From his diary: "In erster Linie die größte Selbstachtung - Nichts Gemeines tun, Leib und Seele reinhalten - Sich stets beherrschen; selbstlos, heiter und mutig sein - Sich sagen, daß eine gerade, aufrechte Haltung auch die Äußerung einer geraden Seele ist - Sich an einfachen Dingen erfreuen, nichts Unmögliches verlangen, an ein erreichbares Ziel aber Geduld, Ausdauer, gesammelten Willen wenden - Bleibe nie im Schmutz. Auch der Beste kann gelegentlich hineingeraten, aber darin zu bleiben braucht niemand"

Friedrich von Erckert was born on 30.12.1869 at Bromberg in Germany (today Poland). and grew up in Bad Freienwalde.

After military training in Wahlstatt and Berlin from 12 years of age, he began his career in the Prussian Army. There and later he was seen as a "chosen one". He served from 1895 to 1897 in the Chilean Army, training the young Chilean soldiers. He joined the SWA Schutztruppe in 1899 with the rank of Captain. Because of his strong personality and his leader abilities he was appointed District Chief of Omaruru. But his obstinacy and punctiliousness so antagonised Governor Theodor Leutwein that Von Erckert was transferred with his unit to Germany.

On his return journey in 1902 he got to know commanders of the British and South African Boer forces and gained an insight into conditions in South Africa. During the German Namibian War 1904 he returned to SWA with his military unit. During 1905 and 1906 he took part in various battle