Hines, James William

William Hines was born on July 4, 1892 in Hamilton, Ontario to parents David and Mary Hines. He was raised and educated in Ontario. Following the death of his father, he continued to live with his mother in Hamilton, finding employment as a driver. William was also trained as an electrician. On September 4, 1915, William Hines enlisted with the 40th Battery 10th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. This battery was closely associated with the 39th Battery 10th Brigade CFA out of Lethbridge, Alberta. Gunner Hines arrived in England on November 30, 1915, and remained in England until embarking for France on April 15, 1916. Following a two month stint with the 3rd Trench Mortar Battery, Gunner Hines was taken on strength by the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column CFA. This unit was responsible for the transportation of ammunition to the artillery guns of the 10th Brigade CFA. Gunner Hines would serve with the 3rd D.A.C. for the next three months in the Somme region of France. On October 12, 1916, Gunner Hines checked in at the #5 Corps Clearing Station, suffering from severe breathing difficulties. As his lung function continued to deteriorate, he was returned to England, and eventually back to Canada. Perhaps Gunner Hines was tired of being cooped up in the hospital, when in March 1917, he went A.W.O.L., and remained so for the next nine months. When he returned in December 1917, his health was very precarious, and he was immediately sent to the Mountain Sanitarium for treatment. Gunner Hines would never recover, and on June 10, 1918, at 3:00 AM, he passed away, with Nursing Sister Mary Richmond at his side. He was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hamilton. William Hines was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother, Mary received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son