The Soldier's Details

 

Syd left Singapore by train with ‘D’ Force Thailand, S Battalion to work on the Burma-Thai Railway May 1943.

Please read further about this Force.

When the rail link was completed the Japanese began moving all POWs southwards to one of the larger or hospital Camps. It was from here Syd was selected to work in Japan and departed with ‘Rashin’ Maru.

Please read further about the 70 day journey to Moji, Japan.

Above:  Syd in front row far right.

 

Below:  Syd was one of a large number of POWs sent to Yamane and Niihama mines to work. He was recovered from Niihama at the end of the war.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Syd was born Fremantle 1917 to parents Edwin Hogben and Elizabeth Meller who married about 1900.  Hogben and Meller were born in England.  Syd was the youngest of about ten children born in Western Australia.  His mother died in 1952 and his father Edwin died 1963.

In the 1937 Electoral Roll, Syd was living with his parents at 700 Beaufort St, Perth.  His father was a storekeeper and Syd was a shop assist.

In 1947 Hogben attended his 2/4th mate Jerry Arthur’s wedding at Three Springs.

Syd married in 1948 to Doreen Jean King.

 

 

 

Their son Ross Alan b. 1951 died 2024 at Albany aged 72 years.

In 1961 Syd and his wife were recorded as passengers on a ship sailing to UK.  He recorded his occupation as Orchardist.

In 1972 Electoral Roll Syd and Doreen are residing Maddington, Syd is salesman.  Their son Ross is also residing Maddington and he is a poulrty farmer.

 

Sydney passed away aged 90, March 16 2006, at Mount Lawley, WA aged 90 years.  His funeral was held at Pinnaroo Cemetery.

At the 2/4th Committee Meeting of Tuesday 18th April 2006 Ron Badock reported Mrs Hogben had donated a very generous cheque of  $500.00 to the Battalion!

Mrs Doreen Hogben died 11 Dec 2012.

 

 

 

Below:  Syd’s mother died in Jan 1952.