Captain W S Friedberger


William Sigismund Friedberger was a partner in his father's firm of stockbrokers, J. Friedberger and Co. He commanded a battalion of the Royal Fusiliers in the Boer War, and was mentioned in despatches. He retired with the rank of Major. On the outbreak of the First World War he rejoined his old Regiment with the rank of Captain. He was killed in action at Hooge on 25 May 1915, in the second Battle of Ypres, while serving with the 3rd Battalion.

His Adjutant wrote to his widow: "He was deeply respected and loved by his company and brother officers. I never met a man who was better fitted to command men, in fact a born soldier." Another brother officer wrote: "He did quite enough for his country during the South African War without risking his life again . . . He was a keen officer and good comrade; his kindness to me in South Africa and at home I can never forget." A Colonel under whom he served wrote: "We soldiered in South Africa together and I knew what a good soldier he was... He was most popular with all ranks, both officers and men, and I feel I have lost a friend whom it is impossible to replace."

No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 6 and 8.


Regimental Details | Soldiers


Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames


by Stephen Luscombe