Sgt. Frederick Hobson, V.C. Plaque

SGT. FREDERICK HOBSON, V.C.
1873 – 1917

An Englishman, Frederick Hobson immigrated to Canada in
1904 after serving in the South African War. Eight years
later, he moved to Galt (now Cambridge) with his family.
When war broke out in 1914, he joined the Norfolk Rifles
then enlisted with the 20th Battalion of the Canadian
Expeditionary Force. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria
Cross for his heroic action at Hill 70 near Lens, France on
August 18, 1917. During an intense German counter attack,
Hobson rushed from his trench, reactivated a buried Lewis
gun, and engaged the advancing enemy single-handed. When
the gun jammed, the wounded Hobson fought with bayonet
and rifle until he was shot. In the time gained reinforcements
approached to drive the enemy back.

Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation