Albert Hodgkinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Hodgkinson
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| Born | 29 June 1895 Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 26 November 1975 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
21st Division British Army |
| Years of service | 1915–1918 |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Unit | 12th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Albert Hodgkinson (1895–1975) was a brave English soldier who received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his amazing courage during the First World War.
Contents
Growing Up
Albert Hodgkinson was born in Middlesbrough, England. His parents were Thomas and Annie Hodgkinson. Like his father and brother Thomas, Albert worked for a big steel company called Dorman Long.
Serving in the First World War
Joining the Army
Albert and his brother Thomas both joined the Northumberland Fusiliers. They were part of the 12th Battalion, which was a new army group called Kitchener's New Army. This group was part of the 21st Division.
They fought in many important battles on the Western Front in France and Flanders. They even took part in the famous, unofficial Christmas truce in 1915. During this truce, soldiers from opposing sides stopped fighting for a short time to celebrate Christmas together.
Earning a Medal for Bravery
Albert Hodgkinson, who started as a Private and later became a Lance Corporal, earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal. This medal is given for great bravery in battle. Sadly, many details about the exact attack where he earned it were lost. This happened when London was bombed during the Second World War.
However, the official record, called the London Gazette citation, still exists. It says: "14265 Private A. Hodgkinson, 12th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. For conspicuous gallantry and tenacity during a successful raid on the enemy's trenches, when in command of half a squad of grenadiers." This means he showed amazing courage and determination during a successful attack on enemy trenches.
His brother Thomas, who was in the same army group, shared more details. He said that Albert and his team were on a patrol to bother the enemy and try to capture a soldier. This meant they had to cross "no-man's land" (the dangerous area between the two armies) and enter the German trenches.
They didn't know that the Germans were changing shifts, so there were twice as many enemy soldiers as expected. But somehow, Albert and his team pushed the enemy soldiers along a narrow trench. Albert then stood at the entrance of this trench and threw hand grenades at them, like he was throwing cricket balls!
After making their escape, they realized one of their men was missing. Albert, all by himself, went back into danger. He found his wounded comrade and carried him safely back to their own lines. This act of bravery showed incredible selflessness and courage.
Life After the War
In 1926, Albert Hodgkinson, his wife, and their family moved to Adelaide, South Australia. There, he worked as a blacksmith for a farm machinery company called Horwood-Bagshaw.
