HOBDAY, William Edward

William was a farmer at Little Plain, west of Inverell NSW when he enlisted in 1916 and became one of Inverell's First Contingent of The Kurrajongs. He served in France with the 33rd Battalion where in 1918 he was gassed twice and then transferred to England to recover. He subsequently contracted influenza and altogether spent many weeks in hospital.

During June 1918, he was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal for 'marked devotion to duty and consistent excellent work'. The citation also stated that 'he has never failed to rise to the occasion and his services to the Battalion have been invaluable.'

In total Private William Hobday served for four years and 252 days before his discharge in September 1920. He returned to the Inverell district to live, married in 1928 and following his sudden death at Inverell in 1949 was buried at the Little Plain cemetery.

Private Hobday's name is recorded on the Little Plain and Mt Russell Honour Roll now held at Delungra.

Photo: Private collection