Arthur Hough (Hoof), Age 46

Pioneer, 227795, 307th Royal Engineers.

Royal Engineers Cap Badge.

I encountered some problems when trying to find out more about Arthur, his records show three different spellings of his surname! He is listed as A. Hough on the CWGC but in his records his brother is listed as James Hoof of 18 Springfield Place, Old Park, Dawley. Whilst the medal index card has his name as J Hodge. They are all the same man as his number (227795) and Regiment (Royal Engineers) all match.

What is definitely known is that Arthur was born in 1870, his parents being Arthur Hoof (A coalminer, born in 1843 at Old Park) and his wife Mary Ann (nee Bird). By 1883 Arthur was one of 11 children and the 1881 census had them living at Park Lane, Dawley. Arthur is next recorded in the 1911 census as living in the Madeley Union workhouse where his father Arthur Snr had died the previous year (12/9/10).

By 1916 Arthur was resident in Eastham, Worcestershire and he enlisted in Worcester in either Dec 1916 or Jan 1917. His attestation papers make interesting reading they state, that Arthur was blind in his left eye and had 6/9 vision in his right eye, his age is given as 46 years and 4 Months whilst his occupation is given as a roadman. How he was accepted for service even behind the front lines given his age and his disability takes some believing but he was accepted as fit for labour or garrison duties and was sent to Hut 28, Stoner Camp, Sandwich, Kent for basic training before being sent to France in Feb 1917.

Arthur died of wounds on the 27/9/1917 at No.36 casualty clearing station of wounds received in an air raid behind British lines. His belongings which consisted of Letters, Pipe, Knife, 3 metal Rings, 2 Studs and a matchbox holder were returned to his elder brother James who was recorded as Arthur's next of Kin.

Arthur was laid to rest at Zuydcoote just behind the 36' Casualty clearing station where he had succumbed to his wounds.
Zuydcoote Military Cemetery I. D. 10.

WWI Medal Rolls Index Card

Commonwealth War Graves
Buried Hoof

Served as Hough Zuydcoote Military Cemetery

***

Victory Medal	British War Medal