Grave of Frederick Joseph Ricketts

Name: Frederick Joseph Ricketts

Number: N/A

Rank: N/A

Unit: Royal Marines

Date of Death: 15 May 1945

Location: Reigate Cemetery

Country: United Kingdom

Notes: Frederick Joseph Ricketts was an English composer of marches for band. Under the pen name Kenneth J. Alford, he composed marches which are considered to be great examples of the art. He was a Bandmaster in the British Army, and Royal Marines Director of Music. Conductor Sir Vivian Dunn called Ricketts "The British March King". Ricketts' frequent use of the saxophone contributed to its permanent inclusion in military bands. His best known work is the "Colonel Bogey March".