LEST WE FORGET
Squadron William Joseph HICKEY DFC
From Australia serving in the Royal Air Force
Service No: 32035 (RAF)
Born: Sydney NSW, 9 May 1907
Enlisted in the RAAF: 9 December 1929
Enlisted in the RAF: 1933
Unit: No. 80 Squadron (RAF), Larissa, Greece
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Died: Air Operations: (No. 80 Squadron Gladiator II aircraft N5816), Greece, 21 December 1940, Aged 33 Years
Buried: Unrecovered
CWGC Additional Information: No further information
Roll of Honour: Unknown
Remembered: Column 239, Alamein Memorial, Egypt
Remembered: Commemorative Roll, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
DFC Citation: “This officer has participated in 18 raids over enemy territory and has led his squadron with great courage and tenacity. Since the commencement of operations in Greece, Squadron Leader Hickey has led his squadron in attacking enemy columns with great valour in the face of anti-aircraft fire. His skilful efforts have been reflected in the fine work of the squadron, which has destroyed some 30 enemy aircraft.”
Squadron Leader Hickey was killed after baling from Gladiator II N5816 which had been shot down in combat with Italian fighters in operations over Greece. His parachute caught fire and he was killed.
References:
Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll On-Line Records
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record AWM65 2625
Bibliography:
Herington, J. (John) (406545) Air War Against Germany and Italy 1939-1943, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 1954