Henry Ellis Hodding

Worksop Guardian 15 November 1918Lieut Harry Ellis Hodding MC'It is with unfeigned regret that we have this week to report the death from wounds of Lieut. Harry Ellis Hodding, M.C. 10th Sherwood Foresters, only child of Mr and Mrs J E Hodding, the Bungalow, Worksop. The gallant officer was 26 years of age, August last, and his military career dates from four years ago, when he joined the Inns of Court as a private. Later he got a commission in the 14th Sherwood Foresters, and in May 1916, he was posted to the 10th Sherwoods and went out on active service. He took part in the heavy fighting on the Somme and in the subsequent heavy engagements which followed. Twelve months ago we had the pleasure of announcing that Lieut. Hodding had been awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his conspicuous bravery under fire. He was as modest as he was brave, and he was regarded by his fellow officers, not only as a gallant comrade, but as a perfect English gentleman. His men had the fullest trust in him and would follow him anywhere, relying in full confidence upon his courage and discretion. On Nov 4th he was wounded by a gas shell in the leg and though his wound appeared to be making a good recovery, the poison had entered his system, and he passed away on the 8th. It is a sad circumstance that his death took place before his father could get to him. Lieut. Hodding had previously been invalided for trench feet, and in a very cheerful letter, written after he had been wounded, he said how he looked forward to shortly being at home. We are very sure that Mr and Mrs Hodding will have the heartfelt sympathy of the people of Worksop and district on the loss of a son of whom they had so much reason to be proud.'

Research by Colin Dannatt