THOMAS JOHN HINDMARCH 1894-1916

51928 Fitter Thomas John Hindmarch, “B” Bty. 50^th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery was killed in action 25 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.  He was 22 years old[1] and is also commemorated on the War Memorial in St. Andrew’s churchyard, South Church, Bishop Auckland.

Family Details

Thomas was born c.1894[2] the son of John Leighton and Mary Isabella Hindmarch.  There were 8 children, all born at West Auckland:

• Ada Annie bc.1891
• Mary Isabella bc.1893
• Thomas John bc.1894
• Sarah Hannah bc.1896
• James William bc.1898
• Robert Leighton bc.1901
• George Edward bc.1903
• Elizabeth Winifred bc.1907

In 1901 the family lived at Tindale Crescent where 30 year old John worked as an engine fitter (coal).[3] In 1911, they lived at St. Helens Colliery and 40 year old John was employed as a “mechanical engineer” and 16 year old Thomas was described as a “apprentice engineer”.[4]  At a later date the family lived at Clarence Gardens, Bishop Auckland.[5]

Service Details

The service details of 51928 Fitter T.J. Hindmarch R.F.A. have not been researched.  He served with the 50^th Brigade RFA which was a New Army unit and the 50^th 51^st 52^nd and 53^rd (Howitzer) Brigades joined the 9^th (Scottish) Divisional Artillery.  In February 1915, the 3 six-gun batteries were re-organised to become 4 four-gun batteries and were titled as A, B, C and D.  It went to France in May 1915. [6]   Fitter T.J. Hindmarch entered France 11 May 1915 [7] and he served with “B” Battery.[8]

Until his death, the Division took part in the following actions:[9]

• 25 September – 8 October 1915: the Battle of Loos
• 1 – 13 July 1916: the Battle of Albert
• 14 – 17 July: the Battle of Bazentin in which the Division captured Longueval
• 15 July – 3 September: the Battle of Delville Wood

Fitter T.J. Hindmarch was killed in action 25 July 1916.  He has no known grave and is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial.

Fitter T.J. Hindmarch was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War and Victory medals.

Commemorations

The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme: Fitter T.J. Hindmarch is commemorated on this memorial which bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. [10]

Family memorial in West Auckland cemetery.  The headstone reads: [11]

“In loving memory of John Leighton beloved husband of Mary Isabella Hindmarch who died 5 Nov 1939 aged 66 yrs.  Also the above Mary Isabella Hindmarch who died 19 Nov 1939 aged 67 yrs.  In loving memory of Ada Annie beloved daughter of John and Mary Hindmarch died 7 May 1913 aged 23 yrs.  Also their son Tom who was killed in the Great War 25 Jul 1916 aged 23 yrs.”

References

 

[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[2] England & Wales 1837-1915 Birth Index Vol.10a p.233 Auckland 1894 Q2 possible

[3] 1901 census

[4] 1911 census

[5] CWGC

[6] http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-royal-artillery-in-the-first-world-war/batteries-and-brigades-of-the-royal-field-artillery/l-to-liii-howitzer-brigades-of-the-royal-field-artillery-9th-divisional-artillery/

[7] Medal Roll

[8] CWGC

[9] http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/9th-scottish-division/

[10] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[11] “West Auckland cemetery: monumental inscriptions” 1994 Cleveland, N. Yorks. & S. Durham Family History Society compiled by Carol McLee

Photographs

St. Helen’s Colliery Institute F.C. 1909 – 10.  Those photographed are:

Back Row

• Jack Welsh [388338 Pte. J. Welsh RAMC]
• Moses Chapman [42855 Pte. M. Chapman DLI]
• Tommy Hindmarch [51928 Fitter Thomas John Hindmarch KIA 25 July 1916]
• Billy Craggs
• Bob Newton
• Freddie Scott [216756 Gunner F. Scott RGA]
• Jack Scott died 1912

Middle Row

• Harry Steele
• Percy Little [81297 Pte. P. Little 15/DLI KIA 27 May 1918]
• Tommy Shotton
• Percy Oates [M2/118837 Pte. P. Oates ASC]
• Tot Bagley [95828 Pte. T. Bagley 3/DLI, lost 2 brothers Robert and William Bagley]
• George Joblin [205112 Pte. G. Joblin 4/Northumberland Fusiliers]

Front Row

• Ernie Grey
• Wylam Blenkin [270040 Pte. W. Blenkin 12/DLI KIA 19 October 1917]
• Harry Brown

It is understood that the Tommy Hindmarch who appears in the team photograph is 51928 Fitter Thomas John Hindmarch.  Further research is required to confirm the service details of the other team members.

This photograph provided by Frank Sanderson and appeared in “Tindale Crescent & Fylands Bridge” Tom Hutchinson 2013.