Personal Details
Reginald Arthur Trickett was born in Oldham, Lancashire in 1893, the only son of John and Ada Trickett of 7 St Mary's Street, Whitchurch.
Reginald worked as a tailor in Manchester before joining the Army in 1915.
Military Details
Regiment : 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards
Rank : Guardsman
Service Number : 24237
Killed in Action; France 27th November 1917 Age 23
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
Report in the Whitchurch Herald 23rd November 1918 regarding the death of Reginald Arthur Trickett
"Guardsman Reginald Arthur Trickett, of the 3rd Grenadiers Guards, the only son of Mr & Mrs Trickett, Belton Road, Whitchurch, owing to uncertainty of his fate his career has not been recorded in these columns. Now the sorrowing parents have been informed by the Army Council that he is believed to be dead, killed in action at Cambrai in November 1917. The deepest sympathy is felt for the bereaved family in the loss and the great suspense which they must have endured in not knowing what really happened to the gallant soldier, who on the 27th November 1917, was last seen wounded and making his way to a dressing station behind the firing line, since then no news of his fate has been obtained. He served 23 months in the Guards; previous to joining the Army Private Trickett was a Tailor, and he had served his apprenticeship with Mr Eaton, of the High Street, Whitchurch, and subsequently worked in Manchester. He was a member of the Whitchurch Congregational Church Choir, and a large circle of local friends, who mourn the loss of a promising young life given at the age of 23 to his King and Country "
Whitchurch Herald 23rd November 1918
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Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives