Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Bombardier

Unit:

4th Field Regiment, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 22nd, 1945

Recommendation:
Bombardier Hodgkinson has been employed as an observation post assistant and signaler in almost all the major actions of the Essex Scottish Regiment in North-West Europe.
At Putte, in Holland, on October 10, 1944, Bombardier Hodgkinson assisted his troop commander in holding the town by artillery fire until an infantry company could come up and take control.
At Louisendorff, on February, 1945, Bombardier Hodgkinson’s officer was forced to leave the vehicle from which he was directing fire, to organize the infantry. This officer was subsequently wounded and taken prisoner. Bombardier Hodgkinson carried on in his observation post vehicle despite concentrated and accurate direct and indirect fire, and maintained communication with the Regiment until he was ordered to withdraw.
During the time he has been in front line, Bombardier Hodgkinson has experienced innumerable periods of intense enemy artillery and small arms fire. He has always performed his duties with a sense of great personal responsibility and has acted in the closer engagements with the enemy with absolute efficiency, coolness and heroism.
His behavior has been an inspiration to everyone who has ever worked with him and his complete mastery of wireless has been an invaluable contribution to the artillery support and consequent success of many operations of the Battalion.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 11 October, 1945.