George Hicks

George Hicks enlisted around 8 February 1912, either as a reservist or regular soldier, in the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment) and went with 1st Battalion to France on 4 November 1914. In January 1915 the battalion held trenches in the area of Neuve Chapelle and conditions were terrible with flooded trenches and incessant rain. At some point in early January, George was wounded and evacuated down the line to the 14th Stationary Hospital at Wimereux. He died there on 10 January 1915 and was buried in the attached cemetery, Wimereux Communal Cemetery, grave I. C.18A

Soldiers effects register shows the following - 14 June 1915 - £6-15s-5d - to - Half brother Edward £2-5s2d; Half sister Edith - £2-5s-2d; sister Alice - £2-5s-1d; On 6 August 1919 the war gratuity of £5 was given to half brother Edward Martin for distribution. Published in the Nottingham Evening Post on 14th January 1915 :- “HICKS. – Wounded in action 20th November, 1914, and died at the base hospital January 10th, 1915, Private George Hicks,1st Sherwood Foresters, the dearly loved brother of Arthur and Lily Martin, 13, Church-grove, Lenton, aged 21 years. Father, in Thy gracious keeping, leave we now Thy servant sleeping.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918