44845 Rifleman William George Hinton
3rd Battalion
New Zealand Rifle Brigade
8th December 1917
Born in Thames-Coromandel, Waikato,New Zealand on 24/09/1885.
His parents were Henry Hinton(1849-24/07/1935) and Elizabeth Mays(1854-04/02/1911). they were married on 03/09/1877.
William had 6 brothers, Thomas Henry Hatheral(23/03/1879- 26/02/1948),
Alexander John Frederick(27/05/1882-01/05/1968),
Charles Bernard(14/09/1883-23/10/1960),
James Jasper(10/08/1887- 04/01/1957) and Arthur(21/11/1889-30/08/1954).
He also had a sister,Anna Mary May(01/05/1892-22/09/1973).
The family lived on Higgins Road, Frankton Junction,
New Zealand.
William enlisted in Hamilton on 25/11/1916,though his service record records that his medical took place on 11/11/1916,the details of which are recorded below;
Occupation - Labourer, Declared age 31
Height 5 ft 7 1/2 inches, Weight 184 lbs
Chest Measurement - Minimum 38 1/2 inches
Maximum 42 inches
Complexion - Fair, Eyes - Blue, Hair - Auburn.
William was posted to E Company 25th Battalion on 09/01/1917, then to A company on 20/01/1917,before finally being posted to J company of 24th Battalion on 02/1917.
His journey to the western front began on 14/04/1917, embarking in Wellington aboard the Pakena. For some reason the ship had to return to Wellington on 17/04/1917 and did not restart its journey until 26/04/1917.
On the 02/05/1917 the ship arrived at Australia and William dis-embarked in Sydney, where he was to spend a week in before once again boarding the Pakena on 09/05/1917 and making the long journey to England.
It was to be over 2 months later on 28/07/1917 when William dis-embarked in Devonport England.
Just over a week later they were marched into London on 09/08/1917.
He left for France on 18/10/1917 and 2 days later marched into the camp at Etaples.
William marched out to division on 24/10/1917 and joined his battalion in the field,being posted to J company the next day.
He was killed in action on 08/12/1917.
He was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.