Francis (George) Hicks MM
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 16 Nov 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Kelmscott, Western Australia |
| Death | 5 Aug 1984, aged 72 |
| Place of Death | Kelmscott, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 30 years, 11 months |
| Description |
5'9¾" (1.78m) tall ; 151lbs 68.492 kg ; dark complexion ; green eyes ; black hair |
| Occupation | Miner |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Mt Magnet |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Edna May Hicks |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W83866 & WX22119 |
| Date of Enlistment | 9 Nov 1942 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate |
WIA 1945 Abau, New Guinea Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 1939-45 Star Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
Enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corp's 8th (Kalgoorlie) VDC Battalion on 13 Jan 1942 at Mt Magnet with regimental number W83866 before being called up for full time service on 9 Nov 1942. On 10 Jan 1943 George transferred to the 2nd AIF at Claremont.
On 22 Jan 1945 Cpl Hicks was one of three casualties suffered by a fighting patrol. He was hit in the chest and the arm. His Platoon Commander, not knowing that he was injured ordered him to take the Japanese position. After 30 minutes of skillful leadership he took the position without further casualties, and then collapsed through loss of blood. [1].
Discharged 18 Jun 1946
Award Comment
Military Medal Outstanding courage and devotion at ABAU on 21 Jan 1945[2][3] Award presented by Lieutenant-Governor of Western Australia at Government House, Perth on 27 May 1947.
"Wounded when his section came under heavy fire east of Abau, was ordered by his Platoon Commander, who did not know of his wound, to capture a position. In the half hour engagement Corporal Hicks, by skillful leadership captured the position without further casualties."
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 with Edna at Third avenue Kelmscott, carpenter; 1947- 1980 at 19 Armitage road, Kelmscott, builder. Also Kevin James and Robert George. Edna died 28 Oct 1991, aged 80 at Halls Head, Western Australia.
Notes
The position of Governor of Western Australia was not filled between 1931 and 5 Oct 1948 when Mitchell was appointed Governor.