Liverpool Police - Private S.K. Hodgson

Liverpool Daily Post 13 October 1914

CAPTAIN’S TRIBUTE

EX-LIVERPOOL CONSTABLE FALLS IN ACTION

From a captain of the Coldstream Guards the following letter has been received by the father of ex-Liverpool Police-constable Hogson who was killed in action at Chaeonne, France:-

“I wish to tell you how very much I sympathise with you in the loss of your son, No 8543, Private S K Hogson. I command his company, and I should like you to know that we all consiered him as one of the best men in the company, and an excellent soldier – always ready to do his duty thoroughly and cheerfully. He only rejoined from hospital on September 24, and was instantly killed by shrapnell shell on the 25th September, just behind our trench here (Chasonne). The same shell wouned Serjeant-Major Quirk an one other man. You will like to know that I rea the burial service, and now he lies in the cemetery here with many other Coldstreams. Once again, please allow me to offer you an his relatives my sincere condolences – H.M. Pryce-Jones, captain no 3 Company, Coldstream Guards.”

Hodgson was a Reservist, and had previously been for three years in the Coldstream Guards. He joined the Liverpool Police Force in January 1913, and was No 185 in the B Division. He was a well-known member of the Liverpool Police Athletic Society. As a football player he exhibited marked ability, and was also distinguished as a cricketer. He was a great favourite with his comrades in the police force and by many sportsmen outside their circle. In a letter wrote to his mother some time ago he mentioned that on the battlefield he had seen and recognised Police-constable McGowan and another ex-constable of Liverpool. He had just time to shout his name and wave his hand when the tide of battle rolled on.