William Atkinson HODGSON (2)

08 June 1917

HODGSON – May 30th 1917, died in hospital from wounds received in action on the Western Front, Sergeant Wm. Hodgson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, formerly of Bailey Cottage, Skipton, aged 27 years.

08 June 1917

SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR – SERGEANT WILLIAM HODGSON – Recommended for the D.C.M and a Commission

It is also with regret that we have to record that official information was received on Friday that Sergeant William Hodgson, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, whose wife lives at Bailey Cottage, Skipton, died in hospital on May 30th from a gunshot wound in the buttock. A native of Blackburn and 27 years of age, deceased was a gardener, and for several years was in the employ of Sir Henry Salvan, of Burn Hall, Durham, and while living in Durham earned more than local fame as a long distance runner. He was a member of the Durham City Harriers, and was the proud possessor of many valuable prizes won by clever running, including a silver cup, a teapot, a clock, and a fruit dish. He came to Skipton in 1912 as a gardener on the Skipton Castle Estate. Soon after the outbreak of war he enlisted in the ‘Dukes’ as a private, and had only been in France five months when he contracted fever and was brought back to England. On his recovery he returned to France, and had only been there a few months when he received the wound which has ended in his death. A fine soldier, he had been promoted to sergeant on the battlefield, and later, for conspicuous gallantry in action, had been offered a commission, and recommended for the coveted D.C.M.

Several touching letters have been received by Mrs. Hodgson from the Rev. E. Garnett, a Roman Catholic Army Chaplain. Writing on Whit Sunday Mr. Garnett says:– “As you already know your poor husband was admitted to this hospital a few days ago very seriously wounded, and I only wish it were possible to buoy up your hopes for his recovery.”

In another letter, dated May 31, the Chaplain mentions that Sergeant Hodgson had died on the previous day and adds:– “The night before last I gave him my big crucifix blessed by Pope Leo XIII, and also said Mass for him. He received Holy Viaticum on Monday afternoon, at his own request. You will be justly proud of him, as he gave his life in a great cause and he rightly felt that he had done his duty. He will be buried in the cemetery tomorrow with full military honours by a Father.”

Another Roman Catholic Army Chaplain has written Mrs. Hodgson stating that her husband received the wound, a gunshot in the buttock, whilst raiding a German trench; and under date May 23rd, Corporal E. Rosenthal of Skipton has written as follows:– “It is with much feeling of regret, mingled with pride, that I write these few lines to you in regard to Bill. Being a pal of Bill’s I thought the least I could do was to write you a line or two to confirm the messages which doubtless you will have received. To be definite, the wound itself was not really bad, and it is quite typical of him that he was in big spirits; he has earned words of praise from every one for the manly way in which he bore his wound, which was received right on the German parapet whilst doing a noble self-sacrificing job of staying back and covering his party, seeing them safely in their own trenches -a spirit he has borne all the time he has been with us. Speaking for all his platoon, we are all so sorry to lose him, especially under such circumstances because he inspired confidence in the men and never knew what fear was. He was always so cheerful and obliging, and his platoon has suffered a loss which cannot be replaced, except by the original. It has been frequently said that he was the best sergeant that we ever had. Just before he left us after getting wounded, he wished his platoon the best of luck and said they need not worry about him.”

Captain K. Oyston (Keighley) has also written a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Hodgson, in which he says that deceased was wounded on May 19th, while on patrol duty doing excellent work. He adds that he is very sorry indeed to lose him, as he was one of the best N.C.O.s in the Company.