Lot 4188

Description

Group of Five: The Order of St John (Officer); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19; Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (EIIR) (Type 1). First medal unnamed, 3248 Pte R.H.Hickson 11/Bn. A.I.F. on second medal, 3248 A-Cpl. R.H.Hickson. 11 Bn. A.I.F. on third and fourth medals, 1394 Insp. R.H.Hickson on last medal. First four medals swing mounted, last medal loose. Very fine - extremely fine.

Acting Corporal Richard Henry Hickson, Enl.08Sep1915; Emb.02Nov1915; served with 11 Bn; 30May1916 reported MIA, France; 17Jul1916 unofficial POW; 30Aug1916 official POW in Germany and wounded severely when captured; 01Jan1919 repatriated to England; RTA 03Mar1919; Disch.13Jun1919. Red Cross report - At Fleurbaix, a witness states, 'There was a bombardment of the Australian lines on the night of 30th May from 8.00 to 10.30pm. The smoke and noise was fearful. Hickson and Wallace were M.Gunners. They were reported by friends of witness to have jumped over the parapet with a Lewis Gun so as to get outside the smoke. Three parties of Germans assaulted the trenches. Hickson and Wallace may have been taken prisoners by them. If not prisoners they are dead. Hickson was a very young fellow who claimed to be eighteen and a half years of age.' Later it was found from POW reports that Wallace was a POW at Dulman in Westphalia and Hickson was hospitalised as a POW and then sent to Gardelegan POW Camp. Together with Soldier's Pay Book (2) and colour patch; Order of St John, badge of Serving Brother in case with miniature; case for the Order of St John, Officer's badge; The St John Ambulance Association badge inscribed on reverse, '300527 / Richard H.Hickson'; Perceptory of St George awards (2) one inscribed, 'Presented by the / Perceptory of St George / in W.A. / To / Ven. Fr. R.H.Hickson / 1943-44'; the other inscribed, 'Pres to / R.H.Hickson / As a token of Love & Esteem / By / The Fratres / Nov.1954' (the first award with case of maker, S.Middlewick, jeweller, 201 Murray St, Perth); Royal Life Saving Society, Bronze Medal inscribed, 'R.H.Hickson / 13.1.27' and an Award of Merit silver medal with same inscription; RLSS Honorary Instructor badge in enamel and gilt (2, one pin-backed the other with lugs) and an Honorary Associate badge in enamel and gilt in case of issue; silver fob chain; Western Australia Police badges (3) all King's crown, large oval cap badge with maker's name 'Cumpston', and large and small voided swan types (all rare); Police metal ID number badge, 1394 (2); Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing file.