Born Melbourne Victoria, CoE. Enlisted 21 December 1915 age 23, clerk. Nok father, Ernest Hobson, Stuart St, Cottesloe Beach. Embarked at Fremantle 18 January 1916 per A 7 Medic. Wounded in action in France 19 July 1916 at the Battle of Fromelles. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations. He worked incessantly under the Medical Officer for over 27 hours and though slightly wounded himself continued to carry wounded men into safety. He was under heavy fire the whole time, and not until he had finished his work did he allow his own wound to be dressed.’ Supplement to the London Gazette 22 September 1916. For the remainder of the war he was attached to the Australian Pay Corp based in London. RTA per Anchises 28 February 1919. Service medals: DCM, BWM and VM.
