Legion of Frontiersmen (New Zealand) Command

WILSON Frederick William Deyes

RE47378, Sergeant, Royal Engineers, WW1

18252 Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand

OBITUARY

Frontiersman Frederick William Deyes WILSON, MM & bar, Medaille Militaire (France). It is with profound regret that we have to

report the death of our esteemed member and comrade Frontiersman Fred W.D WILSON who met his death by drowning when

making a gallant attempt to rescue his wife, who had got into difficulties when bathing in the Waikato River near Aratiatia Rapids

on 28 December. Mrs WILSON was rescued by others and the aid of a life-line, but Fred was swept away by a strong current and

drowned before any attempt at his rescue could be made. Fred held a distinguished war record, having served in Field

Companies of the Royal Engineers with the B.E.F in France for the duration of the Great War and being the recipient of the

Military Medal and bar and the French Medaille Militaire. He was 47 years of age and is survived by his wife; there were no

children.

(© New Zealand Command Journal)

Awards

Military Medal and bar

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Medaille Militaire (France)

Notes

Imperial WW1 Service, RE.47378

Born 1892 England

Died 28 December 1937 Aratiatia Rapids, New Zealand

Buried Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand [Soldiers burial E, Row 1, Plot 64]