Netherwood Hughes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Netherwood Hughes
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Ned |
| Born | 12 June 1900 Great Harwood, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 4 April 2009 (aged 108) Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | June–November 1918 |
| Unit | 51st Manchester Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Other work | Mechanic |
Netherwood "Ned" Hughes (born June 12, 1900 – died April 4, 2009) was one of the very last soldiers from the United Kingdom who served in the First World War. He was often mentioned with Harry Patch, another veteran. Harry Patch was the only one of them who fought in battles. Ned was also one of only three British veterans of that war still living in the UK, along with Harry Patch and Henry Allingham.
The government department for the military couldn't fully confirm his service. This is because many records from the First World War were lost during bombing raids in the Second World War. However, the World War I Veterans Association invited him to the Cenotaph for the 90th Anniversary of the end of the war. His family felt the trip would be too much for him, so he did not go.
Early Life and Work
Ned Hughes was born in Great Harwood, England. He was the middle child in a family of seven children. His father, John, worked as an optician. Ned had three brothers: Charlie, Henry, and Sidney. Sidney served in the Royal Navy on a ship called HMS Albion.
Ned spent most of his life working as a mechanic and a driver.
Military Service
In June 1918, Ned was called up to join the British Army. Like many other drivers in Great Britain, he was needed to drive for the military. However, the war ended while he was still in training. He never saw any fighting.
After the war, Ned returned home. He worked as a driver in a mill and later became a bus driver.
Personal Life
Ned Hughes was married twice, but he never had any children. However, his nephews often visited him at his care home. This was the Woodlands Home for the Elderly in Clayton-le-Moors. He enjoyed spending time in the grounds of the home, often smoking his pipe.
Every year after his 100th birthday, Ned received a birthday card from the Queen. He once joked about her picture on the card, saying, "She has the same frock on."
Later Years and Death
In his last few weeks, Ned's health became worse. He had trouble speaking for about a week before he passed away. His niece, Ann Hutton, shared this information.
Ned Hughes died peacefully from natural causes on April 4, 2009. He was 108 years old. His death happened at the Woodlands care home. His family decided not to have a military funeral for him. Mrs. Hutton told the Accrington Observer that they wanted a simple family service. She said, "He couldn’t stand any fuss on his birthdays."
See also
