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Manchester born on the 5th April 1919, James’ family decided to set up a new life in Australia post WWI. James was the second son of James Thomas Appleton and Maud Hinson and had two brothers, Stanley and William. The boys attended the local Black Forest School, before James, (known by both the diminutive, Jimmy, and also affectionately called ‘Pud’) gained employment as a car trimmer. He was also an active sportsman, playing for Brooklyn Park Church of Christ Cricket Club and soccer for the Birkalla Rovers (with his brother Stanley).
Jim joined the militia and, being of Scottish extraction, served in the 27th Battalion until officially enlisting to serve in WWII on the 2nd July ’40 as a 21 year old. He was given the number SX7429 and allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion.
His early days were spent in the pavilions at Wayville in what is now the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and the other enlistees moved to train at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. Following a brief pre-embarkation leave, he and the other new enlistees boarded the Stratheden on the 7th November, arriving in the Middle east on the 17th December. His leadership skills were quickly recognised the following year with his promotion to the rank of Corporal. By the end of May, Jim (also affectionately known as Spud) was leading a night patrol in No Man’s Land, when he encountered an enemy patrol, opened fire wounding three and taking another as prisoner, taking the battalion’s tally to 1,376. In July, again on patrol with three others, crossed into enemy held area where both Italian workers and Germans had failed to establish listening posts. The totally unexpected barrage opened up resulting in heavy enemy casualties but none for the patrol. It was not an easy year as the desert conditions contributed to niggling health issues causing Jim to be hospitalised for a few weeks. He was soon undertaking specialist training over November.
At the end of ’41, Jim’s younger (Australian born) brother, William also enlisted on the 29th December ’41 as PA2799, serving on the HMAS Torrens (Depot) and HMAS Encounter (Shore).
Jim and Joyce Gilbert from nearby Black Forest, decided to announce their engagement in April ’42, little knowing that the war would deliver them both euphoria and cruelty.
By July ’42 Jim was heading for El Alamein becoming involved in the attack on Tel el Eisa . The fearsome sight of charging Australian with fixed bayonets was described by John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan. 23-year-old ‘Corporal J. Hinson of the same platoon (as Sergeant Tex Weston DCM who also charged in direct fire of the enemy guns) and a section leader charged yet another two guns and silenced them, capturing the Germans at bayonet point. This platoon was responsible for the capture of 106 of the enemy, the greater number of whom were Germans.’
In further fighting at the time, German tanks, firing at everything, loomed over the slit trenches of the 2/48th men. Corporal Jim played a leading part in the tank’s destruction. Glenn again relates how ‘As the tank ploughed across the trenches of Jim’s section he jumped from cover and raced to the tank, placed a sticky grenade where it would do most good, then slid into a nearby trench as the grenade exploded.’
In Darren Paech’s Adelaide to Alamein (based on Ivor Paech’s war diaries) is included a quote from Corporal Dean Adams, in awe, who believed seeing Spud chasing the tank was “the bravest thing he ever saw.” Spud Hinson exposed himself to a horrendous amount of small arms fire in knocking out the enemy tank. How he survived without being hit seemed like a miracle to those around him. A short time later he also captured the crew of a second tank, knocked out by anti-tank fire, as they tried to escape in the darkness.” A little later another tank was hit by an anti-tank shell; it burst into flames, forcing the crew to bale out and make a bid for freedom. Corporal Hinson once more left his trench; he hot footed it after them, and despite the shell fire, succeeded in capturing the whole crew.’ For his outstanding courage ‘Corporal “Spud” Hinson was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in August ’42.
Officially, the award was made to 23-year-old ‘Cpl. James Hinson S.A., for leading his section, with bayonets fixed, at two guns firing point-blank, while Australian infantry, without support except for a 3in. mortar, were attacking a battery of field guns at Tel el Eisa on July 10. He caused their surrender.’
This news travelled quickly back to Australia where a report on the performance of Jim’s Soccer team, Birkalla in August included the uplifting reference that ‘Members of the club are proud of the achievement of their colleague. Cpl James Hinson who has been awarded the DCM. Hinson played at outside left, and represented SA in Interstate matches and played against the Indian and Palestine teams.’
In a cruel twist, Jim was killed in action on the 31st October ’42. ‘At zero hour, 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between the troops and the guns.’ During this fierce fighting the 2/48th unit war diary recorded afterwards that ‘Corporal J. Hinson was killed as he charged forward into an enemy post.’ That battle had taken a huge toll on officers and N.C.O’s. Typically, the men were involved in hand to hand fighting as they pushed forward, but just a small band of forty-one men, some wounded, were all that remained.
The November issue of the Advertiser carried the distressing news. ‘Mr. and Mrs. J. Hinson, of Winifred avenue, Plympton, have been advised that their second son, Cpl. J. Hinson, DCM (aged 23), was killed in action in Egypt on October 31 He was an International Soccer player for Birkalla Rovers, and played against the visiting Indian and Palestinian teams. He was considered to be the fastest left-wing player in the State. He played cricket in the United Church Association, taking the batting average one season, and the bowling average the next. He served in Tobruk for eight months, Palestine and Syria. He went overseas two years ago.’
Jim was initially buried in the El Alamein Cemetery, Plot A 2 Row D Grave 4. Post war, he and others from his battalion were transferred to the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 15th March ‘45. He now rests in Plot 9 Row G Grave 26. Others from the 2/7th, 7/17th and 2/24th and those from his own battalion rest with him. These include 29-year-old SX8651 Sergeant L.R. Goode, Military Medal, 23-year-old SX13501 Private V Collins, 29-year-old WX9839 Private W.M. Connolly, 33-year-old SX7298 Corporal H Sandercock and 29-year-old WX9756 Lieutenant S.S. Caple. Jim’s parents chose the inscription ‘At Rest in God’s Care’ for his headstone. His name is also recorded on Panel 63 at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Jim’s Distinguished Conduct Medal was posthumously presented to his father at Government House, Adelaide in May ’45. His brother William was discharged from the Navy on the 20th June, ’46.
Jim is remembered in Adelaide to Alamein in the summary of some of the 2/48th’s most courageous and highly decorated soldiers: ‘Corporal Spud Hinson, the tank killer from the July fighting around Tel el Eisa and also of 15 Platoon, was killed outright as he assaulted an enemy position.’
Family, friends, fellow surviving soldiers from the 2/48th Battalion and sporting clubs continued to remember an exceptional young man.
Advertiser November 1942, page 10 HINSON. James D.C.M.—In loving memory of our dear Jim. who died for his King and country. From the Gilbert family of Black Forest. HINSON. James (D.C.M.).—Killed in action In Egypt. Oct. 31. dearly loved fiancée of Joyce Gilbert. His duty nobly done. HINSON.—Killed in action, Egypt Oct. 31. Cpl. James Hinson. D.C.M., 2nd son Mr.-Mrs. J. Hinson. Plympton. Aged 23 years. His duty nobly done. HINSON—A tribute to the memory or a gallant soldier and a great pal. Cpl. Jim "Spud" Hinson. D.C.M., killed in action October 31. We will remember him. —The Plympton Gang 2nd AIF HINSON.—A tribute to the memory of a dear friend, Cpl. Jimmy Hudson. D.C.M_ killed in action. Oct. 31.—Ever remembered by his friends, Mr. and Mrs. Cec. Gray. HINSON.—A tribute to our loving friend, Cpl. Jim ('Spud’) Hinson, D.C.M.. killed in action Oct. 31. His duty nobly done. Ever remembered by the Brooker family. HINSON.—A loving tribute to our pal, Cpl Jim Spud Hinson, D.C.M.. killed in action Oct. 31. Ever remembered by ‘Shoots' and McGhee and family. HINSON.—In loving memory of Corporal James (Pud) Hinson, D.C.M., killed in action. Oct 31, We will remember him.—Mr.-Mrs. and Gordon (Mick) Teear. HINSON.—A tribute to the memory of our pal. Cpl. (Jimmy) Hinson. D.C.M. killed in action Oct. 31, Called to a higher service.—Ever remembered by members of Brooklyn Park Church of Christ Cricket Club. HINSON.—A tribute of love and remembrance to Cpl. James (Pud) Hinson. D.C.M., killed in action. Oct. 31,—Mrs Shaw, Con and Gordon.
Advertiser November 1942, HINSON.—A proud and loving tribute to Cpl. (Jimmy) Hinson, DCM killed in action. Oct. 31, Egypt.—Ever remembered by Richardson family. Westbourne Park. HINSON.—A loving tribute to memory of our friend and pal. Cpl J. Hinson. D.C.M.,-killed in action Oct. 31. Treasured memories.—Mr. and Mrs Keeley and family, and Jim (AIF abroad). MISS Joyce Gilbert thanks relatives and friends for letters, cards, telegrams of sympathy in the sad loss of her fiancé, Cpl J. Hinson, D.C.M., killed in action.
Advertiser October 1943,HINSON.—In loving memory of my dear son, Jim, killed in action at El Alamein. on Oct. 31. 1942. A silent though brings many a tear, of one I loved so dear.—For ever remembered by his mother. HINSON—In loving memory of Cpl Jim Hinson. D.C.M.. killed in action at El Alamein. Oct. 31 1942. One of the best-—Sadly missed by dad. HINSON.—In loving memory of my dear brother, Cpl Jim Hinson. D.C.M. killed in action at El Alamein, Oct. 31, 1942. Beautiful memories will always remain.—Collis. HINSON. Cpl James. D.C.M.—In fond memory of Jimmy, killed in action Oct 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by G Wallis. HINSON. Cpl. J. DCM.—Killed in action at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942- Always remembered by members. of Birkalla Rovers Soccer Club. HINSON. Cpl. J., D.C.M.—A fond tribute to Jimmy, killed in action. Oct 31 1942.—Inserted by J. Beresford. HINSON—In loving memory of "Pud” killed in action at El Alamein on Oct. 31 1942. To be with us In the same old way, would be our dearest wish.—Always remembered by Stan and Bib. HINSON.—In memory of Cpl. J. Hinson. DCM., killed at El Alamein. Oct. 31 1942. Greater love hath no man than this. inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Freer. Ron (A.I.F.) Eileen. HINSON. Cpl J.—ln loving memory of our dear friend Jim. killed in action Oct 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by his pals. Nell. “Robbie" HINSON.—In loving memory of Pud Cpl Jim Hinson. D.C.M. killed In action at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. His duty nobly done.—inserted by Mrs. Shaw. Con and Gordon. HINSON In proud and loving memory of our dear friend, CpL J. "Spud" Hinson. D.C.M.. killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31 1942. His memory hallowed in the land he loved.—Ever remembered by the McGhee family. HINSON. Cpl. J. D.C.M.—In loving memory of Jimmy, killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942 Resting in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave-—inserted by Pte. Jack Cox AIF and Mr. and Mrs. E. Berry. HINSON.—In proud memory of our dear pal Cpl. J. Hinson. D.C.M.. killed in action October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by his pals. Bob King. Jim Bill Aussie. Jack. Pomp. Brus. Blondie Kirk (AIF., 2/48th Btn. HINSON. Cpl.—ln loving memory of a Jimmy, who made supreme sacrifice, El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Memories are treasures no one can steal, death leave a wound nothing can heal.—inserted by Gilbert family. HINSON.—In memory of our friend "Spud" killed in action. Oct. 31. 1942. Ever remembered by the Brooker family. HINSON.—In memory of Cpl. Jim Hinson. killed in action Oct. 31. 1942 Greatly missed by all his friends.—inserted by Keeley family. HINSON.—In memory of Cpl J “Spud" Hinson. killed In action. El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. A good pal, lost, but not forgotten.—inserted by Jim Keeley. HINSON. Cpl. J_ D.C.M. In memory of a wonderful pal "Spud." who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein. Oct 31—inserted by Cyril Braund. HINSON, Col J. D.CM.). In loving memory of dear Jimmy, killed in action ' at El Alamein, Oct. 31. 1942. Deep in my heart a memory is kept, of one I loved and will never forget.—inserted by Joyce Gilbert. HINSON. — In loving memory of my dear nephew. Jimmie. killed in action El Alamein on October 31. 1943. Ever remembered by Uncle Bob and family. HINSON.— A loving tribute to the memory of my dear brother Jim. killed in action El Alamein,- October 31, 1942. Whatever else we fail to do. we will never fail to think of you. Inserted by Bill (R.A.N.) and Enid. HINSON.— A. tribute to the memory of Cpl. J. Hinson, D.C.M. ('Spud'), killed at El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Remembered by Bill Adams (A.I.F.) and sisters Margaret and Sheila.
The Advertiser Monday 31st October 1944 HINSON. Cpl Jim. D.C.M.. killed In action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Evening stars are shining on a grave so far away, where they laid our dear son Just two years ago today.—Sadly missed by mum and dad. HINSON. Cpl. James.—ln loving memory of dear Jim. "C Coy." 2/48th. killed In action El Alamein. October 31 1942. Two years have passed, but memory of you will ever last.—inserted by Gilbert family Black Forest. HINSON. —In memory of our pal Jim killed in action El Alamein October 31 1942. "One whom we shall never forget." Inserted by Nell and Robbie. HINSON.—A tribute of honour to Cpl. Jim. killed In action Oct. 31. 1942. El Alamein. He died that we might live. Remembered by his pal Wally Everett. A.I.F., ret. HINSON, D.C.M.. Cpl. J (Spud). 2/48th L Btn.—ln loving memory of my dear brother, killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31 1942 You are not forgotten. if long is life and memory lasts I will; remember you.—Collis HINSON.—In memory Jim. killed at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Uncle Bob and family. - HINSON. —CpI. James (Pud) Hinson killed In action at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered. Mr. and Mrs. W. Icear and Gordon (Mick). A.I.F. HINSON.—In loving memory of Cpl. Jim (Pud) Hinson, D.C.M., killed In action at El Alamein October 31. 1942. His work nobly done. —The Shaw family. HINSON.—A tribute to the memory of my pal Jim (Spud). killed In action at El Alamein Oct 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by Bill Adams AIF. HINSON.—A tribute to the memory of our pal Cpl. J. (Spud) Hinson, D.C.M..2/48th Bn. killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. They fought the enemy and themselves to a standstill, till flesh and blood could fight no more, then they went on fighting.—Jim. Aussie. Shoots. Brus, Kate. Pomp King Bill. Blondie. Kirk. HINSON.—A tribute to the memory of Cpl J. (Spud) Hinson. DCM. 2/48th Bn. Your memory is as dear today as when you passed away. The Brooker . family. -HINSON.—In loving memory of our dear pal. Cpl. -J. (Spud) Hinson. D CM.2/48th Bn., killed in action at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. Proudly you lie, your knightly virtue proved, your memory hallowed in the land you loved. Ever remembered by the McGhee . family. HINSON.—In loving memory of our dear brother. Cpl. (Spud) Hinson. D.C.M. 2/48th Bn.. killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. What would we give his hand to clasp. his loving face to see. to be together once again Just like we used to be.—Ever remembered by Bill (RAN.) Enid, and Jimmy. HINSON. D.C.M. Cpl. J. (Spud). 2/48th Bn.—ln loving memory of my dear brother, killed in action. El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942. Gone from us his smiling face, his kind and loving ways, the one who won so many friends in happy bygone days.—Stan and Bib. HINSON. Cpl. James. D.C.M.—A token of remembrance to my pal "Spud." killed in action at El Alamein Oct. 31. 1942 Inserted by Cyril Braund. J HINSON. Cpl. Jim. D.C.M.—A tribute or honor to one we loved and who will always be in our hearts.—inserted by Joyce and Jack Cox.
The Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1945 HINSON.—In loving memory of Jim (Pud). killed in action at El Alamein. October 31, 1942. A cheerful smile, a heart of gold, A dearest son the world could hold; A beautiful life full of kind deeds. A helping hand to all in need. —Ever remembered by dad. mother. Cpl HINSON.—In loving memory of Jim (Pud) killed In action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Not Just today, but every day, we remember.—Ever remembered by Stan and Bib. HINSON—In loving memory of Cpl James (Spud) Hinson, killed in action at El Alamein on October 31, 1942.—Always remembered by Bill, Enid and Jim. HINSON (D.C.M.). —In memory of our dear friend Jim. A thought today, a memory forever. inserted by Joyce and Jack Cox (late AIF.). HINSON.—In memory of Jim Hinson. killed in action El Alamein. October 31, 1942.—Ever remembered by R. Hardacre and family. HINSON.—In loving memory ot our pal. Cpl J. (Spud) Hinson; D.C-M-. 2/48th Batt, killed in action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Your memory hallow'd In the land you loved. McGhee family. HINSON.—In proud and loving memory of our pal. CpL J. (Spud) Hinson, D.C.M., C. Coy. 2/48th Batt., killed In action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. We will remember him.—Aussie, Bill, Blondie, Brus, Jim. Kate, King, Kirk, Pomp. Shoots.
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1951, HINSON (Pud), D.C.M.— In loving memory of Jim. killed El Alamein. October 31, 1942. One of the best in every way. Loved and missed more every day. —Remembered always by mum and dad. HINSON.— In memory of our brother. Cpl. (Pud). Jim (D.C.M.) killed in action El Alamein. October 31 1942. Years roll on but memories stay — Always remembered by Bill, Enid and family. HINSON (Pud). D.C.M.)— In memory of Jim. killed at El Alamein. October 31, 1942. — Always loved and remembered by Stan. Bee. Col. HINSON.— In loving memory of Spud. D.C.M.. killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Remembered by King. Kirk. Brus and Aussie. HINSON. In proud and loving memory of our pal. Cpl. Spud Hinson. D.C.M. killed In action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. — Ever remembered by the McGhee family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.