Francis William Voelcker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis William Voelcker
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| High Commissioner of Western Samoa | |
| In office 1948–1949 |
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| Succeeded by | Guy Powles |
| Administrator of Western Samoa | |
| In office 1946–1948 |
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| Preceded by | Alfred Turnbull |
| Personal details | |
| Born | London, United Kingdom 9 October 1896 |
| Died | 22 May 1954 (aged 57) Auckland, New Zealand |
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Francis William Voelcker (born October 9, 1896 – died May 22, 1954) was a British army officer and a leader in government. He served in important roles, including as the Administrator and later High Commissioner of Western Samoa.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Francis William Voelcker was born in London, England, in 1896. He went to Shrewsbury School and then joined the Sandhurst Military Academy in 1914. This was a school for training army officers.
World War I Experience
When World War I started, Voelcker joined the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. He went to fight in Belgium in 1915. There, he was captured by the German army. He spent three and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW). During this time, he managed to escape from three different prison camps! After the war, he received the Military Cross for his bravery.
Continuing Service and Family Life
Voelcker continued his military career after World War I. He served in Ireland in 1919 and then in Aden. Later, in 1921, he moved to India. In India, he married Norah Hodgson in 1924. They had two daughters together.
Life in New Zealand
In 1928, Francis Voelcker left the army. He moved to New Zealand and settled in a place called Kerikeri. There, he became a farmer and grew citrus fruits.
World War II and Awards
However, when World War II began, he returned to military service. He led the Third Battalion, Fiji Regiment, during the Solomon Islands campaign. This was a series of battles in the Pacific Ocean. For his actions during this campaign, the United States gave him the Bronze Star Medal in 1944. He also received the Distinguished Service Order for his excellent leadership.
Leading Western Samoa
In 1946, Voelcker was chosen to be the Administrator of Western Samoa. This meant he was in charge of the government there. Two years later, the government structure changed. He then became the High Commissioner of Western Samoa.
He was honored with the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1949 Birthday Honours. Soon after, in 1949, he stepped down from his role in Samoa.
Later Years
After leaving Samoa, Francis Voelcker returned to New Zealand. He later served in Korea as part of the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency. This agency helped rebuild Korea after the war. He worked there until 1953 when he became unwell.
He passed away at his home in Auckland, New Zealand, on May 22, 1954. He was 58 years old.
