Australian Groups

Lot 3890    Session 13 (2.30pm Friday)    Australian Groups

Estimate $6,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $7,500

GROUP OF NINE. Distinguished Service Order (GVR); Order of St John, Serving Brother's breast badge; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal (MID);Coronation Medal 1937; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration; Order of St John Long Service Medal; Medaille d'Reconnaissance Francaise. Capt W.Vickers AMC AIF. Trio impressed; first second and last awards unnamed, others engraved. Mounted as worn. Generally very fine.

Together with biographical details; extracts from AIF Nominal Roll; details of later medical service and extracts from 'History of the 9th Australian Field Ambulance'. DSO LG 3 June 1918. 'This officer has displayed the greatest keenness and devotion to duty in carrying out his work as DADMS. By his thorough knowledge of field work and his unflagging zeal in attending to all matters of administration, he has greatly contributed towards the success of the Medical work of the Division. During the operations at YPRES on the 4th and 12th October 1917, he worked night and day frequently visiting Forward Posts and encouraging Officers and men by his fine example of keenness and bravery under heavy shell-fire. He has never spared himself in his efforts to maintain a high standard of efficiency in all branches of his work.' MID LG 1 October 1917. 'Was working in a divisional Collecting Post at Hyde Park Corner during offensive operations in PLOEOSTEERT Area from 7th to 14th June 1917. He showed throughout a high spirit and great courage in his efforts to treat wounded. Though his Post was severely shelled on several occasions, he went out in the open to dress cases and superintend their removal to a place of safety. He showed throughout a disregard of personal safety and showed a fine example to all near him. This officer has previously done fine work in organising and administrating the Divisional Baths and had charge of a large Officers' Rest house for some time. He has been with the 9th Australian Field Ambulance since its inception in February 1916, previous to which he was Adjutant in Hospital Ship 'Kanowna' from July 1915 to the time of joining the 9th Australian Field Ambulance. This officer has shown marked ability as an organiser and administrator and was appointed DADMS 3rd Australian Division in August 1917.' Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration CG 27 February 1930. Colonel Wilfred Vickers DSO VD MB ChM FRACS was born at Young, NSW on 11 March 1884. He received his MB at Sydney University in 1907. Commissioned into the Australian Army Medical Corps with the rank of Captain on 14 July 1915 he was adjutant in the hospital ship 'Kanowna' from July 1915 until appointed to the 9th Australian Field Ambulance on 23 March 1916 on that unit's formation. He was placed in command of B Section, but later, in England, was given command of C Section B Section embarked on the 'Benalla' at Sydney sailing on 1 May 1916. VICKERS was then aged 32, married to Mrs Esther Vickers of Lyons Road Drummoyne, NSW who was named as his next-of-kin. After a short time and some reorganisation in England, the unit was sent to France, where they were soon in action. VICKERS was unfortunately wounded in his back on 12 December 1916 Promoted to major on 29 January 1917 and appointed DADMS 3rd Division on 27 August 1917. He was again wounded on 8 September 1918, in the left foot. Vickers returned to Australia in the 'Plassey' on 17 March 1919 had an article published in the Official History of the Australian Army Medical Services 1914-1918 entitled 'Amputations and Artificial Replacements. Lessons from the War of 1914-18'. He was also awarded the Medalle de la Reconnaissance Francaise. His AIF appointment was terminated on 25 June 1919. He returned to military service on 1 March 1933, being appointed Lt Col in the and promoted T/Col 1 March 1939. He was ADME 2nd Division AMF to 30 April 1940, then ADMS Ist Division on 1 May 1940. When not in uniform, his rooms were at 225 Macquarie Street, Sydney whilst he lived at The Raymond, Elizabeth Bay Road, Sydney.