Sergeant Douglas Hicks, Rear Air Gunner

Hicks in 1943 before heading overseas
Source: Rick Newburg

Douglas Hicks was born December 1, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario and at 19 years of age, was the youngest member of the crew.

Prior to enlisting, Hicks was working as a cabin cleaner for Trans Canada Airlines at the Toronto Airport.  At 17, he joined the RCAF with his mother’s permission and was posted to RAF Base 71 in Lindholme, England in summer 1944.

Like the other members of the crew, Hicks was assigned to RAF Bomber Squadron 550 at North Killingholme on January 8, 1945 and flew all seven operations with the Harris crew.