William was born in 1894. He was the eldest son of James and Mary Jane Vickery of Oddislake, (Edgelake) East Worlington.
In 1911 William lived in and worked as a waggoner for John Mills who farmed at Creacombe Parsonage, Witheridge. He was older brother of Harry and like his brother he enlisted into the 8th Battalion Devonshire Regiment.
On 23rd and 24th September 1915 the 8th Battalion along with the 9th Battalion both move south of La Bassee Canal and took up position for the Battle of Loos. At 6.30 am the bombardment began. Gas and smoke were released by the British but because of the wind direction some drifted back into the British trenches. The trenches were packed with men which resulted in great overcrowding when they went over the top and many casualties occurred.
The British troops advanced over open ground in full range and sight of the German guns. British losses were devastating. Condition were dreadful, Drizzle, cold, and mud along with men weary and hungry made conditions dreadful. This was the offensive which cost William James Vickery his life. He is commemorated on Panel 36/37 of the Loos Memorial in Dud Corner Cemetery.
His body was never found.
| In Memory of: | Private William Vickery 10850 |
| Regiment: | 8th Battalion (Buller’s Own) Devonshire Regiment |
| Enlisted: | Exeter |
| Died: | Saturday 25th September 1915 aged 20 |
| Served: | France |
| Remembered with honour: | Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France, Panel 35 to 37 |