Description
Army Meritorious Service Medal, VR issue, Colour Sergeant George Hodgkinson, 2nd Derby Regiment, a soldier since 14 when he enlisted straight from the School of the Patriotic Fund.
Officially impressed in QSA style: “CLR. – SERGT: G. Hodgkinson. 2nd Derby: Regt.”
One of the final awards of the Victorian Issue Army M.S.M., awarded on 8th november 1901, when serving as Sergeant Instructor of the Volunteer Battalion, Derbyshire Regiment.
George Hodkinson, was born during 1850, the son of a serving soldier, his father had died in duty as a soldier with the Rifle Brigade, so he was raised and schooled at the “Royal Victoria Patriotic School” in Wandsworth Common, South London, the principal orphanage for children of British servicemen killed on duty.
His father was 2475 Corporal George Hodgkinson, 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade, he went overseas to fight in the Crimea War, and died at Scutari Hospital from wounds received in action on 28th November 1854.
Horse Guards 3rd July 1866, Memorandum for the Inspecting Field Officer of the London Recruiting District:
“His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief approves of George Hodgkinson, the Boy alluded to in the enclosed papers, who was just been discharged from the School of the Patriotic Fund, being enlisted without bounty for the 95th Regiment and forwarded to the Depot at Pembroke, to be trained as a Drummer or Musician, in consideration of his having a Brother now serving in it and his mother being the widow of a soldier of that corps, The enclosures to be returned to this department with a report.
By Command of Colonel Superintendent Hope Graham.”
He attested for service at the age of 14 years 7 months on 11th July 1866.
He first joined the 95th Regiment, with his older brother as a Boy on 11th July 1866.
He was appointed as a Drummer on 7th January 1869.
Attained 18 years of age on 11th December 1869, being reverted to Private on 21st 1870. One he became 18 having been in the army already for a number of years he swiftly rose through the ranks.
Promoted Corporal on 5th march 1872, then to Sergeant on 28th September 1874.
On 1st July 1881 he transferred as a Sergeant to the Derbyshire Regiment.
One he joined he would see his first overseas and campaign service.
He served in Gibraltar from 28th December 1881 until 6th August 1882.
Posted to the war in Egypt on 7th August 1882 until 13th October 1882.
Spent 5 years in India from 14th October 1882 until 10th November 1887.
Just after arriving in India he was appointed as a Colour Sergeant which he would served as until his discharge.
Discharged after 21 years of service at home on 22nd November 1887.
For his service in the first Egypt War he earned the Egypt Medal, 1882, and the Khedive’s Bronze Star 1882.
