Second World War Medal Group – Sapper Peter Frecker, 17th Mechanical Equipment Platoon, Royal Engineers
1939-45 Star – unnamed as issued
Africa Star with ‘1st Army’ clasp – unnamed as issued
Italy Star – unnamed as issued
Defence Medal – unnamed as issued
War Medal – unnamed as issued
Mounted as worn. Stars are quite thin, might indicate later issues.
With box of issue addressed: Mr P. Frecker, 23 Seaham Street, New Silksworth, Sunderland.
Peter Frecker was born in 1923 in County Durham, the son of Peter Frecker (1903–1977), a colliery stoneman, and Edith Frecker (née Lax) (1906–1989). The family were residing in Sunderland, County Durham, at the time of the 1939 Register, reflecting the strong mining and industrial background typical of the area.
Frecker served during the Second World War as Sapper Peter Frecker, No. 925115, in the Royal Engineers, serving with the 17th Mechanical Equipment Platoon. Units of this type were responsible for the operation and maintenance of heavy engineering and construction machinery, supporting military operations by undertaking essential tasks such as road building, airfield construction, clearance work, and the movement of large quantities of engineering stores and equipment.
His campaign medal entitlement confirms overseas service in the Mediterranean theatre, qualifying for the Africa Star and the Italy Star, indicating service during the Allied campaigns in North Africa and the Italian campaign.
Frecker served throughout the later stages of the war and was discharged on 20th May 1946, receiving a Class “A” release following the end of hostilities. His medals were issued on 22nd February 1949, with his recorded address at that time being 23 Seaham Street, New Silksworth, Sunderland.
He later returned to civilian life in his native Sunderland and lived a long life, dying on 7th July 2008 at Sunderland, aged approximately 85 years.
A good example of a Royal Engineers soldier serving in a Mechanical Equipment Platoon, whose work would have been vital in supporting Allied operations across the demanding terrain of the North African and Italian campaigns.
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AJMS Medals