DEATHS.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

HOBBINS.-Killed in action, on October 1st, in France. Albert A. H. Hobbins, fourth son of Mr. J. H. Hobbins, of 190 Park st., Essendon, after three years and two months' service; aged 21 and 11 months.  An Australian and a man.

Family Notices. (1917, November 8). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74604197 

Extracts from Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Correspondence

914 Gunner Albert Archibald Hobbins
2nd Field Artillery Brigade

Killed Oct 1st 1917

I saw him killed by a shell which also killed 6 horses going into action.  At Ypres on the Menin Road alongside the Railway embankment at 10 o'clock.  He was buried near where he fell and there was sure to have been a Cross and probably prayers.  Where he fell was well within our lines.  He was a good boy, best boy God ever allowed to live.  Big fine looking chap about 23.

Witness:  Cpl Tom Toogood 4011
4th Batty
Harefield

London 2.1.18

------------
I saw them hit by same shell at Hell Fire Corner Menin Road.  It killed Hobbins instantly wounded Pam seriously and he died shortly after  I was wounded by same shell so cannot give personal information as to their being buried. Hobbins came from Victoria was an original Battery man.  Rather nuggety, rather dark about 24.  Pam was very dark, about 5'7".  Came with the 1st Div DAC and then joined the Battery in June 1917.

Witness: G Oatley 29136
2nd Bgde 4th Bty SAFA
No 3 Command Depot
Hurdcott.

London 8.1.18

-------------
On the night of 30.9.17 at Menin Road, Ypres (Hell Fire Corner) the Battery was moving into action.  Deceased was riding on a Wagon/limber.  A shell burst in the road, practically under wheel horses.  Hobbins was struck by  most of the pieces and was killed instantaneously. Next morning a vehicle was sent up to get the body, but could not find same.  It must have been buried by working parties on or near the spot.  The ground was held.

Description:  Thick set and dark, known as Bert or Hobbie.
Informant:  Edward C Chinney, Sgt 3856
4th Batty, FA, AIF
Harls Colne, Essex
8.12.17

----------
He was rather stout, medium build, aged about 23.  I saw him killed on the Menin Road, near Hell Fire Corner, riding up on his way to the battery in October.  A shell killed him outright.  I lifted him off of the limber and put him on the side of the road.  His body was practically cut in two.  We had to leave him.  A fatigue party was sent out next morning but could not find him.  The Pioneers said he was buried, but we could not trace the grave.

Inf:  Gunner L Boyes, No 5079
2nd AFA, 4th Batty
Australian Camp
Rouelles.

http://static.awm.gov.au/images/collection/pdf/RCDIG1046999--1-.pdf