Biography of Oscar Llewellyn Mann FOLKER
[Ref. Q.2]
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Biography of Oscar Llewellyn Mann FOLKER
[Ref. Q.2]
| Ancestors | |
Profile | |
Index for FOLKER |
Oscar Llewellyn Mann Folker was born at 99 Huddlestone Road, Tufnell Park on 14 October 1882, the second child of Alfred and Hannah Folker. His given name of Mann was the maiden name of his mother. The family comprised five children.
The census of 1891 shows the family living in Wolstanton in Newcastle-on-Lyme as Oscar's father was working in the pottery trade in Stoke-on-Trent.
At age 18, Oscar sailed from Southampton to Natal in South Africa on board the newly German built ship Galeka of the Union Lines, The passenger list dated 26 January of that year shows that he had joined the Natal Police and was accompanied on the voyage by several other recruits. He married Agnes Marie McLaren on 3 December 1913. Their daughter Vivien Agnes was born on 28 October 1914.
An article in The Graphic of 14 April 1906 gives an account of Oscar's bravery resulting in recommendation for the Victoria Cross. This was not awarded as he was serving with the Police and was not in military service. His action took place during the Bathamba uprising of 1906. On 6 April that year the Natal Mounted police were in persuit of the rebel chief Bambaata and his followers when they got caught in a skirmish. A copy from the General Routine Order, South Africa was made by a relative, probably his mother.
In his official report to the Minister of Defence after the skirmish, Colonel Mansel wrote : I would bring to your favourable notice the excellent behaviour of the men, who were cool and quiet, and obeyed every order with the greatest alacrity ; and also the behaviour of the advance guard in fighting their way back to help the main body. In the doing of this most of the casualties occurred. I would also bring to your notice the gallantry of Major Dimmick and Trooper Folker and others who brought in Trumpeter Milton who was severely wounded, Folker carrying him in front of his saddle. The gallantry of Major Dimmick and Trooper Folker in bringing this man in under most desperate circumstances is deserving of the V.C.
During the First World War, Oscar served with the South Africa Contingent, achieving the rank of Captain on 1 September 1915. The London Gazette of 13 February 1917 reports a War Office communique that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on Captain Oscar Llewellyn Mann Folker, South African Field Artillery, in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field : For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and skill as Forward Observation Officer, and brought effective fire to bear on the enemy. He set a splendid example throughout. Col. Mansell also wrote to Oscar's father the following year to record his gallant action.
An announcement in the London Gazette of 19 February 1918 noted that O.L.M.Folker M.C., Field Artillery, to be acting Major from 14th August 1917. The London Gazette of 17 April 1919 noted that Captain O.L.M.Folker, M.C., D.C.M. to be temporary Major from 18 April 1919. Oscar left the army in 1920 as recorded in the London Gazette of 9 September 1920 noted Regular Forces, Overseas Forces, South Africa, Field Artliiery - Temporary Major 0.L.M.Folker, M.C., D.C.M., relinquishes his command on ceasing to be employed 13 September 1919; and retains the rank of Major.
In 1920, Oscar married Muriel Dorothy Wise, known as Dixie. Having left the army, he purchased a farm where he grew grapefruit. Each Christmas, he would send a crate of fruit back to his family in England where relatives would gather to receive their share.
This photograph shows Oscar on his horse Dick.
Virtually nothing is known of Oscar or his wife in later life except for some trips he made back to England. On 16 October 1907, whilst still single, he sailed from London to Port Natal in Durban aboard Umalti of the Natal Lines. On 9 June 1934 he sailed from Southampton to Cape Town aboard the Winchester Castle of the Union Castle Line.
In 1937, Oscar was living at the corner of South Ridge Road and London Road, Durban, Natal, South Africa according to the entry in the address book of his uncle George Newton Folker. Oscar passed away in Johanesburg, South Africa in 1938. His wife Muriel moved to live in Westminster, London.
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