Mr Arthur Fricker Wiltshire Regiment

Posts : 1858 Join date : 2009-03-25

"OBITUARY

MR. ARTHUR FRICKER
From Our Own Correspondent
Estcourt, July 25.

In the passing away, at a ripe old age, of Mr. Arthur FRICKER, is recorded the loss of yet another of the old sterling type of colonist, who laid the foundation for others more fortunate, of the present generation. The late Mr. FRICKER, in his early youth, joined the Imperial Forces and saw much service, possessing several medals. Attached to the Wiltshire Regiment as Colour-Sergeant, he was stationed at Gibraltar and Malta, before coming to Natal with his regiment. He sailed for India, taking with him his wife (whom he met and married in Maritzburg), and on again returning to Natal, he fought with distinction through Secocooni Rebellion (1877-1878) and the Zulu War of 1878-1879, being wounded twice at Kambuia. Leaving the Army after 21 years’ service, he returned on pension to England, where he was for some time steward of the Yarmouth Conservative Club, and on returning to Natal he entered the service of Tomkins, Railway contractor, and was for some considerable time in charge of the Railway Refreshment Rooms in Estcourt, finally opening what was known as the “Bottle Store” here.

During his residence of over 20 years in Estcourt, Mr. FRICKER held the respect and affection of all who kenw him. He was a staunch supporter of the Anglican Church, and was People’s Warden from 1912 to 1913, and was for many years a sidesman in St. Matthew’s Church. At a Vestry meeting, held on Monday night, a vote of sympathy with the widow and daughter was passed, all standing in silence. Mr. FRICKER also took his share in the affairs of the town, being a member of the Local Board from 1908 to 1911, when he held office as Chairman of Public Works, also Building and Lighting.

During the Native Rebellion of 1906 many were the acts of kindness shown by Mr. and Mrs. FRICKER to the troops passing through Estcourt, the kindly couple frequently sitting up all night in order to cheer “the boys” with cups of steaming hot coffee and tea.

Mr. FRICKER was one of the foundation members of the Weenen County Lodge of Freemasons. He was at one time secretary of the Lodge, and held various positions, and was made a Life Member in 1914. A few years later, he and Mrs. FRICKER left Estcourt to live with their only daughter, the widow of the late Sergt. WARD (who was highly respected here), on her farm at Harrismith.

Beyond the bare facts of his death last Friday, no details are known. The deepest sympathy is expressed for Mrs. FRICKER in her great sorrow, and for Mrs. WARD and the grandchildren. Of unflinching integrity, a most cheerful and generous disposition, with deep Christian principles, simply unostentatiously lived through all his long life, there are many hearts to-day who feel a sense of personal loss in the death of Mr. FRICKER, who was, in very truth, “a white man” all through his long and useful life."

Subject: Mr Arthur Fricker Wiltshire Regt Wed Nov 13, 2019 3:23 am

Looking in Tavender's ' Casualty Roll For The Zulu And Basuto Wars 1877- 79 , ... Sgt A.Fricker 1331:1/13th , Severely wounded in the head at Ulundi 4/7/79 , I assume this is the same chap as posted by 24th , no mention of being wounded at Kambula . As we know there are errors in reporting , along with lists from that period of time .
90th scratch

Subject: Re: Mr Arthur Fricker Wiltshire Regiment Wed Nov 13, 2019 7:39 am

Gary,

That is one of the many errors in Tavender’s book.

Here’s a paragraph from a piece I wrote on Khambula many years ago:

The uNdi corps, which had been defeated at Rorke's Drift, now rushed the cattle kraal being defended by Captain William Cox and some 150 men of the 1st/13th. Wave upon wave of Zulus rushed forward from their position in the former camp of Wood's Irregulars. Cox and his men stoutly contested their front, meeting the warriors with the point of the bayonet, but their resistance was futile. Cox fell, shot through the leg; four of his men were killed and seven wounded. Wood sent a runner to order Cox to evacuate the position. Hard pressed, the soldiers retreated up the slope toward the ridge. Private William Grosvenor saw Colour Sergeant Arthur Fricker fall to the ground and rushed to his assistance. He helped the wounded non-commissioned officer to his feet, but Fricker was dazed. Rather than desert him, Grosvenor stood over the wounded man and fought against the Zulus until he finally slumped, mortally wounded, over Fricker - who would survive, thanks to the private's selfless courage.

JY

Posts : 3182 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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Subject: Mr Arthur Fricker Wiltshire Regt Wed Nov 13, 2019 1:01 pm

Thanks Andy
I should've remembered Fricker , I've read enough on Kambula , and it isn't a common name . Shocked

90th

Subject: Re: Mr Arthur Fricker Wiltshire Regiment Thu Nov 14, 2019 7:09 am

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A Soldier of Mercy - Private William Grosvenor tends Fricker’s head-wound.
As depicted in The Penny Illustrated.

JY