Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal R. Vickers, 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry during a night assault on a German patrol in No Man’s Land, 8 March 1918. The patrol encounter was led by Lieutenant J. Maxwell (later V.C., M.C. and Bar, D.C.M.] at 2 am between Pont Rouge and Moat Farm, Somme. Both Vickers and Maxwell were decorated for the action, and three days later Vickers was gassed whilst still serving at the front

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4557 Pte. - L. Cpl. - R. Vickers. 18/Aust: Inf:) very fine £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 25 April 1918. The original recommendation (jointly listed with three others) states:

‘For gallantry and dash in a patrol encounter in no-man's land at Pont Rouge on the morning of 8th instant [March 1918]. It was due to the action of Ptes. Vickers, Marshall and Madden that the enemy were made to stand. Our patrol was returning to our lines covered by the patrol officer and Ptes. Vickers, Marshall and Madden, when they noticed a German patrol, strength about 30, enter an old sap. The officer went off to organise the main patrol for an assault, whilst the remainder of the covering party engaged the enemy with rifle fire and bombs, which was returned. When the patrol came up Sgt. Bishop and Ptes. Vickers, Marshall and Madden rushed the trench from a flank and routed the enemy, who cleared off in the darkness, leaving behind one wounded and 3 dead Germans.’

Richard Vickers was born in Manchester, England, and was a seaman by trade prior to the Great War. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Casula, New South Wales, 1 December 1915. Vickers served with the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 5th Australian Brigade, 2nd Australian Division in the French theatre of war from September 1916.

Vickers was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during a patrol lead by Lieutenant J. Maxwell (later V.C., M.C. and Bar, D.C.M. and Australia’s second most decorated soldier of the Great War), 8 March 1918. At 2am on the latter date Maxwell led 26 men out on patrol in No Man’s Land between Pont Rouge and Moat Farm, Somme - their express purpose to engage any enemy patrols that they may encounter. Vickers was at the forefront of the assault on the German patrol they encountered, and was awarded the M.M., whilst Maxwell was awarded the Military Cross for his part in the action.

Vickers was gassed three days after the assault, 11 March 1918. He returned to Australia in H.T. Ypiringa, and was discharged 4 September 1919. During the latter stages of the war Vickers was listed as suffering from Pleurisy and Bronchitis.