Augustus Michael Hogan

Rank: 
Corporal
Regimental number: 
772475
Unit at enlistment: 
125th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Wounded: 
Yes
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
98 Wellington Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
98 Wellington Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Actor
Religious denominations: 
Roman Catholic
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
25

Letters and documents

BX December 12, 1916

With 125th Draft in the Front Line – Pte. Gus Hogan Finds Things Not Too Bad in the Trenches – Much Bad Weather

November 23, 1916

Just a few lines as it seems to be the habit now with the boys who are left in England. I am writing this letter in our dugout in the trenches and a few of the boys are helping me out, including Jack Epplett, Stanley Shoebottom and Corp. Whelan, one of the first boys out here. Well, I saw in your paper about a certain fellow in the 125th getting a shave and hair cut in London. I just wish you could see us boys just now, as I have not had a shave since I left billets and we sure are some sights. I suppose you have heard all the news about us leaving England; well, I will try and give you the news since we have been on the firing line. First of all I want to say that there is nothing for the mothers and wives of boys out here to worry about, as it is not half so bad as people think. Of course there is danger, but then that is what we came out here for. I really thought that Fritz was a good shot, but we have him beat by one fellow anyway, and that is Steamboat Hinton from St. Kitts. He sure is some shot. We are about 100 yards from Fritz, but he doesn’t worry us any, as he is beaten to a standstill. It is a wonderful sight to see all the airships out here. I have only seen one of Fritz’s so far, but he did not get over our lines before he was turned back by our guns.

If it were only good weather I don’t think that it would take us long to finish it, but the weather is so bad and so cold at nights that all we do is sit around our fires and read (if we can find anything) or sing some songs. I would like to say that anyone over home who has friends out here – be sure to drop them a line or send them some papers, as it cheers the boys up so much. Well, as it is getting late and Corp. Whelan has picked me out to get the firewood for the night I will have to close for this time.

Hoping old Brantford is not too dead since it went dry and wishing you and all our friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be sure and write soon as I like to hear from all I know. I will close, with the best of luck.

772475, Pte. A.M. (Gus) Hogan
B Co. 4th Batt., Canadians
France

BX April 24, 1917

Casualty List is Mounting

Mrs. D. Hogan of 98 Wellington Street received a telegram this morning informing her that her son, Pte. Gus Hogan who enlisted with the 125th Battalion, and was later drafted to the 4th Battalion overseas, has been admitted to a hospital, suffering from slight gunshot wounds.

BX February 1, 1918

On Way Home

Word has been received by his family that Private Augustus Michael Hogan, who left here with the 125th has been ticketed for Canada on account of wounds received, and is now en route home. If not already arrived at an Eastern port.

BX February 8, 1918

Is At Halifax

Relatives of Gus Hogan have received a wire from him at Halifax announcing his safe arrival at that port with other Brantford soldiers. He has been invalided home from England.

BX March 19, 1919

Has Influenza

Word was received in the city this morning that Gus Hogan, a well known Brantford veteran, was confined to a U.S.A. hospital at Camp Upton, N.Y. where he was taken suffering from an attack of Spanish influenza.