COLONEL JOHN WILLIAM HOGGE, .I.E. C.B., C.I.E.

Soldier of The Queen

Colonel John William Hogge, C.B., C.I.E., was born into an Army family on 18^th August 1852 in Dum Dum, India, the son of Colonel C. Hogge, C.B., Royal Artillery.  Colonel Hogge’s career is typical of a British Officer serving in India during the height of Empire.  He obtained his commission as Lieutenant in the 41^st Foor in September 1871 and after 4 years’ service exchanged in to the 83^rd Foot on 18^th December 1875, serving in India.  After some months he obtained a commission as Lieutenant Probationer ibn the Bengal Staff Corps in October 1876

He first saw action in the Afghan War of 1878, when he was present at the capture of the fortress of Ali Masjiod.  This was followed by the Mahsood Wuzeeree Expedition of 1881. He was promoted Captain, Indian Staff Corps, in September 1883 and took part in the Hazara Expedition of 1888.  Promoted to Major in September 1891 he was appointed Commander of the Indian Empire in January 1894.  Further action followed in the Waziristan Frontier Expedition of 1897.  He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel in September 1897 and was awarded the Brevet rank of Colonel, 

As Lt.Col.he was appointed to command the 14^th Sikhs, then based in Nowshera, India.  On the outbreak of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 troops were despatched from India to join the International Relief Column and the 14^th Sikhs left Nowshera by train on 7^th July for Bombay and embarkation for China.  But due to an outbreak of cholera in the Regiment their departure was delayed until August.  They disembarked at Shanghai and remained there until April 1901.  Promoted to Colonel in September 1901, for reasons which are still being researched he shortly thereafter sent in his papers, retired from the active list and returned to England.  In 1905 he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath and in 1906 moved t Newbury, and lived in “Tentfield”, Wash Common.  In August 1909 he was transferred to the unemployed supernumerary list.  He died aged 57 years on 1st April 1910 and he was buried on 4^th April.

The Newbury Weekly News’ obituary dated 7^th April 1910 records “During his retirement Colonel Hogge led a useful life visiting those of his poorer neighbours who were sick, administering to their necessities and seeking to convey where acceptable consolations of religion.  Colonel Hogge himself was accustomed to conduct public services, and he showed a rare gift in exposition of Scripture, His illness was short and the news of his death brought sadness into many a humble home.  He was laid to rest in Newbury Cemetery on Monday afternoon.  Friends near and far gathered around the grave of one whose humility and gentleness was so much in accord with his Divine Master, whose spirit was reflected in his character and life.  Sincere sympathy is felt for the widow and daughters in their irreparable loss”

E&O E

1851 – 1910

Colonel John William Hogge

1852 – n1910

In Loving Memory of Col.John William Hogge, C.B. C.I.E.

Late of 14^th Sikhs

Died April 12^th 1910 aged 57

Thou makest Him glad with joy in his Presence. Thou has made him most blessed Forever” Psalm 21.6  

Author: Deirdre and Alastair Duff
© FNRC