Frederick Spring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 25 July 1878 Bombay, India |
| Died | 24 September 1963 (aged 85) Aldershot, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Commands held | 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment 1st Battalion, Royal Lincolnshire Regiment 33rd Infantry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath, Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, Distinguished Service Order, Croix de guerre, Mentioned in Dispatches |
Frederick Gordon Spring (born July 25, 1878 – died September 24, 1963) was an important officer in the British Army. He reached the high rank of Brigadier-General. He was known for his service in several major wars, including the Second Boer War and First World War. He received many awards for his bravery and leadership.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frederick Gordon Spring was born in 1878 in Bombay, India. His father, Frederick William Spring, was also an army officer. Frederick went to school at Blundell's School. He then studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This college trains future officers for the British Army.
Joining the Army
Spring officially joined the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in 1898. He started as a second lieutenant. By 1900, he was promoted to lieutenant.
Service in South Africa
He served with his regiment in South Africa during the Second Boer War. This war took place from 1899 to 1902. Spring was involved in operations in Transvaal starting in June 1900. In 1902, he led a group of mounted infantry. The war ended soon after.
After the war, Spring became an adjutant for his regiment's 2nd Battalion. This role meant he helped with the daily running of the battalion. He was promoted to captain in 1905. He left the army as a major in 1907. However, he was called back to duty when the First World War began.
World War I Service
When World War I started, Spring first worked as an Embarkation Officer. This meant he helped soldiers get onto ships. Soon, he joined the staff of the 33rd (Infantry) Brigade. He became their Signals Officer.
Gallipoli Campaign
In 1915, his brigade went to Gallipoli. This was a very tough campaign. Spring was part of the successful capture of "Chocolate Hill." This was a key moment for the 6th (Service) Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. They took the hill from Ottoman forces during the Battle of Sari Bair. Spring was injured during this action.
Western Front and Promotions
After he recovered, Spring was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in June 1916. He then took command of the 11th (Service) Battalion of the Essex Regiment. This battalion was fighting on the Western Front. He led his troops during major battles like the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Cambrai. In 1918, he was promoted to colonel. Later that year, he returned to the 33rd Brigade as its brigadier-general.
Awards and Recognition
Spring was recognized for his service many times. He was Mentioned in Dispatches five times. This means his name was written in official reports for his brave actions. He also received the Croix de guerre from the French government. This is a special award for military bravery.
After World War I
After World War I ended, Spring continued his military career. From 1921 to 1922, he was a Senior Instructor in India. He taught other officers at a special school.
Commanding the Lincolnshire Regiment
Back in England, Spring commanded the 1st Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. This was from 1923 to 1927. During this time, his battalion was sent to Northern Ireland. They helped support the Royal Ulster Constabulary there.
Later Roles
From 1927 to 1931, Spring worked as an Assistant Quartermaster General. This role involved managing supplies and logistics for the army in Southern England. He then commanded a brigade in India until his retirement in 1935. Even after retiring, he served as Inspector of Recruiting from 1935 to 1939.
World War II Contribution
During the Second World War, Spring continued to help. He worked at the War Office on the Imperial General Staff. This group helped plan military strategies. He was also a Justice of the Peace, which means he helped with local legal matters.
Personal Life
Frederick Gordon Spring married Violet Maud Turnbull in 1919. Sadly, his young son, John, passed away in 1933 after an accident.
Death and Memorial
Frederick Gordon Spring died in 1963 in Aldershot, England. There is a memorial to him in Lincoln Cathedral.
