Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Alfred Hoden, a tailor, born 1854 in Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire (son of Ogden Hoden, 1829-1919 and Ann Sutton, 1824-1898) and his wife Ellen Hoden (nee Satchell, married on the 6th April 1876 in All Saint’s Church, Dunton Bassett), born in the October quarter of 1849 in Warwickshire and baptised on the 21st October 1849 in St. Matthew’s Church, Rugby, Warwickshire (daughter of James Satchell, 1827 and Ann Jennings, 1829). William Ogden was born on the 16th February 1880 in Leire, Leicestershire. William’s mother died in the October quarter of 1890 in the Lutterworth, Leicestershire district, aged 40. In April 1891 William was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Ashby Magna, Leicestershire, together with his widowed father, a tailor and his siblings, Arthur, a schoolboy, born 1879 and Henry (Harry), a schoolboy, born on the 26th March 1882, both his siblings were born in Leire. William’s widowed father married Sarah Hall on the 18th December 1899 in St. Mary’s Church, Ashby Magna, Sarah was born in 1864 in Ashby Magna (daughter of John Hall). In March 1901 William was absent from the family home at Station Road, Ashby Magna, residing there was his father, a tailor and his stepmother, a sub postmistress, also residing in the family home was his stepmother’s niece, Maud M. Hall, a stocking trade machinist, born 1880 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, meanwhile William was employed as a journeyman baker and was residing as a servant at Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire. In April 1911 William was employed as a collier hewer and was residing in the family home at 15, Station Road, Hugglescote, Leicestershire, together with his wife Ellen Hoden (nee Bartlett, married in the July quarter of 1905 in Leicester), born on the 26th March 1882 in Ashby Magna, Leicestershire and their children, Arthur Frederick, born on the 12th January 1906 and Alfred Edward, born on the 27th January 1907, the latter two children were both born in Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire and Lottie May, born on the 30th July 1909 in Hugglescote, Leicestershire. William and Ellen also had another child, John Charles who was born on the 26th July 1911.
FAMILY NOTE: William also had the following siblings, Charles, born in the January quarter of 1877 in Leire and Charlotte Ann, born in the October quarter of 1890 in Ashby Magna, given the fact that Charlotte was born in the same quarter as her mother died, it is conceivable that her mother either died in childbirth, or of later complications arising from the birth, however this is pure conjecture on my part (MD. 2022-03-25).
Being a reservist, he was called to the colours in August 1914 at the outbreak of war and embarked with his Regiment as part of the British Expeditionary Force, he saw action at the Battle of Mons on the 22nd August, taking part in the famous retreat, then at Le Cateau where the Germans were held for a time before finally taking part in the first Battle of the Marne between the 5th and 9th of September 1914. He was finally engaged in the 1st Battle of Ypres where he lost his life.
William’s army service enlistment documents do not survive, therefore the currently available information pertaining to his military service has been obtained from the following sources: - 1921 HMSO Publication, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914 - 1919, WW1 Service Medal and Award Rolls, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Registers.
Enlisted/Attested. In Rugby, Warwickshire on the 14th October 1902.
Allotted. Service number. 9066.
Posted. Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Private.
Transferred to the Army Reserve. Date not known.
Mobilized. 4th August 1914.
Posted. 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Shorncliffe. Private.
First entered the theatre of war in France on the 22nd August 1914 with the 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 10th Brigade, 4th Division.
Killed in action on the 13th October 1914.
Buried in Meteren Military Cemetery, France.
Awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp & Rose, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
On the 3rd May 1915, William’s widow was awarded a weekly Army Pension of twenty-two shillings and sixpence for herself and four children, to commence on the 3rd May 1915, this was further increased to twenty-five shillings on the 26th March 1917.
The War Diary records: 13 Oct-14 – 2.00am. Arrived at CASTRE and went into billets.
9.20am. Orders to move to METEREN.
9.38am. “A” and “C” Companies formed advance guard under Major POOLE with Divisional Cyclist Company and Cavalry in front.
10.00am. On reaching FLETRE enemy were reported to be holding high ground along ridge in front of METEREN. “A” and “B” Companies were deployed, “A” on left South, “B” on right North of road, to advance and if possible, to cross roads. “D” Company under Major CHRISTIE was sent up behind “C” Company in support – Enemy retired onto and just outside METEREN occupying trenches and houses.
11.00am. Regiment ordered to push on and endeavoured to drive them out.
1.00pm. Gained outskirts of village but were held up and great need of supports. “C” and “D” Companies again advanced and took several trenches but suffered heavily.
1.30pm. General Officer Commanding ordered Regiment to halt and he would attack with Xth Brigade to North of village and 12th Brigade was to attack on South of road.
2.00pm. 12th Brigade commenced their attack.
3.00pm. SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS attack on our left and through “A” Company which withdrew at dusk to PLANEBOON – “C” and “D” Companies under Captain FREEMAN and Major CHRISTIE were unable to withdraw till much later owing to heavy fire but about 8.00pm the KING’S OWN came up and passed through them.
10.00pm. “C” and “D” Companies join Battalion at PLANEBOON, the Regiment becoming RESERVE to Brigade. METEREN was taken during the night. Our casualties 42 killed, 85 wounded. Major CHRISTIE killed, Lieutenant GILLIAT (died of wounds 14/10/14) Lieutenant MONTGOMERY (badly wounded). Lieutenant’s BRINDLEY, YOUNG, THORNHILL (slightly). Very wet all day. A perfect advance by Companies concerned. Dash and spirit shown by all concerned.
On Friday November 5th 1914 The Melton Mowbray Mercury and Oakham and Uppingham News published the following article under the heading. “HUGGLESCOTE SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION.” Mrs Hoden, of Page’s Hill, Hugglescote, has received official information that her husband Pte. Wm. Ogden Hoden, of the 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was killed in action on the 13th October. He left Hugglescote and his wife and five children on the 5th August, as a reservist, to join his regiment at Warwick. The youngest child is three years. Deceased was 33 years old last February, and worked as a collier at Ellistown Colliery. An expression of regret and sympathy sent by Lord Kitchener has been received by the widow. The gallant fellow would have finished his period of service in the Army Reserve on the day after he was killed, assuming there had been no war. He enlisted for three years with the regiment and nine years in the reserve, and would have terminated with the Army on the 14th October. As stated, he was killed on the 13th of that month. He was born at Leire, lived with his parents at Ashby Magna for many years, and had been married ten years. Most of his army service was at The Curragh Camp.
On Saturday November 7th 1914 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the same article.
On Friday November 6th. The Leicester Evening Mail published the following article under the heading. LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR. – HUGGLESCOTE MAN KILLED. – William Hoden, a collier, of Page’s Hill, Hugglescote, has been killed in the fighting in France. He belonged to the Warwickshire Regiment, and leaves a widow and five children.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 14th, 1920

BATTRAM

WAR MEMORIAL

In the presence of a large number of members of the Fitzwilliam Hall Sick and Dividend Club held at the Neville Arms, Battram, Mr E. Webster, under-manager of the Nailstone Colliery, unveiled an oil painting to the memory of the following members of the Lodge, who died whilst serving their country during the war:

Privates W. O. Hoden, A. Price, A. Quilter, John W. Partner, H. Partner and S. W. Richards. These names were beautifully written on the memorial, which is framed in oak, and hung in the Lodge Room. A bugler of Ibstock Prize Band sounded the Last Post and the Band gave a selection of suitable pieces.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 22/5/2019