Arthur Frederick Pickard

Arthur Frederick Pickard VC, CB was a Royal Artillery officer whose courage under intense enemy fire at Rangiriri, New Zealand, secured his place among the Victoria Cross recipients of the New Zealand Wars. When wounded soldiers lay exposed to concentrated enemy fire, Pickard repeatedly crossed and recrossed the dangerous parapet to obtain water and assist the casualties. His actions on 20 November 1863 demonstrated extraordinary courage, composure and devotion to fellow soldiers.

Born at Forest Hill, Worksop, England, Pickard entered the Royal Artillery as a gentleman cadet in 1855 and became a commissioned officer in 1858. During the New Zealand Wars, he served in the Waikato campaign and distinguished himself during the assault on the Māori defensive position at Rangiriri. His official Victoria Cross citation, published in the London Gazette on 23 September 1864 (Issue 22896, page 4552), specifically praised his willingness to expose himself to imminent danger while rescuing wounded men, particularly Captain Mercer, who later died. The citation also commended the exceptional calmness displayed by Pickard and Assistant Surgeon William Temple under heavy crossfire. Pickard received his Victoria Cross from Major-General W. J. Ridley at the Royal Barracks in Dublin on 13 April 1865. His service in the New Zealand Wars was also recognised by the New Zealand Medal.

Beyond his battlefield service, Pickard developed a distinguished career within the British royal household. In 1871, he became equerry to Prince Arthur, later the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. He subsequently served as Groom in Waiting to Queen Victoria and, in 1878, became Assistant Keeper of the Privy Purse and Assistant Private Secretary to the Queen. His contributions to royal service were recognised when he was appointed a Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil Division, in March 1879. The appointment was published in the London Gazette on 18 March 1879 (Issue 24697, page 2240).

Pickard's surviving medal group also includes the Austrian Knight of the Order of Leopold and the Russian Commander of the Order of St Stanislaus. Both foreign decorations are historically attributed to him, although individual British royal authorisation for their acceptance and wear has not been independently established. His military career also brought advancement to brevet lieutenant-colonel.

Arthur Frederick Pickard died at Cannes, France, on 1 March 1880. Remembered for his extraordinary bravery at Rangiriri and his subsequent service to the British Crown, he left a legacy that connected battlefield gallantry with a lifetime of distinguished royal service. His Victoria Cross and associated medal group remain an important part of the history of British military honours.