Location: St Marys Church
Town: Childrey, Vale Of White Horse
County: Oxfordshire
Postcode: OX12 9PQ
Details on cross:
GRU tag affixed to the top.
Wording:
RICKMAN
ENGL. KAPITAINE
GEF. 26.8.14
At the bottom of the cross, affixed engraved brass plaque (photo attached)
MAJOR STUART HAMILTON RICKMAN
THE RIFLE BRIGADE
BURIED AT PONTAINE-AU-PIRE, CAMBRAI
FRANCE 27TH AUGUST 1914
MOTHER
Text type: in black paint-hand written. Black paint also used to outline the inside of the cross.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1350 mm
Cross beam width: 720 mm
Width of wood: 150mm
Thickness or depth: 53 mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: Mounted to the wall with 2 brackets
Detailing: Black paint detailing on the surface of the cross
Evidence of use in field: Slight evidence of staining on the sides of the bottom of the cross
Surface insertion depth: Uncertain
Finish: No varnish to the cross, and un-oiled
Condition: The condition is good, although evidence of wood worm
Comments:
Major Stuart Hamilton Rickman MID twice. Unit: 2nd Battalion, attached to and commanding 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consorts Own). Death: 27 August 1914 died of wounds in Cambrai hospital Western Front.
A biography of Major S H Rickman (image attached) lists his background and military service. What is interesting about the wooden cross is the fact that this is a German cross, stating Captain Rickman. It may have been the case that in “the fog of war” Major Rickman’s rank was unclear, especially given the state his body may have been in. The brass plaque affixed by his Mother when the wooden cross was returned to England, corrects the error in stating “Major” SH Rickman.
Cross is of German origin.
Survey and photographs Alison Wilken
Date of survey: 11 August 2016
