Memorial commemorating Samuel Frickleton

Behind St. Nicholas' Church is a plaque commemorating Samuel Frickleton, inaugurated June 7, 2007.

Samuel Frickleton was born in 1891 in Slamannan, Scotland. In 1908 his family immigrated to New Zealand and worked there as a miner.
When the First World War broke out, he enlisted with his four brothers.
He was briefly involved in the 1915 attacks in Gallipoli, but was sent home in November for allegedly medically unfit.
In April 1916 he returned to service and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
On June 7, 1917, his battalion takes part in the Mine Battle. During the capture of Messines, Frickleton is slightly injured, but that does not stop him from continuing the attack. He takes matters into his own hands when New Zealand troops are delayed, and single-handedly takes out two German machine gun posts.
For his courageous actions he is awarded a Victoria Cross, the highest British military decoration. During the rest of the attack, he was wounded a second time and was evacuated and taken to a hospital in Great Britain. Due to his injuries, he does not return to the battlefield.
He survives the war and dies in 1971.

Source: 1914-1918 - Great War in the Westhoek

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck