Born Perth WA, CoE. Enlisted 21 January 1915 age 18, architectural student. Nok father, Colonel J. J. Hobbs 1st Division. James did two years officer training at Bedford Grammar School, Bedford, UK. No details of embarkation. Served at Gallipoli and in France 1915-1917. In 1916 he was ADC to Brigadier General Hobbs. John Hobbs resigned his commission in the AIF in January 1918 and accepted an appointment as Captain with the 5th Royal Ghurkha Regiment. In 1921 he was serving in India. Awarded Military Cross, recorded in the London Gazette ‘Honours Gazette’ No. 30450 1st January 1918. A letter in his AIF file addressed him as Captain John M. Hobbs M.C. and Bar. The second Military Cross has not been traced. He eventually returned to Australia as Brigadier Hobbs and resided at Keane St. Peppermint Grove.
