G142 Mrs ALICE BEATRICE HISCOCK, nee Symonds. Wife of Lieutenant Commander William Ewart Hiscock. G.C., D.S.C. Royal Navy on shore base, HMS St Angelo. Residing at St. Georges Barracks, Pembroke Garrison, Malta. Born 1885, baptised 30 August 1885 at Surbiton, Surrey to Frederick and Lucy Maria Symonds, nee Luckam. 1901 she was residing with her parents at 23 Railway Terrace, Dorchester. In 1911 she married her husband on the Isle of Wight. In 1934 she was residing with her husband at no 3 East Way, Shirly, Croydon. Died along with her husband 15th February 1942 when their residence received a direct hit by and enemy bomb the same day. Wills and Admin, Ancestry. - Her residence was Officers Mess, St Georges Barrack, Pembroke Garrison, Malta. Her effects went to William Francis Langdon.
At rest in Plot G grave 142 Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.
William Ewart Hiscock is at rest in Plot E Grave 16 in this cemetery.
William Ewart Hiscock. G.C., D.S.C.Lieutenant Commander Born 13 January 1886 at Dorchester, Dorsetshire. Benjamin and Martha Mary Hiscock, nee Hyde. 1891 residing with his parents and siblings at Pease Lane, Dorchester. 1901 residing with his parents and siblings at 18 Railway Tenement, Monmouth Road, Dorchester. Died along with his wife Alice Beatrice in their residence received a direct hit from an enemy bomb the same day. Wills and Admin, Ancestry. His residence in England was given as Rinella, Walcott Avenue, Christchurch, Hampshire. His effects went to William Francis Langdon, builder.
Enlisted 9 January 1901 of HMS Boscawen as Boy 2nd Class 215708. Civilian occupation, shop assistant. He came up through the ranks when he was promoted to Petty Officer 1 May 1914, Acting Gunner 1 August 1914. Mentioned in Despatches 20 September 1918 as Gunner (T) for service in action with enemy submarines. Commissioned Gunner 1 August 1924. Lieutenant, 28 January 1934. On the 29 January 1939 he was 2nd Officer in charge of controlled minefield, (Bomb disposal) Malta operating from HMS St Angelo died 15 February 1942
ROYAL NAVY MINE DISPOSAL OFFICER KILLED Hiscock Wm Ewart. Lt Commander DSC, GC
The deaths have been confirmed of Lieutenant Commander William Ewart Hiscock, DSC, and Mrs Alice Beatrice Hiscock. The bomb and mine disposal officer and his wife were killed by an enemy bomb which landed directly on their home in St George’s Barracks. Lt Cdr Hiscock, Royal Navy (Retired) was appointed to ‘miscellaneous duties, sea mine disposal’ at HMS St Angelo, where he has served since 1939. He will receive the posthumous award of the George Cross for disarming a hitherto unknown type of Italian torpedo machine in 15 feet of water of St George’s Bay in September 1941.
London Gazette dated 14 January 1941 for courage, enterprise and devotion to duty in contact with the enemy. To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant - Commander William Ewart Hiscock, Royal Navy (Retired), H.M.S. St. Angelo and others awarded
George Cross Citation The following details are given in the London Gazette of June 12th, 1942 -
"The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty to Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant-Commander) William Ewart Hiscock, D.S.C., R.N."
In Sep 41 a Torpedo Machine (a device in which the Italians specialised) was dropped in 15 feet of water in St. George's Bay, Malta, and Lt Cdr Hiscock was given the task of disarming it. The operation of salvage was one of considerable danger as, quite apart from the possibility of booby traps, no information was available as to the firing mechanism of the explosive head and its behaviour when parted from the body was a matter of complete uncertainty. While Lt Cdr Hiscock and his assistant (Petty Officer C. Le Bargy DSM) were working on the bomb, the clock mechanism started, and it was only their cool determination and skill which brought the operation to a successful conclusion.
Both the DSC and GC were awarded posthumously.
