Henry Vickers

Pte 15th Btn Lancashire Fusiliers 10265

Died: 01-07-1916 age 24

The Vickers were an old Cheshire family based in the village of Saughall, about five miles north of Chester. Joseph Vickers married Mary McLoughlin of Chester, in Chester, in 1889. Their family was to consist of four sons. Their first child, John Shepherd Vickers, was born in 1891 and baptised at St Werburgh's in Chester. Sadly he died in 1895 age four, when the family were living at 64 Cornwall Street.

Henry (Harry) was their next son. He was born on 29 June 1892 and baptised on 16 February 1893, at St Werburgh's. He was to be the eldest of the three remaining brothers. By 1911 the family had moved to Seedley, Manchester, and were working in engineering. The family attended St James' Catholic Church in Pendleton.

Harry enlisted in November 1914 but little is known of his army career as his enlistment papers have not survived. However his Medal Roll Card states that he entered France on 23 November 1915.  Pte H. Vickers was reported killed in action in the August 1916 edition of St Werburgh's Parish Magazine. He and his youngest brother Louis were killed on the same day. Their brother Percy had already been killed in the Dardanelles in 1915.

Harry was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal.

Harry's name is listed on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 3C and 3D.