Eventually, William was given his own gravestone in the cemetery. Here it is, photographed by family members who visited it.
Many thanks to family member Mary Marrow for the letters, the photographs of the grave and for extra information. (When she visited Willie's grave at Marcoing, Mary picked up a conker that was lying on the ground and took it home and planted it. She now has a lovely horse chestnut tree growing in her garden). Thanks also to Robert Hodgkinson for the photograph of Willie and the bronze commemorative medallion.
The Hodgkinson Family Grave in Northop Churchyard. Willie is commemorated here too.
Private 60956 William Thomas Hodgkinson 1895 -1917
The most poignant of all. Willie's ID disc returned to his family with the appropriate form from the War Office. The final proof and the closest thing to Willie when he died.
A family visit to Willie's grave in 1961. You can just see in the gatehouse Willie's sister Gwennie in her wheelchair with his niece standing behind her.
Anther of Willie's nieces at his grave. This is Mary who has provided us with much of the material for the Hodkinson pages on the website
Mary has just (Sept 08) discovered yet another letter from Willie. This one was written in pencil which had become very faint so it wouldn't scan. Mary and her husband have transcribed it as follows:
7th September 1917
Just a line to let you know I have received the parcel you sent, this afternoon which was in perfect condition with the exception of 2 hens eggs which had been a little crushed and had not kept but they had not spoilt any of the cakes but the goose eggs which have thicker shells were all right. The bread and butter had kept excellent this time, it was funny it went bad before. I enjoyed the apple pie for my tea it made me think of the food we used to get when going to school.
I believe we are moving from where we are now to another camp for further training. Our officer gave between our platoon a nice set of socks yesterday which were sent from his home to give between us, such nice ones.
I received also the papers this afternoon. Well Ada we are just going to have a good concert again given by some RAMC men. The one on Wednesday was good too. Love to all, your loving Willie.
Mary added this thought
"I still can't imagine sending eggs by post even with all the bubble wrap we have."
7th September 1917
Just a line to let you know I have received the parcel you sent, this afternoon which was in perfect condition with the exception of 2 hens eggs which had been a little crushed and had not kept but they had not spoilt any of the cakes but the goose eggs which have thicker shells were all right. The bread and butter had kept excellent this time, it was funny it went bad before. I enjoyed the apple pie for my tea it made me think of the food we used to get when going to school.
I believe we are moving from where we are now to another camp for further training. Our officer gave between our platoon a nice set of socks yesterday which were sent from his home to give between us, such nice ones.
I received also the papers this afternoon. Well Ada we are just going to have a good concert again given by some RAMC men. The one on Wednesday was good too. Love to all, your loving Willie.
Mary added this thought
"I still can't imagine sending eggs by post even with all the bubble wrap we have."