Napoleonic Newsdesk

Obituaries: Robert Hodges

by Tom Greenshields

Many of you will already have heard of the tragic death in August last year of Robert Hedges, aged just 20. Until recently Robert was a keen re-enactor, with his father Mick, in the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment.

Robert was born in Leicestershire in 1977. He attended Broom Leys primary school from 1982 to 1988, then Castle Rock School until August 1991, when he moved to Edinburgh to live with his mother and sister Ruth.

Robert was very gifted artistically. He completed a 2 year art and design course at the Telford Art College and was due to continue his studies with a 2 year graphic design course.

On the re-enactment side, Robert joined the NA with his father in 1988. His first event was Harrow Carnival in May 1989, and that same year he visited Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, taking in the battlefields of Austerlitz, Wagram and Aspern-Essiing. From that time on, Robert was a regular attendee at Napoleonic re-enactment events, a particular favourite in recent years being Boulogne. He was present at Waterloo in both 1990 and 1995. His last event was at Audley End in August 1995, after which he returned to Edinburgh to continue his studies.

Robert's father Mick remarried in 1997 to Michelle. Robert's untimely death was a particular blow to him, turning what should have been a year of great joy into a year of sorrow. Those who know Mick and Michelle were pleased to see them putting on a brave face together at the AGM in November. Mick and Michelle intend to continue in re-enactment, and their presence amongst us will help to keep Robert's pleasant character alive in our memory.

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