The 1914-15 Star trio awarded to 23/755 George Edward Fricker of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, who was wounded twice on the Western Front during 1918.

 

George Fricker was born 14th May 1897 at Fortrose, New Zealand. Son of John and Eliza Fricker. At the time of his enlistment in May 1915, was working as a labourer at Georgetown, inland from Oamaru on the Otago/Canterbury border. Fricker served with C Company, 1st Battalion, NZ Rifle Brigade during the Senussi campaign of 1915-16, before transferring to the Western Front.

 

Fricker was ill with influenza for much of 1916, having been evacuated to the UK in May 1916. he returned to his battalion in January 1917, and served in the field until suffering a shrapnel wound to his face in May 1918. He was promoted to sergeant in late September 1918, and was wounded for a second time on 1st October 1918, with gunshot wounds to his feet. He was evacuated to the UK, and embarked for New Zealand in January 1919. George Fricker died 29th September 1972 and is buried in the Oamaru Lawn Cemetery.

 

All medals are correctly impressed 23/755 SJT. G.E. FRICKER. N.Z.E.F.

Service file held at Archives New Zealand