Vickers Family Grave

The Vickers Family Grave is a pair of memorials located in Brookwood Cemetery, created around 1928 and 1937. Made of Portland stone, the earlier memorial commemorates Oliver Vickers, who died in 1928. It features a squat base with a fielded inscription panel and displays the motto of the Royal Air Force, "PER ARDUA AD ASTRA," above which sits an eagle with outstretched wings. The sides of this memorial are inscribed with the words "SERVICE - KINDNESS" and "COURAGE - ENDURANCE." The later memorial, dedicated to Douglas Vickers, who died in 1937, takes the form of a rectangular chest tomb designed in the style of Sir Edwin Lutyens. It includes a heraldic cartouche at each end and circular discs on the corner panels.

Both monuments hold historical and visual significance. Captain Oliver Vickers was an early ace in the Royal Flying Corps, which is reflected in the aviation-themed design of his memorial. His father founded the well-known aviation company Vickers, based in nearby Weybridge. His wife, the Hon Katherine Vickers, is also buried at this site. The later monument, featuring blue painted lettering, closely resembles designs attributed to Lutyens, although it is not listed among his known works.