Legion of Frontiersmen (New Zealand) Command

SINTON William Alexander

2/1094, Corporal, New Zealand Field Artillery, WW1

5766 Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand

CITATION

Military Medal

Gazetted 17 Sept 1917, p9615

On 22nd and night of 22nd/23rd July 1917 near Le Bizet. Under heavy shell fire Corporal SINTON re-established communication between his

battery and headquarters. The battery position being later temporarily evacuated owing to continued shell fire, he sent away all telephonists

and voluntarily remained at the switchboard all day, a new S.O.S line from Battalion to all batteries having just been completed through this

position. The particular enemy bombardment lasted almost continuously for 23 hours, destroyed a gun and exploded and ammunition (H.E.)

dump within about 60 yards of this N.C.O's post during his occupancy. His coolness and devotion to duty were most conspicuous

AWARDS

Military Medal

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Gallipoli Lapel Badge

Gallipoli Medallion

Pioneer Axe [1965]

Long Service & Efficiency Medal [1952]

Silver Fern [1953]

BIOGRAPHICAL

5766, Legion of Frontiersmen

Obituary from the Legion Journal, December 1968.

One of C Squadron's oldest and best known members, Bill Sinton, has crossed the great frontier. Born in 1881 he came with his parents to the Poverty Bay in 1885, where they farmed at Tiniroto. Their first home was a raupo thatched hut and not long after it was built Bill recalled recalled the noise of the Tarawera eruption. Until he was nine, his early education was at the hands of his mother. Later on his life was full of adventure, at sea as a cabin boy at 15 shillings a month he travelled to many parts of the world. At 21 he was back in New Zealand, travelling around the North Island, scrub cutting, bush felling and fencing. He joined the Wellington East Coast Rifles before WW1 and was noted as an expert shot. When war came he served as a signaller from 1914-18; a Gallipoli veteran and then in the Middle East and France, surviving the Battles of Paschendaele and Messines. While at ANZAC he was awarded the Military Medal. After the war he worked with the Borough Council and the PWD. When the second world war came he served as the signalman for the Gisborne Harbour Board. His obliging disposition was open to the public in many ways, always on the look out for the weary, aged and heavy burdened. By numerous friends he will be remembered for his practical goodness. For 17 years he served as secretary and treasurer of the Old Folk's Association. To us his memory will be cherished for his 60 years service to the Legion. With Mrs Sinton he was responsible during the latter years for the collection, parcelling and distribution of our Frontiersmen Magizine, all done in a quiet and efficient manner. These services were recognised by Headquarters in the presentation of a fine mantel clock and recently of the award of the Pioneer Axe to Bill. That would be the crowning joy of his Legion career. Bill is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs M Billings (Wainuiomata), and four sons, Ernest and Bruce (Gisborne), Allan (Taradale), and Roy (Taupo). Evidence of the great esteme and respect in which he was held was witnessed when the interment took place in the Serviceman's Lawn Cemetery, Taryher

NOTES

Born 1881 Ashburton, New Zealand

Died 9 May 1968 Gisborne, New Zealand

Buried in the Serviceman's Lawn Cemetery, Taruheru, New Zealand