HOBSON, Thomas

Thomas Hobson was an early volunteer for the Worcesters in 1914 and was posted to the 4th Battalion. They returned from Burma, picked up reinforcements and were sent to Gallipoli to open up a new front against Turkey to take the pressure off Russia. They landed on the 25th April 1915 and endured serious losses in the three battles of Krithia before it was decided to end the operation. After the successful evacuation they transferred to the Western Front and were in the 1916 Battle of the Somme from the first day on the 1st July until August. After rest and re-training they returned in October for the Battle of the Transloy Ridges. Their task was to capture the village of Gueudecourt. The attack of the 18th October started at 3.40 a.m. and took place in cold weather and continuous rain. After a very short bombardment X Company commanded by Capt. D. Roberts attacked the German trenches in front of the village. The wire had not been fully broken and the attack was in danger of failing, but Capt Roberts re-organized his men and attacked again to drive the enemy out of Hilt Trench. Other Worcestershire companies were then able to take the nearby Bayonet and Grease Trenches. Captain Roberts of Amblecote was awarded the Military Cross. Before dawn arrived the battle was over and 200 prisoners were taken. The men prepared for German counter-attacks, but the enemy were too wet and exhausted to mount any serious attack. Three officers and 16 men had been killed but one of these was Private Thomas Hobson. He is commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge and St. Thomas's church Memorials.