written by his son
Charles Hudson VC was one of the twentieth centurys outstanding fighting soldiers. His military career through two world wars and in Russia in 1919 earned him a host of medals. He was also a man of deep feeling, an accomplished poet and, in many ways, a rebel.
In this compelling biography the author skillfully interweaves his own narrative insight with his fathers wartime journals and other unpublished material. The narrative includes detailed personal descriptions of the Battle of the Somme and other actions. It tells of the extraordinary affair in the summer of 1940, when the Secretary of State for War, Anthony Eden, asked a meeting of senior army commanders in the then beleaguered Britain whether, in the event of a successful German invasion, their soldiers would agree to be evacuated to Canada or whether they would insist on going home to support their families.
The author examines Hudsons motivation in both wars and delves deeply into his complex, and highly courageous character.
Major General Charles Edward Hudson VC CB DSO & Bar MC Croix de Guerre (France) Italian Silver Medal for Valeur) (29 May 1892-4 April 1959) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 26 years old, and a lieutenant colonel in the Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), British Army, Commander 11th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 15 June 1918 near Asiago, Italy, during an attack when the enemy had penetrated our front line, Lieutenant Colonel Hudson collected and personally led various headquarter details such as orderlies, servants, runners, etc. to deal with the situation. He rushed a position with only two men, shouting to the enemy to surrender, some of whom did. He was severely wounded by a bomb which exploded on his foot and although in great pain gave directions for the counter-attack which was successful, about 100 prisoners and six machine-guns being taken.
[edit] World War II
Hudson commanded 2nd Brigade during the Battle of France. He was GOC 46th Division from December 1940 to May 1941, but never again held a divisional command. He was Aide-de-camp to the King from 1944 until his retirement in 1946.
