The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
My grandfather, Les Hoddy, was appointed as a serving brother of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, on 2nd January 1958. The appointment honoured his long-term commitment to service as a volunteer ambulance officer. It also provided recognition by his peers, as it is they who must nominate members to the Order. The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem was created in 1887 by a Royal Charter under the Authority of Queen Victoria, with origins dating back to the Knights Hospitaller in the middle ages. It is an order of chivalry and the Sovereign Head confirms all appointments to the order as she shall think fit. Those selected have "generally acted in such a manner as to strengthen the spirit of mankind..and to encourage and promote humanitarian and charitable work aiding those in sickness, sufferering and/or danger..." The Order established the St John Ambulance Brigade in England in 1887, to train volunteers to