Cemetery: Vimy Memorial

Country: France

Area: Pas De Calais

Rank: Sergeant

Force: Army

Official Number: 57113

Unit: 20th Bn. Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment).

Country of Service: Canadian

Details: V C 18th August 1917. Age 41. An extract from "The London Gazette dated 16th Oct., 1917, records the following:-During a strong enemy counter-attack a Lewis gun in a forward post in a communication trench leading to the enemy lines was buried by a shell and the crew with the exception of one man was killed. Serjt. Hobson though not a gunner grasping the great importance of the post rushed from his trench dug out the gun and got it into action against the enemy who were now advancing down the trench and across the open. A jam caused the gun to stop firing. Though wounded he left the gunner to correct the stoppage rushed forward at the advancing enemy and with bayonet and clubbed rifle single-handed held them back until he himself was killed by a rifle shot. By this time however the Lewis gun was again in action and reinforcements shortly afterwards arriving the enemy were beaten off. The valour and devotion to duty displayed by this non-commissioned officer gave the gunner the time required to again get the gun into action, and saved a most serious situation."

Photograph by David Milborrow