Arthur Frederick Pickard

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Frederick Pickard was a distinguished British Army officer and courtier who served in the Royal Artillery during the 19th century. He is best remembered for his exceptional gallantry during the New Zealand Wars in 1863, an action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for valor in the face of the enemy available to British and Commonwealth forces.

Following his combat service, Pickard continued to rise through the ranks of the Royal Artillery and transitioned into prestigious royal service. In 1871, he was appointed as an Equerry to the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. His career of service to the Crown culminated in his appointment as Assistant Keeper of the Privy Purse and Assistant Private Secretary to Her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1878.

Pickard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during his tenure in the royal household. Tragically, his life and promising career were cut short when he succumbed to tuberculosis in Cannes, France, in 1880 at the young age of 35.