Ernest 'Chick' Hicken's RAF Coastal Command Memories

During the Second World War, my Great Uncle 'Chick' (Ernest Dowen Hicken) served with Coastal Command in the RAF. He initially flew in Hampden bombers with 489 (RNZAF) Squadron as a Flight Sergeant with the role of wireless operator/air gunner. On the 10th August 1943, whist flying to Iceland from Wick in northern Scotland, his aircraft suffered a forced landing in Iceland during an anti-shipping sortie and no message could be transmitted home. With the crew were presumed missing, my Great Aunt Norah initially presumed the worst, but later received a pleasant surprise when 'Chick' returned home safely.

In 1944, 'Chick', now a Flight Lieutenant, was transferred to 228 Squadron flying Sunderland flying boats from Pembroke Dock. By now he was a radar operator (or SE Op according to his logbook) and flew regular patrols over the Bay of Biscay hunting for U-boats.

By 1945, he was flying Vickers Warwick aircraft with 179 Squadron, still on anti-submarine patrols, but also conducting air-sea-rescue missions when required.