Private Hugh Lewis Todd

Hugh Lewis Todd and twin brother Alfred Herbert were born in Kent in July 1892 to parents Benjamin and Ellen (nee Lewis). Their parents had married on 10th December 1891 in Rushden and Benjamin’s occupation was listed as a fishmonger.

In January 1900, the couple had another child named Arthur. At this time the family were living in Tooting at number 13 Himley Road and Benjamin was now working as a Carpet Planner /Upholsterer. The following year the family had moved to number 57 Himley Road where they remained for the next forty years.

The census of 1911 show Benjamin aged 50 still working as a carpet planner/upholsterer, and his wife Ellen aged 51 living in Himley Road, a property with six rooms.
They had been married for 19 years and had three children.

Hugh now aged 18 was working as a clerk at a paper manufacturer whilst his twin brother Alfred was working as a dispatch clerk. Younger brother Arthur was aged 11.

With the outbreak of war, Hugh joined The Herefordshire Regiment 1st Battalion as a Private with the service number 236789.

The Herefordshire Regiment moved from Gallipoli to Egypt in December 1915, and by June of 1918 moved to France via Italy. The Regiments ship was almost torpedoed on the way but landed safely in Taranto Italy on 22nd June 1918, by 30th June the Regiment had reached France.

After training the Herefordshire men took part in one of the decisive battles of 1918, the 2nd Battle of the Marne. On the 15th of July, the Germans launched what proved to be their last great offensive, but the French and Americans were well prepared and by the 17th, it was the Germans in retreat.

The Herefordshire Regiment, inexperienced in Western Front conditions, suffered so many casualties in the battle they had to be withdrawn for some time. Casualties included 8 Officers and 230 other ranks, on the first day alone. Fighting took place over open country through fields of ripening corn.

Hugh was killed in action on 23rd July 1918 aged 26 and is buried / remembered at Raperie British Cemetery Villenmontoire in France.

Hugh’s name, along with his brother Alfred who died in 1916, and three others appear on the right of the altar at Christ Church, Colliers Wood. A carved oak lectern is inscribed “They shall walk in white for they are worthy”

Hugh and Alfred’s parents and younger brother were still living at 57 Himley Road in 1939.