James HODKINSON

20 December 1918

CROSSHILLS – Coporal James Hodkinson

We regret to learn of the death on March 21st last on the Western Front of Corporal James Hodkinson, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, son of the late Mr. John Hodkinson, and of Mrs. Hodkinson, of Crosshills, aged 23 years. The sad information was conveyed to Mrs. Hodkinson in a letter from Private J. O’Keefe, whose home is at 87 Sydenham Place, Bradford, dated December 8th, and who describes Corporal Hodkinson as his dearest chum. The loss of Private O’Keefe’s address book accounts for his delay in writing. He adds:- “Jim and I were more like brothers, so I can feel just a little of the sorrow which I know his mother must experience when I say he was one of the many lads to lay down his life during those March days. The last time I saw him was just to shout a cheery word to one another; then we were parted, my duties taking me to another part of the trench. After that I heard nothing further until about four days later when I met another of our lads who had been with Jim, and he told me then how I had lost my friend.”

Corporal Hodkinson, who was educated at Keighley Trade and Grammar School, joined the Army in February 1916, and spent most of his time of training at North Shields. Prior to taking up his place in the ranks he was engaged in Barclay’s Bank at Keighley as a clerk. He went to France in October 1917.

Solemn Requiem Mass was taken by the Rev. Father Theophane at St. Stephen’s R.C. Church on Tuesday last, and last final Absolution was given.

We tender sincere sympathy to his widowed mother.