In Memory Of

HOBSON, CECIL WILLIAM

Service Details
Age:
 20
Date of Birth:
 1924-03-03
Service No:
 590465V
Rank:
 Private
Regiment:
 Imperial Light Horse/Kimberley Regiment, S.A.Forces
Date of Death:
 1945-01-29
Cause of Death:
 Died of wounds, received at Saligastro, Italy. At 2230 on the 10 January 1945, while with 3 Pl, D Coy, he was standing sentry duty when they were attacked by an enemy patrol. He was wounded, gunshot wounds in the head and back in the ensuing skirmish and subsequently died of wounds on the 29th January
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 III, C, 5.
Cemetery:
 CASTIGLIONE SOUTH AFRICAN CEMETERY
Country:
 Italy
Additional Information
Decorations:
 M M
Citations:
 LG 31 May 1945 - "On the night 10/11 January 1945 at Caligastro Map Ref 771268, 590465V Pte Hobson was one of a force of 8 men holding this isolated forward position when it was attacked by 16 enemy. The first enemy force of 9 men attacked from the East end was met by the whole holding force less Pte Hobson who was left to guard the South East approach. Seven enemy attacked from the South East, Pte Hobson charged into them firing his sub-machine gun and caused the 7 enemy to withdraw, but was seriously wounded. Withdrawing to a better position he met the second attack in like manner and dispersed the attackers. He was again wounded but continued engaging the enemy until his ammunition was expended. His men later found him unconscious and frozen. Pte Hobson's magnificent courage, determination and devotion to duty very largely contributed to the successful repulse of the enemy attack and the holding of the locality."
Son of Cecil W. and Deborah D. Hobson, of Machavie Gold Mine, Machavie, Potchefstroom District, Transvaal.