Hugh enlisted into the R.A.M.C., Special Reserve on 3rd September 1914. He was 34 years and 176 days old, and was a coal miner by trade. He joined at South Shields on the 4th and was posted to serve with the 75th Field Ambulance. Hugh began complaining of headaches and was admitted into Tidworth Military Hospital on 25th November 1914. He died at 12.30 a.m. on the 8th December from Otitis Media, Basal, Meningitis. He was the son of Charles and Mary Coffell; and the husband of Catherine (nee O’Neil) Coffell of Larne Cottages, East Boldon, Co. Durham - they had 3 children.