John Daniel Hinton
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Front row, Sg. J.D. Hinton, Lt. K. Elliott, Cpt. C.H. Upham, Sg. A.C. Hulme, Cpt. S. Frickleton, Lt. J.G. Grant
John Daniel Hinton (17 September 1908- 1997) was a New Zealander recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 32 years old, and a sergeant in the 20th Battalion, 2nd N.Z.E.F. (The Canterbury Regiment), New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28/29 April 1941 at Kalamai, Greece, New Zealand troops heading for the port to await evacuation were attacked by enemy machine-gun fire and self-propelled 6-inch guns. Although the order to retire had been given, Sergeant Hinton rushed forward to the nearest gun and, hurling two grenades, killed the crew. He continued towards the quay, clearing out two light machine-guns and a mortar with grenades, then dealt with the garrison of a house where some of the enemy were sheltering. Later, when they were attacked by the main enemy force, Sergeant Hinton was only subdued and captured after being severely wounded.
Grave/memorial at Buried at Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Christchurch, New Zealand. Returned Servicemen's League Section. Headstone.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand.
[edit] External links
- Sergeant J.D. Hinton in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives
- Hinton J.D.
- New Zealand Troops who have won the Victoria Cross (brief biography details)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
