Thomas Hinks was born in Marston and had lived in Cross Street since birth.
In 1911, aged 14 years, had left school and working as an office boy. His father was William, worked at the nearby Salt Works. Thomas's mother was Elizabeth. Thomas also had a younger brother Clifford, aged 12 years.
Thomas volunteered for service and attested at Chester with The Cheshire Regiment 19th July 1915 at the tender age of 18 years.
Thomas had been in France for 14 months when the 'Battle of Flers' started. The Battle of Flers–Courcelette (15 to 22 September 1916) was fought during the Battle of the Somme in France by the French Sixth Army and the British Fourth Army and Reserve Army and against the German 1st Army during the First World War. The Anglo-French attack of 15 September began the third period of the Battle of the Somme but by its conclusion on 22 September, the strategic objective of a decisive victory had not been achieved.
The infliction of many casualties on the German front divisions and the capture of the villages of Courcelette, Martinpuich and Flers had been a considerable tactical victory but the German defensive success on the British right flank, made exploitation and the use of cavalry impossible.