Hickson, George Alfred

Date of birth:: 1915 (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada)
Date of death:: August 15th, 1979 (Ontario, Canada)
Service number:: A19407
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Sgt George Hickson, DSM, MM, was the first Canadian soldier to win two medals for bravery in the Second World War. More about his life can be read here.

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Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lance Sergeant
Unit:: Demolition Party, Headquarters, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army
Awarded on:: October 2nd, 1942
Awarded for:: Operation Jubilee

Citation:
"Sergeant Hickson was in charge of a group whose task was the destruction of the main telephone excnage in the post office. Findin the fire on the beach too heavy to move directly to his target, he assisted an infantry platoon in mopping up enemy machine0gun positions, and destroyed a three-inch gun by detonating a three-lb charge on the breech.
When the platoon commander and most of the senior N.C.O.'s were put out of action, Hickson assumed command and led the platoon to the casino.
Using explosives, he blew his way through the walls to reach a large concrete gun emplacement, and with another charge blew in the steel door, killing a gun crew of five. He destroyed the six-inch naval gun and two machine-guns after infantry had cleared the post, re-organised his platoon, and despite heavy enemy opposition, led them into the town as far as St Remy Church.
Unable to find brigade H.Q. and being without support, he withdrew to the casino. He was among the last group to evacuate."

Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Awarded on:: July 8th, 1943

Citation:
"On the 8th April, 1943, during an attack on RECCE RIDGE in the area of MEDJEZ ELBAB, a Squadron of Infantry tanks was held up owing to the presence of an enemy minefield. Sgt. Hickson promptly organised a detachment of R.Es to clear a gap so that the tanks could advance. Although the section of the minefield was under constant shell and mortar fire, this NCO moved about freely and by his personal example and encouragement to his men was responsible for the clearing of a gap 40 yards wide, by lifting over 100 mines in under an hour. It was undoubtedly due to the coolness and effiency of the N.C.O. that the tak was completed and the tanks enabled to pass through the minefield and assist the Infantry in the capture of the final objective."