HITCHCOCK, Henry
| Service Number: | 441 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 8 March 1915, Perth, WA |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 28th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, 11 October 1891 |
| Home Town: | Boulder, Kalgoorlie/Boulder, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Labourer |
| Died: | Perished in desert of thirst and starvation, Tanami, Northern Territory, Australia, 12 April 1929, aged 37 years |
| Cemetery: |
Karrakatta Cemetery & Crematorium, Western Australia Church of Christ Section AA, Grave 0044A |
| Memorials: | Meeniyan ANDERSON and HITCHOCK Memorial Plaque |
World War 1 Service
| 8 Mar 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 441, 28th Infantry Battalion, Perth, WA | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Jun 1915: | Involvement Private, 441, 28th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '16' embarkation_place: Fremantle embarkation_ship: HMAT Ascanius embarkation_ship_number: A11 public_note: '' | |
| 29 Jun 1915: | Embarked Private, 441, 28th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Ascanius, Fremantle |
Help us honour Henry Hitchcock's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Harry and Rosa Elia HITCHCOCK
Husband of Mrs Violet Hitchcock, Boulder Post Office, Boulder City, Western Australia
Bobby Hitchcock, along with Keith Vincent Anderson, died after their plane went down in the Tanami Desert.
The Tragic Spot
LAND PARTY NEAR THE KOOKABURRA
LATEST NEWS FROM CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
The climax to the Southern Cross mishap came on Sunday last when the missing Westland Widgeon monoplane, Kookaburra, was accidentally located by the Qantas Company's machine piloted by L. T. Brain when proceeding to its base at Wave Hill Station prior to joining the search for the missing airmen, Lieut Keith Anderson and his mechanic R. S. Hitchcock.
The machine was located in desert country 80 miles north-west of Powell's Creek in an area 200 miles off the course which it was believed the Kookaburra had taken. The plane was reported to be undamaged and beneath its wing was the body of a man which has been identified as that of Anderson, who, presumably, had died from thirst and starvation. The nature of the country prevented a landing, but a can of water was dropped. A mound of earth adjacent to the plane was at first believed to have been the grave of Hitchcock, but later news was to the effect that nothing definite could be established and the search for the missing mechanic was continued.
It was apparent that a forced landing had been made, for the cowl of the engine was lying on the ground and a runway had been prepared in the vain hope that the repair or adjustments could be made. Wheel tracks indicated that a take off had been attempted. Apparently becoming resigned to their fate a fire was started which covered an area of approximately 100 square miles, Its smoke being seen for 60 miles.
On Tuesday night a motor car containing Mr. Moray, pastoral manager for Vestey's Limited at Wave Hill, Flight Lieut. Eaton and Mr. Douglas left for the Kookaburra 80 miles distant from the station over rough country. Aeroplanes are co-operating in the directing of the rescue party. Both men are Western Australians, the mother and aunt of Lieut. Anderson residing in Perth. His fiancee is the only daughter of a Sydney solicitor who stated that they would probably have married In June. Mr. Hitchcock's wife and three sons live in Victoria Park. His eldest brother is in Kalgoorlie, and a younger brother, five married sisters, and his parents live in the metropolitan area.
The Prime Minister (Mr. Bruce) has decided to order an inquiry into the incidents associated with the attempted flight of the Southern Cross to England, and the rescue flight of the Kookaburra.
In making the announcement last week, Mr. Bruce said that the questions to be investigated would be: -
1. The forced landing of the Southern Cross.
2. The deaths of Lieutenant Anderson and Mr. Hitchcock and the forced landing of the Kookaburra.
3. The mishap to a Defence Department machine which necessitated a forced landing.
4. Precautions to he taken to avert similar tragedies in the future.
HITCHCOCK. — On April 12 or 13, Henry Smith (Bobby), beloved son of Harry and Rosia Hitchcock, Perth, brother of May, Rose, Prit and Harold, ot Fremantle, and Stan of Kalgoorlie; brother-in-law of Arthur, Fred. Bill and May.
"Greater love hath no man."
Good was his heart, his friendship sound;
Loved and respected by all around;
But his beautiful life, came to a sudden end.
He died as he lived, everyone's friend.
HITCHCOCK. — On April 12 or 13, Harry Smith (Bobby), dearly loved brother of Daisy Davis, affectionate uncle of Roley, Loris, and Pearl, who, with Lieut. Anderson, nobly gave their lives in the unbroken stillness of Central Australia endeavouring to rescue their brother aviators.
We think of you, dear Bobby, as in a dream we
see the monoplane,
And two gallant heroes awaiting their rescue
in vain.
Inserted by Mrs. D. Davis and family, 46 Money-street, Perth.
HITCHCOCK. — In loving memory of "Bobbie" Hitchcock, who lost his life on the Kookaburra in searching for the Southern Cross.
Inserted by his niece and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. James Moffat, Guildford-road, Belmont.
HITCHCOCK. — On April 12 or 13, Henry Smith (Bobby) Hitchcock, who perished in the sad and silent desert of Central Australia, while searching for the Southern Cross.
"Greater love hath no man, for he laid down
his life for his friends."
Inserted by Stan Sheldrake, Princess Theatre, Fremantle.
Click images to start slideshow.