Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday May 18th, 1917

MILITARY FUNERAL AT COALVILLE

The funeral took place with military honours at Coalville Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, of Private Henry Hodgetts, son of the late Mr Jos. Hodgetts and Mrs Hodgetts of Ashby Road. The deceased, a single man, was in the Leicestershire Regiment, and had served about 16 years in the Colours, and the Reserve. He enlisted in 1901, prior to which he was working as a shoehand, and he took part in the South African War, being the possessor of two South African medals (Queen’s and King’s) and a clasp for the Transvaal. He spent about 6 ½ years in India. On the outbreak of the present war, he was working at the Snibston Colliery, and residing with his mother at 77, Ashby Road, and was called up as a reservist. He was over two years in France, and was three times wounded – once at Neuve Chapelle, when he was shot in the head. He was discharged from the Army a few months ago.

The first part of the funeral service on Tuesday afternoon was held in the Primitive Methodist Church, and was conducted by the Rev. T. J. Martin. There was a large crowd at the cemetery, the procession thither being headed by a firing party of the Leicesters from South Wigston Barracks, under Sergt. W. Godwin. After the committal, the soldiers fired three volleys over the grave, after which they fixed bayonets and presented arms, whilst a bugler sounded “The Last Post”. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, bore the inscription:

“Harry Hodgetts, died May 11th, 1917, aged 41 years.”

Deceased’s mother, brothers, sisters, a good number of other relatives attended as mourners. Beautiful floral tributes were from his mother; aunt (Mrs Latey), uncle and cousins; brothers and sisters, Arthur and George, Florrie and Annie; and Wm. Moore. There was also an artificial wreath in red, white and blue from his sisters, and two artificial wreaths in globes, one from friends and neighbours, and the other from his fellow workmen

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 19/10/2017