21 May 2025
Eighty years to the day after his death, a new talk presented by Harpenden and District Local History Society will shed fresh light on the life and achievements of one of the town’s unsung heroes.
George Hogg (1915-1945) was born, brought up and educated in Harpenden – at St George’s School. On a world tour after graduation, he ended up in China, where he stayed for seven years at the time of the Japanese war.
Heroically, he saved the lives of 60 boys by leading them out of a war zone, marching them 700 miles to the edge of the Gobi Desert and re-establishing their school in a safer location.
David Kendall, a society trustee, was part of a group spending three weeks in April in China, visiting places where Hogg lived and where he is commemorated.
He said: “Hogg is renowned in China as a hero, with statues in multiple cities, and there are commemorations taking place this year. Yet, Hogg is so little known in the UK, even in his home town. Hopefully, this lecture, and an exhibition in Harpenden Museum on Hogg at the same time, will change that.”
The talk forms part of the society’s summer term public lecture programme at a new venue of High Street Methodist Church.
The programme begins at 8pm on Tuesday May 27 with My Year as High Sheriff by Annie Brewster, JP, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire 2024-25.
Annie, who is the society’s patron, will share the history of the role and highlights from her tenure.
The second lecture, on Tuesday June 24 is a double bill comprising Methodism in Harpenden by Rev Mark Hammond, High Street Methodist Church and a selection of Harpenden folk from the new Station Road pedestrian tunnel mural by designer Alison Bourke.
The George Hogg talk is scheduled for Tuesday July 22.
Society chairman Roger Butterworth said: “210 people attended our previous lecture, which is another record. Building on that success, we have a varied and extended programme for the coming months.
“This also sees a change of location to High Street Methodist Church, following a recent make-over of the church, with the pews replaced by individual seats. Also, it has a state-of-the-art AV system, which includes a large screen at the front.”
The lectures are free to members and students. Visitors are welcome. Booking is not required. Non-members are requested to make a donation, £5, payable at the door of the Methodist Church.
