It appears that a soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for heroic deeds during the First World War had Brigg connections.
Brigg Blog has seen an old newspaper cutting and uncovered an online source that both suggest First World War hero Sergeant Frederick Hobson - awarded the VC for gallantry - had links with our town.
The cutting says: “Sgt Hobson of the 2nd Battalion 1st Central Ontario Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force, was gazetted for the Victoria Cross on October 17, 1917.
"He was born in Brigg on November 24, 1875, and died near Lens, France, on August 18, 1917; his name is on the Vimy Memorial. Sergeant Hobson was awarded the VC for an action on August 18, 1917, at Lens.
"During an enemy attack, the section Lewis gun became buried after an explosion. Sgt Hobson dug the gun out and used it to stem the German attack.
"The gun jammed but Sgt Hobson went on and attacked the enemy with a rifle and bayonet; he continued the action until he was killed.”
Many other sources say Sgt Hobson was born in London, emigrating to Canada in 1904. But some research online by Brigg Blog has discovered that although probably not born here, he was indeed a "native of Brigg, Lincolnshire" - which suggests he lived locally.
See details through this link...
Frederick claimed to be two years younger than he was to be able to enlist in November 1914, being a veteran of the Boer War at the beginning of the century.
Any further information will be welcomed by Brigg Blog, in this the 100th anniversary year of the guns falling silent in 1918.
We are hoping for additional confirmation that this Victoria Cross holder did indeed have local connections.
Perhaps we can also discover where he lived and/or worked in Brigg.
If the powers-that-be are then satisfied with the information, could we then suggest he's honoured in some way in Brigg over the coming months as we remember The Fallen and those who survived the horror of the trenches, 1914-1918.
When the crosses are planted near the Monument war memorial, should there be one for Sgt Frederick Hobson VC?
Hi Nige....Hobson was a born in Brigg, but the family emigrated to Canada when he was a few years old.
ReplyDeleteFrederick Hobson was born Sep 23, 1873 in London (St. Pancras)
ReplyDeleteHe emigrated to Canada as a young man in the early 1900's
When war broke out he was 41 years old but lied stating he was 39. He was married with 5 children. One of those 5 children was my grandfather. RIP great grandpa