William Hodgetts was involved in the war right from the start and the Shipley Times & Express carried several mentions of him starting with a vivid account of being under fire: A letter has been received from Rifleman W Hodgetts of 3 Jane Hills, Shipley, who is serving with the King’s Royal Rifles. He says: ‘We have just come out of a charge and it was like being in hell. There were thousands of shells dropping around and it seemed impossible to emerge alive. ‘We charged the enemy trenches twice and were repulsed each time. It was awful. I do not know whether I shall see you again or not, but I can only hope for the best; what happens is just a man’s luck. ‘We have lost half the first division. I shall always remember May 11th as it is estimated that as many shells were fired that day as in the whole of the South African War. The latter war was a pleasure compared to this.’ 28 May 1915 Mr and Mrs C Hodgetts of 3 Jane Hills, Shipley, have received

intimation that their son, Rifleman W Hodgetts, of the King’s Royal Rifles has been wounded. Rifleman Hodgetts was a reservist and was promptly with the colours on the outbreak of hostilities and he has been at the Front for about twelve months. He is the brother to L Sgt Hodgetts of Highfield Road, Idle. 8 October 1915 Another of Shipley’s heroes to give his life in his country’s cause has been Rifleman William Hodgetts, King’s Royal Rifles, who has died as the result of wounds. Rifleman Hodgetts was 21 years of age, unmarried and prior to enlisting in August 1914, resided with his mother at 3 Jane Hills, Shipley. He was employed by the Midland Railway Co at Thackley Tunnel as a platelayer. Wounded on April 23rd in the chest, after attention, he was brought to England and placed in the Dorset County Hospital where

he died on May 22nd. Thrice previously he had received wounds. Rifleman Hodgetts was a member of the National Union of Railway Workers. He was a quiet, well-respected young man and a member of the Shipley Trades’ Hall. Two of his brothers are serving with the Colours, one being a Sgt Major. 25 May 1917 Rifleman Wm Hodgetts of 3 Jane Hills, Shipley, was buried with military honours at Windhill Cemetery on Saturday. A service at the house was conducted by the Rev J Matthewman, Wesleyan minister at Windhill, after which the cortege formed up and marched to the cemetery. At the head of the procession was the firing party of twelve men of the Royal Flying Corps under Sgt North. The Rev Matthewman officiated at the internment and 1st A.M. Dunford sounded “The Last Post.” A number of wreaths included one from Mrs Hodgetts and family and one from this brother and wife, Mr

and Mrs Charles Hodgetts, and a third from Mr Tom Hodgetts and family. There were also a number of bunches of flowers from his friends. Included among the mourners was Sgt Major Joseph Hodgetts, at home from Clipstone Camp for the purpose. The late Rifleman Hodgetts was 32 years of age, unmarried and prior to enlisting in August 1914, resided with his mother. He was employed by the Midland Railway Company at Thackley Tunnel as a platelayer. Wounded on April 23rd in the chest, he was brought to the Dorset County Hospital where he died on May 22nd. Mrs Hodgetts desires to express thanks to the Royal Flying Corps for their attendance and kind sympathy shown at the funeral. 1 June 1917