John Gordon HIDES

John Gordon Hides was born 14 November 1890 to George Parker Hides and Elizabeth Moir Headrick (nee Paterson).  George & Elizabeth Hides were married on 27 March 1889.  Their first son, George Paterson Hides was born 26 September 1889 then Robert Craig Hides was born 30 December 1891.  Robert also enlisted and was killed in action 15 April 1917.  John had a step sister, Jane McNab Headrick.

The heritage-listed Hides Hotel Cairns was built in 1885 by George Hides and Duncan McColl (on an isolated patch of land on Lake Street reputedly swapped for a horse and gambled on the development of the town). Their instincts proved correct and a thriving commercial precinct evolved around Hides Hotel. In 1895, following the death of  John’s father, George Hides, his mother Elizabeth took over the lease and the hotel became a social hub for travellers and local elites.

On his enlistment in Sydney, his age was 22 years 11 months, occupation was a Stockman and his next of kin his mother, Elizabeth Hides, Hides Hotel, Lake St. Cairns.  His height was 5 feet 8 ½ inches, weighed 10 stone 1 1/4 pounds with a fair complexion, brown eyes and hair. His religion was Church of England.

He sailed on the HMAT Themistocles from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 to land at Gallipoli.

John Gordon Hides died on the 7 May 1915 on board HMTS Lutzow from wounds  received in action at the Dardenelles.  He is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Canakkale, Turkey.