HICK, Alexander

Alex was born and registered in Scarborough in the fourth quarter of 1893. He was the first son of James Coverdale ( a tailor ) and his wife Mary. The census of 1901 shows the family living in Barwick Street and Alex the eldest of three sons was 7 years old. He attended Gladstone Road school and is commemorated on the war memorial in the school.

By the census of 1911 Alex was already in the navy and was counted by them. The form reads.

“ List of Officers and crew and Royal Marines on board at midnight of Sunday April 11^th “

On the list was A.C.Hick. Branch of service Boy 2^nd class Royal Navy. Birthplace Christchurch Scarborough. Age last birthday 17 Condition as to marriage Single. The location was given as Tendring near Harwich.

Alex’s naval record dated 22/09/1911 tells us he was 5ft 6 ins tall with a34 inch chest. He had brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion.His date of birth was given as12/09/1893 and the distinguishing feature of a scar over his left eye. Also recorded was his previous occupation as a Florist and seedsman.

The ships he trained and served on included ……Ganges II, Pembroke, Vanguard and Blenheim. His conduct throughout was described as being very good and his ability as satisfactory. A note lower down reads “ Died of wounds sustained during operations on Belgium coast.

He was on the Iphigenia, at the time an ex- mine layer, ex old second class cruiser, which was sunk as a blockship at Zeebrugge on 23/04/1918.

He died two days later. His naval records say of wounds received, his family grave says he was gassed.

Alex is commemorated on Oliver’s Mount War Memorial,on Gladstone Road school memorial and on his family gravestone in Dean Road Cemetery. He has a GWG on the family plot. FB 24.