RIPLEY AND HEANOR NEWS 1918
CODNOR EXSOLDEIR DEATH
A VICTIM OF GAS POISONING

We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr H S Hicking, youngest son of 
Mr and Mrs A Hicking of Spring Cottage Crosshill, Codnor, which took place 
suddenly at the Nottingham General Hospital last Saturday after a short and painful 
illness, and chest trouble caused by gas poisoning intervening, caused his death. 
Mr Hicking ex sergeant of the Army cyclist Corps, enlisted in the Kings royal Rifles 
Corps at the outbreak of war, and saw considerable service on the western front, 
until he was gassed severely at Armentierres last year, and invalided from the 
service in January of this year. After a long period of convalescence he had 
recently commenced a course of engineering training at Loughborough technical 
collage, and was eagerly anticipating the fresh out look it offered. Consequently 
the news of his untimely death at the age of 27 came as a shock to his many friends 
and well-wishers throughout the neighbourhood.
The funeral took place at Codnor Parish Church on Wednesday last, the Vicar 
assisted by the Rev. I.P. Peile officiated the bearers were Messrs Crooks, Hicking, 
L Cater, W Cater, R Edwards, G Wood, S Roberts and J Moon. 
The Ripley branch of the N.F.D. and D Sailors and Soldiers, of which the late 
Sergt Hicking was an enthusiastic member, were represented by Messrs S.A. Severn 
and F.J. Street. There were many beautiful floral tributes including a wreath from the 
Federation, Rev S. Elder in an appropriate address, pointed out how the deceased 
had made the great sacrifice his own death being due to the gas poisoning he 
received in action, and tendered the sympathy of a thankful community to the 
bereaved family.
Mr and Mrs Hicking have been the recipients of many condolences in their 
irreparable loss and wish to tender thanks for the same.