James Gerald Mitchell Hudson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the youngest son of Enoch and Annie Hudson, (née Bird) born 1895. He had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. By the time he was 7, he was living in High Street, Carlton. When he was 17 James was living as a boarder at Mount Pleasant Cottages, Rossington, working as a horseman. One brother, William, was a regular soldier before the war, serving with the King's Royal Rifles. He served with the Rifles in Salonika where he was wounded and evacuated home before returning to duty at the front on his recovery. William survived the war. His father Enoch died on 10th February 1913 age 57 and is buried with his wife Annie in the family grave at St John's churchyard, Carlton in Linderick. Annie, who was born on 1 May 1854, died aged 101 on 2 May 1955.
Joined 31/8/1914 at Worksop, Killed in action 7/8/1915 in the Dardanelles, personal items forwarded to Mrs Annie Hudson (mother), Note:- His death date co-incides with the Suvla Bay landings. His Lincs Regt, 6th battalion, made up part of the 11th Northern division. Pte Gerald Hudson Retford Times 11 Feb 1916 The second lad from Carlton has given up his life in the great cause in Pte Gerald Hudson son of Mr and Mrs Hudson of North Carlton. Whose photograph we reproduce above. The deceased lad was the first lad to go from Carlton when war broke out. He joined the 6th Lincolns in August 1914. and along with his regiment he was sent to the Dardanelles and it was not long before he met his sad end. No official particulars have come to hand, but the official intimation stated that he was killed in the Dardanelles on Aug 7th last after only being on the Peninsular a week. A pal of Gerald’s, writing to Mrs Hudson says, that it happened between six and seven o’clock near Chocolate Hill. He was only 20 years of age and was well liked and respected in the village. Mrs Hudson has kept her loss very quiet but we are sure she has the sympathy of all in the village. But “Who dies if England lives” and he passed away as one of his country’s heroes. Mrs Hudson has another son doing his bit for his country. William was an old soldier who was in the King’s Royal Rifles five years before war broke out. He was amongst the first draft bought back from India and was in France early after the outbreak of hostilities. He was only out there five weeks before being wounded, being hurt on Jan 30th 1915 and after on coming home on furlough on recovering he went back again. He is at present with the Rifles at Salonica, and in his last letter home, he writes very cheerily, that he is quite alright but says it’s very cold there.' Colin Dannatt
St John the Evangelist, Carlton-in-Lindrick. Gravestone: 'In loving memory of Enoch, the beloved husband of Annie Hudson, at rest Feby. 10th 1917, aged 57 years. Oh for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still. Also Annie Hudson wife of the above born May 1st 1854, died 2nd May 1955, aged 101. Reunited. Also Private JGM Hudson, son of the above, killed in action at the Dardanelles, Aug 7th 1915, aged (-) years. Thy will be done.’ Cemetery:- Helles, Memorial, Turkey. Research by Colin Dannatt
