William Thomas (Bill) Hitchen began the Cooee March. He was also the local plumber and windmill expert, and captain of the Gilgandra Rifle Club.
in 1916.
Major John Gallagher, a descendent of Hitchen, recalls:
Bill Hitchen also had trouble remembering his correct age, or perhaps the recruiting officer made a mistake. On enlistment Bill is recorded as being 44 years of age, just under the limit of 45. In fact he was 51 years of age when he set off from Gilgandra in 1915, leaving a wife and five children, never to return.
From The Coo-ees – the story of the Gilgandra Route March of 1915
Bill Hitchen was admitted to and died at military hospital in England in 1916.
He was buried at St Mary’s churchyard in Harefield, Middlesex.
As you can see, his headstone is starting to show signs of wear. It reads:
In Memory of No 1677 PTE, William Thomas Hitchen, 45th Battn A.I.F, Died at Harefield Park Hospital, Sep 3rd 1916 Aged 44 years, Erected by his comrades.
History Gilgandra 