John ( Vick ) Vickerson (12 Jun 1921 - 24 Jan 2017)

In loving memory of Mr John Vickerson who sadly passed away on 24th January 2017

Dad – Vick (John Vickerson) - Born Hartlepool 1921

Joined the Territorial Army and applied to join the Navy about 1938

Called up to the Yorkshire Hussars in 1939

Based at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, Dad was given a sword and taught to ride a horse. Part of the job was to collect horses from surrounding farms for war work. The Hussars became an artillery unit, but as too young to go to war Dad was transferred to an anti-aircraft gun unit in Birmingham.

Papers finally came for Dad to join the Navy in August 1940

He tried to join as a Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG). However, he had left school aged 14 and didn’t have the mathematical skills, so he was given extra education which allowed him to become a TAG, initially flying in a Swordfish biplane.

An original member of the 849 squadron, after a night out he unwittingly volunteered to sail to America on both the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. In America, he trained as an air gunner on Avenger planes and accompanied them back to Britain. Initially feeling OK after a crash, Dad returned on an Atlantic convoy but was seriously ill and was transferred to Haslar Hospital.

On recovery, he joined the 810 squadron. Amongst planes that he flew in was the dangerously under-powered Barracuda. Unable to fly during the D day landings due to accidental broken wrist, Dad could only help in the control tower in Lee on Solent. He was very upset at the time, but not in later years.

Following VE day he was transferred to Crail to prepare to fight Japan. He met Mum in St Andrew’s and 3 months later they were married on 22 nd December 1945 in the Baptist Church in Charles Street, Leicester. Not long after he was sent to Malta, but having been badly bombed during the war, Mum was unable to accompany him.

Joined the Australian Royal Navy in 1949

Not enjoying life out of the Navy, Dad signed up to for 6 years. He trained in Ireland and St Mirren in Cornwall and sailed on HMAS Sydney to Australia in 1951. Now an observer he flew in various planes. One of their tasks was to clear the area before the atomic bomb tests just off the Australian coast.

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm in 1955-1967

As well as being on the HMS Eagle and HMS Hermes, he was based in Lee on Solent, Lossimouth, Culdrose, and Yeovilton working as an aircraft handler and in the control tower. He spent time in Malaya during the conflict.

Merchant Navy and RFA 1967-1984

Dad retrained as a Seaman and sailed on several ships including the Atlantic Conveyor and Cable Ships. Later joining the RFA, sailing on a number of ships as a deck store keeper and was involved in the Falkland’s conflict on the RFA Tidepool.

Retired 1984

Enjoyed retirement with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and dogs. Member of many service organisations, TAG Association, Merchant Navy Association, Royal Fleet Auxiliariary Association, South Atlantic Medal Association, attending reunions and Remembrance Parades.