Who is Frank Wild, second-in-command from Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage and what is their importance?

Frank Wild is second-in-command of the expedition, second only to Shackleton in authority and oversight. Prior to the expedition he has an enormous amount of polar experience including having served previously with Shackleton. Wild serves with quiet distinction during the expedition and proves utterly reliable and capable. He is well-liked by the men and always displays a calm-headed approach to any situation. Shackleton relies heavily on Wild's intuition and judgment and consults him frequently with virtually all aspects of managing the expedition—from the planning through the execution to, eventually, the survival on the pack ice.