Rifleman John Tom Hogg

Medal Index Card

John Tom Hogg was born 1884, at 9 Newcastle Street, North Shields, Northumberland, the second eldest son, to Robert Hogg, [an upholsterer], born 1862 at North Shields, with his Wife Elizabeth Ann Hogg, [Coulson], born, 1862 at Wallsend. They were married in 1882.

They had eight children, but one died. Leonard Hogg, born 7th May 1882, [baptised on the 19th July 1882], Robert Morrison Hogg, [clothing shop assistant], born 1884, Gladys, 1898, born North Shields, [a music teacher], Alice Maud, [Physiotherapist and Masseuse], born 7th May 1893, Edna Elizabeth, born 28th September 1903, North Shields and Stanley Charles, born 1889 North Shields. He died after 1911.

John Tom Hogg was a drapers shop assistant in 1901, along with his two other brothers.

In 1891 they were all residing at 9 Newcastle Street, then they moved to 1 Brandling Terrace, Percy Main. North Shields.

1/16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen's Westminster Rifles). In August 1914, they were at 58 Buckingham Gate. Part of 4th London Brigade, 2nd London Division. Moved on mobilisation to the Hemel Hempstead area. On the 3rd November 1914, the Battalion left the Division and landed at Le Havre.

On the 12th November 1914, they came under command of 18th Brigade in 6th Division. 10th February 1916, they were transferred to the 169th Brigade in 56th (London) Division.

John Tom was a member of the North Shields Society of Bell Ringers, and was a member of the Christ Church congregation on Preston Road.

His address of residence was 17 Widdrington Terrace, North Shields in about 1914.

John Tom Hogg enlisted at South Shields, and was residing at this time at 93 Mowbray Road, South Shields, he was married to Ethel Muriel Crosby at North Shields Christ Church on the 10th August 1914. They had one child, a son named John 'Jack' Crosby Hogg, born 1917.

Jack had a long and successful career with the Halifax Building society and served in the army in World War 2. He died at East Sussex in June 2013.

John went to France and Flanders on the 20th May 1917. The battalion were involved in the Battle of Cambrai.

The War Diary reports:- November 30th. At about 8.4am our observers near Battalion H.Q. reported that the enemy were leaving MOEUVRES in large numbers; further observation revealed the fact that although they were leaving MOEUVRES others appeared to be entering and enormous numbers of troops were moving EAST through Quarry WOOD thence towards BOURLON. Heavy artillery fire opened on our trenches at 10.15 which increased until about 10.45 when under a barrage of trench mortars the enemy attacked down SWAN LANE and down the BOURSIES MOEUVRES Road and over the top between the two points, the great width of the Trenches prevented much cover being obtained against the T.M. barrage. A stiff fight commenced of which it is impossible to give details, and although we managed to beat the enemy back over the top they penetrated on our right from the road mentioned above and along the trench on our left and although at 1.15 we still had a footing in our front line. The position was critical and we had asked for reinforcements.

By 2 p.m. we were holding the line and the two C.Ts [Communication Trenches] with a block in each close up to the front line.

At 2.30 pm an urgent wire was sent for reinforcements as our line was giving way and again at 4.10 pm. after this time although there was a considerable amount of bombing at the blocks things became quieter and by 6.30 pm. except for machine gun fire all was quiet. At 6.30 pm the Battalion was reinforced by one company of the Q.V.R. who relieved our men in the C.Ts. later 2 Coys of the L.R.B. arrived and relieved our men in a position of the support line and another company commenced digging themselves in in the old German Outpost line during the day a continuous stream of messages arrived to the effect that our guns were firing short and they continued to do so although urgent messages were sent back.

Our A.A. guns appeared to have been put out of action as they took no notice of large numbers of enemy aircraft which patrolled our lines almost at will during the day. Orders that the Battalion would be relieved by the L.R.B were received about 8.30 The Battalion was clear of the trenches by 1 am. having waited until the C.O. of that Battalion was satisfied the position was secure. Wagons were provided to take the Battalion back to COKE CAMP, LEBUCQUIERE. Owing to a barrage across the Cambrai Road only the Signallers, Runners were able to reach them, the remainder of the Battalion marched back.

Casualties:- 2 Officers, 2nd Lieut J.H.M. HOOPER & 2nd Lieut. T. CAULDWELL and 21 other ranks Killed.

John Tom Hogg died from his wounds on Friday 30th November 1917. His age was 33.

Tynemouth Parish Magazine January 1918

In Memoriam. In sorrow we have had to add to our list of Fallen Heroes, the names of Richard Trayhum, and (we fear) Harry Brunton-the second of his family to give his life, as we fear he has. Harry Brunton was a valued helper at St Andrew's and used to read the lessons there. This month also we have heard of the death of John Tom Hogg, one of the bell ringers, whom we shall greatly miss. Our deepest sympathy is with all their friends.

Tynemouth Parish Church Monthly Magazine February 1918.

In Memoriam. On the Sunday after the receipt of John Tom Hogg’s death at the Front, our ringers rang a muffled peal. They deeply lament the loss of a valued colleague.

John left a will which read:- John Tom of 93 Mowbray Road, South Shields died 30 November 1917 in France on active service. Probate Durham. 8th March to Ethel Muriel Hogg widow. Effects £289 14s 9d.

John Tom Hogg is remembered at Tynemouth in T36.14 page 14, North Shields on N34.08, South Shields on S86.020 and in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on NUT098

John Tom Hogg is also remembered at St Paul's Cathedral in the Central Council Roll of Honour along with his brother Robert Morrison Hogg.

St Paul's Cathedral Roll of Honour
Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Association of Church Bellringers
The Battle of Cambrai
The CWGC entry for Rifleman Hogg