Simcoe in Norfolk County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Sergeant Frederick Hobson, V.C.
1873-1917
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
1. Sergeant Frederick Hobson, V.C. Marker
An Englishman, Frederick Hobson emigrated to Canada in 1904 after serving in the South African War. Hobson, who had been an employee of Canadian Canners, was one of the first to enlist in Simcoe for the First World War. He joined the 39th Regiment (Norfolk Rifles) shortly after war had broken out in 1914 and subsequently was assigned to the 20th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Hobson is the only known former Norfolk resident to be awarded the British Empire's highest medal for valour. 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. Hobson lost his life in this act of supreme bravery.
His heroism was recognized in 1992 when the armoury was formally named the Sergeant Frederick Hobson V.C. Armoury. In 2001, a more modern facility was built in the Alfred W. Judd Industrial Park in Simcoe. The name the Sergeant Frederick Hobson V.C. Armoury was carried forward.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism
this page online
Location. 42° 50.209′ N, 80° 18.43′ W. Marker is in Simcoe, Ontario, in Norfolk County. It is on Robinson Street just east of Talbot Street North, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the right/east side of the former Sergeant Frederick Hobson Armoury entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 85 Robinson Street, Simcoe ON N3Y 1W7, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area and in Southwestern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Norfolk County Court-House and Gaol (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Lynnwood Park (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Simcoe (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Founding of Simcoe (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); M. W. Bro. William Mercer Wilson / Trθs Vιnιrable Frθre William Mercer Wilson (approx. 4.5 kilometers away); United Empire Loyalists and the Long Point Settlement (approx. 8.4 kilometers away); Christ Church, Anglican- 1844 (approx. 8.4 kilometers away); The District Capital (approx. 8.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Simcoe.
Also see . . .
1. Frederick Hobson.
Frederick(Submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Hobson VC was a soldier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry in the face of the enemy given to British and Commonwealth forces, during the First World War. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. A replica of his medal and copy of his citation are also on display at the Sgt. F. Hobson VC Armoury in Simcoe, Canada.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 20222. Sergeant Frederick Hobson, V.C. Marker(marker is beside entrance on south side of former armory)
2. Sergeant Frederick Hobson, VC.
Joined the army aged 24 and was deployed to fight in the Boer War. After he was discharged, he spent a period living with his wife and children in Canada before returning to England to rejoin British forces. In WWI he fought in France, where he was killed in action. He has no tombstone anywhere, and his name is only on the Vimy Memorial. We thank local historian, Henry Fitzhugh, for this information.(Submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
3. Sergeant Frederick Hobson Armoury (southwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
