Lt.(Acting Major)Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman MC

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Lt.(Acting Major)Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman MC

Postby StewkleyLad » Sat Aug 25, 2012 4:28 pm

My wife's aunt would like to know more about her father's service in WWI. He was Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman, born 1892 and died 7/11/1954.He attended Bromsgrove School and was appointed as an Officer in the Special Reserve of Officers when 2nd Lt. on 6/2/1915. He is believed to have served in the 3rd Bn Worcestershire Regt. Auntie has a photo of him marked Ypres 1916.He was attached to the Royal Tank Corps, promoted Captain and acting Major,and awarded his MC in the New year Honours List 1/1/1919. We know he was awarded the usual 3 WWI campaign medals.He was mentioned in Despatches. We would be grateful to know from anyone who can provide information about where he served. Is he mentioned in the Regimental diaries/chronicles? After WWI he served as a TA Officer with the 7th Bn. King's (Liverpool) Regiment and as Lt. Col. Freeman MC TD, served as its CO from 1927-34.
His medals are said to be somewhere in the family!
Auntie has a wealth of documents and old photographs of him and his army life, which she would be happy to be preserved by the Regiment if they are interested and would like to get in touch via myself?
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Re: Lt.(Acting Major)Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman MC

Postby scully » Sun Aug 26, 2012 10:20 am

Hi StewkleyLad,

Below are details which were published in the London Gazette:

Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman, M.C.
As an ex-Cadet of the Officers Training Corps he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenants (on probation) on the 6th February 1915, in to the 6th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (Special Reserves).
On the 2nd August 1915 he was promoted to the temporary rank of Captain.
On the 25th August 1915 he was promoted to rank of Temporary Lieutenant.
On the 25th July 1916 he relinquished the temporary rank of Captain
On the 25th August 1916 he was made a Captain whilst in command of a Company.
On the 1st September 1916 he was promoted to rank of Temporary Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps.
On the 18th September 1916 he relinquished the Acting rank of Captain.
From the 30th October 1916 to the 20th June 1917 he was employed as an Assistant Instructor with the Machine Gun Corps., with the Temporary rank of Lieutenant.
On the 6th April 1917 he was promoted to the substantive rank of Lieutenant.
On the 15th October 1917 he was promoted to Acting Captain whilst serving in the Tank Corps.
On the 2nd February 1918 as a Lieutenant (Acting Captain) in the Tank Corps he was promoted to Acting Major whilst commanding a Company.
On the 16th October 1918 he was promoted to rank of Acting Major in the Tanks Corps., whilst commanding a Company.
On the 16th October 1918 he relinquished the Acting rank of Major on ceasing to command a Company.
On the 17th February 1920 he relinquished the Acting rank of Major on ceasing to command a Company in the Tank Corps.
As a Lieutenant (Acting Major) on the 19th October 1918 he was promoted to Temporary Captain.
On the 1st April 1920 he relinquished his commission and was granted the rank of Major.

Interestingly his Medal Index Card shows him as been in the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant before joining the Tank Corps.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)
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Re: Lt.(Acting Major)Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman MC

Postby StewkleyLad » Sun Aug 26, 2012 11:40 am

Many thanks for your help Scully.
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Re: Lt.(Acting Major)Richard Arthur Frederick Freeman MC

Postby gilbo139 » Sun Aug 26, 2012 11:46 am

Hello, Looks like he was also awarded the croix de guerre (London Gazette 21/5/17) and was mentioned in dispatches 6/7/17 whilst in Egypt.......
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