Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

HOSKIN Richard 3413 PTE

59th Battalion

1893-1920

Richard (Uncle Dick as he is still fondly referred to by his grand-nephews) was the third son of Thomas George Hoskin, a saw miller born in 1869 and Catherine Belle (née Abbott) who was born the same year. Their children were as follows:

      Roy Hoskin 1890-
      Tom Hoskin 1892- cordial-maker
      Richard Hoskin 1893-1920   
      John Abbott Hoskin 1896-1952
      Elsie Catherine Hoskin 1889-
      Edith Alice Hoskin 1891-
      Jean Margaret Hoskin 1905-
      Alice Tryphena Hoskin 1906-  (married Walter Lindrum)

The family grew up in Violet Town, worshipped at St Dunstan’s Anglican Church and attended the Violet Town State School.  Honour Boards in both buildings record the names of Dick and Jim.

On 28 May 1917, when Dick was 23 years old he left his job as an electrician and enlisted at Broadmeadows. Two months later, after preliminary training in Sydney he embarked with 59th Battalion, 9th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Port Melbourne. He landed at Liverpool on 16 August from where he was sent to the 15th Training Battalion at Hurdcott.  The following January Dick was ready for active service in France where he was taken on strength (TOS) by the 59th Battalion which was actively engaged at Pozieres.

In February he was hospitalised for three weeks with rheumatism and may also have been gassed. 1918 was a year spent alternating between illness and duty. He finally left England on 22 July 1919 for return to Australia aboard HMAT Ulysses. He was discharged in September.

During leave in England he had met Muriel Ross, who followed him to Australia. They were married in 1920 in Melbourne. During a visit to Violet Town at Christmas time Dick suffered from an intense nose bleed and died as a result.  Muriel was pregnant with their first child and decided to return home to familiar surroundings. A son, Richard Ross Hoskin, was born.  Richard was buried in the Violet Town Cemetery.

There was some correspondence exchanged regarding Richard’s service medals which naturally Muriel wanted for her little son. Following are letters written by the army and the two wives, demonstrating some of the problems faced by the authorities regarding distribution of medals and effects.   

Letter written by Richard’s mother (Catherine Belle Hoskin)

O C Medals Department                                                 Cowslip Street, Violet Town -  8.2.23
Victoria Barracks
Melbourne

Dear Sir,

                I wish to apply for any medals due to my son – Richard Hoskin (deceased) No 3413 – 59th Battalion AIF.
                Am enclosing certificates of acceptance.
                He returned September 2nd 1919
                I have not got his discharge papers.
                He died since from effects of injuries received in war.

                                       Yours respectfully
                                    (Mrs) Catherine Belle Hoskin

……………………………………………….

Dear Madam,

                         Referring to your letter of 8.2.23 relative to the issue of war medals in respect of the services of your late son, No 3413, PTE R Hoskin, 59th Battalion (deceased), I would be glad to be informed of the date of death of your son together with the fact as to whether or not he was married.  If so, the names of any surviving children.  If he was not married, please furnish the name and address of his father, if living, or mother who would then be next-of-kin.

                         If, as you say, your son died from injuries received from the war, please furnish the place of death, together, if possible, with a certificate to substantiate your statement in order that your eligibility for the Memorial Plaque may be enquired into, and if approved, forwarded to you at a later date.

                         The certificate which was forwarded with your letter is returned herewith.

                                                                      Yours faithfully,
                                                                                    (JRB)

                                                                                Captain, Admin. Staff, 3rd District Bas

Mrs. C B Hoskin, Cowslip Street, Violet Town

(This from Richard’s mother):

Dear Sir,

           In reply to yours (MS 269?) – my son, No 3413, Private Richard Hoskin, 59th Battalion died on 30.12.20.  He was married at the time of his death. His wife has gone back to England and resides with her people. I do not know her address as she has not written to us since leaving Australia two years ago. There is one child of the marriage, born after his death. The child’s name is Richard Ross Hoskin.

My husband (father of Richard Hoskin) lives at this address.

His wife and child were in receipt of a pension whilst in Australia – after his death

                          Yours respectfully
                      (Mrs) C B Hoskin

Enclosed extract from death certificate. 

And this to Muriel requesting correct address in England:  2.2.25

Dear Madam, 

                    I shall be obliged if you will let me know whether communications addressed as this is will find you, as it is desired to transmit the British War and Victory Medals issuable on account of the service of your husband, the late R Hoskin ex 3413, Private, 59th Battalion.

                   An early reply will be appreciated.

                       Yours faithfully  etc   etc

Mrs Hoskin
4 Chiswell Street
Kensington
Liverpool
England

and this from Muriel notifying change of address.

4 Chiswell Street,
Kensington
Liverpool
England                 

16.3.25

Dear Sir,

         In reply to your letter of 2nd February 1925 regarding the British Victory and War Medals issuable to my husband the late PTE R Hoskin No 3413, 59th Battalion.  I wish to state that all communications sent to the above address will always find me.   I shall be very pleased to receive the Medals or anything to which my husband is entitled.  I have a son who will treasure anything belonging to him.

             Yours faithfully

  Signed:  Muriel Hoskin (Mrs)

And this from Base Records to Mum to clinch the matter –

20.9.23

Dear Madam,

I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 5.9.23 and to inform you the British War Medal and the Victory Medals issuable on account of the service of your son the late R Hoskin (ex 3413, Private, 59th battalion) are being forwarded to Australia House, London, for transmission to your son’s widow.

The “Extract” of Death Entry which was forwarded with your letter is returned herewith.
                          Yours faithfully
                           Captain….I C Base Records

And then this triumphant communication from Muriel  to Base Records…

RECEIPT FOR MEDALS

Received from the Officer i/c Base Records, Army Headquarters in connexion with the service of
PRIVATE R HOSKIN (ex No 3413, Pte, 59th Bn.
1 BRITISH WAR MEDAL
1 VICTORY MEDAL

Signature…………………..Muriel Hoskin

Date………..9.6.25

Tree No 13 - Fraxinus angustifolia -  Claret Ash  - was planted in 1917 by R Hoskin. It was still standing in 2013 and was tended by Brad and Leigh Stephens, grand nephews.

© 2015 Sheila Burnell