Pte Serrick was born in Nova Scotia. He was one of a group of young Canadians who were recruited into the Manchester Regiment by a Col R B Willis DSO - a retired officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment who had also served in 'The Manchesters'.  This group of Canadian volunteers became known as the 'Halifax Hundred'.

Having been evacuated from Dunkirk with B Company, 2nd Battalion Manchester Regt on May 31, 1940, Pte Serrick then volunteered for the Commandos. After training he joined No.5 Commando in January 1941. He remained with the Commando until October 1941, when he left to join the 8th Canadian Recce Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars).