WW1 soldier's life saved by binoculars after German sniper's bullet ends up lodged in metal shell

The story of how cavalryman Bill Hobbs cheated death has been passed down through generations - to grandson Alan, 68

Lifesaver: Alan Hobbs, with the binoculars that took a bullet for his grandad, Bill

The grandson of a First World War cavalryman has revealed how his grandad cheated death when his binoculars took a bullet intended for him.
Trooper Bill Hobbs was on night patrol on the front line in France when a German sniper fired at him.
The force of the shot knocked Bill from his horse, but he escaped unhurt as the bullet lodged in his field glasses.
Grandson Alan Hobbs, 68, said: “He was on patrol one night and, out of nowhere, this bullet came and knocked him off his horse.
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“It went straight through the leather case, hit the metal of the binoculars and is still lodged there now.

 

Trooper: Bill Hobbs was knocked from his horse when the sniper's bullet hit his binoculars

"The story of his miracle escape has been handed down through my family.
“If that bullet had struck just an inch either side, none of us would exist. We wouldn’t be alive. It’s a sobering thought.”
Bill was a trooper in the Royal Gloucester Hussars and he was first posted to France in April, 1914.

 

Nice save: A German sniper hit Bill Hobbs' binoculars - and is still there now

He was 20-years-old at the time he had his lucky escape. He later suffered shrapnel injuries to his legs and was discharged from the Army in 1917.
Dad-of-three Bill received three medals for his part in the war and settled down to live in London with wife Clarice. He passed away in the 1960s.
Retired lift engineer Alan, of Bedford, added: “My grandad was such a brave man. I decided to keep the binoculars as a mark of respect – he was such a fantastic bloke.”