Hamilton was born in Glasgow and worked as a coal miner.
He enlisted in the Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders on 24th August 1914 at the age of 29. He arrived in France on 11th May 1915 with the 10th (Service) Battalion, part of the 9th (Scottish) Division and saw extensive service on the Western Front.
He suffered a severe gunshot wound to the head on the 13th May 1916, receiving medical treatment at Etaples Base Hospital. His condition continued to deteriorate and on 11th June, he was evacuated back to the UK on a hospital ship.
Hamilton died on 22nd August at the VAD Hospital, Corsham, from complications connected to his wound. He was 32 years old.
