Frank Salisbury - Second Lieutenant Frederick John (Eric) Freeman

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

2003.5052

Oil on canvas, 1030 x 1580 (frame included). Portrait of Second Lieutenant Frederick John (Eric) Freeman who died in 1916, painted from a photograph given to the artist by his family following death during the war. Painted by Frank Salisbury, signed bottom left. Donated by Mrs Ann Dickinson, wife of George Dickinson. Eric was the older brother and the family lived in Harpenden from where he attended St Albans High School. He died during the first three days of the battle of the Somme. Eric never married and had just passed his final exams as a chartered accountant but was immediately called up for active service in the West Yorkshire Regiment. He died at the age of 22 and was buried in a small military cemetary at Pulchilvillars, near amiens France. The reciept from Frank Salisbury Arden Grove, Harpenden (their house) was for £52 10 shillings. A letter from L. Humphreys Lt. Col. in 2nd West Yorks notes that 'Eric Fell bravely and he would have brought his name forward had he survived'

HRT_SABMS_2003_5052.tif

[not applicable].

Faces 2008

11/04/2007