Sergeant Hill Hamilton (H/7091) served with Royal Winnipeg Rifles during the Second World War. Born on 17th November 1914, he was the son of David Hamilton and Mary Hamilton (née Dempster) of Bridge Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. David served in France during The Great War and the family emigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada when Hill was 23 years old.
In February 1942, Hamilton enlisted in the Winnipeg Grenadiers, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. The following year, he was overseas in Europe where he joined Royal Winnipeg Rifles. A brother, Bill, served in the Pacific Theatre with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Canadian National Archives Photo: Soldiers of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps near Ifs, France on 25th July 1944. Public domain photo.
Death in Belgium
Sergeant Hamilton died on 9th October 1944 aged 29 years old. Regimental War Diaries state the day was cloudy and cool with heavy rain and poor visibility by the Leopold Canal, Belgium. Reinforcements reached the Winnipeg Rifles at 0330hrs. By 0500hrs, A Company launched an attack taking an enemy position. This allowed a link up with the Regina Rifles, giving 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade an unbroken front.
Lieutenant W.G. Speechly lead a party of men to clear fallen trees from the road. At this time, the unit suffered several casualties under heavy shell fire.
Hill Hamilton’s grave is in Section IX, Row H, Grave 12 of Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Belgium. His headstone bears the inscription:
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.