John Vickery
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| Portrayed by | |
| Full Name | John Edward Vickery |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3rd March 1785 |
| Father | James Vickery |
| Mother | Charlotte Vickery (nee von Alfeld) |
| Town Residence | {{{residence}}} |
| Branch of the Military | Light Infantry (Rifles) |
| Ship or Regiment | {{{regiment}}} |
| Currently Enlisted? | Yes |
| Enlistment Date | 1802 |
| Current or Final Rank (if retired) | Captain |
| Major Engagements | Rolica, Vimeiro, Douro, Talavera, Fuentes de Onoro |
Captain John Vickery is the younger son of the third Viscount Saltash and is an officer in the 60th Rifles. He is played by Sharpie (although on another board).
Family
Father: James Vickery, third Viscount Saltash
Mother: Charlotte Vickery (nee von Alfeld)
Older brother: Robert Vickery (b. 1782)
Younger sister: Emma Vickery (b. 1790)
History and Childhood
John Edward Vickery is the second son of James Vickery, third Viscount Saltash, and his wife Charlotte, and was born in 1785 at Fallbrooke House in Hampshire, the family's country residence. His childhood was a happy one spent roaming the estate in company with his older brother and younger sister. He also displayed a penchant for practical jokes at a young age, recalling fondly the time he placed a toad on the breakfast table.
He went to school at Winchester, where he boarded despite the proximity of school and home. He displayed an acuity for languages and received a thorough grounding in the Classics.
Army Career
Once he left school, Vickery's uncle purchased a commission for him as an Ensign in the 45th Foot, where he began to display a skill for soldiering that has stood him in good stead. His father bought him a promotion to the 69th as a Lieutenant, before he transferred to the 5/60th in 1805.
Vickery received his promotion to Captain at Christmas 1808 due to his merits as an officer, and has settled down to become a good officer, confident and loyal. He enjoys the challenges that come with a detached commmand.
Life as an Officer
Vickery is still learning the ropes of commanding a Company, yet he has the confidence that comes from being brought up as a member of the aristocracy, coupled with a natural talent for soldiering. One of his darkest days came when his soldier-servant was flogged for stealing a watch, although Vickery was convinced that Cotton did not steal it but could not convince the court-martial of that.
More recently, Vickery found himself on the wrong end of a French cavalry squadron, which over-ran his Company, leading to the capture of the Second Division's baggage train and some of his men. Vickery himself escaped the skirmish alive but with a gash in his side and a concussion that has meant he does not remember the events of that day.
Odds and Ends
He is a keen hunter, and prefers shooting to fishing.
His horses are called Brandy, Phoenix and Blossom. He also has a mule called Willow and has recently been sent Ajax, a gun-dog from home.
When at home, he is a member of Boodle's, as are his father and brother.