Jack Hinton, VC | |
---|---|
Born | Colac Bay, New Zealand | 17 September 1909
Died | 28 June 1997 Christchurch, New Zealand | (aged 87)
Buried | Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Christchurch |
Allegiance | New Zealand |
Service | New Zealand Military Forces |
Years of service | 1939–45 |
Rank | Sergeant |
Unit | 20th Battalion |
Battles / wars | |
Awards | Victoria Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Other work | Hotel manager Racing steward |
John Daniel Hinton, VC (17 September 1909 – 28 June 1997) was a New Zealand soldier who served during the Second World War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his actions at Kalamata on 29 April 1941 during the Battle of Greece.
Born in 1909, Hinton was a foreman at the Public Works Department when the Second World War began. He volunteered for service abroad with the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was posted to the 20th Battalion. Wounded during the fighting at Kalamata, he was made a prisoner of war and made several escape attempts from camps in Germany. He was freed in April 1945 by advancing American forces. After the war, he managed several hotels and was also involved in horse racing industry until his retirement in 1980. He died in 1997 at the age of 87.