The son of Thomas James Hingston (1881–1948),[3] and Margaret Jane Hingston (1883–1959), née Larkins, Richard David Hingston was born at Ballarat on 16 December 1915.
Football
Ballarat Imperials (BFL)
Although invited two years earlier by the Melbourne Football Club (when playing for the "Junior" team, C.Y.M.S., coached by ex-Malbourne footballer, Jack Collins) to play football in Melbourne, he had been unable to find suitable employment.
Having displayed impressive form in the club's 1938 pre-season training,[5] and having been granted a clearance from Ballarat Imperials to Melbourne on 22 April 1938,[6] Hingston played his first senior match for Melbourne, against Fitzroy Football Club, at the Brunswick Street Oval, on 7 May 1938 (round 3).
Hingston was a half-back flanker in Melbourne's 1939 and 1940 premiership teams.
He missed out on a third successive premiership in 1941 when, despite appearing in their semi final win over Carlton, Hingston was not selected for the Grand Final which Melbourne went on to win.
The defender did not make any appearances for the next four years due to his military service,[7] but returned in 1946 for one final season.