- Erik Wickberg
Erik Wickberg (
July 6 ,1904 –July 5 ,1996 ) was the 9th General ofThe Salvation Army (1969-1974).Born in
Stockholm to Officers David and Betty Wickberg, he was constantly moving around the world to follow his parents' appointments. As a teenager, he once beat the national Swiss chess champion. He soon began working as a clerk at the Salvation Army Headquarters inSwitzerland while also working as a translator and Swedish teacher. Erik became a Soldier of the Salvation Army in 1924 at Berne II Corps, being sworn in by Captain Otto Brekke.In 1925, Erik became an Officer from Bern 2 Corps, Switzerland. His first appointment was corps officer in Hamilton,
Scotland . He then took on the role of Training (Education) Officer inGermany , and Private Secretary to the Chief Secretary and Territorial Commander. He went on to become Private Secretary to International Secretary and Assistant to Under Secretary forEurope at International Headquarters. Soon, he moved toSweden as International Headquarters Liaison Officer. DuringWorld War II , he was appointed to Germany, where he was often obliged to sleep in air raid bunkers. When the war was over, he was assigned the task of post-war relief in war-torn Germany. His next positions were, Divisional Commander ofUppsala , Switzerland Chief Secretary, Sweden Chief Secretary, Territorial Commander of Germany, and Chief of Staff, before becoming the General. He was recognized with awards from Sweden, Korea, and The Federal Republic of Germany. Salvation Army work began inBangladesh ,Spain ,Portugal , andVenezuela while he was General. He retired from active service onJuly 5 ,1974 and died onApril 26 ,1996 .He was also a noted composer particularly in Salvation Army Band music and write many pieces which are played worldwide.
Wives
Erik Wickberg married Ensign Frieda de Groot in 1929, but she died a year later. He then married Captain Margarete Dietrich in 1932, who died in 1976. His third and final wife was Major
Eivor Lindberg , whom he married in 1977.General
Predecessor=Frederick Coutts
Successor=Clarence Wiseman |Dates=1969–1974
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