HICKEY, Maurice James
| Service Number: | 3085 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Driver |
| Last Unit: | 55th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Bombala, New South Wales, Australia, 17 September 1882 |
| Home Town: | Paddington, Woollahra, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Tram Conductor |
| Died: | Haemorrhage and Encephalitis, Convelescent Training Camp, Parkhouse, England, United Kingdom, 3 March 1919, aged 36 years |
| Cemetery: |
Tidworth Military Cemetery, England A 79 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Haymarket NSW Government Railway and Tramway Honour Board |
World War 1 Service
| 20 Dec 1915: | Involvement Private, 3085, 17th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '12' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Suevic embarkation_ship_number: A29 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec 1915: | Embarked Private, 3085, 17th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Suevic, Sydney | |
| 18 Apr 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Driver | |
| 9 Jul 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Driver, 25th Field Artillery Brigade | |
| 24 Jan 1917: | Transferred AIF WW1, Driver, 14th Field Artillery Brigade | |
| 24 Aug 1918: | Wounded AIF WW1, Driver, 55th Infantry Battalion, Shell concussion. Transferred to England on 30th August 1918. |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by John Oakes
Maurice James HICKEY (Service Number 3085) was born on 17th September 1882 in Bombala, NSW. He began working at the Tramways on 12th March 1910 as a conductor in Sydney. He remained in this position until he was granted leave to join the AIF on 3rd September 1915. He was 35-years-old when he enlisted. On 16th February 1916, he proceeded to join the 55th Infantry Battalion in Tel-el-Kebir (Egypt).
During March and April of 1916, he moved between positions and batteries, going from a Gunner in the 58th Battery to a Driver in the 60th Battery. However, after he disembarked at Marseilles (France) to join the British Expeditionary Forces, he was transferred to the 25th Field Artillery Brigade on 9th July 1916. On 13th February 1917, he was taken to hospital for dental issues in the field in France. He remained in the hospital until 5th March, when he was discharged to return to duty. He was on leave for two weeks in September and October of 1917, and then was on leave again in January. He re-joined his Battalion again on 31st January 1918.
He was wounded in action on 24th August 1918, with a shell concussion. He was admitted to hospital, and eventually transferred to England on 30th August.
He was still in England by early 1919. On 14th February he was admitted to hospital again for venereal diseases. He was only admitted for three days, however, before being discharged to a central training depot.
He died on 3rd March 1919 at the Convalescent Training Camp in Parkhouse, England. His death was due to a haemorrhage, also listed as encephalitis. He was buried in the Tidworth Military Cemetery. He received a proper military burial, with ‘full military honours’, as stated in a letter to his wife. The Burial Report included ‘Remarks of Interest to Next of kin.’
‘Deceased was buried with full Military honours the coffin draped with the Australian flag being borne to the graveside on a Gun-carriage preceded by a Firing Party from Headquarters A.I.F. Depots in United Kingdom. Six of deceased’s later comrades supported the Pall. A number of Officers, N.C.O.s and Men of the deceased’s late Unit followed the remains and were present at the graveside ceremony. Headquarters A.I.F. Depots in U.K. were represented at the funeral.’
His wife, as his next of kin, was forwarded some of his personal items following his death, including a pocket knife, a looking glass, and several religious items. In addition to these, she also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for her husband’s service.
- based on the Australian War Memorial Honour Roll and notes for the Great Sydney Central Station Honour Board.
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