Robert Peverell Hichens | |
|---|---|
 Robert Peverell Hichens | |
| Nickname(s) | Hitch |
| Born | 2 March 1909 Northampton, England |
| Died | 13 April 1943 (aged 34) North Sea |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Territorial Army (1929–36) Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (1936–43) |
| Years of service | 1929–1943 |
| Rank | Lieutenant commander |
| Unit | Coastal Forces |
| Commands held | MASB 16 MASB 18 MASB 14 MGB 64 6th MGB Flotilla MGB 77 8th MGB Flotilla |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order & Bar Distinguished Service Cross & Two Bars Mentioned in Despatches (3) |
Lieutenant Commander Robert Peverell Hichens, DSO & Bar, DSC & Two Bars (2 March 1909 – 13 April 1943) was the most highly decorated officer of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNVR),[1][2] being awarded two Distinguished Service Orders, three Distinguished Service Crosses and three Mentions in Despatches. He was also recommended for a Victoria Cross after being killed in action in April 1943.[2]
Before the Second World War, Hichens was a keen sportsman who rowed for Magdalen College, Oxford, and competed in the Double sculls at the Henley Regatta. He also competed in International Fourteen sailing events and three times participated in the Fastnet race. On land he raced in hill climbing events in Somerset and also entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans race three times. During the Second World War, he rose in rank to become a lieutenant commander and commanded the 6th Motor Gun Boat Flotilla and later the 8th Motor Gun Boat Flotilla.
- ^ Gore, p. 54.
- ^ a b "Wartime heroics remembered in Felixstowe". Evening Star. Retrieved 25 November 2009.