Portal:University of Oxford/Selected biography/35

Robert Hichens (1909–1943) was the most highly decorated officer of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNVR), being awarded two Distinguished Service Orders, three Distinguished Service Crosses and three Mentions in Despatches. Family legend recalls on one of his many investitures King George VI is supposed to have joked "What you again?". He was also recommended for a Victoria Cross after being killed in action in April 1943; he had requested that the nomination be withdrawn as he felt he had put boats in danger when trying to rescue his friends. Before the Second World War, Hichens was a keen sportsman who rowed for Magdalen College, Oxford during Eights Week 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. After reading law at Oxford, he qualified as a solicitor and became a junior partner of a firm in Cornwall. 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. (more...)