Captain William Frederickson
Sweet William · The Most Dangerous Man in the Peninsula
Who Is Frederickson?
Captain William Frederickson of the 60th Rifles is known throughout the army as Sweet William. The nickname is deeply ironic: Frederickson is missing an eye, several teeth and part of an ear, all lost in separate actions. He wears a black eye patch, removes his false teeth before battle to look as terrifying as possible, and dresses in a battered uniform that would disgrace a scarecrow. Despite this fearsome exterior he is one of the most intelligent, capable and lethal officers in the Peninsula.
First Appearance
Frederickson first appears in Sharpe’s Siege, joining forces with Sharpe during the disastrous Atlantic coast raid. From the moment they meet there is a recognition between them: two professional soldiers of the highest quality who have survived by skill and aggression rather than birth or purchase.
His Relationship with Sharpe
Unlike most of Sharpe’s relationships with officers, Frederickson treats him entirely as a peer. There is no condescension, no class tension, no resentment. They are both riflemen, both survivors, both men who have earned everything they have. Their friendship in the later novels is one of genuine mutual respect between equals, a rarity in Sharpe’s world.
The False Teeth
Frederickson removes his false teeth before battle. It is a deliberate psychological tactic: without them, combined with the missing eye and ear, he presents a face of such grotesque ferocity that enemy soldiers flinch from him. It works. The detail is one of Cornwell’s finest character touches, turning a disability into a weapon.
His Fate
Frederickson survives the wars. He fights alongside Sharpe through the Atlantic coast raid (Sharpe’s Siege), the campaign in southern France (Sharpe’s Revenge), and the Paris mission (Sharpe’s Assassin). His ultimate fate after the Napoleonic period is not described in the main series.
TV Portrayal
Philip Whitchurch plays Frederickson in Sharpe’s Siege and Sharpe’s Revenge. The TV portrayal captures both the ironic nickname and the fearsome appearance, though the make-up effects necessarily soften the extent of the disfigurement described in the novels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Frederickson in Sharpe?
An officer of the 60th Rifles known as Sweet William. Missing an eye, teeth and part of an ear. One of Sharpe's finest allies.
What happened to Frederickson?
He survives the wars. Appears in Sharpe's Siege, Sharpe's Revenge and Sharpe's Assassin.
Why is Frederickson called Sweet William?
The nickname is ironic. He is one of the most fearsome-looking men in the army.
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