Reginald Hamlin of Auckland enlisted with the New Zealand Field Artillery and embarked with the 7th Reinforcements on 9 October 1915. He had earlier served as a Territorial with the Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) Regiment. Sergeant Hamlin’s war included service in Roumania which was recognised in the New Years Honours Despatch, and with the Roumanian decoration Medaille Barbatie si Credinta, (2nd Class).

His Mentioned in Despatches citation was published in the London Gazette, 31 December 1918, p 15230, rec no 2802 : "New Years Honours Despatch for Period 25th February 1918, to 16/17 September 1918."

In 1923 Reginald Hamlin married Mavis Maude Butland. The couple lived in Kingsway Ave, Sandringham, and Reginald took up employment with the New Zealand Government as an insurance agent. In 1940 he enlisted for home service during WW2. He was initially posted to the National Military Reserve, and after 18 months was appointed T/Lieut. 4th Battalion, Auckland (Countess of Ranfurlys’ Own) Regiment, and 1943 he was appointed to the Adjt. QM Home Guard Devonport Bn. Shortly after he was posted to the Reserve, but on 4th September 1945 he died of illness at Auckland Hospital. At the time of his death his occupation was listed as Commercial Traveller. It was initially believed that his death was attributable to his service with the NZEF during WW1, but following further investigation it was established that his death was attributable to his war service in New Zealand during WW2.