George Hicks (RAF officer)

Lieutenant George Rensbury Hicks DFC (24 January 1900 – 24 November 1951) was a First World War flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.

For other people named George Hicks, see George Hicks (disambiguation).

George Rensbury Hicks
Born(1900-01-24)24 January 1900
Walthamstow, Essex, England
Died24 November 1951(1951-11-24) (aged 51)
West Derby, Liverpool North, England
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branchRoyal Air Force
RankLieutenant
UnitNo. 74 (Fighter) Squadron
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross

Biography

Hicks was born in Walthamstow, Essex, to George and Matilda Ann Hicks on 24 January 1900.[1]

During the First World War, Hicks served with the Artists Rifles as a private up until 3 November 1917, when he joined the Royal Flying Corps as a lieutenant.[2] Posted to No. 74 (Fighter) Squadron, Hicks achieved all eight of his victories in the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a.[1] Hicks scored his first victory on 15 July 1918, shooting down a Fokker D.VII.[1] His second triumph came on 24 July, this time against a DFW C.V.[1] Hicks shot down another DFW C.V on 19 August.[1] His fourth and fifth victories both came on 5 September 1918, with Hicks shooting down two Fokker D.VIIs, becoming an ace.[1] 24 September saw Hicks achieve another two triumphs in one day – shooting down a Siemens-Schuckert D.IV and an unknown Rumpler biplane.[1] Two days later saw his last victory of the war, when Hicks shot down another Fokker D.VII.[1] Hicks was wounded in action on 2 October 1918.[1]

On 3 June 1919, Hicks was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.[3]

Hicks died on 24 November 1951 in West Derby.[1]

References
  1. "George Hicks". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  2. Highman, S. Stagtoll (1922). "The regimental roll of honour and war record of the Artists' Rifles (1/28th, 2/28th and 3/28th battalions, the London Regiment T. F.) Commissions, promotions, appointments and rewards for service in the field obtained by members of the corps since 4th August, 1914". London: Howlett. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  3. "No. 31378". The London Gazette (Supplement). 3 June 1919. p. 7031.


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