Friday 16th April 1915

The latest in a series of military boxing tournaments was held at the Victoria Pier Pavilion in Folkestone. None of Tunstill’s Company were involved in the contests reported, but doubtless some would have been in the audience, especially as a 10^th Battalion man was taking part; Pte. George Wallace Fricker (see below) won on points in his bout against Pte. Diamond of the Cycle Corps. Other men might also taken advantage of the some of the more genteel entertainments which were also reported in the same edition of the Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald; these included “a tea, followed by speeches and singing” held at the Victoria Hall; and a concert held at the Military Hospital, Shorncliffe.  

George Wallace Fricker was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, the son of a serving soldier, George Edmund Fricker, who was ‘Band Sergeant’ with 2DWR. In June 1910 George jnr. had enlisted in Keighley in the 6^th West Riding Territorials at the age of 14 ½. He had completed two annual training camps before transferring to the West Yorkshire Territorials in March 1913. He had volunteered for the Royal Field Artillery on the outbreak of war and had been transferred to 10DWR on 24^th February 1915.

Folkestone Pier, demolished 1954

Pte. Frederick Griggs, who had originally served with Tunstill’s Company before being posted to 3^rd Battalion West Ridings, was promoted (paid) Lance Corporal.