| Other Info | Medal Index Card show 1915 Star in error should be 1914 Star. Died age 23. Son of George and Catherine A. Hicks, of 4 Grove Houses, Guarlford, Malvern, Worcs. The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Sergeant John Hicks a platoon commander of 'A' Company was shot through the head and was killed instantaneously during the attack on Spanbroek Mill, Lindenhoek. He was engaged to Miss Phipps of Malvern Commons, and an envelope bearing her address being found on him, Company Sergeant-Major Blond of 'A' Company, the 3rd Worcesters wrote the following letter to her on March 13th:-
"Dear Miss Phipps
"I am sorry to have to tell you that Sergeant Hicks, whose hand-writing you will recognise on the envelope containing this letter, was killed at about 4.30 pm on the 12th inst. It was in the course of an attack which we made on the enemy's trenches. He was shot through the head and was killed instantaneously. I cannot express my sorrow at his untimely end sufficiently, for we all liked him.
"As a leader of his platoon he was an example. In care for the welfare of his men he was most diligent; as a comrade he was one of the best; and in losing him we suffer a loss which is only excelled, I am sure, by yours and his people, of whom he so often spoke in terms of affection. I must ask you to let his people know, as I cannot write direct, having only your address."
Believe me to be, yours in sympathy.
P T Blond C.S.M."
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