J. Hudson

Biography

Like so many others, information regarding John Hudson has been difficult to acquire. While extensive research has yielded results in many other cases, with John Hudson this has not been possible. Initially it was not clear what was his first name, as he was only identified as J. Hudson. Some said his name was John and he lived in Oxenholme. Well, no — that John Hudson was killed in the Second World War. It is imagined that for a small community to have someone with the same name killed in both World Wars could be deemed unique. Sadly there is much confusion surrounding the John Hudson story.

So as John Hudson was originally only identified by his initial, and as there were large numbers of J. Hudsons killed in the First World War — many with just the initial J. — it has not been possible to specifically identify him. As some sparse records were unearthed at the Children’s Society it was, however, now possible to identify him as John. There were 57 servicemen called John Hudson killed in the War and thus specific identification of how he served is not possible. Even knowing his age and that he served as a private in the army only reduces the choice but does not provide specific identification.

Some details of his early life, though, are known. He was born on the 16th May 1883 and baptised at St. John the Divine, Kennington, London. It is believed the family lived at 142 Farriers Road. John’s father, James, was a billiard master for Mr. Powell, publican of the Clarendon Arms, where James earned thirty shillings (£1.50) a week. James died of pleurisy at the age of 32, almost certainly before John was born. John’s mother Mary Anne had been a charwoman to Mrs. Bailey, a local confectioner in Loughborough Road, where she earned six shillings (30 pence) a week.

John had two brothers Ernest and William. At some stage the family had moved to 38 Lyndal Street. Mary Anne received parish relief of two loaves, one pound of meat and one pound of rice each week for her children for three years. This did not prevent the family breakup. When the family had nowhere to live they moved to Lambeth Infirmary, then a workhouse, as Mary Anne, then 31, was unable to work or maintain herself. One of John’s siblings went to live with a relative in Manchester and another with a relative in Peckham.

John had had scarlet fever, whooping cough, measles and small pox but his general health was good and he was accepted into the Home at Natland. Again there is some uncertainty as to when this was as the records indicate this being at a very early age but there is also evidence to support the fact that he attended St. John the Divine School and Sunday School for four years before the move to Natland. He may also have spent some time with a grandmother. It is believed one of his brothers may also have spent a short time at Natland. A letter from Reverend Kewley refers to how John corresponded with his brother who had now left the Home.

Service Record

It is not yet known how John faired after this or of his part in the War. Specific identification of his military service has not been possible due to there being 57 servicemen called John Hudson who were killed.