John Hodgson, Seaman, Mercantile Marine Reserve (RN Pensioner), HMS Tara. Died of illness, age 49, on 10 January 1916 at Bir Hakkim in the Libyan Desert whilst interned by the Sennusi.
Born at Holyhead in 1871. In 1901 he lived with his family at 7 Northwest Street. His father, Christopher Dodd Hodgson (59) was a Chemist Assistant originating from Lancaster. His mother Elizabeth Hodgson (nee Jones) (56) was born in Holyhead as was his sister Isabella (26). He was employed as a Seaman, aged 30. His parents married in 1870.
His father died in 1905, aged 65. His mother died towards the end of 1916, aged 74. His sister, Isabella married Hugh Spencer Ellis in 1906 and was the notified next of kin, when living at 4 Wynne Street, Holyhead.
He joined the Marine Department at Holyhead in March 1915 and then onto HMS Anglia (then acting as a Fleet Messenger) in April. He had previously served on SS Olive Branch. He transferred to HMS Tara later in April when undergoing a refit at Holyhead.*
Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery. Grave G.52. Transferred from original grave at Bir Hakkim.
* Detail from 'From Holyhead to BIr Hakkim (and back)' by Geraint S Griffith.