Ralph Hone

Major-General Sir Herbert Ralph Hone KCMG KBE MC (3 May 1896 – 28 November 1992) was a British Army officer, barrister and colonial administrator.

Ralph Hone was born in Hove, Sussex, and was educated at Varndean Grammar School, Brighton. Hone's mother died while he was in his teens; his father, "a man of character", went on to become mayor of Brighton in 1937. His family, the Hones, were distant relations to Nathaniel Hone the Elder of the famous painting, writing, cricket and diplomatic dynasty the Hones. However, Ralph's upbringing was far removed from that of his forebears.

In April 1915 Hone passed the British civil service examination. He then joined the Inns of Court Regiment and was commissioned in July 1915 in the London Irish Rifles. He was posted to the 1/18th battalion and was involved in the Battle of Loos in autumn 1915. Hone served in the Notre Dame de Lorette sector and then at Vimy Ridge. During this time Hone was hospitalised with acute trench fever and impetigo.

On 21 March 1918 the Germans opened their Spring Offensive with 6000 guns. Hone's company halted the German's first infantry assault, capturing 25 German prisoners. Hone was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his actions when the Germans attempted to enfilade the British lines, becoming severely injured in the process. He was repatriated to England, and by the end of the war had been promoted to a captain. The day after the Armistice he married Elizabeth Matthews (b. 1894/5), with whom he later had two children, a son and daughter.

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