Distinguished Service Medal GVIR (JX.206557 J.T. HICKS. P.O.) - in case of issue and with original service parchment.
John Thomas Albert Hicks was born in Bow, London on 29 May 1903. He enlisted for service in WWII on 15 July 1940 and saw service on a number of shore establishments and vessels, including Europa, Brittania II, Marshall Soult and Boscowan. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in the London Gazette of 2 June 1943 for "gallantry or outstanding service in the face of the enemy, or for zeal, patience & cheerfulness in dangerous waters, and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty."
In civilian life Hicks was a Waterman. He joined the Royal Navy Patrol Service, men who were vital in helping to keep Britain supplied. In small trawlers they conducted minesweeping and anti-submarine patrols around the coast. Hicks fared particularly well - from Able Seaman to Petty Officer by 1942. On the conclusion of hostilities PM Winston Churchill singled out the men of the RN Patrol Service by saying, "No work has been more vital than yours; no work been better done. The Ports were kept open and Britain breathed. The nation is once again proud of you."
According to the 1939 Register he was a Lighterman living at 112 Gough Grove, Poplar, London. He died in Thurrock, Essex in 1973.
Medal is in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research.
