Other Information:Hugh was educated at Llandovery School and University College, Oxford - entering in 1904, where he graduated B.A. in 1908. He then studied at the London Hospital - entering in 1909, he qualified M.B. and B.Ch in 1914.
During his education, he had a big reputation as a footballer, and played as a half-back in the freshman’s match and was afterwards given a trial for the Varsity team. He also played for the Richmond Club, and for the London Hospital.
He entered the R.A.M.C. as a temporary lieutenant on 8th February 1915, then entered the war in France on the 15th June the same year. He gained promoted to captain on completion of one year’s service.
Hugh was known to his friends as Hughie. He was described as quiet and diffident in manner, and gifted with an extraordinarily deep fund of human sympathy. He was known to be extremely generous in disposition, and hated to disappoint anyone. He was never heard to utter an unkind word to anyone, and it was assumed that he didn’t have an enemy in the world.
When Hugh died his Commanding Officer wrote to his wife:- “Your husband gave his life most gallantly in the midst of succouring wounded comrades where they had fallen in action in Bernefay Wood. He died as he had ever lived - a pattern of his unselfishness, considering himself last, in the end giving even his life for others. All of us who knew him are mourning the loss of one of the best men this world contained. He was the idol of the whole unit, officers and men alike, and it was the unanimous desire of all that his great gallantry (which led to his death) should receive recognition. As his commanding officer I have therefore had the inestimable privilege of recommending such a man as your husband was for the award of the Victoria Cross. Whether this be now granted or no, it may comfort you to know that all of us who served with him deemed him fully worthy of the highest of honours. He was killed instantly by a shell on the morning of July 14th, after he had been working all night between Bernefay and Trones woods dressing wounded, and his men carried him to where we buried his remains in a little cemetery set apart for British heroes who have fallen for our country. All the officers of the unit wish me to convey to you our combined expression of sincere sympathy with you and the children. Though he be gone from us, he still lives in the lives of all of us here not only as a tender memory but as a great inspiration.”
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