Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Thomas Hickman, an agricultural labourer, born 1867 in Wymondham, Leicestershire and his wife Elizabeth Hickman (nee Jordan, formerly Young, married in the 3rd quarter of 1889 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1855 in Thorpe Arnold, Leicestershire. Alfred Ernest was born in the 2nd quarter of 1890 in Buckminster, Leicestershire, also residing in the family home was Alfred’s half blood sibling Annie Young, a schoolgirl, born 1881 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, in April 1891 the family home was at Bull Row, Buckminster. In March 1901 Alfred was residing in the family home at Cow Row, Buckminster, together with his father, a general labourer, his mother and siblings, Albert Arthur, born 1892, Leonard Thomas, born 1894 and Louisa, born 1898, all his siblings were born in Buckminster. In April 1911 Alfred was employed as a forester’s labourer and was residing in the family home at Buckminster, together with his father, a forester’s labourer, his mother and siblings, Albert, a builder’s carter and Louisa, a schoolgirl.
On Friday October 13th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – BUCKMINSTER SOLDIER KILLED. Another Buckminster lad has to be added to the list of those who had fallen in the war. The sad news reached the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hickman, from the Territorial Force Record Office, York, that their son Alfred Ernest, had died abroad. Pte. Alfred Ernest Hickman, of the Durham Light Infantry, was 26 years of age. He voluntarily responded to his country’s call on March 11th 1916, and previous to that date had twice offered himself, but was rejected on medical grounds. He was in training for about three months, and was drafted out on July 7th, and took part in the recent heavy fighting. Previous to joining the Army, he was employed by the Earl of Dysart as a forester. He was a member of the choir from a lad, also a bell ringer for a number of years. The greatest sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family in their great loss. The following is extracted from a letter received by Mrs. Hickman from the Colonel:- Dear Madam, - I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter regarding your late son, No. 4365 Pte. A. E. Hickman, admitted to hospital on the 18th September, and who I deeply regret to say, died on the following day. On admission he was found to be seriously wounded, having gunshot wounds of his left arm, left leg, side and back. There was a bad compound fracture of the left leg, as a result of the wound. Prompt surgical treatment failed to prevent a fatal termination. He was conscious during a part of the time in hospital. I would like to take this opportunity of expressing to you my sincere sympathy in your present sorrow. Your son was buried in the military cemetery about half a mile from the hospital. Yours faithfully, C. L. Harrison, Colonel, N.M.S.T.