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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 222

An 'Air Gunners 1943' D.F.M. awarded to Pilot Officer K. N. Hicklin, Royal Air Force, whose rescue from a burning turret resulted in the award of two Conspicuous Gallantry Medals, who was later killed by the German Night-Fighter Ace Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1716019 Sgt. K. N. Hicklin. R.A.F.), good very fine

D.F.M. London Gazette 19 November 1943:

'In September, 1943, these airmen were rear and mid-upper gunners respectively of an aircraft which attacked Hanover. During the operation the bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire and then, whilst illuminated by the searchlights, was attacked by a fighter. Although their turrets were struck and damaged, whilst a fire burned alarmingly amidships, these gunners fought on with great coolness and drove off the attacker. Afterwards, Sergeant Hicklin was overcome by fumes but quickly recovered when dragged clear of his turret by Sergeant Stott and another member of the crew. Displaying great courage and endurance, these gallant gunners then rendered great assistance in extinguishing the fires in the fuselage. Their coolness, courage and devotion to duty in most trying circumstances were most inspiring.'

Kenneth Norman Hicklin was born at West Kensington on 14 September 1923, the son of Benjamin and Henrietta Hicklin of Hounslow, Middlesex. His father had been a Sergeant in the Royal Flying Corps and later Royal Air Force during the Great War. The younger Hicklin appeared on the 1939 census as an Office Boy but enlisted with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in September 1941, being appointed Flight Sergeant.

Posted to No. 101 Squadron, Hicklin was an air gunner in Lancaster LM364, piloted by Warrant Officer Arthur Walker on the night of 27-28 September 1943. They were launching a raid over Hanover however five miles out from the target they found themselves conned by spotlights and targeted by flak which damaged the bomb bay doors.

While the Flight Engineer battled the flames and the pilot zeroed in on his goal the gunners fought a running battle against the circling night fighters. Despite the fire within the aircraft they managed to keep their cool and drive off the enemy, Hicklin kept shooting but was afterwards overcome by the fumes. The citation of the other Air Gunner Sergeant Stott takes up the story, stating:

'With complete disregard for his own personal danger and although blinded by searchlights, he endeavoured to see the enemy fighter and drove it off. When descending from his turret in order to put out the fires, he discovered that the rear gunner had been overcome by fumes and with great presence of mind, he dragged him forward with the assistance of the Flight Engineer and then went aft and found the Flight Engineer overcome by fumes.'

Having recovered he joined the rest of the crew in fighting the blaze within the aircraft. The Flight Engineer managed to free the bomb bay doors and the aircraft successfully bombed the target, the Pilot and Flight Engineer were both awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal with the following citation:

'This warrant officer and airman were pilot and flight engineer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Hanover one night in September 1943. In the run-up to the target, the bomber was illuminated by the searchlights and subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire, while immediately afterwards it was attacked by an enemy fighter. The aircraft was repeatedly hit and sustained serious damage. One of its engines was set alight but, with great coolness, Warrant Officer Walker went into a steep dive and thus evaded the fighter, whilst the force of the wind extinguished the flames. Meanwhile, a fire had started amidships. Flight Sergeant Mayer, displaying great gallantry and promptitude, made strenuous efforts to prevent the flames from spreading. He succeeded in getting the outbreak under control before he was overcome by the fumes. He was dragged clear, however, and the fire was afterwards extinguished. The situation was very serious but, undaunted, Warrant Officer Walker went on to release his bombs on the target. Displaying superb airmanship, this gallant and resolute pilot flew his crippled bomber to this country where he effected a safe landing in appalling weather. Throughout the return flight, Flight Sergeant Mayer rendered material assistance, while his exemplary conduct in the face of imminent dangers was beyond praise'

Breaking for home their trials were not over as enemy aircraft were attacking their home base, forcing them to re-direct to Lindholme. Hicklin was awarded the D.F.M. and commissioned Pilot Officer on 22 November 1943.

Taking off on another run on the night of 26-27 November Hicklin in DV285 for a raid over Stuttgart. They were overtaken by a night fighter flown by the German ace Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin who approached them from behind and downed them. They were his fourth kill of the night on which he was to claim five.

Three of the crew were taken prisoner of war, of whom one Pilot Officer Blandford was rescued by the resistance, but the rest including Hicklin was killed in action. He is commemorated upon the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium; sold together with named Condolence slip indicating the issue of three Medals (presumably 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star and War Medal 1939-45).

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Estimate
£1,400 to £1,800

Starting price
£1400