(Son of Captain Bill Hitchen)
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 Gilgandra when he enlisted on 22 July 1915. He had been rejected once because of chest measurement but succeeded this time. He was 5’4” tall, 130 lbs (59kgs), chest 31/34”, ruddy complexion, grey eyes, good vision, brown hair, and no distinctive marks. His religion was Roman Catholic, His parents, William Thomas and Emma Hitchen gave their written consent. William embarked on HMAT ‘Beltana’ on 9 November 1915 from Sydney to Suez with the 30th Battalion. They disembarked 11 December 1915. On 3 March 1916 he was transferred to the 5th Pioneer Battalion and served in France .William was wounded in action on 22 July 1918 and rejoined his unit in late August. He returned to Australia on the ‘Trasos Montes’ on 25 May 1919 and was discharged on 19 July 1919.
William was issued the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
William’s father was William Thomas Hitchen who initiated the Recruitment marches with the first one being the Gilgandra to Sydney Coo-ee March which raised 283 new recruits. Captain Bill as he was known, enlisted himself even though he was 53 years old not 42. He arrived in England in June 1916 and was admitted to Harefield Hospital. William James was permitted to spend a week of leave from France with his father before he died of disease on 3 September 1916.
September 3rd 1916
Dear Private Hitchings (Hitchen)
Your father passed away at five minutes past five o’clock this morning
For the last few days he has been in much the same condition as when you left him last. Though he has not been quite as conscious. I need scarcely say how very sorry we all were that you were not here, though I know you will understand that he would have all the care and attention that we could give him. He will be buried either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon in the little cemetery just near the hospital with our other boys with military honours. I have written to your mother and will let her know about the funeral and if possible send her a photo of the grave.
With sincere sympathy and assuring you that many of us will be thinking of you
Yours faithfully,
S Gray Matron
Photo courtesy of Marilyn Aitkins