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Pte.
Charles Hilton
Left to Right - Charles (Charles' oldest son),
wife Alice, Walter (baby), Charles,
and in the front is Doris (Charles' second oldest)
Photo above and below courtesy of James
Marshall
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Charles was born in London, England on June 25th 1874- A
boy with striking features- dark complexion with blue eyes.. In his early 40s, he
emigrated to Canada. Charles, and his wife, Alice Annie lived at 48 Yeoman Street,
Belleville, Ontario (He spent 12 years in the Royal Navy- and when he emigrated to Canada-
to Belleville- it was only for a brief time; long enough to father my Grandmother.
He enlisted again...at 44 years of age. (Why the Army after being in the Navy? Maybe the
food...) Charles enlisted with the 155th overseas Btn, but was eager to see the
front. After getting his Sergeant stripes, he asked for a transfer to the 21st- (at
least this is what I am told...) His wish was granted- reduction to Private, but he didn't
care- he was off to shoot some Germans! On April 17, 1918, Charles met his fate during the
German advance. He had almost made it.
Below is a postcard Charles sent home while he was training with
the 155th Battalion prior to sailing overseas.
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Jan 24, 1916
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Attested into
the 155th Battalion at Belleville Ontario
Ø Number 636430
Ø Next of kin given as Mrs. Alice A Hilton (wife) of 48 Yeomans St
Belleville Ontario
Ø Previous occupation given as Polisher
Ø Previous military experience given as 12 years in Royal Navy
Ø Religion given as Church of England
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May 8, 1916
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Promoted to rank
of Sgt
Promotions in Canada had to be
confirmed in England
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Oct 10, 1916
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Will made out
leaving estate to his wife at 23 Charlotte St, Belleville Ontario.
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Oct 18, 1916
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Appointed to
rank of Acting Sgt
Embarked the
SS Northland at Halifax Nova Scotia
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Oct 28, 1916
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Disembarked at
Liverpool England and proceeded to the Bramshott Camp
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Dec 8, 1916
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Transferred to
the 154th Battalion at East Sandling Camp
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Jan 31, 1917
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Transferred to
the 6th Reserve Battalion at Seaford
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Apr 30, 1917
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Reverts to rank
of Pte at own request in order to proceed to France
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May 3, 1917
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Transferred to
21st Battalion
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May 4, 1917
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Arrived at CBD
(Canadian Base Depot) at Havre France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21st
Battalion
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May 7, 1917
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Left CBD to join
unit in the field
Although not mentioned in the file, he most likely proceeded to the 2nd
Entrenching Battalion for 3 weeks prior to actually joining the 21st Battalion.
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May 15, 1917
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“Placed
under stoppage of pay to the extent of 6/3 for willfully injuring public property, viz 1
undershirt”
The pay
records show that his pay was deducted $1.52 for damage to public property
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May 31, 1917
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Joined the 21st
Battalion in the field
The 21st Battalion was in the front line trench at Thelus
France, near Vimy Ridge. It is most likely
that he joined the rear party behind the front line to wait for the battalion to be
relieved.
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Jun 17, 1917
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Admitted to #3
Canadian Field Ambulance with Impetigo
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Jun 26, 1917
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Discharged to
duty
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Aug 17, 1917
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Proceeded on
course
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Sep 20, 1917
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Returned to duty
from course
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Jan 19, 1918
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Attached to 1st
Canadian Tunneling Company
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Jan 27, 1918
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Ceases to be
attached to Tunneling Company
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Jan 29, 1918
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Granted 14 days
leave
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Feb 13, 1918
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Returned to duty
from leave
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Apr 17, 1918
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Admitted to 3rd
Canadian Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, France and died of wounds (shrapnel wounds to
face, legs and left arm) the same day
The actual date of him receiving
his wounds is not mentioned in the file, but the battalion was involved in action for the
week leading up to this date. Also, there is
no mention of which Field Ambulance he was initially treated at.
Doullens
Communal Cemetery France
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Sep 30, 1920
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Under various
dates the Plaque, Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to his wife, Mrs. Alice A Hilton at
357 Front St, Belleville Ontario.
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May 20, 1922
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British War
Medal and Victory Medal sent to wife at 357 Front St, Belleville Ontario
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2008
During the Remembrance Day
ceremonies in 2008, Veteran's Affairs Canada conducted a vigil each night for the week
leading up to November 11. This vigil consisted of projecting the names of every
Canadian soldier who is listed with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on various
buildings and monuments across Canada, and in London England. The photo below shows
Charles Hilton's name being projected on the outside wall of Canada House in London
England.
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2010
For the 7
nights leading up to November 11, 2010, the names of all Canadian soldiers were projected
onto the Belgian War Memorial in Ypres. At
the same time, the same names were being broadcast via the internet to schools across
Belgium and Canada. The image above shows
the opening ceremonies at the Belgian War Memorial on November 4, 2010.
Below on the
left is the name of Charles Hilton being projected on that wall. Below right shows the name being broadcast to the
schools. Each name appeared for 25 seconds
and each night 9,700 names were shown.
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