The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Three: Corporal W. C. Frapwell, 4th Middlesex (West London) Rifle Volunteers and City of London Imperial Volunteers, later Chief Petty Officer, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was dangerously wounded at Diamond Hill on 12 June 1900

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (1506 Cpl. W. C. Frapwell, C.I.V.); British War Medal 1914-20 (A.A. 287 W. C. Frapwell. C.P.O. R.N.V.R.); Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, E.VII.R. (3264 C.Sjt. W. C. Frapwell. 4/Middx: V.R.C.) good very fine (3) £240-£280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Willis Charles Frapwell was born at St. George’s, Hannover Square, London on 14 October 1867. A lawyer’s clerk by occupation, he joined the 4th Middlesex (West London) Rifle Volunteers in 1888 and was the Battalion Best Shot in 1898. He was also a member of rugby, harrier and rowing clubs.

Frapwell served in South Africa as a Corporal of “H” Company, Infantry Battalion, City Imperial Volunteers during the Boer War, one of 8 men from the 4th Middlesex (West London) Rifle Volunteers to serve with the C.I.V. He was shot in the shoulder on 12 June 1900 at Diamond Hill, the circumstances of which and his subsequent remarkable recovery were described by him in a letter to his family, an extract from which was printed in the City Press, 22 August 1900:

‘It will be remembered that in the attack on Botha, near Pretoria, Corporal Willis Charles Frapwell, of the 4th West Middlesex R.V., received what was described as a dangerous wound. His recovery has been little short of marvellous, as will be seen from the accompanying extract from a letter he has sent home: ” had got up to shout a message to our subaltern in front,” he writes, “and had just laid down again when I felt a bullet hit me on the shoulder, and seem to worm itself - so slowly did it seem to go - right down to my stomach. The pain was exquisite. I think the regimental doctor gave me up, for the visitors I have had since told me the the ambulance corporal, who was with him, said that I was as good as dead; but, thank God, I think I may say I am almost as much alive as he. This hospital (at Pretoria) is a splendid one, so far as regards building, staff and doctors, but the stores are very short. However, that is being gradually improved upon, and no doubt this will be as first class as the rest before I leave. The bullet was taken out last Thursday by one of the cleverest surgeons in British Africa, so they say, a Dr. Kendal Franks, an Irishman, who, I believe, settled in Johannesburg some years ago. He is Lord Roberts’s hon. surgeon. It was a most successful operation, so my particular doctor tells me. The tube was taken out yesterday, and Dr. Franks then told me I might consider myself a very lucky man, and that I held almost the record in his experience for lucky escapes. In a week or ten days I hope to be allowed to get up, and then heigh-ho! for home”.’

Frapwell later joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and was mobilised for hostilities on 24 October 1914, serving in an anti-aircraft unit at the Shore Establishment H.M.S. President from 2 November 1914 until his discharge on 16 March 1915. Later continuing his legal career, he described himself in 1939 as a Judge’s Clerk. He died in Kenton, Middlesex, in 1952.