Robert Beattie Hodge
Born 1892, Southwark, London
Son of William James Hodge and Caroline Beatrice Hodge
Husband of Gwendoline Nellie Hodge nee Taulbut, married 4th December 1915, the Parish Church of St Michael’s, Portsmouth
Joined the City of London Police 1st October 1914
Brown eyes, very dark brown hair, fresh complexion, 6 ft in height
Warrant number 7946
Collar number C130
Served at Bishopsgate Police Station
Left the City of London Police, 6th May 1915
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Private, 101st (Bucks and Berks)
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Service Number 165665
Formerly 2367, Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars
Killed in action, France and Flanders, 29th August 1918 aged 27 years
No known grave
Remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial and the City of London Police WWI War Memorial, Wood Street Police Station
Extract from references provided for Robert Hodge upon his application to join the City of London Police (Source: City of London Police Personal File held at the London Metropolitan Archives):
“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity of bearing my testimony to the worth of Robert Hodge. He was a pupil here from 1897 to 1906 and during that time it was a great pleasure for the masters to be associated with him. He was regular and punctual in attendance, made splendid progress in his studies and speedily became one of the top boys of the school. He won several prizes for success in the school examination. As to his moral character, I always found him honest and straightforward in his dealings with masters and pupils”. W Burton, Headmaster, Royal Hill School, Boys’ Dept, Greenwich LCC Electoral Area, August 31st 1914.
“Dear Sir, I understand that Mr Robert B Hodge is applying for admission to the City of London Police. I may say that I have known his father (an old City Apprentice) 4 years, who is highly respected in Portsmouth where he holds a very responsible position. I hope Mr Robert B Hodge will be accepted for the position which he seeks. He is an energetic, honest, sober and straightforward young man. I shall be pleased to hear of his appointment”. Mayor of Portsmouth, The Town Hall, Portsmouth, 11th September 1914
“Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in recommending Robert Hodge to you. I have myself been employed for upwards of 20 years in the strong rooms of Messrs Rothschilds, St Swithins Lane, so that you know I should not send a man to you in whom I had not every confidence. During the four years I have known him, I have found him to be a steady, sober and intelligent man, and I feel sure he would be a credit to your force”. Alfred Charman, September 1914
“Dear Sir, My son, Robert B Hodge was in my employ from November 1906 to Aug 1907, during which time he gave me every satisfaction in the work he undertook, punctual to time, and an industrious good lad. I was at work in Cornhill for 7 years, Fleet Street 17 years and Bishopsgate 6 years, therefore as an old citizen, I shall be glad to hear of my son obtaining the appointment he desires, in the City of London where I spent the best of my life and happiest time”. W J Hodge, September 11, 1914