He was 20 years old, and a Private in the 2/5th Bn., The Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War
when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 June 1916 opposite Ficheux, France, during an attack on the enemy's position, Private Hutchinson was the leading man, and entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses. Afterwards, when the objective had been gained and the retirement ordered Private Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of covering the retirement thus ensuring that the wounded could be removed to safety. All the time he was exposed to fierce fire from machine-guns and rifles at close quarters.

He later achieved the rank of Corporal.

to see the VC unveiling in Radcliffe