5035 Corporal HINTON Ernest Henry

20th Australian Infantry Battalion, 13th Reinforcements

Ernest was born in Young. His parents were Robert and Eleanor Hinton of ‘Westhorpe’ Tubbul. Ernest enlisted at Casula on 22 December 1915 aged 24 years and 2 months. 

He was noted as single, a grocer, and a shunter with NSW Railways. His Father is recorded as his next of kin. Earnest embarked on HMAT A31 Ajana departing Sydney 5 July 1916, arriving in Plymouth 31 August 1916. He left England on 21 October arriving in France on 23 October 1916. He was taken on strength 1st Battalion in the field at Etables on 7 November 2016. 

Earnest was promoted to Lance Corporal, in the field, on 16 March 1917; attended Sniping School in June 2017; and promoted to Corporal on 29 August 1917. On 6 October 1917 Ernest was reported as wounded in action in the Battle of Polygon Wood, near Ypres, on 2 October 1917. On 7 November 1917 he was formally reported killed in action in Belgium on 2 October 1917. 

His will was dated 18 July 1917 leaving his effects to two Sisters, Miss Grace Hinton and Miss Carrie Hinton of ‘Westhorpe’ Tubbul via Young. Known unto God. Earnest has no known grave; his name is etched on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, panel seven. Earnest’s name is on his Mother’s gravestone in the Young Cemetery. Ernest’s Medals, the 1914-15 Star, British War, and Victory, were consigned to his Father who duly receipted them 13 October 1922. His memorial Plaque and Scroll were received by his Father on 16 March 1923.

The family made a claim through Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows which sought a report from Defence on the death of Ernest Hinton, that was duly provided on 10 April 1918. The Hinton family were enthusiastic workers for wartime appeals. Ernest’s Sister was an entrant in a Queen competition to raise money for the Clock Tower Memorial at the Town Hall in Young.