No.5889485, Lance Corporal, George Charles HICKS
Aged 31
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Born on 6th March 1914 (2nd qtr Bury St.Edmunds 4a:1789) son of Frank Charles and Annie Maria HICKS (née HUNT) In 1939, a butcher's assistant, he was with his parents at 27 Mill Road, Bury St.Edmunds. He married Phyllis Mary MURRELL in Bury St.Edmunds in 1941. |
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The 3rd CLY were in UK until 1942, when they joined the 4th CLY in North Africa and Italy, until losses, particularly by the 4th at Villers Bocage, forced the
amalgamation into the 3rd/4th in Normandy in August 1944 They formed part of 4th Armoured Brigade (The Black Rats) part of 7th Armoured Division generally regarded as the Desert Rats. 1st April 1945 - By the end of the day 3rd/4th CLY, supporting 158th Brigade when they passed through 71st Brigade, had reached the edge of Gronau. In doing so 'A' Squadron, 3rd/4th CLY had supported 4th Royal Welsh Fusiliers to the town of Lisratte. One troop then advanced to 3 miles from Alstatte on the road North East to Gronau. 'C' Squadron along with a company of 1/5th Bn The Welsh Regiment in Troop Carrying Vehicles, moved through Vreden and Alstatte to pass through 'A' Squadron. The leading tank was destroyed by anti-tank fire so while one troop flanked the position on one side and two troops of Regimental Recce on the other and the remainder of 'C' Squadron moved up to the woods to support the infantry in clearing the district. However, considerable anti-tank and mortar fire prevented further progress. Meanwhile, 'B' Squadron was supporting 1st Bn. The East Lancashire Regiment as they advanced on Gronau. Some slight opposition was ignored and having reached Glanerbru the infantry commander decided to consolidate, so the Squadron leaguered there behind the infantry posts.
Originally buried with two mates East of Gronau, they were re-interred in May 1947. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
