Born in 1897 at Wanstead, only child of Charles A. (Mechanical Engineer & Manufacturer of Steam Engines) and Charlotte Hodge.1901: With family at “Tryenna” Redbridge Lane, Wanstead. 1911: With family at “Cranford”, Glengall Road, Woodford Green. Family was connected to the Union Iron Works at Blackwall. Attended Chigwell School, and was a member of their OTC for 3 years. He worked for Messrs Gardner Locket and Hinton Co. 3 Fenchurch Avenue in the City, where his uncle, Frank Gardener of “Woodgrange” Montalt Road was a Director. When old enough he joined the HAC, from which he was sent to Trinity College Oxford for Officer Training, and subsequently to 4 Essex on 1st March 1917. He was later attached to 9 Essex.
Col. F.V. Thompson wrote of the Battle of Arras: My Battalion attacked Long Trench east of Monchy le Preux at 04.45 on 17th July. Hodge led a Platoon, with “A” Company to his left, against the most difficult portion of the enemy lines. He was seen well in advance of his men, waving them on with his cane while under heavy fire. The position was reached and taken, but he continued to expose himself to fire and was shot through the chest. No Officers of his Company were left unwounded and our casualties were severe.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Woodford Times