George Vickers

George Edmund Vickers

Personal Details

George Edmund Vickers, born in Station Road, Whitchurch in 1899. He was the fourth son of Edward and Ellen Vickers of 5 Station Road, Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment : 24th (Service) Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Denbighshire Yeomanry)

Rank : Private
Service Number : 38496

Died of Illness; United Kingdom 9th February 1918 Age 20

Medals and Awards
George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Whitchurch Herald 8th March 1918


Report in the Whitchurch Herald 8th March 1918 of a letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Vickers regarding the death of their son, George Edmund Vickers

"Dear Mr Vickers, I was very grieved to hear that your boy had succumbed to his fever. He made a very gallant fight for his life, and shown all the qualities of endurance and cheerfulness which would have meant so much to the Army in France.
I personally greatly regret his passing away and extend to you, and his mother, my sincere sympathy
JD Mayhew (Lt Colonel) RWF"

Whitchurch Herald 8th March 1918



If you can provide any further information on George Edmund Vickers please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.


Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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