Gunner Bernard Hogan 930422 Royal Artillery, Malta 1940-43.

                                                                         Picture taken at the J.Cassar studies in Hamrun, Malta 

                                                                                         "  Look around the hillsides,
                                                                                           Through the mist and rain,
                                                                                           See the scattered crosses,
                                                                                           Some that bear no name.
                                                                                           Heartbreak and toil and suffering gone,
                                                                                           The lads beneath, they slumber on.
                                                                                           They are the D-Day Dodgers,
                                                                                           Who'll stay in Italy. "

                                                                                   From the song  ` The D-Day Dodgers`

                                                            Please click the links at the top of this page for more information

This site was first created to remember my Grandfather Bernard Hogan, and his service during the second world war. Over time I have discovered details concerning two of my Great Grandfathers who served during the first world war. Their stories have also been added, and it is with them that I shall begin.

On the 2nd of November 1908, John Hogan (Born Dublin) married Mary Flaherty at St Josephs Church in the Scotland road area of Liverpool. They set up home at 14 St George Terrace,Comus street. Times where hard but they found work, John as a Pressman and Mary as a bag mender at the nearby docks. In 1910 their first son John was born, followed 2 years later on 1st August 1912 by my Grandfather Bernard. A third son Thomas came along in 1915.

John joined the Militia with Lancashire Fusiliers and in 1914 he joined up full time for war service. He became part of the 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and was posted for war training at Barrow. While at Barrow John received a crush injury to his right foot, which after hospitalisation warranted his discharge under Kings Regulations  as being "no longer physically fit for war service". In consequence he was discharged on the 20th October 1915, having served 1year and 49days with the Colours. That of course should have been the end of John's war service, but while drinking with a friend in a public house he made the decision, no matter how rashly, to try his luck again. His friend decided to enlist also, but was turned away as unfit.

                                                                           John and Mary Hogan. 1915 Liverpool

The above photograph shows John and Mary Hogan with their three boys. John is the child standing at the back, Thomas is the baby and my grandfather Bernard is at the front holding his fathers hand. It looks like it could be for the christening of baby Thomas. As John did not join the RGA until 1916, I would assume he is wearing the uniform of the Lancashire Fusiliers.

In March 1917 Mary gave birth to a daughter Winifred. John was fighting in Europe having joined the 299th Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. A photograph of the baby was taken and sent in a letter to John, but sadly John died before it arrived. On 24th June 1917, Gunner John Hogan 112913 was killed in action at Ypres. He never got to see his Daughter. John is buried at Ferme-Olivier Cemetery in Belgium. His daughter Winifred visited the grave of the father she never knew when she was in her 80`s.  Ford cemetery in Liverpool has a grave for Mary`s family, The Flaherty`s. On the bottom of the headstone is the inscription. "also Gunner John Hogan, R.G.A. Brother-in-Law of the above. Who was killed in action in France, June 24, 1917 aged 32 years" ( so I guess Mary never knew he was buried in Belgium ) It is very moving that they wanted his name put on the headstone.

                                            Grave of John Hogan                                                   Ferme-Olivier Cemetery-Belgium

                                              JOHN HOGAN                                                               John Hogan Medal Card

The war diary of the 299th siege regiment, has survived for June 1917. It gives a good insight into what John was involved in. On 5th June his battery supported a raid by the Royal Inniskillings at 10.30 pm. They where involved in the battle of Messines Ridge and supported the 2nd Army who succesfully took the ridge on 7th June. The battery moved to Poperinghe on 9th June, and suffered heavy shelling by day and night on 15 June. On 20th June the battery recieved instructions to report to X1V Corps, and proceeded to a new postion alongside a Canal Bank, where they came under the command of 85 HAG. The next few days was spent preparing their new position until they came under shelling on the morning of the 24th. Sadly as you can see below. John Hogan was killed in the morning attack, and buried the following day.

                                                               War Diary noting John`s death by shelling and his burial

Mary was a widow at the age of 33 with four children to bring up. she managed to keep them clothed and fed. It is said that Mary never accepted John`s death and did not forgive him for joining up. She never remarried. Mary never owned a TV set, but would listen to the radio and keep herself up to date on all the latest news and even read the stockmarkets. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 94. I admire my Great Grandmothers strength, as she coped with a lot of hardship throughout her life. Her own mother ( Winifred ) died in a tragic accident. On 20th December 1898, Winifred was cooking a christmas pudding at the family home of Myrtle View. Sitting to relax in a chair next to the fireplace, she fell asleep, and her dress caught alight. They where a poor family, and had to take Winifred through the streets to the Liverpool Workhouse, as it was the only way she could recieve treatment. Sadly she passed away the following day, aged just 39. Her husband Thomas had some kind of breakdown, and could not cope, so my great grandmother Mary had to take charge of the family. She was aged just 14, yet she managed to get all her brothers and sisters ( apart from one ) out of the workhouse, and to care for her sick father. Mary managed to keep the family together, as well as holding down a job in service to a Sea Captain so the family could survive. Sadly the one child she could not save from the workhouse was her brother Thomas. He was sent to a orphanage, where he died aged 12. Mary also had to cope with losing her husband and son to the world wars, and her other son Thomas was to pass away in middle age. Mary said she only cried three times in her life, when she lost her boys, her husband John, and two sons Bernard and Thomas. But no matter what life was to throw at her, Mary remained a loving, family minded lady. I really do admire my great grandma.

Bernard (along with his brothers and sister) was a pupil at Bishop Goss school, Rose Place. He left aged 14 and found work as a dock labourer, before becoming a Flagger at Spencer street depot for the Liverpool county council,  He played football and billiards in his spare time, and was known as Barney. Sometime in the 1930`s Bernard met my grandmother, Ellen Owens.

 Ellen known to all as Nellie was born in Bootle on 11th January 1912. Her parents, John Owens and Sarah Ann Cain had married at St Anthony`s Church on 26th August 1905. Ellens brother Austin was born in 1908. John Owens had served in the Army in India and South Africa during the boer war.  He returned home and found work as Coal Heaver with the Cunard Line, and moved the family into 145 Burlington street.  John remained on the army reserve list and was called up during WW1. Sadly he was  killed in action while serving for the 1st battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment in Ypres. Private John Owens 7021 Died aged 37 on 13th May 1915. He is remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial. John`s regiment was present at the Christmas Truce of 1914.

                                             A newspaper photograph of John Owens and his inscription on the Menin Gate

`One of the most tragic features of the Great War was the number of casualties reported "missing ,believed killed"....and it was resolved that here at Ypres, where so many of the missing are known to have fallen, there should be erected a memorial worthy of them which should give expression to the nation`s gratitude for their sacrifice and their sympathy with those who mourned them.......and now it can be said of each one in whose honour we are assembled....he is not missing,he is here.`     

                                            FM Viscount Plumer of Messines........at the unveiling of the Menin Gate 1927             

                                    John Owens Medal Card                                                                   Mousetrap Farm       

John Owens died during the battle of Frezenberg. His unit was moved to the front line trenches north of Wieltje on May 9th, where they held their position under heavy shellfire and infantry attack. They went over the top and took part in the fighting at Mousetrap farm between 13th -14th May. John was killed in action on the 13th May. His unit was relieved on the 15th, total casualties since 9th May=387 killed, wounded and missing.

                           John Owens entry on the ww1 memorial at Our Ladys Of The Reconciliation Church , Eldon Street

 

 Sarah Owens was later remarried to Richard Sudworth on 14th October 1916 at Our Lady Of The Reconciliation Church in Eldon Street. They moved to 24b Kew Street in Scotland road. On the 28th of March 1937 Bernard Hogan married Ellen Owens at St Anthony`s church.

                                                                     Bernard and Ellen on their wedding day

They moved into 98 St Martins cottages ( the first council houses in Europe) off Silvester street, and settled into their new life together. March 1938 saw them blessed with the birth of their son Bernard (my father). In 1939 War broke out, and Bernard was called up to duty. After passing his medical he trained as a Gunner with the 11th Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery, before being posted overseas. On 29th October 1940 he arrived in Malta and was assigned to the 12th Field Regiment, 222nd AA Battery, HAA 10. He manned the guns around the Grand Harbour area.

                                                                   Bernard and Ellen Hogan with their son Bernard

On my Grandfathers service records it gives his details as 5 foot 5 inch, Brown hair and Hazel eyes. Size 8 boots and size 7 hat. He had bad teeth, a mole 2 inches below his nipple and a swelling the size of a Hazelnut above his right testicle.

Bernard fought to protect Malta from the constant bombardment of the German planes. On 13th of September 1943 he was admitted to hospital in Malta. i can find no reason why?. He was discharged back to his unit on October 27th and two days later on the 29th of October 1943, three years to the day that he arrived in Malta he left to go home on leave. His ship had just left Malta when it recieved orders to sail to Sicily. I dont know if my grandfather took part in any action in Sicily, but his leave was cancelled and he joined the push into Italy. He landed in the Salerno/Naples bay after being placed with the 51st Medium which was with 56th (Black Cat ) Division for the invasion at Salerno attached to Xth Corps with the 5th US Army. Then followed various battles towards Naples, before they were switched over the other side of Italy to join 5th Corps of 8th Army, as a unit of 1st Agra which means an Army Group of Royal Artillery, near the Sangro river for that awful battle. Then it was back to 56th Div for the battle of Minturno in which sadly he died. my Grandfather Bernard Hogan was killed in action on 25th January 1944. He is buried at Minturno War Cemetery. I have a diary for his unit in Italy and it shows him being placed at the following locations. crossing the river Volturno near Capua. capture of Sparanise, breaking the barbara line in the area of Roccamonfina, the first battle of Monte Comino. Castel Bordino for opening of the battle of the Sangro.Taking part in the 2nd Battle of Monte Camino. Also at Roccamonfina and Sessa Aurunca. On 22 Dec 1943 They Supported  commando landings at mouth of Garigliano, from positions near Cellole. I am no World War 2 expert, so I know nothing about these places. I have printed them here because they are the places he was at.

Grave of Bernard Hogan at Minturno War Cemetery-Italy. The second photo shows his grave third from the right,front row.

My father remembered the telegraph boy coming into the street on his bike. He remembered how people would panic whenever they saw him. He remembered the knock on the door and he remembered the screams of his Mother and Grandmother. He understood that instant what had happened. The date was 18th February 1944. My father was one month short of his 6th birthday.

                                         The Telegram Sent To My Grandmother. In My View Heartless For Its Lack Of Sympathy

On 2^nd January 2008, I received a message on this website from a former officer who was then Capt K A S Pople, but now wishes to be known simply as Ken, who had served in Italy in the same Regiment, 51^st Medium Regiment RA, as my grandfather . As Ken was the Survey Officer based at the Regimental Headquarters, he did not know my grandfather personally, but kindly offered to give an insight into what the Regiment was doing in January 1944.  After exchanging many questions and messages with Ken, I have been able to add the following information to this site.

My grandfather would have been diverted from Malta to be posted as a gunner to one of the two Batteries of the 51st Medium Regiment, 215 or 240, replacing casualties from the Regiment’s Eighth Army desert campaign in North Africa. 215 Battery was originally a Territorial Battery from Stoke-on-Trent, while 240 Battery was ditto from Shropshire. Each battery of 8 guns was divided into two troops of four guns, each troop being allocated its own gun position in action. For convenience they were listed A and B (240 battery) and C and D (215 Battery). My grandfather served in A Troop, 240 Battery.  Each Battery was largely self-contained, but linked by RHQ to form the 51^st under Lt.Col. Jack Gifford MC MBE.

 

In January 1944, the Regiment was positioned to support an attack by 56 Division on two mountains, Sujo and Dimiano lying to the west of Monte Cassino, This was as part of the prolonged and bitter fighting leading to the Second Battle of Cassino. The Regiment’s 215 Battery (8 x 5.5inch guns) was near Lauro, while RHQ (of which Ken was a part) and 240 Battery (8 x 4.5inch guns) was near Rongolese. Both villages are among the small hill-farms and olive groves near Sessa Aurunca. The 5.5 guns fired  100lbs shell up to 9 miles, but the 4.5 guns could fire their 85lbs shells further, up to 12 miles.  By coincidence - although of course they did not know at the time - Spike Milligan was serving with his 56 Heavy Regiment RA firing 200lbs shells alongside them near Lauro, his guns thumping away with theirs on the same task.

 

The attack went in on 17th January. It succeeded in crossing the Gariliagno River and establishing a bridgehead on the enemy side. But the fighting was hard and continued until stalemate ten days or so later. One of the officers of the 51st won a Military Cross in the action, and one of the surveyors a Military Medal. Although the lower slopes of the mountains were occupied, it proved impossible to dislodge the Germans from the tops, so that from their excellent observation posts they could continue to shell and bomb the regiments positions below with great accuracy. Spike Milligan wrote a vivid account of the battle in the closing chapter of his book ‘Mussolini, His Part in My Downfall‘. He was wounded there and suffered the shell-shock which affected him for the rest of his life.

 

         

             The `Sujo-Dimiano Massif’, The 51st Medium Regiment Was Attacking To The Right Hand Side Of This Mountain In January 1944.                                                                                 The Village Seen In The Photograph Is `Lauro`

 

The above Photograph is by kind permission of Panoranio.com http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2213416  Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners. Owner of above photograph is Brux http://www.panoramio.com/user/466569

 

Ken then mentioned the regimental Doctor, Capt A.L.Brown RAMC.( Known as Doc Brown ) He said he had just re-read Doc Brown's reminiscence of the period during which my grandfather died, and had found a reference to his death that seemed to fit him, although he was not named. My grandfathers death had

coincided with the change-over period in the battle when the initial attack had petered out and the normal stalemate, with its occasional harassing fire on both sides, was setting in.

 

`Doc Brown`s description reads`  "  In order to reach further back into the German supply lines, one of our batteries was moved a couple of miles forward [beyond Lauro], down on the flat nearer the river[Garigliano]; it was rather an exposed position.... Ellard [Doc Brown's batman] moved his bed back into the shack [from which he had earlier been blown out] and we were shelled again the same night; Jerry was harrassing the road, but most of the rounds were going over our heads and busting about two hundred yards away. By a piece of miserable bad luck a stray piece of metal hit one of our men and killed him instantly. I had to go out and make sure there was nothing I could do for him, and didn't enjoy the trip much. The shelling wasn't severe, just three or four rounds each hour, but the snag was you never knew when they might arrive. Altogether rather a restless night."  

 

This is the only mention of one of the 51st gunners killed in the battle, and fits the date of my grandfathers death. Had there been further deaths in the gunline, Doc Brown would have been called out, and would have mentioned the fact in his Bulletin.

 

I then recieved this message from Ken

 

" Dear Anthony
I tried e-mailing the Shropshire Regimental Museum at Shrewsbury Castle, where 240 Battery's War Diary was deposited some years ago and received the following reply
 

Dear Sir ;

 

The War Diary for 240 Batty -  lists for 25.1.44 :

0120 hrs : report of Gnr. Hogan, A Troop, killed by shell splinter.

(During a time when there was slight shelling of the battery areas, incl. on to A Troop position.).

As you note, the battery was near Sessa at that time.

 

That is the only entry for him.

 

Commonwealth War Graves has him buried in Minturno War Cemetery : grave 23 in row A, area VII.

Bernard Hogan, 930422. Death : 25.1.44. Aged 31; son of John and Mary Hogan; husband of Ellen Hogan, Kirkdale Liverpool.

 

That is all we have, I'm afraid.

We have no more detailed battery records than this.

 

I hope the information is of some value "

 

To me this information is of huge value, although it is very sad to read of how my grandfather died, I do know now that he did not suffer. That means everything to me. I only wish that My father and grandmother where still alive so that they too could share this information, but I am sure that they know. I am amazed by the fact that Ken and Doc Brown both fought alongside my grandfather in Italy, and now 64 years later they are helping me his grandson. Ken has done so much for me, helping me to understand a little of what my grandfather was doing and facing. All of this is his words, he has made it easy for me to produce it here on this site, all I have had to do is type it out. Ken has given me the gift of knowing that my grandfather did not suffer at the time of his death, how can I ever repay him or thank him enough?  I will keep the memory of my grandfather and the 51st medium regiment alive, and return to Italy in time, to visit the places that Ken has brought to my knowledge.

 

 The battle at Sujo-Dimiano was fought in an effort to outflank Cassiino, where all attempts had so far failed - with no better luck at Sujo-Dimiano either. So a few days later the decision was taken to bomb the Monastery at Cassino in a futile attempt to resolve the situation, an awe-inspiring sight that Ken watched from a high road near his then position.

 

Minturno was the major town in the well-farmed Liri (Garigliano) valley lying between the mountainous Monte Cassino, the Sujo-Dimiano massif to the west and the sea. It lay on the German side of the river, some way back, but was eventually captured when the final successful attack took place.

 

And so a new chapter is added to this web site, and I thank Ken for all his help. Capt K.A.S. Pople, Royal Artillery, a true gentleman in every meaning of the word.

 

Ellen had to struggle to bring up her child alone. later she met and married my Grandfather Arthur Graley, with whom she had a happy life. My Grandmother passed away in 1990. My father was called up for National service in 1956 and served in Hong Kong and Germany with The Royal Artillery. Thankfully not under the circumstances that his Father and Grandfathers had to endure.

Then came me. I knew as a child that I had a Grandfather who had died in WW2 but nobody ever talked about him. I never wanted to upset anyone by asking. They had their reasons I supposed. One day I plucked up the courage to ask my Grandmother Ellen about him, I`m glad I did. She told me that I reminded her of him, and that I looked so much like him. Then she went to fetch a box and produced his photograph. I will always treasure that moment with my Grandmother.

After that I never found much out and as you do you let things go. But he would always appear in my mind. In September 2004 I started to look on the internet. I never thought I would find anything about him but bit by bit it has all come together. I found out so much about him and even found two family members. so many people have been so kind with the help they have given me and now here I am. I just wanted to put something together for my Grandad. I never knew him but I love him so much and I am so proud of him. His story is like thousands of others, and we should never forget them.

I thank you for reading this and hope it was of interest to you.

                                                                                Anthony Hogan

Please feel free to sign or add comments to the guest book. I would welcome any memories you may like to include about your own relatives accounts of wartime. We should never forget them.

                                            Below i have included a few photographs with details added.

                                         Comus Street 1927                                                                 Comus Street 2005

(Photo Courtesy of Liverpool records office)

St George Terrace was one of the courts off Comus Street. John Hogan lived at number 3 and Mary Flaherty at number 14. I like to think they where childhood sweethearts. John moved into number 14 when he married Mary and it was the birthplace of their children.

                                                ST Josephs                                                                          ST Josephs 2005           

(Photo courtesy of Scottie Press)

John Hogan married Mary Flaherty at St Josephs church on 2nd November 1908. The church was demolished in 1979 and the old door is all that remains.

                                                                                    St Silvesters Church

Mary Hogan moved into Ashfield Gardens when Comus street was demolished. she lived on the top floor landing (they had no lifts) until into her 90`s. There was an old fashioned grate in her house that she kept in immaculate condition. Mary was a member of the St Silvesters parish and worshipped regularly here.

                                                       Bishop Goss School ( now a nursery ) My Grandads Old School

This is all that remains of Kew Street. A sign on the wall and the old entrance to the road. The houses in the background are where a lot of my family history once stood. My grandmother Ellen owens Lived at 24b before she married my grandfather. My father lived here after his dad died. My grandmothers brother Richard Sudworth( her mother married Richard Sudworth after John Owens died in ww1) came home from ww2 and stayed with her and my father for a while. He was my Grandfathers best friend and called him "Barney". He doted after my father. My Nans Cousins the Craggs and the Faircloughs all would be frequent visitors. My relatives lived here until its demolition in the 1960`s. I wonder if my Nan and Grandad had a goodnight snog on that corner. I Hope they did. Although i have a big family connection to Kew Street I dont seem to be able to find a photograph of it anywhere. If anyone can help then please get in touch with me.

                                            ST Anthonys  Church                                                   WW2 Memorial at St Anthonys

My Grandfather Bernard Hogan married my Grandmother Ellen Owens at St Anthonys on 28th March 1937.

                                                                         Wedding Day 1937

My Grandfathers brother Thomas Hogan is back right and his sister Winifred Hogan front left. My Grandmothers brother Austin Owens is back left and her cousin Janey Fairclough front right. Good looking bunch eh!

(Both photographs courtesy of Scottie press)

                     ST Martins Cottages                                                             ST Martins Plaque

Bernard and Ellen moved into 98 ST Martins cottages after the wedding. My father was born during their time here. Bernard received his call up papers at this address and probably spent his last night in Liverpool here before leaving for service. In 1944 Ellen received the telegram informing her of Bernard`s death and shortly after moved back to Kew street.

                               Birthday Card                                                                         Crucifix

Two items sent home by my Grandfather. The first is a birthday card from him to my father. The second is a crucifix that he sent to his mother Mary. She kept it until the day she died when it was passed on to my father. It now stands on my grandfathers medals case.

             WW2 Medals of Bernard Hogan                                                   Liverpool Cenotaph

My Grandfather was awarded 5 medals. 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal 1939-45 and The Defence Medal.

If anyone can help me with photographs then please contact me. If you would like to add any comments, share your family war stories or talk about your own experiences of the Scotland road area, then please feel free to do so in the guest book.

I have received so much help from so many people in my search for my family history. I would like to thank all at the Merseyside Genealogy and history forum, Ron Formby at Scottie Press, The CWGC, The staff at Liverpool Records Office,All the Malta and Italy forums that i invaded for help....The list is to long,But THANK YOU ALL

The Following photographs, the cemetery pictures above and the photograph of John Owens have been presented to me by three very kind people, who took time during their own travels and research to locate and photograph my ancestors. I will always be grateful to them for their kind acts.                   

                           The Menin Gate                                                                        The Menin Gate

This site was created 27th June 2005.

I will add to this site when and if I can, so please come back to visit.

       http://www.photobucket.com/albums/b389/andalucia_/

Photographs of Liverpool.

          http://www.old-merseytimes.co.uk/

A large collection of old Merseyside newspapers and snippets.

                              http://www.cwgc.org/cwgcinternet/search.aspx

Vast database listing the 1.7 million men and woman of the commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars. Gives details of cemeteries and individuals information when possible. Great search engine, very interesting and useful site.

                                             http://archive.liverpool.gov.uk/

Details of how to access the huge amount of data held at the Liverpool records office.

                                    http://www.scottiepress.org.uk/main.htm

Records the history of the Scotland Road and Vauxhall area. A must for anyone with connections to the area.

                                    http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Malta%20WWII/Index.htm

A photographic record of Malta during WW2.

          http://www.my-malta.com//service/stationed.html

Dedicated site to all the men and woman who served in the armed forces in Malta.