Bridge Street, Gilgandra, NSW
678
30th Battalion, C Company
Son of William Thomas Hitchen
Returned to Australia 9.4.1919
William James Hitchen was a 19 year old plumber of Bridge St, Gilgandra, when he enlisted on July 16, 1915. HIs father, William Thomas HItchen, was the instigator of the recruitment march known as the Coo-ee March which raised 263 volunteers. After training in Sydey he embarked on the HMAT Beltana on November 9, 1915. Private William James Hitchen served at the Western Front and returned to Australia in April 1919.