Mr George Albert Dolman Rickman was born in Milford, Hampshire, England in the second quarter of 1876.¹

He was the son of Sarah Rickman (b. 1858), a native of Hordle, Hampshire who was the daughter of George Rickman and Rosina, née Holes. Sarah was unmarried at the time of her son's birth and the identity of his father is not certain. Sarah would later marry to John Bates, a soldier, and had at least one more child, a daughter named Annie Charlotte (b. 1879), before settling in Freshwater on the Isle of Wight.

George, his mother and half-sister Annie appear on the 1881 census living at Dubbs Lane, Freshwater. What became of George's family is not known and they would not appear on future census records, possibly having emigrated. By the time the 1891 census had been conducted George was living with his maternal aunt and uncle, George (a thatcher) and Ellen Rickman and their large family at Lymore Cottage in Milford, Hampshire. George perhaps went to sea when he came of suitable age and would be absent from the 1901 census. His adoptive family at the time were living at the same address as the previous census.

George was married in Southampton in late 1906 to Mary Ann Smith (b. 10 March 1876 in Mile End, London) but they would have no children. They appear on the 1911 census living at 40 Derby Road, St Mary, Southampton and George is described as a yacht seaman.

When he signed on to the Titanic, on 6 April 1912, George gave his address as 40 Derby Road, Southampton. His previous ship had been the Mauna and as a fireman he could expect monthly wages of £6.

George Rickman died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified. The following death notice appeared in the Southern Daily Echo on 20 May 1912:

RICKMAN--George "Will". Beloved husband of Mary Rickman, of 40 Derby Road, Southampton, aged 36 years.

His widow Mary Ann never remarried and remained in Southampton where she died in 1960.