Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas Hector HICKS

MILITARY MEDAL & BAR

 Military Medal Recommendation 

‘During the recent fighting 22-25 July 1916, which resulted in the capture of Pozieres, Signaller A.J Gray, G.L Homden, and T. Hicks displayed great bravery by continuously delivering messages both by day and by night, regardless of the very heavy artillery barrages which the enemy put up.  In many cases owing to the enemy’s artillery fire being so heavy it was considered necessary to call for volunteers to deliver special messages and these men came forward readily. They belong to the Headquarters Signallers 7th Battalion.’

Recommended – 2/Lieut. W. D’Alters
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 2 May 1918 on page 1035 at position 58

 Bar to Military Medal Recommendation 

'During the operations east of YPRES on 4/5th October, 1917 L/Cpl. HICKS, as a signaller, displayed great bravery and devotion to duty. Under heavy shell fire he went out continually repairing breaks in lines caused by enemy shell fire and under heavy fire successfully carried important messages from Battalion Headquarters to Company Headquarters.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' 19 April 1917 on page 924 at position 93

The Bendigo Independent Newspaper published the following letter on October 19, 1916.

EAGLEHAWK SOLDIER. SIGNALLER. T. HICKS

RECOMMENDED FOR CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY.

‘A communication has been received from Lieut. W. R. Dattenia, of the 7th Battalion, by Mrs. Hicks, Green Street, Job's Gully, wife of Mr. T. Hicks, vice- president of the F.M.E.A. (Federated Mining Employes' Association) intimating to her that her son,signaller Thomas Hicks, has been recommended by himfor most conspicuous gallantry in the fighting in France. Signaller Hicks, prior to leaving with the A.I.F. was employed at  the Bendigo Post Oifice, and was well known in athletic circles. He has two other brothers, Ptes. L. and B. Hicks serving the Empire. The letter from Lieut. Dattena reads: — "Dear Madam, - I am very pleased to inform you that I have had the honor to recommend your son for most conspicuous gallantry during our recent fighting. As you know, your son is a signaller, and on many occasions he had to go through some very heavy artillery barrages to get messages through to the different officers concerned. But he did his job regardless of this terrible shelling, which many men would not have faced. There were many brave acts performed on that day, and on this account your son may not receive any reward, so I am writing this to let you know that his action has not passed unnoticed. Please allow me to offer you my most sincere congratulations on having such a son. Trusting you will excuse this Liberty I am taking — I remain, yours sincerely. W. R. DATTENIA, 1st Lieut. 7th Battalion.' The writer added that he had not informed Signaller Hicks that he was writing to his mother.[1]

 Bendigo Advertiser December 15, 1917 CORPORAL TOM HICKS.

AWARDED BAR TO MILITARY MEDAL.
Writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T Hicks of Job's Gully, Corporal Thomas Hector Hicks says: — "I got my second stripe as a corporal yesterday, As it had been dated from October 5 it came unexpectedly. Also had the good luck to be recommended for a bar to my Military Medal. Yesterday General Birdwood presented me with a small silver rose bon. The bar itself will come along in a few days, and it will he another souvenir for you to treasure. I am pleased to say that another Eaglehawk boy has won the Military Medal, and that is Holborn (Truesdale). [2]

Writing to his sister on August 27, 1916, Thomas wrote:—

     "Got your letter, 3/7/16 the other day when we came out of the last stunt. Glad to see you were all well at home. You asked me how I liked trench life. Well, old girl, the "Dards," as you call them,  don't hold the candle to what we have come away from. Along the front, especially near the firing line, there is not a ten yard  square piece of ground. It is nothing but shell holes. Really one cannot describe the scene of fighting as it is here. Anyhow, wait till I get back home, and I'll have a try, as a fellow will have a lot to tell.’[3] 

SERVICE DETAILS :
Regimental No. 2584
Place of birth: Bendigo Vic
Religion: Methodist
Occupation: Letter carrier
Address: Green Street, Job's Gully, Bendigo
Marital status: Single
Age at embarkation: 21
Next of kin: Father, T Hicks, Job's Gully, Bendigo
Enlistment date: 10 July 1915
Unit name 7th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
Embarked: HMAT A68 Anchises on 26 August 1915
Final Rank: Sergeant
Fate: Returned to Australia 31 March 1919

During the operations east of YPRES on 4/5th October, 1917.

The attack commenced at 6am October 4, 1917 after rain  commenced falling the day before. Coincidentally, the Germans planned an attack for exactly the same time. At 5.20am the German artillery opened up and then at 6am the Australian artillery started, both in preparation for impending attacks. After both troops emerged from their trenches to commence attacking to their surprise they found the enemy doing exactly the same. The Australians managed to recover from the shock quicker than their opponents as the Australian machine gunners opened up and cut the German lines to pieces. The Germans broke and the Australians managed to capture the ridge. The triumph at Broodseinde presented the Allied High Command with an opportunity, perhaps in the upcoming spring, of breaking the German hold.[4]

[1] Bendigo Independent Newspaper, October 19, 1916 Page 3
[2] Bendigo Independent Newspaper, Dec 15, 1917. Page 7
[3] Bendigo Independent Newspaper, October 19, 1916 Page 3
[4] ANZACS in France website - http://www.anzacsinfrance.com/1917/