Major Thomas Clowes Hinds was born at Darlaston Hall, Stone, Staffordshire in January 1838, the son of a Clergyman. Entering the 22nd Regiment as an Ensign by purchase in August 1855, aged 16 years, he stood at over six feet. Gaining advancement to Lieutenant by purchase in the following December, and to Captain when he purchased a Company in August 1859, Hinds next transferred to the 40th Regiment and was embarked for Australia in late 1860 where, among other tasks, he would have served on gold bullion escort duties. Subsequently employed in New Zealand between August 1863 and July 1866, he was present in actions at Rangariri and Orakau. Returning home to purchase a Majority in June of the following year, he was next embarked for India, an eventful voyage in the Seraphis which ran aground in the Great Bitter Lake on the Suez Canal - the men of the 40th were subsequently commended for their efforts in discharging 500 tons of coal and getting her refloated. Returning home, Hinds once more transferred during the course of 1875, on this occasion to the 58th Regiment, and retired by the sale of his Commission in the following year.