Mt Compass Archives

‍Victor Gordon Hicks (Lance Corporal)

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‍Born at Edwardstown, Adelaide on 25th February 1895 he enlisted at the age of 20 at Adelaide on 7th February 1916. His parents were James & Elizabeth Hicks (nee Rushton) of Goodwood, Adelaide. His father was required to sign a consent letter allowing Victor to enlist prior to his turning 21. Victor’s Army records list him as being an unmarried Market Gardener, 5’ 6½’’ (1.7 metres) tall, weighing 60.8 kgs and with a medium complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. His religion was recorded as Methodist.

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‍Newspaper reports from 1916 state that ‘he was engaged on his own account working a swamp block at Mount Compass’ prior to enlisting. 

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‍After enlistment, he gained a sergeant’s certificate, but reportedly volunteered to go to the front as a private to get there sooner. 

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‍On 27th June 1916 he left Australia to serve in France, with the 27th Battalion. 

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‍Victor was killed there in ‘heavy fighting’ on 5th November 1916, aged 21 years. He had been in the trenches for only 5 weeks.

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‍Newspapers descriptions of Victor included: “he was of splendid physique, great endurance, and kindly, lovable disposition.”