Andrew Hickey

Andrew Hickey was born on 18th October 1894 in Corryong, Victoria, to Andrew Hickey and Christina Elizabeth, nee McLean. He would be one of four children, two boys (Andrew and Michael)  and two girls.

On 5th January 1916, he enlisted at Liverpool, New South Wales. At the time, he was a single, 21-year-old school teacher living at  ‘Myala’, Sir Thomas Mitchell Rd, Bondi, New South Wales. He was allocated Regimental Number 470 and placed in B Company of the 36th Battalion. Andrew gave his next of kin as father, Andrew Hickey. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A72 Beltana at Sydney, NSW, on 13th May 1916.

Andrew received his first wound in action on 25th March 1917. As it wasn’t a severe wound, he remained with his battalion. Andrew’s younger brother, Michael, was killed in action fighting with the 29th Battalion at Polygon Wood, between the 26th and 27th of  September 1917. He had only just turned 19. In early March of 1918, Andrew was wounded for a second time. A gunshot wound to his right arm resulted in a compound fracture. The wound did not heal, resulting in his right forearm having to be amputated. He spent the next four months in hospital.

On 31st July 1918, he returned to Australia aboard HT D17 Malta, with the rank of Corporal. He was discharged on 18th March 1919 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Despite his affliction, Andrew continued in the teaching profession in New South Wales. He married Alice Margaret Jackson in 1923, at Albury, New South Wales. The couple would have three children. He passed away on 27th October 1966 at Epping, Sydney and was buried in Macquarie Park Cemetery, North Ryde, New South Wales.