Obituary

THE LATE
CAPT. G. HUDGELL
Career of a Gallant Soldier

MILITARY FUNERAL AT GAYWOOD

    A gallant soldier who was well-known in Lynn and district passed away at his residence, "Review House," Beulah St., Wootton Rd, Gaywood on the 1st inst., in the person of Captain George Hudgell, who was in his 62nd year.

    Joining the Army at the early age of 17, he had a long military career during which he rendered distinguished and brilliant service to his country.

    Born at Widford, Herts., he enlisted in the 16th Lancers on Jan 14, 1888, and completed 22 years' service in that regiment. For many years he was stationed in India and fought in the Tirah and Punjab frontier expeditions, for which he was awarded bars and medals.

    He served in the South African War where he won his D. C. M. for gallantry in the field, the circumstances of which were explained in the following report of the action of Sept.10, 1900, by the officer commanding detachment 3rd Cavalry Brigade near Modderfontein: "Sergeant Hudgell of the 16th Lancers, was ordered and took his troop out to support the left flank battery which was in some danger of being cut off. He took his troop out and occupied a ridge in a Boer laager; he was at once attacked. He repulsed the first attack, but the enemy being reinforced, began to get round both flanks. Several of his men were hit, and he was obliged to retire. Sergt. Hudgell assisted Pte. Pearce (who was wounded) to mount and then remained behind himself, firing until all his men got clear. The party were pursued by the Boers and Sergt. Hudgell dismounted four times, firing at the leaders and compelled them to dismount also. Pte. Potters horse was shot and the man himself being wounded, Sergt. Hudgell put him on his own horse and retired himself on a Boer pony." He was mentioned in a dispatch in the London Gazette of Sept. 18, 1901. He received medals and clasps for taking part in the relief of Kimberley and for the battles of Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill and Wittenbergen.

    At the outbreak of the Great War, Captain Hudgell offered his services and was sent to Egypt, where he served until the end of the war. He was wounded on several occasions. He was promoted to the rank of captain and awarded the D.S.O. and received long service and good conduct medals.

    After retiring from the Army Captain Hudgell became the licensee of the "Royal Standard Inn", Kings Lynn, and remained there for nine years. Owing to failing health he retired into private life and went to reside at Gaywood but his health continued to get worse and his end came on the date stated.

    During the time he resided in Lynn Capt. Hudgell initiated the licensee of local branch of the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers , and was instrumental in raising sufficient money to provide three cots in the Lynn Hospital. For three years he was secretary of the United Bowling Club and on his retirement was presented with a clock.

    The funeral took place in the Gaywood burial ground on Saturday. The plain oak coffin, with a plate inscribed "Capt. George Hudgell, D. S. O., D. C. M., died January 1, 1930, aged 61," was draped in a Union Jack and conveyed in a motor-hearse from his residence to church. The cortege was followed by a squad from the 3rd Light Brigade Royal Artillery, from Norwich, under the charge of Sergt. Richey.

    The immediate mourners were: the widow Elizabeth; Frank Hudgell, of the Coldstream Guards, son; Misses Beatrice and Mabel Hudgell daughters, Mr and Mrs Depear, son-in-law and daughter; Mr and Mrs Halliday, brother-in-law and sister; and Mrs Read. Mrs Cowan, a daughter, was unable to be present.

    Others present at the church included..................

    After the committal prayers at the graveside had been pronounced by Mr Meakin, the eternal farewell was made by three volleys being fired over the grave and the "Last Post - Reveille " sounded by Trumpeter Butler.

   Sprigs of acacia were dropped on the coffin by Worshipful Brothers Bassett and D'Oyley Watkins.

    Floral tributes were sent by the members of the King's Lynn and District Licensed Victuallers' Association, the Gaywood ex-Service Men's Association, Worshipful Master and Wardens and Brethren of Lenne Lodge of Freemasons, members of the United Bowling Club, and the Royal Standard Sick and Dividing Club.

    The coffin was hand made and the funeral arrangements were efficiently carried out by Mr E Bunkall, of Gaywood.

    Taken from a clipping from a paper whose heading includes "D NORFOLK AND CA" on one side and "TITTUTIONAL GAZETTE" on the other.

Mentioned in dispatches:

Monday, Apr 30, 1900

Casualties

The Following telegram from Lord Roberts has been received at the War Office : -

Bloemfontein, April 29 1900.

Killed in action or wounded: -

KARREEFONTEIN, April 23

slightly wounded:

2814 Sgt. G, HUDGELL

full article and casualties available

Saturday April 20 1901

The War Gazette

Honours and Promotions

(From the London Gazette April 19 1901)

War Office April 19 1901

The King has been graciously pleased to give to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointment to, the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George; for the following appointments to the Distinguished Service Order; and for the following promotion in the Army, in recognition of the services of the under mentioned officers during the operations in South Africa.

The rewards given below are for services in South Africa up to the 29th November 1900, the day on which Field Marshal Lord Roberts handed over the command, and which date (except where otherwise stated) they bear. Owing to the multitude of recommendations forwarded to the Commander in Chief, it has not yet been possible to fully examine those for regimental service, or those relating to the Militia, Yeomanry, Volunteers, and certain other services. Further distinctions will be notified later. These will bear the same date as those now given - viz. the 29th November, 1900, except where otherwise stated.

The King has further been pleased to approve of the grant of the Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field to the under mentioned Soldiers in recognition of their gallant conduct during the operations in South Africa:

16th Lancers - Sergt. G HUDGELL.

Full list available....................

16th August 1917

From the Distinguished Service Order records...

HUDGELL, GEORGE Second Lieut (Temporary Capt.) Yeomanry, attached Welsh Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After his Commanding Officer and second in command were wounded, he assumed command, although severely wounded himself, and kept his men going.

 He set a splendid example of courage and endurance, and although in considerable pain, remained in command until he was sent away.

814 Sgt. G. Hudgell, 16th Lancers, was awarded the D.C.M. which was notified in the London Gazette 19/4/1901 and issued under Army Orders AO 163/01. As is usual for the period there was no citation. He was also awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill & Wittebergen.

He was very likely also awarded the King's South Africa Medal with clasps South Africa 1901 & South Africa 1902. He was slightly wounded at Kareefontein 23/4/1900.
 
His D.S.O. was awarded for WW1 and was notified in the London Gazette 16/8/1917 as a 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) in the Norfolk Yeomanry attached to the Welsh Regiment.

"The D.C.M. was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1854 expressly for
non-commissioned ranks in the Army. Apart from the Victoria Cross, it was
the highest gallantry award available to non-commissioned ranks, and is
regarded a particular distinction".

That was the case until 1856, when the V.C. became the highest award for
all ranks.