Netherwood Hughes
Netherwood Hughes | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Ned |
| Born | 12 June 1900 First World War |
| Other work | Mechanic |
Netherwood "Ned" Hughes (12 June 1900 – 4 April 2009) was one of the last two
However, the World War I Veterans Association invited him to the
He was born in Great Harwood, the fourth of seven children born to optician John Hughes and his wife Robina. He had three brothers: Charlie, Henry, and Sidney, who served in the Royal Navy on HMS Albion. Hughes spent most of his working life as a mechanic and driver and, in June 1918, he was called up, like every other driver in Great Britain, to perform that role in the British Army.[2] While he was still in training the war ended, and he returned home to drive in a mill.[1] He later became a bus driver. Hughes married twice, but never had any children, although in his final years he was frequently visited by his nephews and nieces and their families at his care home, Woodlands Home for the Elderly in Clayton-le-Moors, where he spent most of his time in the grounds, smoking his pipe.[2]
When receiving a birthday card from the Queen each year since his 100th birthday, he commented: "She has the same frock on".[2]
In his final few weeks, Ned's health deteriorated and he had difficulty speaking for a week before his death, according to his niece, Ann Hutton. He died of natural causes on 4 April 2009, aged 108, at Woodlands. Speaking to the Accrington Observer, Mrs Hutton said, "It’s not the family’s wishes for a military funeral. We don’t want bugles and whistles, we just want a simple family affair. He couldn’t stand any fuss on his birthdays."[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b Bingham, John (20 November 2008). "'New' First World War veteran comes to light through internet". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 June 2009. Retrieved 29 March 2009.
- ^ a b c Kenyon, Lisa (20 June 2008). "Old Ned's still in top gear for his 108th milestone". Accrington Observer. Archived from the original on 27 May 2009. Retrieved 29 March 2009.
- ^ Kenyon, Lisa (9 April 2009). "WW1 veteran dies aged 108". Accrington Observer. Archived from the original on 15 April 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2009.