13 Facts About Talbot Hobbs

Talbot Hobbs worked as draughtsman for a builder, John Hurst.

Talbot Hobbs designed many of the well known public buildings in Perth and Fremantle, including the Weld Club, the Savoy Hotel and the Perth Masonic Lodge.

Talbot Hobbs was treasurer of the Western Australian Institute of Architects in 1896, and later became the institute's president from 1909 to 1911.

In 1887, Talbot Hobbs joined the volunteer artillery in Perth as a gunner, was commissioned in 1889, and rose to the command of the 1st Field Battery in 1903.

Talbot Hobbs was thus thoroughly equipped when war broke out and, on 8 August 1914 was selected by Major General William Bridges to command the 1st Australian Divisional Artillery.

Talbot Hobbs clashed with Bridges over the placement of the guns.

Talbot Hobbs was in command of the artillery until 9 November 1915 when he was struck down with dysentery and invalided to Cairo despite his protests.

Talbot Hobbs was then promoted brigadier general and made a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Talbot Hobbs was created both a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath and Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George on 1 January 1918.

Monash was put in charge of the repatriation and demobilisation of the Australian troops, and Talbot Hobbs succeeded him in the command of the Australian Corps until May 1919.

Talbot Hobbs's body was returned from Colombo to Perth where he was given a military and state burial.

Talbot Hobbs was a short and slight man, whose civilian life was that of a successful citizen who had a full realisation of his responsibilities to the society of which he was a member.

Talbot Hobbs was capable, self-sacrificing and measured his life by high standards.