No.9757, Private, Herbert Victor Charles HINER
Aged 19
|
Herbert Victor Charles Hiner was born in Lode in 1898 (Newmarket Q2-1898 3B:524), son of Herbert and Lucy Gertrude Knighton HINER (née GOULT).
1901 census...Aged 2, he was at Mill Road, Lode with his father Herbert VINER [35] traction engine driver, born Bottisham; his mother Lucy Gertrude Knighton [27] born Lode; brothers Henry J.G. [4] and Leonard C.M. [7 months] The children were all born in Lode. 1911 census...Aged 12, he was still at Mill Road, Lode with his parents, brothers Henry (cow boy on farm) and Leonard, plus new siblings; sisters Lucy [9], Edna [7], Doris [6] and Sylvia [2] and brother Hubert [3], all born in Lode. By the time of the pension card, his parents were at Station Road, Lode. |
|
He enlisted in Cambridge.
Just before the Kaiserschlacht, the German Spring offensive, the British Army was weakened so far as to reduce divisions from 13 to 10 brigades and brigades from 4 battalions ( 2 in and 2 out of the line) to three, 2 in and one out, hence 2 tours in the line and only one out. Added to which the Germans were able, since the Russian Revolution, to move many battle hardened troops from the Eastern to the Western Front. The German offensive began on 21st March. On the 28th the 2nd Suffolks were in the front line overlooking Wancourt. At 3 am a violent bombardment was opened on them, continuing until 6:45. The 15th Division on the left were seen retreating, followed by the Germans, which left the Suffolks left flank open and by 11 am the Germans had penetrated their line. Two German batteries then came up and knocked out the Suffolks machine guns. The situation deteriorated still further and at 4 pm the order was given to withdraw to a line just north of Neuville Vitasse (which was occupied by the Germans). They were eventually relieved by the Canadians on the 30th. The 2nd Suffolks had 67 killed on 28 March 1918, only 12 have identified graves.
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
