MINI BIO

Born in Scotland, Samuel was one of 11 children.  Emigrating to NZ in 1913 he lived on the west coast and worked in a Blackall coal mine with 4 of his brothers.
At the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the NZMF, Feb 15 and volunteered to serve overseas with the NZEF.  His four brothers had also volunteered for the NZEF.
Embarking for the Middle East as a Corporal, he became ill, was repatriated back to NZ and discharged medically unfit. After a period of convalescence, he re-enlisted for the NZEF in 1916.  
Posted to France a rifleman in 3rd Battalion, NZ Rifle Brigade, was promoted to Corporal by 1917.  During the Battle of Messines, under intense fire, he disposed of 2 machine gun posts.  He was wounded twice and received a VC for his actions.
After the war, Samuel transferred to the NZ Staff Corps, promoted to acting Lieutenant and served as assistant provost marshal for the Wellington Military District for several months until June 1919.
Then transferred to the Canterbury Military District. For health reasons, he retired from the military with the rank of Captain in April 1927.
In civilian life he tried several professions including business, farming and house management.
His poor health notwithstanding, in 1934 he joined the Territorial Force as Captain.
He was later awarded the Efficiency Decoration for his long service in the military. 
In 1939, he was recalled to active duty and served as Inspector, New Zealand Military Forces. He was returned to the Retired List in 1948. 
Samuel died in 1971 in Wellington after a long illness. Survived by his wife, who he married in 1922, and a son. 

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LONDON GAZETTE

No. 30215

2 August 1917

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For most conspicuous bravery and determination when with attacking troops, which came under heavy fire and were checked. Although slightly wounded, Lance Corporal Frickleton dashed forward at the head of his section, rushed through a barrage and personally destroyed with bombs an enemy machine gun and crew, which were causing heavy casualties. He then attacked the second gun, killing the whole of the crew of twelve. By the destruction of these two guns he undoubtedly saved his own and other units from very severe casualties and his magnificent courage and gallantry ensured the capture of the objective. During the consolidation of the position he suffered a second severe wound. He set, throughout, a great example of heroism.