Born in 1897 at George Lane South Woodford, son of Frederick John (Draper) and Charlotte Elizabeth Hedges. The family shop “Hedges” was in George Lane. His father was a Steward at Derby Road Methodist Church.
1901: With his family at 4 Granville Terrace, George Lane, South Woodford. 1911: With his family at 4 The Shrubberies, George Lane. This was his last home, but his parents later moved to Broomhill Lodge in Broomhill Road.
Educated at Woodford College and Loughton School, he was described as affectionate and fearless beyond his years. He had said “I would rather go under than not go out. It is my duty to go.” A memorial service was held for him at Derby Road Methodist Church.
His residence was still at George Lane when he enlisted at South Woodford in August 1914. Early in March 1915 he and Rifleman Richard Chardin, also of Derby Road Methodist Church, were drafted to reinforce the Battalion in the Ypres area of France. They were part of the desperate fighting around the Hill 60 area of Ypres. Hedges was one of a close group of 8 Riflemen. After his death, 6 were dead, one had lost his right arm and the last was in hospital.
While serving at the front, he became noted for repeatedly going out into no man’s land in order to rescue wounded comrades. He was shot and killed while proceeding to the trenches at Ypres.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Woodford Times