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 provide a first aid and ambulance service at public events.
In Australia,St John Ambulance training centres were established in Melbourne in 1883, Adelaide 1885, Perth 1891, and Glebe NSW in 1903. Others followed.
Les's service began in 1928 with the Northam Railway Club, and he entered his first competition in September 1929.
He was the secretary of the Northam Ambulance Brigade by 1932
Competitions were major community events and opportunities for the participants. District competitions were held first, with winners then travelling to compete in Perth for events. State champions would then proceed to Sydney for the All-Australian Champion Competition.
Les received a long service medal in 1947 to recognise twelve years of service, with a bar for five additional years of service added. The medal was presented by the Chief Justice, Sir John Dywer, the Knight-Commander of the Order in Western Australia, during the annual inspection in Perth.
Additional bars were presented at later State inspections.
Les was the superintendent of the Northam division of the brigade from 1944 when he returned from active service abroad, until 1952 when he retired from the position. However his service with the association continued.
My grandfather wrote regular letters to the local newspaper encouraging first aid training.
Mum remembers turning 14, which was the school leaving age in 1953, and going along with her Dad to see the hospital Matron, where she took up a position as a nursing trainee. Two sisters did the same.
Les was interviewed for the local newspaper in later years, and discussed his service with the St John Ambulance. Mention was made of his gratitude for medical treatment provided during his time as a young soldier in World War 1. He had enlisted on 21 July 1916 at the age of 15 years and one month, arrived in England on 10 January 1917 and embarked from Southampton for France just after his 16th birthday on 19 June 1917. On about 7 October 1917 he was treated in France after being gassed, and spent three months in hospital in England with nephritis, returning to Australia in April 1918. He suffered some debility for a period, but soon obtained employment with WA Government Railways (WAGR) where he worked until he retired.
Les enlisted for World War II on 2 July 1940, and he served with the 2/7 Field Ambulance in Greece, Libya, Egypt, Crete and New Guinea, until his discharge on 18 April 1944. He caught malaria in New Guinea, which recurred on occasions throughout the rest of his life.
My grandfather was well known for his commitment and service to his community and family throughout his life.
Comments
Post a Comment