HEDGES Frederick Ernest

Frederick Ernest Hedges was born in Upton-upon-Severn in 1881.  He was married in 1905 while working as a bricklayer on the Severn End Estate and living in an estate house in Bowling Green, Hanley Castle.  His three children were born in 1907, 1909 and 1915.  His parents Harriet (nee Tainton) and William Hedges lived in Old Street, Upton.

In 1916 he was called up for military service and, though his employer recommended him for service in the Royal Engineers, he was posted initially in to the 6th Battalion to undergo training and later to the 1st Battalion in Flanders.  He served initially in 11 Platoon, C Company and later in the Pioneer Section.

On 16th August 1917 during the battles around Ypres the Battalion was holding a position on the Westhoek Ridge preparing to repel a German counter attack.  The regimental history records “Next day the Battalion remained in position, suffering a few casualties from the enemy’s intermittent fire.” Frederick Hodges was reported to have been killed by sniper fire.

Frederick Hedges has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Tyne Cot Memorial.