Gunner Bernard Hogan 930422 Royal Artillery, Malta 1940-43
Picture taken at the J.Cassar studio in Hamrun, Malta
Picture taken at the J.Cassar studio in Hamrun, Malta
_ Look around the hillsides,Through the mist and rain
See the scattered crosses, Some that bear no name
Heartbreak and toil and suffering gone
The lads beneath, they slumber on
They are the D-Day Dodgers,Who'll stay in Italy
From the song ` The D-Day Dodgers`
See the scattered crosses, Some that bear no name
Heartbreak and toil and suffering gone
The lads beneath, they slumber on
They are the D-Day Dodgers,Who'll stay in Italy
From the song ` The D-Day Dodgers`
_
This site was first created to remember my Grandfather Bernard Hogan, and his service during the second world war. Over time I have discovered details concerning two of my Great Grandfathers who served during the first world war. Their stories have also been added, and it is with them that I shall begin.
On the 2nd of November 1908, John Hogan (Born Dublin) married Mary Flaherty at St Josephs Church in the Scotland road area of Liverpool. They set up home at 14 St George Terrace,Comus street. Times where hard but they found work, John as a Pressman and Mary as a bag mender at the nearby docks. In 1910 their first son John was born, followed 2 years later on 1st August 1912 by my Grandfather Bernard. A third son Thomas came along in 1915.
John joined the Militia with Lancashire Fusiliers and on 2 September 1914 he joined up full time for war service. He became part of the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers as private 4436, and was posted for war training at Barrow. On 28 January 1915 While at Barrow John received a crush injury to his right foot, which after hospitalisation warranted his discharge under Kings Regulations as being "no longer physically fit for war service". In consequence he was discharged on the 20th October 1915, having served 1year and 49 days with the Colours. That of course should have been the end of John's war service, but while drinking with a friend in a public house he made the decision, no matter how rashly, to try his luck again. His friend decided to enlist also, but was turned away as unfit.
This site was first created to remember my Grandfather Bernard Hogan, and his service during the second world war. Over time I have discovered details concerning two of my Great Grandfathers who served during the first world war. Their stories have also been added, and it is with them that I shall begin.
On the 2nd of November 1908, John Hogan (Born Dublin) married Mary Flaherty at St Josephs Church in the Scotland road area of Liverpool. They set up home at 14 St George Terrace,Comus street. Times where hard but they found work, John as a Pressman and Mary as a bag mender at the nearby docks. In 1910 their first son John was born, followed 2 years later on 1st August 1912 by my Grandfather Bernard. A third son Thomas came along in 1915.
John joined the Militia with Lancashire Fusiliers and on 2 September 1914 he joined up full time for war service. He became part of the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers as private 4436, and was posted for war training at Barrow. On 28 January 1915 While at Barrow John received a crush injury to his right foot, which after hospitalisation warranted his discharge under Kings Regulations as being "no longer physically fit for war service". In consequence he was discharged on the 20th October 1915, having served 1year and 49 days with the Colours. That of course should have been the end of John's war service, but while drinking with a friend in a public house he made the decision, no matter how rashly, to try his luck again. His friend decided to enlist also, but was turned away as unfit.
__Army Medical Report Showing that John's Foot Was Wounded By Barbed Wire. It List Him In Hospital In Barrow And Liverpool Where He Is Operated On
John was noted as 5 feet 8 inches tall with a chest measurement of 36 inches. He had the bust of a woman tattooed on the inside of his right wrist. His wife Mary also had this tattooed on her arm so they must have had them done together. A nice sign of their affection for each other.
By May 1916 conscription was in full swing, but by voluntary enlisting into a unit of your own choice, and by omitting to tell them you had served in the Militia/Special Reserve infantry prior to 1914, then you would lengthen your odds to survive, as by this time it would be well known that being in the infantry had a low rate of survival. John re-enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner in June 1916. His was a voluntary enlisted as opposed to conscription, plus he left out the fact that he had previous service in both the 5th(Militia)Bn,L.F. and the 4th(E.R.)Bn, L.F., as well as seriously injuring his foot to the point of discharge a year earlier.
Now under Kings Regulations his enlistment into the RGA was actually "fraudulent", as he seems to have failed to declare all of this to the recruiter, and had he survived it's possible that he would have had to forfeit his medals because of this, although he would have eventually got them back in the 1920's pardon by H.M. the King. John was posted to the R.G.A on 31 July 1916 and on 7 November 1916 he became part of the 285th Siege Battery, who he served with until 27 February 1917 when he joined up with the 299th Siege Battery. He arrived in France with the 299th on 5 April 1917.
John and Mary Hogan. 1915 Liverpool
The above photograph shows John and Mary Hogan with their three boys. John is the child standing at the back, Thomas is the baby and my grandfather Bernard is at the front holding his fathers hand. It looks like it could be for the christening of baby Thomas. As John did not join the RGA until 1916, I would assume he is wearing the uniform of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
The above photograph shows John and Mary Hogan with their three boys. John is the child standing at the back, Thomas is the baby and my grandfather Bernard is at the front holding his fathers hand. It looks like it could be for the christening of baby Thomas. As John did not join the RGA until 1916, I would assume he is wearing the uniform of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
John's Signature On His Enlistment Papers
_In March 1917 Mary gave birth to a daughter Winifred. John was fighting in Europe having joined the 299th Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. A photograph of the baby was taken and sent in a letter to John, but sadly John died before it arrived. On 24th June 1917, Gunner John Hogan 112913 was killed in action at Ypres. He never got to see his Daughter. John is buried at Ferme-Olivier Cemetery in Belgium. His daughter Winifred visited the grave of the father she never knew when she was in her 80`s. Ford cemetery in Liverpool has a grave for Mary`s family, The Flaherty`s. On the bottom of the headstone is the inscription. "also Gunner John Hogan, R.G.A. Brother-in-Law of the above. Who was killed in action in France, June 24, 1917 aged 32 years" ( so I guess Mary never knew he was buried in Belgium ) It is very moving that they wanted his name put on the headstone._
Grave of John Hogan at Ferme-Olivier Cemetery-Belgium
The war diary of the 299th siege regiment, has survived for June 1917. It gives a good insight into what John was involved in. On 5th June his battery supported a raid by the Royal Inniskillings at 10.30 pm. They where involved in the battle of Messines Ridge and supported the 2nd Army who succesfully took the ridge on 7th June. The battery moved to Poperinghe on 9th June, and suffered heavy shelling by day and night on 15 June. On 20th June the battery recieved instructions to report to X1V Corps, and proceeded to a new postion alongside a Canal Bank, where they came under the command of 85 HAG. The next few days was spent preparing their new position until they came under shelling on the morning of the 24th. Sadly as you can see below. John Hogan was killed in the morning attack, and buried the following day.
War Diary noting John`s death by shelling and his burial
__John's War Medals And Plaque That His Wife Mary Had Framed And Hung On The Living Room Wall. John's Grandson also Named John Hogan Would Play With The Medals As A Child. When Mary Passed Away She Left Them To John Who Has Them On Show In His Home.
_ A Reciept For John's Medals Signed By His Wife Mary
_
Mary was a widow at the age of 33 with four children to bring up. she managed to keep them clothed and fed. It is said that Mary never accepted John`s death and did not forgive him for joining up. She never remarried. Mary never owned a TV set, but would listen to the radio and keep herself up to date on all the latest news and even read the stockmarkets. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 94.
Bernard (along with his brothers and sister) was a pupil at Bishop Goss school, Rose Place. He left aged 14 and found work as a dock labourer, before becoming a Flagger at Spencer street depot for the Liverpool county council, He played football and billiards in his spare time, and was known as Barney. Sometime in the 1930`s Bernard met my grandmother, Ellen Owens.
Ellen known to all as Nellie was born in Bootle on 11th January 1912. Her parents, John Owens and Sarah Ann Cain had married at St Anthony`s Church on 26th August 1905. Ellens brother Austin was born in 1908, and three other children where born but sadly died before 1911. John Owens had served in the Army in India. He returned home and found work as Coal Heaver with the Cunard Line, and moved the family into 145 Burlington street. John remained on the army reserve list and was called up during WW1. Sadly he was killed in action while serving for the 1st battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment in Ypres. Private John Owens 7021 Died aged 37 on 13th May 1915. He is remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial. John`s regiment was present at the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Mary was a widow at the age of 33 with four children to bring up. she managed to keep them clothed and fed. It is said that Mary never accepted John`s death and did not forgive him for joining up. She never remarried. Mary never owned a TV set, but would listen to the radio and keep herself up to date on all the latest news and even read the stockmarkets. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 94.
Bernard (along with his brothers and sister) was a pupil at Bishop Goss school, Rose Place. He left aged 14 and found work as a dock labourer, before becoming a Flagger at Spencer street depot for the Liverpool county council, He played football and billiards in his spare time, and was known as Barney. Sometime in the 1930`s Bernard met my grandmother, Ellen Owens.
Ellen known to all as Nellie was born in Bootle on 11th January 1912. Her parents, John Owens and Sarah Ann Cain had married at St Anthony`s Church on 26th August 1905. Ellens brother Austin was born in 1908, and three other children where born but sadly died before 1911. John Owens had served in the Army in India. He returned home and found work as Coal Heaver with the Cunard Line, and moved the family into 145 Burlington street. John remained on the army reserve list and was called up during WW1. Sadly he was killed in action while serving for the 1st battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment in Ypres. Private John Owens 7021 Died aged 37 on 13th May 1915. He is remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial. John`s regiment was present at the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Private John Owens ( age given by mistake as 38 ) the newspaper article list John as serving in India and the Boer war, yet as you will see he served his time in India. Unless another record turns up then serving during the Boer war must have been an assumption by his wife Sarah or his employers Cunard.A newspaper photograph of John Owens and his inscription on the Menin Gate. _
_
_
`One of the most tragic features of the Great War was the number of casualties reported "missing ,believed killed"....and it was resolved that here at Ypres, where so many of the missing are known to have fallen, there should be erected a memorial worthy of them which should give expression to the nation`s gratitude for their sacrifice and their sympathy with those who mourned them.......and now it can be said of each one in whose honour we are assembled....he is not missing,he is here.`
FM Viscount Plumer of Messines........at the unveiling of the Menin Gate 1927
The Menin Gate Memorial
Mousetrap Farm
John Owens died during the battle of Frezenberg. His unit was moved to the front line trenches north of Wieltje on May 9th, where they held their position under heavy shellfire and infantry attack. They went over the top and took part in the fighting at Mousetrap farm between 13th -14th May. John was killed in action on the 13th May. His unit was relieved on the 15th, total casualties since 9th May=387 killed, wounded and missing.
John Owens died during the battle of Frezenberg. His unit was moved to the front line trenches north of Wieltje on May 9th, where they held their position under heavy shellfire and infantry attack. They went over the top and took part in the fighting at Mousetrap farm between 13th -14th May. John was killed in action on the 13th May. His unit was relieved on the 15th, total casualties since 9th May=387 killed, wounded and missing.
__John Owens entry on the ww1 memorial at Our Ladys Of The Reconciliation Church , Eldon Street. Below the church itself.
No WW1 service records for John have survived, but due to the very kind help of a man named Ken I have recieved his army service records prior to the great war. John enlisted with the East Lancashire regiment in London on 24 June 1896, giving his age as 18 years and 7 months and his occupation as a Steward. He is 5 feet 4 1/4 inches tall, weighs 131 pounds and has a chest measurement of 33 inches. His complexion is fair, eyes Grey and hair Light Brown. John's distinctive marks are listed, his eyebrows meet, he has tattoed initials E.K on his forearm, a ring on his little finger of his left hand and scars to both legs. His next of kin is given as his father James of 43 Brasenose road, Bootle, Liverpool.
John's Signature On His Emlistment Papers
_John is posted as private 5101 with the East Lancs 2nd Battalion. On 11 September 1897 he is posted to the depot in Preston, remaining there until 18 December 1897 when he returns to the 2nd Battalion. Two days later on 20 December he sets sail for India. arriving in Rhaniket he also spends time in Chakratta and Jullunder, Punjab ( Modern day spelling is Jalanhar )
On 4 July 1901 he is granted an extra 1d a day pay, then on 19 February 1903 he is confined to prison and faces a District Court Martial on 6 March charged with " Wilfully injuring his arms " John is sentenced to 122 days with hard labour, the sentence is later reduced to 56 days. John also loses his extra 1d a day pay. He is released from prison back to his regiment on 30 April 1903. On 7 January 1904 he sails from Poona and arrives in England on 30 January.
On 3 February 1904 at Gosport, John is transfered to the 1st class Army reserve after spending 7 years and 225 days as a full time soldier. His description on transfer gives his age as 26 years and 1 month, and he has grown to 5 feet 7 inches in height. John's chest measurement now reaches 38 inches and his waist 36 inches, with a hat size of 22 1/2 inches and boot size 8.
The charge of Wilfully injuring his arms meant that John was carving his rifle stock, either creating a picture or writing names. probably through the boredom of sitting around in India with not much to do. _
On 4 July 1901 he is granted an extra 1d a day pay, then on 19 February 1903 he is confined to prison and faces a District Court Martial on 6 March charged with " Wilfully injuring his arms " John is sentenced to 122 days with hard labour, the sentence is later reduced to 56 days. John also loses his extra 1d a day pay. He is released from prison back to his regiment on 30 April 1903. On 7 January 1904 he sails from Poona and arrives in England on 30 January.
On 3 February 1904 at Gosport, John is transfered to the 1st class Army reserve after spending 7 years and 225 days as a full time soldier. His description on transfer gives his age as 26 years and 1 month, and he has grown to 5 feet 7 inches in height. John's chest measurement now reaches 38 inches and his waist 36 inches, with a hat size of 22 1/2 inches and boot size 8.
The charge of Wilfully injuring his arms meant that John was carving his rifle stock, either creating a picture or writing names. probably through the boredom of sitting around in India with not much to do. _
Example Of Gun Stock Carving
Details Of John's Imprisonment For Wilfully Injuring His Arms
John's Transfer To The Army Reserve
_
One interesting thing is that John's WW1 service number with the East Lancs 7021 would have been issued to a regular around 1900, So John must have been given this number after transfering from full time soldier to ist class reserve in 1904. John rejoined the East Lancashire regiment at the start of WW1. His regiment was took part in the famous Christmas truce of 1914 while they where positioned in trenches near Ploegsteert Wood, just 400 yards away from where the game of football with the German soldiers took place.
One of the men that died alonside John on 13 May was Private Tom Brandon. You can read about him on the Baxenden Lads website at http://www.microloft.co.uk/bax_lads/brandon.htm
One interesting thing is that John's WW1 service number with the East Lancs 7021 would have been issued to a regular around 1900, So John must have been given this number after transfering from full time soldier to ist class reserve in 1904. John rejoined the East Lancashire regiment at the start of WW1. His regiment was took part in the famous Christmas truce of 1914 while they where positioned in trenches near Ploegsteert Wood, just 400 yards away from where the game of football with the German soldiers took place.
One of the men that died alonside John on 13 May was Private Tom Brandon. You can read about him on the Baxenden Lads website at http://www.microloft.co.uk/bax_lads/brandon.htm
_
The actor Matthew Kelly made a TV programme called " My Family At War " Where he travelled through France and Belgium tracing the footsteps of his Great uncle Albert Nugent who fought and was wounded on the battlefields while serving with the 1st Battallion of the East Lancashire Regiment. Matthew later visits Germany where Albert was sent after being taken prisoner and sadly where his life was to end in 1917.
Watching Matthew's programme I realised that his Great uncle Albert Nugent and my Great Grandfather John Owens where fighting alongside one another in the same regiment. I became very interested when Matthew visited Mousetrap Farm as this is where John Owens gave his life. I made sure my family members watched the repeat of the programme, they and I where very moved to see where John had fought and died.
Through his agent myself and Matthew made contact with each other 94 years after our ancestors had served together in that horrific war. I thanked Matthew for making the programme and told him how special and moving it was for my family to see some of the places that John had fought at, and of course Mousetrap Farm where he died. Matthew has since viewed this website and has sent me the following letter.
" I've looked at your family website and think its great-there must be hours of work and dedication that has gone into that achievement. I would be honoured if you would like to make a note that your Great Grandfather, John Owens, and my Great Uncle, Albert Nugent, served together in the same regiment. We can only wonder at what experiences they shared- good and bad.
It was amazing going over to France to trace Uncle Albert's path through the war, and far more emotional than I expected. Mousetrap Farm has an atmosphere all of its own- I'm glad that it meant something to your family and that you could see where John served and died. We owe them all such a lot and should always appreciate and learn from their sacrifices.
Anthony, your family has given so much over the years- It was fascinating and a privalege to read about them-I know that you are justly proud of them all.
Thanks so much for contacting me, with all best wishes-Matthew Kelly "
You can read about Matthew's programme here http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/11/04/041108_remembrance_kelly_feature.shtml
The actor Matthew Kelly made a TV programme called " My Family At War " Where he travelled through France and Belgium tracing the footsteps of his Great uncle Albert Nugent who fought and was wounded on the battlefields while serving with the 1st Battallion of the East Lancashire Regiment. Matthew later visits Germany where Albert was sent after being taken prisoner and sadly where his life was to end in 1917.
Watching Matthew's programme I realised that his Great uncle Albert Nugent and my Great Grandfather John Owens where fighting alongside one another in the same regiment. I became very interested when Matthew visited Mousetrap Farm as this is where John Owens gave his life. I made sure my family members watched the repeat of the programme, they and I where very moved to see where John had fought and died.
Through his agent myself and Matthew made contact with each other 94 years after our ancestors had served together in that horrific war. I thanked Matthew for making the programme and told him how special and moving it was for my family to see some of the places that John had fought at, and of course Mousetrap Farm where he died. Matthew has since viewed this website and has sent me the following letter.
" I've looked at your family website and think its great-there must be hours of work and dedication that has gone into that achievement. I would be honoured if you would like to make a note that your Great Grandfather, John Owens, and my Great Uncle, Albert Nugent, served together in the same regiment. We can only wonder at what experiences they shared- good and bad.
It was amazing going over to France to trace Uncle Albert's path through the war, and far more emotional than I expected. Mousetrap Farm has an atmosphere all of its own- I'm glad that it meant something to your family and that you could see where John served and died. We owe them all such a lot and should always appreciate and learn from their sacrifices.
Anthony, your family has given so much over the years- It was fascinating and a privalege to read about them-I know that you are justly proud of them all.
Thanks so much for contacting me, with all best wishes-Matthew Kelly "
You can read about Matthew's programme here http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/11/04/041108_remembrance_kelly_feature.shtml
Matthew Kelly pictured at the grave of his Great Uncle Albert Nugent in Niederzwehren Cemetery, Germany
Sarah Owens later remarried Richard Sudworth on 12 October 1916 at Our Lady of Reconciliation Church, Eldon Street. They moved to 24b Kew street off Scotland Road, Liverpool. My Grandma Ellen courted my Grandad Bernard Hogan while living at this address and on 28 March 1937 they where married at nearby St Anthony's church. _
_
Sarah Owens later remarried Richard Sudworth on 12 October 1916 at Our Lady of Reconciliation Church, Eldon Street. They moved to 24b Kew street off Scotland Road, Liverpool. My Grandma Ellen courted my Grandad Bernard Hogan while living at this address and on 28 March 1937 they where married at nearby St Anthony's church. _
_
Bernard and Ellen on their wedding day 1937
_They moved into 98 St Martins cottages ( the first council houses in Europe) off Silvester street, and settled into their new life together. March 1938 saw them blessed with the birth of their son Bernard (my father). In 1939 War broke out, and Bernard was called up to duty. He signed up with the 11th field regiment, Royal Artillery on 6th December 1939 at Liverpool. On his service records it gives his details as 5 foot 5 inch, Brown hair and Hazel eyes. Size 8 boots and size 7 hat. He had bad teeth, a mole 2 inches below his nipple and a swelling the size of a Hazelnut above his right testicle.
After passing his medical he trained as a Gunner. On 12th April 1940 he is posted to the 12th Field Regiment at Salisbury Plains, Wiltshire ( close to Stonehenge ) On 16th May 1940 he is admitted injured to the number 2 recovery station at Larkill, Salisbury Plains. Nothing was serious and he was soon back with his regiment.
In June 1940 his regiment took charge of administered reception camps for Royal Artillery units that were returning from France. Other duties for the regiment at that time included being responsible for the local defence of Wiltshire, and running test deployments in case of enemy attack.
The regiment was given orders to mobilise for overseas duty by 9th October 1940. Then it made its way to Liverpool for passage. I wonder how Grandad felt sailing from his home city, did it bring him happiness or sadness? Where he would have sailed from was less than 1 mile from his home and most of his family were living in this area. Did he get the chance to return home for one last goodbye, did loved one's come to wave him off, his mother Mary, Sister Winnie, Brothers John and Tommy, his wife Ellen and his little boy Bernard. I can only hope so._
After passing his medical he trained as a Gunner. On 12th April 1940 he is posted to the 12th Field Regiment at Salisbury Plains, Wiltshire ( close to Stonehenge ) On 16th May 1940 he is admitted injured to the number 2 recovery station at Larkill, Salisbury Plains. Nothing was serious and he was soon back with his regiment.
In June 1940 his regiment took charge of administered reception camps for Royal Artillery units that were returning from France. Other duties for the regiment at that time included being responsible for the local defence of Wiltshire, and running test deployments in case of enemy attack.
The regiment was given orders to mobilise for overseas duty by 9th October 1940. Then it made its way to Liverpool for passage. I wonder how Grandad felt sailing from his home city, did it bring him happiness or sadness? Where he would have sailed from was less than 1 mile from his home and most of his family were living in this area. Did he get the chance to return home for one last goodbye, did loved one's come to wave him off, his mother Mary, Sister Winnie, Brothers John and Tommy, his wife Ellen and his little boy Bernard. I can only hope so._
Bernard and Ellen Hogan with their son Bernard
_On 29th October 1940 Bernard and his regiment boarded the HMT PASTEUR for Gibraltar. For most on board it was their first look at Liverpool, for my Grandad it was his last look at home as the ship sailed out of the River Mersey. On 6th November 1940 they arrived in Gibraltar where they changed ships and boarded the HMS BERWICK for passage to Malta. They sailed on the 7th November 1940 with Force F, joined up with force H, then continued to Malta. on 9th October 1940 they came under attack in the mediterranean and put up a successful defence. They also came under enemy submarine threat, yet no attack emerged. The next day ( 10th November 1940 ) they arrived in Malta, and went into billets at Luqa.
On 28th October Bernard's battery ( 6/23 ) was deployed to Marsa, where they began the work of digging the gun positions and erecting camouflage. They also supported Infantry formations in Malta as well as being in charge of Smoke screens for the defence of the Grand Harbour at Valletta.
On 23rd January 1941 Bernard was attached to the 222nd AA battery, 10 HAA. He moved under their command on 27th January along with 4 officers and 80 ordinary ranked soldiers.The records now become sketchy. he moved back to his 6/23 battery at some point. He would have manned guns at Fleur De Lys in early 1941._
On 28th October Bernard's battery ( 6/23 ) was deployed to Marsa, where they began the work of digging the gun positions and erecting camouflage. They also supported Infantry formations in Malta as well as being in charge of Smoke screens for the defence of the Grand Harbour at Valletta.
On 23rd January 1941 Bernard was attached to the 222nd AA battery, 10 HAA. He moved under their command on 27th January along with 4 officers and 80 ordinary ranked soldiers.The records now become sketchy. he moved back to his 6/23 battery at some point. He would have manned guns at Fleur De Lys in early 1941._
__The two ships that Bernard sailed on. HMT PASTEUR above, pictured full of troops. Below HMS BERWICK
On 1st April 1941 intelligence reported that a German invasion of Malta was about to happen, the troops however became very suspect of this report due to the date, and were proved correct when nothing happened. RHQ had been bombed and moved from Luqa to Hamrun, it was in Hamrun that Bernard had his photograph taken at the J.Cassar studios ( The first photo on this page ) RHQ moved again to Pawla in 1941. Bernard was involved in defending the Grand Harbour during constant night raids by enemy bombers between 21st April and 7th May 1941.On 27th November 1941 the 6 and 23 battery's were unlinked from each other. As 1941 came to a close the enemy bombing increased day and night, with the main targets being the airfields and harbours.
In 1942 the enemy raids increased. The regiment manned gun positions and helped rebuild airfields. On 12th February 1942 Pawla was hit by a major bombing attack resulting in the death of over 30 civilians and the damage of almost 300 houses, the regiment went to help with the rescue and clear up operation. Airfield work ceased in March 1942 and they recieved orders to prepare sites for AA Radar sets. On 23rd March 1942 they were sent to Marsaxlokk to protect HMS BRECONSHIRE. Their guns had orders to sink the ship if it caught fire from enemy action. On 27th March the enemy bombed and sank the Breconshire and the 12th were withdrawn.
1942 saw the heaviest raids upon Malta as the enemy tried to bomb and starve her into submission. The Islands strategic position allowed the allies to keep the North African campaign going and was a perfect base for them to send airforce raids into Italy.British submarines used Malta as a base from which to attack enemy shipping heading towards Libya. If Malta had fallen to the enemy there would have been no supply to troops in North Africa. Winston Churchill had stated that Malta was vital to reducing the effectiveness of the enemy's North African push. This proved to be true and Malta became a vital contributor towards the allies final victory. However it came at a price.
These small islands in the mediterranean became subject to one of the largest bombing raids in history. The enemy wanted total annihilation of Malta. For 154 days it became a living hell as day and night the Islands were bombarded. Cities,Towns, Dockland Harbours and airfields all became targets. Shipping trying to supply the Island was sunk and without these supplies it could not survive. Malta was just 2 weeks from starvation at one point. My Grandad was in the thick of all this manning the AA guns, helping civilians, clearing rubble and doing his best to survive this madness.
It was grim and horrific and at times it must have seemed hopeless, Yet they did it. Against all the odds Malta held strong against all that was thrown at her. The civilians carried on, the troops and pilots fought to defend, ship by ship hobbled in. They all stood together and refused to be defeated. The events became know as 'The Siege Of malta' I would advise people to read about Malta during WW2 to understand just how much they suffered and withstood. I am proud that my Grandfather was there to play his past in one of the most remarkable chapters in history.
On 15th April 1942 King George VI awarded the George Cross Medal to malta and her citizens in recognition of their bravery. In his letter to the Islands people the King wrote "To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta, to bear witness to a heroism and a devotion that will long be famous in history." Sir William Dobbie, the governer of Malta replied " By God's help Malta will not weaken but will endure until victory is won." Due to the constant raids no official ceremony was held until 13th September 1942 when in the ruins of the Palace Square in Valletta,the Chief Justice of Malta, Sir George Borg, accepted the medal on behalf of Malta's people. My Grandad was present at this ceremony and on footage from the time I believe I may have spotted him.The film however is not clear enough for me to be certain.The George Cross was medal was taken to every part of the islands possible so the Maltese could see the award.
_The King's message in a sign on the Parliment Buildings in Valletta and the George Cross Medal
Bernard and his regiment recieved orders in June 1942 to prepare and man a smoke screen at the Grand Harbour for the arrival of a small convoy. Half the regiment was deployed in smoke screens around the harbour. It also manned field and AA guns, provided vehicles for duties at Luqa airfield, helped with the unloading of ships, supported the 1st Dorset regiment in patrolling the coast against enemy activities, and assisted civilians with debris removal and building. By July 0f 1942 the enemy attacks began to slacken a little and the RAF began to control the skies more. By August the regiment was back smoke screening at the Grand Harbour. In September and October 1942 they carried out Field artillery traing in support of the infantry. By December small convoys were coming in and the smoke screening only needed minimum manning.
1943 came and the regiment remained responsible for the defence of the coastline in case of invasion, smoke screening, anti parachutist roles and general duties. In April the RHQ moved from Pawla to St Paul's Bay, this was also the regimental training area. The island was now in preperation to recieve troops of the 8th Army as they began their advance into Italy. Bernard and his regiment helped set up two camps that each accomodated 1000 men. On 6th June 1943 the camps were ready and by the 9th the two camps were full and the regiment were employed to maintain them. On 12th June 1943 they handed over smoke screening duties at the Grand Harbour to the Smoke Coy, and by 14th June they had set up Smoke screens in St Paul's Bay. By 24th July the troops of the 8th Army had left Malta and the regiment was no longer needed to maintain them. That same day the whole regiment was brought together for the first time since they had left the UK in 1940 when they moved to number 4 camp at Mekkieha. In August 1943 a 'Strength Through Joy' week was arranged for the weary troops of the regiment, this included activities such as Cricket, Swimming, Athletics, Water Polo and Concerts. Then they began extensive mobile training day and night.
Bernard was admitted to hospital on 13th September 1943, then 5 days later on 18th September the whole regiment boarded the HMS ALCINOUS at the Grand Harbour and sailed out of Malta for a well deserved rest at Boigie in Algiers. Bernard however was still in hospital in Malta where he remained until being discharged on 27th October 1943. In Army terms he was now ' Homeless ' His regiment was resting and training in North Africa and he was still in Malta. The Army decided that he too deserved a rest and on 29th October 1943, 3 years to the day that he had sailed out of Liverpool, they put him on a ship back home and he sailed out of Malta. His ship had just left Malta when it recieved orders to sail to Sicily. I dont know if my grandfather took part in any action in Sicily, but his leave was cancelled and he joined the push into Italy.So he never made it home.
He landed in the Salerno/Naples bay after being placed with the 51st Medium which was with 56th (Black Cat ) Division for the invasion at Salerno attached to Xth Corps with the 5th US Army. Then followed various battles towards Naples, before they were switched over the other side of Italy to join 5th Corps of 8th Army, as a unit of 1st Agra which means an Army Group of Royal Artillery, near the Sangro river for that awful battle. Then it was back to 56th Div for the battle of Minturno in which sadly he died. my Grandfather Bernard Hogan was killed in action on 25th January 1944. He is buried at Minturno War Cemetery. I have a diary for his unit in Italy and it shows him being placed at the following locations. crossing the river Volturno near Capua. capture of Sparanise, breaking the barbara line in the area of Roccamonfina, the first battle of Monte Comino. Castel Bordino for opening of the battle of the Sangro.Taking part in the 2nd Battle of Monte Camino. Also at Roccamonfina and Sessa Aurunca. On 22 Dec 1943 They Supported commando landings at mouth of Garigliano, from positions near Cellole. I am no World War 2 expert, so I know nothing about these places. I have printed them here because they are the places he was at.
__Grave of Bernard Hogan at Minturno War Cemetery,Italy. The photo below shows his grave third from the right,front row.
My father remembered the telegraph boy coming into the street on his bike. He remembered how people would panic whenever they saw him. He remembered the knock on the door and he remembered the screams of his Mother and Grandmother. He understood that instant what had happened. The date was 18th February 1944. My father was one month short of his 6th birthday.
_The Telegram Sent To My Grandmother. In My View Heartless For Its Lack Of Sympathy.
_
_
_
On 2nd January 2008, I received a message on this website from a former officer who was then Capt K A S Pople, but who now wished to be known simply as Ken. He had served in Italy in the same Regiment, 51st Medium Regiment RA, as my grandfather . As Ken was the Survey Officer based at the Regimental Headquarters, he did not know my grandfather personally, but kindly offered to give an insight into what the Regiment was doing in January 1944. After exchanging many questions and messages with Ken, I have been able to add the following information to this site.
My grandfather would have been diverted from Malta to be posted as a gunner to one of the two Batteries of the 51st Medium Regiment, 215 or 240, replacing casualties from the Regiment’s Eighth Army desert campaign in North Africa. 215 Battery was originally a Territorial Battery from Stoke-on-Trent, while 240 Battery was ditto from Shropshire. Each battery of 8 guns was divided into two troops of four guns, each troop being allocated its own gun position in action. For convenience they were listed A and B (240 battery) and C and D (215 Battery). My grandfather served in A Troop, 240 Battery. Each Battery was largely self-contained, but linked by RHQ to form the 51st under Lt.Col. Jack Gifford MC MBE.
In January 1944, the Regiment was positioned to support an attack by 56 Division on two mountains, Sujo and Dimiano lying to the west of Monte Cassino, This was as part of the prolonged and bitter fighting leading to the Second Battle of Cassino. The Regiment’s 215 Battery (8 x 5.5inch guns) was near Lauro, while RHQ (of which Ken was a part) and 240 Battery (8 x 4.5inch guns) was near Rongolese. Both villages are among the small hill-farms and olive groves near Sessa Aurunca. The 5.5 guns fired 100lbs shell up to 9 miles, but the 4.5 guns could fire their 85lbs shells further, up to 12 miles. By coincidence - although of course they did not know at the time - Spike Milligan was serving with his 56 Heavy Regiment RA firing 200lbs shells alongside them near Lauro, his guns thumping away with theirs on the same task.
The attack went in on 17th January. It succeeded in crossing the Gariliagno River and establishing a bridgehead on the enemy side. But the fighting was hard and continued until stalemate ten days or so later. One of the officers of the 51st won a Military Cross in the action, and one of the surveyors a Military Medal. Although the lower slopes of the mountains were occupied, it proved impossible to dislodge the Germans from the tops, so that from their excellent observation posts they could continue to shell and bomb the regiments positions below with great accuracy. Spike Milligan wrote a vivid account of the battle in the closing chapter of his book ‘Mussolini, His Part in My Downfall‘. He was wounded there and suffered the shell-shock which affected him for the rest of his life.
On 2nd January 2008, I received a message on this website from a former officer who was then Capt K A S Pople, but who now wished to be known simply as Ken. He had served in Italy in the same Regiment, 51st Medium Regiment RA, as my grandfather . As Ken was the Survey Officer based at the Regimental Headquarters, he did not know my grandfather personally, but kindly offered to give an insight into what the Regiment was doing in January 1944. After exchanging many questions and messages with Ken, I have been able to add the following information to this site.
My grandfather would have been diverted from Malta to be posted as a gunner to one of the two Batteries of the 51st Medium Regiment, 215 or 240, replacing casualties from the Regiment’s Eighth Army desert campaign in North Africa. 215 Battery was originally a Territorial Battery from Stoke-on-Trent, while 240 Battery was ditto from Shropshire. Each battery of 8 guns was divided into two troops of four guns, each troop being allocated its own gun position in action. For convenience they were listed A and B (240 battery) and C and D (215 Battery). My grandfather served in A Troop, 240 Battery. Each Battery was largely self-contained, but linked by RHQ to form the 51st under Lt.Col. Jack Gifford MC MBE.
In January 1944, the Regiment was positioned to support an attack by 56 Division on two mountains, Sujo and Dimiano lying to the west of Monte Cassino, This was as part of the prolonged and bitter fighting leading to the Second Battle of Cassino. The Regiment’s 215 Battery (8 x 5.5inch guns) was near Lauro, while RHQ (of which Ken was a part) and 240 Battery (8 x 4.5inch guns) was near Rongolese. Both villages are among the small hill-farms and olive groves near Sessa Aurunca. The 5.5 guns fired 100lbs shell up to 9 miles, but the 4.5 guns could fire their 85lbs shells further, up to 12 miles. By coincidence - although of course they did not know at the time - Spike Milligan was serving with his 56 Heavy Regiment RA firing 200lbs shells alongside them near Lauro, his guns thumping away with theirs on the same task.
The attack went in on 17th January. It succeeded in crossing the Gariliagno River and establishing a bridgehead on the enemy side. But the fighting was hard and continued until stalemate ten days or so later. One of the officers of the 51st won a Military Cross in the action, and one of the surveyors a Military Medal. Although the lower slopes of the mountains were occupied, it proved impossible to dislodge the Germans from the tops, so that from their excellent observation posts they could continue to shell and bomb the regiments positions below with great accuracy. Spike Milligan wrote a vivid account of the battle in the closing chapter of his book ‘Mussolini, His Part in My Downfall‘. He was wounded there and suffered the shell-shock which affected him for the rest of his life.
The `Sujo-Dimiano Massif’, The 51st Medium Regiment Was Attacking To The Right Hand Side Of This Mountain In January 1944. The Village Seen In The Photograph Is Lauro
The above Photograph is by kind permission of Brux at Panoranio.com_
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2213416
_
The above Photograph is by kind permission of Brux at Panoranio.com_
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2213416
_
Ken then mentioned the regimental Doctor, Capt A.L.Brown RAMC.( Known as Doc Brown ) He said he had just re-read Doc Brown's reminiscence of the period during which my grandfather died, and had found a reference to his death that seemed to fit him, although he was not named. My grandfathers death had coincided with the change-over period in the battle when the initial attack had petered out and the normal stalemate, with its occasional harassing fire on both sides, was setting in.
`Doc Brown`s description reads` " In order to reach further back into the German supply lines, one of our batteries was moved a couple of miles forward [beyond Lauro], down on the flat nearer the river[Garigliano]; it was rather an exposed position.... Ellard [Doc Brown's batman] moved his bed back into the shack [from which he had earlier been blown out] and we were shelled again the same night; Jerry was harrassing the road, but most of the rounds were going over our heads and busting about two hundred yards away. By a piece of miserable bad luck a stray piece of metal hit one of our men and killed him instantly. I had to go out and make sure there was nothing I could do for him, and didn't enjoy the trip much. The shelling wasn't severe, just three or four rounds each hour, but the snag was you never knew when they might arrive. Altogether rather a restless night."
This is the only mention of one of the 51st gunners killed in the battle, and fits the date of my grandfathers death. Had there been further deaths in the gunline, Doc Brown would have been called out, and would have mentioned the fact in his Bulletin.
I then recieved this message from Ken " Dear Anthony
I tried e-mailing the Shropshire Regimental Museum at Shrewsbury Castle, where 240 Battery's War Diary was deposited some years ago and received the following reply
Dear Sir ; The War Diary for 240 Batty - lists for 25.1.44 : 0120 hrs : report of Gnr. Hogan, A Troop, killed by shell splinter.(During a time when there was slight shelling of the battery areas, incl. on to A Troop position.).As you note, the battery was near Sessa at that time. That is the only entry for him. Commonwealth War Graves has him buried in Minturno War Cemetery : grave 23 in row A, area VII.Bernard Hogan, 930422. Death : 25.1.44. Aged 31; son of John and Mary Hogan; husband of Ellen Hogan, Kirkdale Liverpool. That is all we have, I'm afraid.We have no more detailed battery records than this. I hope the information is of some value "
To me this information is of huge value, although it is very sad to read of how my grandfather died, I do know now that he did not suffer. That means everything to me. I only wish that My father and grandmother where still alive so that they too could share this information, but I am sure that they know. I am amazed by the fact that Ken and Doc Brown both fought alongside my grandfather in Italy, and now 64 years later they are helping me his grandson. Ken has done so much for me, helping me to understand a little of what my grandfather was doing and facing. All of this is his words, he has made it easy for me to produce it here on this site, all I have had to do is type it out. Ken has given me the gift of knowing that my grandfather did not suffer at the time of his death, how can I ever repay him or thank him enough? I will keep the memory of my grandfather and the 51st medium regiment alive, and return to Italy in time, to visit the places that Ken has brought to my knowledge.
The battle at Sujo-Dimiano was fought in an effort to outflank Cassiino, where all attempts had so far failed - with no better luck at Sujo-Dimiano either. So a few days later the decision was taken to bomb the Monastery at Cassino in a futile attempt to resolve the situation, an awe-inspiring sight that Ken watched from a high road near his then position.
Minturno was the major town in the well-farmed Liri (Garigliano) valley lying between the mountainous Monte Cassino, the Sujo-Dimiano massif to the west and the sea. It lay on the German side of the river, some way back, but was eventually captured when the final successful attack took place.
And so a new chapter is added to this web site, and I thank Ken for all his help. Capt K.A.S. Pople, Royal Artillery, a true gentleman in every meaning of the word.
Ellen had to struggle to bring up her child alone. later she met and married my Grandfather Arthur Graley, with whom she had a happy life. My Grandmother passed away in 1990. My father was called up for National service in 1956 and served in Hong Kong and Germany with The Royal Artillery. Thankfully not under the circumstances that his Father and Grandfathers had to endure.
Then came me. I knew as a child that I had a Grandfather who had died in WW2 but nobody ever talked about him. I never wanted to upset anyone by asking. They had their reasons I supposed. One day I plucked up the courage to ask my Grandmother Ellen about him, I`m glad I did. She told me that I reminded her of him, and that I looked so much like him. Then she went to fetch a box and produced his photograph. I will always treasure that moment with my Grandmother.
After that I never found much out and as you do you let things go. But he would always appear in my mind. In September 2004 I started to look on the internet. I never thought I would find anything about him but bit by bit it has all come together. I found out so much about him and even found two family members. so many people have been so kind with the help they have given me and now here I am. I just wanted to put something together for my Grandad. I never knew him but I love him so much and I am so proud of him. His story is like thousands of others, and we should never forget them.
In June 2009 I visited Shrewsbury Castle, home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum and where the 240 Battery's War Diary is held. While there I took pictures of the guns located at the entrance.
__The WW2 Guns At Shrewsbury Castle. The smaller of the guns is a 25 pounder Field Gun used by Divisional Artillery. The bigger one is a 5.5 inch (possibly a 4.5) gun used by Corps Medium Artillery, as my Grandfather was in a Medium Regiment he would have used the 5.5. Both guns pictured where used for training troops at Owestry.
_
_
25 pounder Field Gun From The Rear
5.5 Gun From The Rear
_A Comus Street Court 1927 (Photo Courtesy of Liverpool records office) And below Comust Street in 2005. St George Terrace was one of the courts off Comus Street. John Hogan lived at number 3 and Mary Flaherty at number 14. I like to think they where childhood sweethearts. John moved into number 14 when he married Mary and it was the birthplace of their children.
_
_
_St Josephs Church (Photo courtesy of Ron Formby at The Scottie Press) And below as it looked in 2006. You can make out the doorway from the church that still remains.
_
_
A closer look at the old church doorway and below the cross still sits proud.
__Two photographs courtesy of Gerard Fleming. The top one looks down over Comus Street in the middle, the courts of St George's Terrace once stood here. The former Bishop Goss school can be seen to the right and to the left is Scotland Road, Where did it all go? Below is a close up of Bishop Goss school and the space were St Josephs church once stood ( now a car park ) The small blocks of flats you can see have all since been demolished.
_Bishop Goss School ( Now a nursery ) My Grandad and his brothers and sister were pupils here_.
_Mary Hogan moved into Ashfield Gardens when the courts on Comus street were demolished. she lived on the top floor landing (they had no lifts) until into her 90`s. There was an old fashioned grate in her house that she kept in immaculate condition. Mary was a member of the St Silvesters parish and worshipped regularly here. In fact Mary and her sister Annie Shirley, who lived in nearby Calvin Street, were in St Sylvesters at least twice a day. When Mary passed away in 1978 her funeral was held here._
__A few more photographs kindly supplied by Gerard Fleming that show the interior of St Sylvesters. Sadly the church has now closed and the future of this fine building must be in doubt.
_ Some of the church ornaments that hopefully will be saved
_ Plaque remembering Father John Swarbrick and the parish men killed during WW1
__This is all that remains of Kew Street. A sign on the wall and the old entrance ( below ) to the road. The houses in the background are where a lot of my family history once stood. My grandmother Ellen owens Lived at 24b before she married my grandfather. My father lived here after his dad died. My grandmothers brother Richard Sudworth( her mother married Richard Sudworth after John Owens died in ww1) came home from ww2 and stayed with her and my father for a while. He was my Grandfathers best friend and called him "Barney". He doted after my father. My Nans Cousins the Craggs and the Faircloughs all would be frequent visitors. My relatives lived here until its demolition in the 1960`s. I wonder if my Nan and Grandad had a goodnight snog on that corner. I Hope they did.
Kew Street before demolition in the 1960's. Photograph courtesy of Freddy O'Connor
Kew Street Tenements in 1969. Courtesy of Peter Leeson's film 'Us and them'
1966 photo showing the buildings of Kew street on the right and Bostock street to the left. Courtesy of Liverpool Records Office.
__St Anthony's Church. My Grandfather Bernard Hogan married my Grandmother Ellen Owens at St Anthonys on 28th March 1937.
_ The WW2 Memorial at St Anthony's
__The Altar at St Anthony's Church. So many of my family have had weddings and funerals here. Below a look at the balcony and organ.
__Wedding Day 1937. My Grandfathers brother Thomas Hogan is back right and his sister Winifred Hogan front left. My Grandmothers brother Austin Owens is back left and her cousin Janey Fairclough front right. Good looking bunch eh!_
___St Martins Cottages and below the plaque to remember them ( Both courtesy of Ron Formby at The Scottie Press ) Bernard and Ellen moved into 98 ST Martins cottages after the wedding. My father was born during their time here. Bernard received his call up papers at this address and probably spent his last night in Liverpool here before leaving for service. In 1944 Ellen received the telegram informing her of Bernard`s death and shortly after moved back to Kew street.
__Two items sent home by my Grandfather. The first is a birthday card from him to my father. The second is a crucifix that he sent to his mother Mary. She kept it until the day she died when it was passed on to my father. It now stands on my grandfathers medals case.
_WW2 Medals of Bernard Hogan. My Grandfather was awarded 5 medals. 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal 1939-45 and The Defence Medal._
_
_
Liverpool Cenotaph
I have received so much help from so many people in my search for my family history. I would like to thank all at the Merseyside Genealogy and history forum, Ron Formby at Scottie Press, The CWGC, The staff at Liverpool Records Office, All the Malta and Italy forums that I invaded for help, the very kind people who have taken time during their own travels and research to locate and photograph things to do with my ancestors....The list is to long, But THANK YOU ALL.
This site was created 27th June 2005
I will add to this site when and if I can, so please come back to visit
Anthony Hogan
© 2005anthoganAll Rights Reserved