Dreamer Willie
Sergeant Frederick William Flegg Royal Artilery
The Man Frederick William Flegg was born on 16th February 1905 in Peckham, Southwark, son of Frederick senior a Harness Maker and Elizabeth and had two sisters, Dorothy born in 1903 and Margery 1911. At the time of the 1911 census, Frederick and his family were living at 131 Queen’s Road in Peckham. Frederick’s religion was Church of England, and he attended school in London, being awarded the King’s Medal for punctual attendance during 1911-12. He was also a member of St Judes (Peckham) Baden Powel Scouts, and in 1917 aged 12 awarded a medallion for progress. During the second quarter of 1931 Frederick married Alice Una Witten in Bromley and they had one son, Jeremy William who was born on 12th September 1942. Frederick, following in his father’s footsteps became a harness maker and on 10th May 1935 enlisted into the Territorial Army at Sidcup, he joined the Royal Artillery with service number 848280. On his enlistment he was described as 5’.8” tall, weighing 160lbs with blue eyes, black hair and a fair complexion, with a chest measurement was 39½“. On 18th June 1939 with World War II looming Frederick was called out for military service and reported to 207/58 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery Royal Artillery at 1300h on 5th August. Whilst on Sidcup Station on 11th August 1940, Frederick designed an Air Raid Shelter for his cellar, and signed himself off as ‘Dreamer Willie’.
During 1941, Frederick's Brigade had the distinction of destroying 200 enemy aircraft, a record at the time and they were congratulated in a Telegram from General Sir Frederick Pile, GOC Anti aircraft Defences. Frederick served throughout the war and saw action as part of the 1st Army in North Africa and in Italy, where he was mentioned in despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services. He was entitled to wear 5 service chevrons and his medical condition A.1. He was discharged from the Army on 14th October 1945 as a Sergeant, and following some leave transferred to the Army Reserve on 18th November, his service being described as exemplary by Lieutenant Colonel J O T Hewlett who also said of Frederick “A most capable, conscientious and hard working soldier of proved ability and integrity”. For his war time service Frederick was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with 1st Army clasp, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 with Mentioned in Despatches oak leaf and the Efficiency Medal ‘Territorial’. Frederick became a Clerical Worker for the Railways in later life and lived at 6 Midfields Close, Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Alice died during the second quarter of 1976 and Frederick 12 years later on 5th March 1988 aged 83 at Cuckfield Hospital. He died from Bronchopnuemonia and a stroke and left £70,000.00. William lived until 2001 when he too died aged only 58.
The Story The group of medals awarded to Frederick William Flegg were purchased at the Orders & Medals Research Society on 18th September 2004. They were of interest because of the Efficiency Medal and the large amount of ephemera with the group. Some research took place during the next 10 years, but the lot remained very much as it had been acquired, in a box and uncatalogued. The story was finally pieced together during June 2014, and using the information contained within the lot, together with Ancestry.co.uk and the London Gazette a brief biography put together. It is interesting that despite all of Frederick Flegg’s medals and related personal ephemera being kept together, he never actually wore any of them, as they were in the same box ‘as issued’. At least now ‘Dreamer Willie’s’ story is preserved for posterity.
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Frederick William Flegg's world War II Medal Issue Certificate showing award of 5-2 medals.
207th Battery Anti Aircraft Royal Artillery
Telegram from General Sir Frederick Pile, GOC Anti Aircraft Defences
Congratulations on bringing down the 200th aircraft.
29th June 1941
The aircraft engaged by SH at 0150h 27 June has been confirmed category 1 (destroyed). This brings the Brigade total of enemy aircraft destroyed to 200. The Brigade Commander wishes to thank all ranks for the good work which has led to this outstanding success.
Medal Details:
- 1939 - 45 Star: Unnamed as issued.
- Africa Star: Unnamed as issued.
- Italy Star: Unnamed as issued.
- Defence Medal: Unnamed as issued
- War Medal 1939-45: Unnamed as issued
- Efficiency Medal: 848280 SJT.F.W.FLEGG. R.A.
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This page last updated 23 Jun 14