De Ruvigny Roll of Honour page 12 Vol. IV

Robert was born on the 12th June 1888 at Scarthingwell, York, the third son of Thomas Bikerdike and his wife Anne Elizabeth.

He was educated at Ushaw College, Durham. Robert was a Master at St, Wilfrid's College, Oakamoor, Stafford.

Robert was gazetted a 2nd Lieutenant on the 3rd April 1915, and was promoted Lieutenant and Acting Captain in November 1917. Robert went to France and Flanders on the 6th January 1917.

He was killed in action at Havrincourt on the 20th November 1917.

His Colonel wrote He was killed instantaneously while leading his company to the assault at Havrincourt. I cannot tell you how much I regret his loss. He was absolutely reliable and absolutely fearless, and was invaluable to his company, both as a trainer and a leader of men, and the Chaplain, Personally I miss him very much, and by none will his loss be more deplored than by his own men, who loved and admired him to a degree. A brother officer also wrote, He was very, very popular, a fine Officer and always cheery, which is a great help always out here.

He was awarded the Military Cross {London Gazette, 16th August 1917}. "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion in an attack, when he destroyed three hostile dug-outs, causing many casualties, and finally, though wounded himself, took command of his company, holding his ground against superior numbers until his ammunition ran out."

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

Harrogate Herald - 20/06/1917

W H Breare letter:- Many of you boys, especially those who worship at St Robert's, will learn with pride that Second Lieutenant R Bickerdike (brother of Father Bickerdike, of St Robert's Church, who, by the way, is chaplain of the Catholic Boys' Brigade, and, if I mistake not, the founder) has received the Military Cross. His company was the first to enter Bullecourt. For his distinguished work he was promoted lieutenant. I am continually enjoining the mothers and wives of missing soldiers not to lose faith even when indications point to a probability of their loved ones having been killed. To such I would say just listen to what I am going to tell you about Lt Bickerdike. Father Bickerdike received a telegram from the military authorities saying that his brother was wounded, missing, and believed killed. Now, had Father Bickerdike not had faith, what an uncomfortable time he would have had. A short while after he had received the grave telegram, he had a letter from his brother, who said he had been wounded, but was on duty. Next came a letter from the War Office announcing that the brother was wounded but still on duty. Lt Bickerdike had a miraculous escape. A bullet passed through the front of his helmet, and came out at the back, leaving a huge bulge. The missile just grazed the top of his had, narrowly escaping the brain. Learn a lesson from this miraculous incident, dear boys, and do not lose faith even in those gravest moments when you think the proof is indisputable.

Harrogate Herald - 12/09/1917

Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) Robert Bickerdike, West Yorkshire Regiment, has been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the field. He is the brother of the Rev W Bickerdike, of St Robert's Church, Harrogate. The official note on the subject says : "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion in an attack, when he destroyed three hostile dugouts, causing many casualties, and finally, although wounded himself, took command of his company, holding his ground against superior numbers until his ammunition ran out.

Harrogate Herald - 05/12/1917

Roll of HonourCaptain Robert Bickerdike, MC, (West Yorks) of Barkston Ash, who was killed in action on November 20th, is a brother of Father Bickerdike, of Harrogate, the Chaplain of the Harrogate Catholic Boys' Brigade. Captain Bickerdike was given a commission in April, 1915, and won the Military Cross in May last, when, as a second lieutenant, he was the only officer left to "carry on" with his company, he himself being wounded. He was in his 30th year, and was the youngest son of the late Thomas Bickerdike, of Scarthingwell.

Harrogate Herald - 12/12/1917

Roll of Honour.Father Bickerdike has received the following letter from the Colonel of his brother's (Captain Robert Bickerdike, MC) regiment: Please accept my great sympathy on your brother's death in action on the 20th. He was killed instantaneously whilst leading his company to the assault of Havrincourt. I cannot tell you how much I regret his loss. He was absolutely reliable and absolutely fearless, and was invaluable to his company both as a trainer and leader of men.

Source: Harrogate people and places

Robert Bickerdike is remembered at Ushaw College on U10.01 and U10.07

Harrogate people and places
The CWGC entry for Lieutenant Bickerdike