Thomas's Story.
Private Thomas Hinks was the son of Mr. William Hinks of 5 Cross Street Marston. Prior to the war Thomas worked as an apprentice cabinet maker in the employ of Mr. J. Southern, Manchester House, Castle Street, he was prominent in the United Methodist Church in Wincham where he was a member of the Bible Class. He was also a keen athlete and played football for Marbury United. Thomas enlisted in October 1915 and went to France in February 1916.
Eight days before he was killed, he wrote to his mother.
“We are having a rough time at present. I just missd seeing Herbert Southern yesterday, he was in the same place as myself, and when I heard it I went to see him but could not manage it as he went up to the trenches with his battery a few hours before I got there. Hard luck, wasn't it?
In the part of the line we hold now there is not a whole building for miles upon miles and not a civilian near, it is impossible. One of my pals, poor old L. Lowe from Forest Street was killed 4 nights ago. I suppose you will know by now. We were out on a working party and got shelled heavily, and then Len was killed. W. Hughes is all right yet.
P.S. the war won't last another three months, so don't get downhearted.”
A short while after Thomas had been killed his parents received a letter from his officer, “I'm sorry to inform you of the death of your son he was struck by a bursting shell and died immediately on arrival at the dressing station. Everything possible was done for him.”
On the same day Mr. Hinks received letter from Thomas’s pal, W. Hughes.
“I dare say you will be a bit surprised to hear from me, but I have some very sad news to tell you, and I want you to break it to Mrs Hinks quietly. The sad news is that your son Tom, has died of wounds today along with some more comrades, and all in his company asked me to convey their deepest sympathy to you. We shall miss him, but he died a soldier’s death and died bravely doing his duty. As one of his best pals I must express my deepest sympathy.”
His brother Clifford Hinks who worked at Brunner Mond and Co., joined the army in March 1917, he was posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers he had served in France for twelve months when he was reported missing in August 1918. The Red Cross later reported him as a prisoner of war. Clifford was age 20, at the time.