Canada, CEF. A First War Lot to Sgt. Vickery, KIA at Vimy Ridge, 1917

 A 1914-15 Star, in bronze, full size, reverse impressed 53168 L.CPL. R.G.VICKERY. 18/CAN:INF, light wear, loss of gilt, very fine. 

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim officially impressed 53168 L.CPL. R.G. VICKERY. 18-CAN. INF., minor wear, dark patina around edges, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim officially impressed 53168 L.CPL. R.G. VICKERY. 18-CAN. INF., minor wear and scratches, very fine. 

A Mother in Sacrifice Medal, in bronze, reverse engraved ALICE VICKERY, suspension engraved REMINGTON VICKERY, medal marked WILLINGS MFG.CO TORONTO, worn on a purple velvet ribbon with brooch pin on the reverse, measures 28 mm (w) x 78 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), light wear, ribbon split, remains very fine. 

An 18th Battalion Cap Badge, Type I, in browning copper, measures 34mm (w) x 39mm (h), two lugs on reverse, light contact, very fine.

Footnote: Remington Vickery was born on May 25, 1894 in Eastleigh, Hampshire, England to John and Alice Vickery. He emigrated to Canada in 1912, and resided in London, Ontario. He was employed as an ironworker with two weeks of service with the 7th regiment, when he enlisted with the 18th battalion on October 23, 1914.

His unit sailed on April 18, 1915, arriving on the 29th. He was reported wounded in May 1916. In June, 1916 he was promoted to corporal in the field, and was further promoted to sergeant in January 1917.

Vickery was originally reported killed in action on May 11th, 1917. However, a field postcard received by his next of kin stated he was well and on duty. He was therefore returned to regimental duty. 

Vickery was killed in action on April 9, 1917, at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He was killed while leading men during the consolidation of objectives; his body was recovered and buried in Zivy Crater Cemetery, Thélus, Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot I, Row B, Grave 4). He was 22 years old and is commemorated on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial and the 18th Battalion Honour Roll.

The 18th Battalion (Western Ontario), CEF, fought as part of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division during the Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. Their role was to advance behind the leading battalions, consolidating captured ground and pushing toward the second and third German trench lines near Thelus. Facing heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, they supported the continued drive after the initial assault and helped secure strongpoints, contributing to the overall success of the Canadian Corps in taking the ridge.