About Me

microformats hcard approaching

is a Professional Geek for Microsoft Australia. More info lives underneath the About Box...

33.831416, 151.222526
MrCell+61.417.212181
Work:
1 Epping Road
North Ryde, NSW 2113
Australia
photo of nick hodge

Blog Flair

Subscribe to me on FriendFeed

feedburner

View Nick Hodge's profile on LinkedIn

msdn channel 9

Private Angus Hodge

By Nick Hodge | November 23, 2008

david-melville-hodge-signature

In the recent research of my paternal family history, I found reference to David Melville Hodge signing the papers for an Angus Hodge. These papers were permission given by David for Angus to join the Australian Infantry in 1916 for service abroad. He was only 18 years and 2 months old.

Private Angus Hodge was my Great-Grand Uncle.

Based on my recent research into a Private Albert Lock, I knew I could find Private Angus Hodge’s service records at the National Archives. A few personal notes where an injured right leg from a horsing accident in 1912, and many teeth missing. He was also noted as “stocky” at only 5 and a half feet tall. His denomination was listed as Methodist.

Private Angus Hodge became a part of the 6th reinforcements for the South Australian 43rd Battalion, AIF. The 43rd Battalion made up the 11th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division of the AIF. Landed in the UK during the early part of 1917. (note: This Order of Battle is extremely useful and the War Diaries of the 43rd Battalion are insightful)

At this stage, Private Hodge started to have a bout of Measles and Mumps and finally arrived in France 30th July 1917. He joined the front line on 24th August 1917. Just in time for the 3rd Battle of Ypres. (also known to Australians as Passchendaele)

From this time, there were many times in hosipital listed as "NYD" and "PUO" : not yet determined and pyrexia unknown origin (ie: fever)

Then there is a note from 18th August 1918 "admitted old wounded leg, slight" back in the UK ; fracture from tibia, based on the fall from a horse some 6 years earlier. Repatriated back to the UK, Private Hodge spent time getting better at the end of the first world war.

On the 23rd November 1918, exactly 90 years ago today, the Medical Board in the UK “awarded” Private Angus Hodge a 20% permanent disability due to service; fit for home service.  He would have limped for the rest of his life.

Discharged from the AIF on 19th March 1919 in Adelaide. Merely a year after returning to Australia, Angus was dead.

Nearly 3 years away from home, Private Hodge served his country. The records fail to detail the mental and other injuries suffered whilst in France.

Angus Hodge died ages 22 and is buried 23rd March 1920. The gravestone states "Son of DM and FJ." Last residence is recorded as Gulnare South Australia. Where David Melville Hodge was farming at the time.

Lest We Forget.

Topics: family, history, personal, sastories |

6 Responses to “Private Angus Hodge”

  1. Hodge Family History | www.nickhodge.com Says:
    November 24th, 2008 at 7:53 am

    [...] Private Angus Hodge [...]

  2. gill Says:
    November 25th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Angus Hodge's grandmother (Naomi Frost) was my Great great aunt her sister (Jane Frost) married my great great grandfather Charles Cracknell.

  3. Nick Hodge Says:
    November 25th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

    Gill--

    My research tells me that this is Angus Hodge's Grandmother: http://www.nickhodge.com/blog/archives/2319

    --Nick

  4. gill Says:
    November 28th, 2008 at 4:28 am

    Naomi's father was Joseph Frost born 1788 in Shelford Essex and her mother Charlotte Hitchin brn 1798 Lt. Bardfield they married on 25 Dec 1846. Naomi was born 1831 Finchingfield Essex and married John Pilgrim 18 March 1855 in Finchingfield then they sailed from London & Southampton 27 March 1855 on the 'Taymouth Castle' which had small pox on board before arriving in Adelaide. Very brave people.

    Gill

  5. Nick Hodge Says:
    November 28th, 2008 at 8:31 am

    Gill--

    100% my error. I was thinking _paternal_ not _maternal_

    I am 100% sorry!

    Do you have any other information about Florence's children?

    Nick

  6. gill Says:
    November 28th, 2008 at 7:41 pm

    I have a little not a lot.

    Gill

Comments