Stratford Herald Obituary

Straford Herald Friday 10th December 1915
LIEUTENANT HUDSON’S DEATH

Another officer to fall in his country’s service is Lieutenant John W. Hudson, elder son of Mr. Percy Hudson of Birmingham, a nephew of Mr. Reginald Hudson of Warwick Road, Stratford on Avon. He was well known in this town as his father, during the summer months, used to take up his residence in the neighbourhood.

Lieutenant Hudson who, prior to obtaining a commission was associated with his father in the firm of Hudson & Son, Printers of Livery Street and Edmund Street, was only 20 years of age. He was educated at King Edwards High School where he served in the cadet corps. He was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 24th November 1914 and attached to the 2nd or Reserve Battalion of the 5th Royal Warwicks. On the 19th March of this year however, he and one other subaltern were chosen for transference to the 1st 5th Royal Warwicks and a few days later on 22nd March left England with the Regiment for France.

Lieutenant Hudson had been at the front just over 8 months. He gave his young life in a noble cause. In these words Brigadier General Sir John Barnsley wrote “the supreme sacrifice made by Lieutenant Hudson” the letter proceeded “he died for his country just as if he had lost his life in fighting the Germans on their native soil. I want to say how much I admired him. When I was commanding the 2nd 5th Warwicks this time last year I formed a very high opinion of his capacity as an officer and always felt perfectly sure that when he joined the 1st 5th he would acquit himself well and from reports I have received he has done splendidly".