VICTORY IN BID TO HONOUR CITY’S SEA HERO
BLUE PLAQUE TO REMEMBER MAN WHO SAVED DOZENS FROM DROWNING
A hero who saved dozens of people from drowning in the North Sea will be remembered forever in his home city.
A campaign to erect a blue plaque in memory of Joseph Hodgsonhasendedinvictory and the ceremony to unveil it willbeheldattheBoar’sHead, Sunderland, on Sunday.
Joseph had the nickname of Stormy Petrel because whenever a gale blew up, he looked for ships in distress so that he could help.
By his mid-60s, Joseph had rescued the crews of 15 ships as part of a lifeboat team, as well as numerous people himself.
Joseph was born in Dunning Street, Sunderland, in 1829 and was only 15 when he jumped into the River Wear to save the life of three-yearold John Snowdon. It was the first of many acts of heroism.
He even won a gold medal from Napoleon III after coming to the aid of the stricken French schooner Les Trois Soeurs in 1857.
Sadly, he died a poor man after having to sell his medals to survive and spent his last few years in a London slum.
But his story was researched by great great granddaughters Christine Sexton and Debbie Scott. Their efforts later led to a Sunderland campaign for Joseph to be permanently honoured.
It was backed by the staff at the Boar’s Head, Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott, Sunderland Maritime Heritage group and given support by Sunderland City Council.
Campaigners say the plaque will remain on the wall of the Boar’s Head for two years until a permanent site is ready in Keel Square. Sunday’s ceremony will include the singing of a song in tribute to Joseph.