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| George Hickman the soldier. Haifa 1943. |
This is a document of historical record transcribed from my grandad's war diary of 1943. It covers his experiences as a British soldier fighting in North Africa and Italy during World War II.
George Hickman enlisted at Oswestry on 15th of March 1940. He served as a gunner in the Royal Artillery 116th Light Anti Aircraft Battery (part of the British Eighth Army).
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| George Hickman the civilian, with his best friend Sam. |
George Hickman was awarded five medals instituted in recognition of service in the war of 1939 - 1945. With characteristic modesty he didn't send off for them until about twenty five years after the war had ended. When he finally received his medals, my grandad put them into a tin box which he stored at the back of his wardrobe.
Throughout his life, George never boasted of his bravery or made a fuss about the hardships of war. He served overseas in the fiercest of battles, endured some of the harshest conditions imaginable and experienced close friends die in front of him (particularly at Monte Cassino).
He was also hospitalised when a military vehicle he was travelling in got shelled by enemy fire. Yet he soon returned to battle and the only stories he would share were full of laughter.
I am transcribing my grandad's war diaries as a tribute to his memory and to give his experiences the acknowledgment that they deserve.
1939-1945 Star - Battle of Britain.
'The 1939–45 Star was awarded for any period of operational service overseas between 3 Sep 1939 and 8 May 1945 (2 Sep 1945 in the Far East).'
Africa Star
Star awarded for service in North and North-East Africa between 10 Jun 1940 - 12 May 1943.
Italy Star
Star awarded for service in Italy campaign between 3 Sep 1943 - 8 May 1945.
Defence Medal
Silver laurel leaves (King's Commendation for brave conduct. Civil) 'The Defence Medal was awarded for non-operational service. This type of service in the UK included those service personnel working in headquarters, on training bases and airfields and members of the Home Guard. Home Guard service counts between the dates of 14 May 1940 and 31 December 1944. The Defence Medal was also awarded for non-operational service overseas, for example in India or South Africa.'
War Medal
'The War Medal was awarded to all full time personnel of the armed forces wherever they were serving, provided they had served for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.'
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