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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 679

(x) A 1961 I.S.O. group of four awarded to Private F. C. Hocking, Devonshire Regiment

British War and Victory Medals (240851 Pte. F.C. Hocking. Devon. R.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Imperial Service Order, E.II.R., (Francis Cole Hocking), mounted as worn, very fine (4)

I.S.O. London Gazette 27 October 1961.

Francis Cole Hocking was born on 5 August 1896 in Devonport, Devon, the son of William and Emma Hocking. Unfortunately, precise details of Hocking's military career are unknown. However, since he is not entitled to a 1914-15 Star, it may be assumed that Hocking did not enlist with the Devonshire Regiment until well after the outbreak of the War and did not see any overseas service until after 1915. At some point, he was posted to the 5th Battalion, from which he was disembodied on 2 March 1919.

The 1921 census reveals Hocking, age 24, was single and living at home with his widowed mother and working as an architectural draughtsman. In April 1934, he married Frances E. Green, born 22 October 1898, in Swindon, Wiltshire and the 1939 register reveals them as living together in Plymouth with Hocking working as at the Ministry of Works as a Maintenance Assistant.

Hocking's promotion to Maintenance Assistance in the Maintenance Division, Ministry of Works, appeared in the London Gazette on 9 July 1935. He continued working at the Ministry of Works over the next few decades, receiving his I.S.O. upon his retirement, at which time he was a Technical Assistant Grade II. The award appeared in the London Gazette on 27 October 1961.

At the impressive age of 98, Hocking died on 27 January 1994 from bronchopneumonia and Parkinson's disease at his home Abercorn House, Fernhill Road, Blackwater, Hampshire. He was survived by his son Anthony John Francis Hocking; sold together with copied research, including medal rolls.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£60

Starting price
£30