Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Libyan campaign ‘Sidi Omar’ tank action D.C.M. and North West Europe M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant F. A. Hickling, Royal Artillery, wounded on both occasions and subsequently mentioned in despatches for Malaya

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (806439 L. Sjt. F. A. Hickling, R.A.); Military Medal, G.VI.R. (806439 Sjt. F. A. Hickling, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R., with M.I.D. oak leaf (806439 Sgt., D.C.M., M.M., R.A.); Regular Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (806439 Sjt., D.C.M., M.M., R.A.) with named card box of issue for G.S.M. and original Certificate of Service, very fine or better (8)
£3500-4000

D.C.M. London Gazette 23 January 1942: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. No. 806439 Lance-Sergeant Frank Albert Hickling, Royal Regiment of Artillery.’

The recommendation (for an immediate award of M.M., upgraded to D.C.M.) states: ‘11th Field Battery, 1st Field Regiment R.A., 4th Indian Division, 13 Corps. On November 25th Sgt Hickling’s gun was one of a section left to cover a withdrawal to Sidi Omar when tanks were expected. When about to leave the tanks appeared, the tractor of the other gun of the section was destroyed and 4 men killed and wounded. Sgt Hickling picked up the wounded and the rest of the detachment and took his gun back to where the rest of the Regiment were in action. As he arrived there, 28 tanks attacked and opened intense fire on the Battery. Sgt Hickling was badly wounded early in the engagement but sitting on the trail continued to control his gun until it ran short of ammunition. By then 2 men had been killed and 1 wounded. He then tried to get more ammunition but the tanks then withdrew leaving 7 destroyed. Sgt Hickilng’s sustained courage, coolness and example were an inspiration to all.’

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe. No. 806439 Sergeant Frank Albert Hickling, D.C.M., Royal Regiment of Artillery.’

The recommendation (for an immediate award of a Bar to the D.C.M., downgraded to M.M.) states: ‘81st (Welsh) Field Regiment, R.A., 71st Infantry Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, 12th Corps. On 21 September 1944, Sjt Hickling was OPA to a troop command in direct support of a company attacking Wintelre. The village was strongly held by the enemy, and all previous attempts to dislodge him had failed. Owing to casualties, Infantry communications had broken down, but Sjt Hickling managed to keep the RA 38 set communications working as the only link via OP carrier to Battalion HQ. After confused fighting during which no progress was made, the Company Commander decided to lead the attack. Sjt Hickling and his OP officer without hesitation advanced with the Company Commander and led the assault, in order to ensure that communications might be maintained. Despite very heavy enemy small arms fire the party made good progress until pinned down near the main enemy position.

The situation was critical, for the rest of the Company had not followed the small HQ party who alone bore the full brunt of the enemy’s fire. Although wounded by mortar fire, Sjt Hickling managed to pass a message to the carrier section to come forward and assist, which they did with great success. A last-minute adjustment of a pre-arranged fire plan was then carried out, thanks to Sjt Hickling’s communications, and the attack went in supported by a barrage and led by the Company Commander, the OP officer and Sjt Hickling. The attack was a complete success and over 100 prisoners were taken. By his skill, his determination, his complete disregard for his own personal safety and his unstinting action when wounded, Sjt Hickling did much to ensure the success of the attack.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 December 1949: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st January 1949 - 30th June 1949.’

It is unknown what Hickling received his ‘mention’ for but anecdotes from three accompanying letters from old comrades give several possibilities, including the following: ‘On one occasion Sgt Hickling’s patrol came face to face with a tiger on a jungle track. His immediate reaction was not to give away his position and ordered his men : “Don’t shoot.” He then advanced on the tiger saying “Sod off! F... off!” etc., and the tiger did. So apparently did most of his patrol, finding places of relative safety.’