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R I Hodges
Robert Hodges was born on 14 February 1895, the youngest son of parents, Isaac George Hodges and Helen nee Miller, of Myers Street, Geelong.
He was working as a wool classer when he enlisted (No 24403) on 27 March 1916 in the AIF, embarked on
HMAT A37 Barambah on 27 June 1916 for France as a driver with No 1 Section, 3rd Division Ammunition Column (DAC).
He was evacuated to Norfolk War Hospital on 15 March 1917, suffering pneumonia and pleurisy and the
Geelong Advertiser reported his illness:
‘Private Bob Hodges, who has been suffering from pleurisy, has recovered and passed again for active service.’ He was however, eventually diagnosed as a tuberculosis case, and returned to Australia, embarking on 28 August 1919. He died in Geelong on 15 December 1919 six weeks after his return.
His brothers,
Henry Gordon Hodges (1886-1939), and
Leslie George Hodges (1892-1960), were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Geelong Advertiser 21 July 1917 p5; Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. pp54-55 (citing Pegasus; National Archives; Photo Pegasus, 1911).