Hugh was the son of the Rev. Arthur Trehane Dingle and Beatrice Dingle, of Eaglescliffe Rectory, Co. Durham. Hugh was educated at Durham School, at which he studied until 1911. While attending, he was a keen rugby player, and represented both the XI and XV teams. Hugh went on to study Medicine at the College of Medicine, and captained the university rugby team the same year his brother, Arthur, played in the Oxford University team. Hugh also represented Durham at County level. His brother Arthur James Dingle was a rugby player who also died in the war on 22nd August 1915.
Hugh was recruited by the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves in his 2nd or 3rd year at university, due to their need for anyone with medical training, and the need for students like him to gain experience. Subsequently, he never actually graduated with a degree.
On the outbreak of the war, Hugh joined HM Hospital Ship 'Drina'. He then saw service on the 'Comet' and the 'Marmion', the latter on which he served for 12 months. After a brief spell earning his 3rd M.B. in March 1916, Hugh joined the Torpedo Boat Destroyer 'Petard'.
Hugh was killed on the 31st May 1916 in the Battle of Jutland aboard the HMS Petard.