Charles Hickey (RAF officer) explained

Charles Robert Reeves Hickey
Birth Date:10 September 1897
Birth Place:Nanaimo, British Columbia
Death Place:Belgium
Allegiance:George V[1]
Branch:Royal Naval Air Service
Royal Air Force
Rank:Captain
Unit:No. 4 Squadron RNAS/No. 204 Squadron RAF
Awards:Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar

Charles Robert Reeves Hickey DFC & Bar (10 September 1897  - 3 October 1918) was a Canadian World War I flying ace, officially credited with 21 victories. He is buried in the military cemetery in Koksijde, Belgium.

Text of citations

Distinguished Flying Cross

"Lt. Charles Robert Reeves Hickey.Has been engaged in numerous air battles with marked success during a period of twelve months. On a recent occasion he flew to the assistance of one of our machines which was being pressed by two enemy machines and succeeded in destroying one of them."

Distinguished Flying Cross - Bar

"Lieut. (T./Capt.) Charles Robert Reeves Hickey, D.F.C., Sea Patrol (Can. Mtd. Rif.).A very determined air fighter who has destroyed seven enemy machines and brought down nine completely out of control during the past three months. His skill and initiative as a flight commander have made his flight very successful. Last month he destroyed two machines and brought down two more out of control in one day, and the remainder of his flight, at the same time succeeded in disposing of several more enemy aircraft without sustaining any casualties."[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Canadian airmen were required to complete an Attestation Paper in which they declared an oath of allegiance to King George V and agreed to serve in any arm of the service for the duration of the war between Great Britain and Germany.. Attestation Papers. aerodrome.com. 2014-09-13.
  2. Web site: Aces: Charles Hickey. aerodrome.com. 2014-09-13.