one of the first Americans to take up the sport of adventure racing in the 1990s, and has competed in and finished the Raid Gauloises in Argentina, as well as the Eco-Challenge in Utah, British Columbia, and Australia. He was the lead instructor at the Eco-Challenge Adventure School in Malibu, California, and operated his own corporate adventure team building program in San Diego, California and Aspen, Colorado.
Honouring the veterans and history of WWII special operations is very important to Mitch. He is an astute student of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and has counted American Jedburghs as his friends and “Army buddies.” It is only fitting that we have recruited him to serve as our American Ambassador for SOE Expeditions.
Stein, a native of Trøndelag in the heart of Norway, has always been captivated by the outdoors, drawn to its ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons. While most of his adult life unfolded in the southern and eastern regions of Norway, his passion for winter, snow, and skiing remained unwavering.
From his childhood, he actively engag
Stein, a native of Trøndelag in the heart of Norway, has always been captivated by the outdoors, drawn to its ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons. While most of his adult life unfolded in the southern and eastern regions of Norway, his passion for winter, snow, and skiing remained unwavering.
From his childhood, he actively engaged in cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and telemark skiing, finding joy and fulfilment in the exhilarating winter activities.
Beyond his love for the natural world, Stein is deeply committed to the history of World War II, particularly the individuals who made a significant impact in the fight for their country. His interests range from well-known figures in Kompani Linge to the lesser-known heroes whose contributions played a vital role in Norway's wartime struggles.
Stein's dedication extends to researching routes and tracks of historical events, with a special focus on World War II stories. His guiding motto, "We must never forget," underscores the importance of passing on historical knowledge to the younger generations.
A trained physical education teacher, Stein has continuously sought to push his own physical limits. His background in the Norwegian Army, where he served in a Field Artillery battery, and subsequent education as an Intelligent Officer in the Norwegian Home Guard over the past 25 years, has provided him with invaluable experience in planning operations.
This diverse background, combined with his passion for outdoor life and civilian education, has equipped Stein with skills and experiences in survival training, both in summer and winter conditions.
Driven by his unwavering enthusiasm for preserving and sharing the rich history of his homeland Stein is passionate about exploring the historic events on Norwegian soil.
Ross Cable has pursued a lifelong interest in military history. He spent 26 years in the Australian Regular Army, then Reserve and moved to Europe after ‘retirement.’ Ross’ final role in the Army was as the staff officer in charge of military staff rides.
Tours in that role included: Okinawa, Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Malaysia / Singap
Ross Cable has pursued a lifelong interest in military history. He spent 26 years in the Australian Regular Army, then Reserve and moved to Europe after ‘retirement.’ Ross’ final role in the Army was as the staff officer in charge of military staff rides.
Tours in that role included: Okinawa, Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Malaysia / Singapore. Ross also co-authored a battlefield guidebook for the Malayan Campaign with WO2 Paul Knapp, RAR. Ross’s operational service was limited to UN observer duties in Syria and Lebanon.
This allowed extensive historical travel throughout these countries and to Israel. He has also visited and reconnoitred battlefields across the Asia-Pacific, Russia, Eastern and Western Europe and the US Civil War.
Ross is an Academy Graduate (ADFA) with a honours degree in history. His thesis on the command of the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam was published in 2000.
Commando Historian at SOE Expeditions Ed Wilson. Ed brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career as a former Commando and International Expedition Leader.
Ed Wilson brings a wealth of experience and deep expertise in Commando history to our team. Serving in the Royal Marines from 1980 to 2004, Ed was part of several distingu
Commando Historian at SOE Expeditions Ed Wilson. Ed brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career as a former Commando and International Expedition Leader.
Ed Wilson brings a wealth of experience and deep expertise in Commando history to our team. Serving in the Royal Marines from 1980 to 2004, Ed was part of several distinguished units, including 42 Commando and Commachio Group.
He currently holds leadership roles as Chairman of the Highland Branch RMA and Vice Chairman of the Scotland & Northern Ireland Region RMA, and is an active member of the Commando Association.
Ed is also the founder of The Scott Sutherland Project & Trail and The International Commando Heritage Trust & Trail, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and honouring Commando history.
As a member of the Royal Marines Historical Society and an approved Achnacarry CBTC Tour Guide, his extensive knowledge and passion in this field are unmatched.
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