BX August 20, 1914

Veterans Go Next – Intimation Received That They Are Likely to be Called Home by War Office 
 
The seriousness of the war in Europe is being impressed on Canadians. Another aspect of the case has been put in by the notification served on Frederick W. Hocking, steward at the Brantford Club.

Mr. Hocking is a pensioner of the British army, having served his full 21 years in the army and on the reserve list. In addition he is over the 40 year age limit, which is being enforced in connection with the volunteers. Last evening however, despite all those things he received notification to hold himself in readiness to report for service on receipt of a communication by wire.

It is though that it is the intention of the war office to call home all the veterans to act as a home guard, allowing all the regulars to be sent abroad for the actual fight against the Germans. This is indicated by the tone of the letter.

BX August 24, 1914 

Going Home to Fight

It is likely that Col.-Sergt. Frederick Hocking, steward at the Brantford Club, will return to the old land to do his part in the war. He is a pensioner of the British army, and offered his services to the war office when the call was made for old N.C.O.’s to come forward to train the new troops. This morning he received a letter from War Office Pensioning Officer Davis at Ottawa, stating that if he would forward medical certificate as to his physique and health, and this proved satisfactory, transportation would be forwarded to him. He expects to leave at the New Year.

BX January 6, 1915

Will Act as Instructor – Staff Sergeant Hocking, of This City is on His Way Back to the Mother Country

Staff Sergeant Frederick W. Hocking, British pensioner and steward at the Brantford club, left this morning for Halifax, there to embark for the old land. His departure followed on the request of the British war office for his services as a drill instructor for the new units of Kitchener’s army, there being a decided shortage of experienced non-coms there.

Last evening, prior to his departure, the members of the Brantford Club gathered and presented him with a pair of officers field glasses as a mark of esteem, these being accompanied by their very best of wishes for his success in the old land in training the men who will defend the Empire. The presentation was made on behalf of the club by the president, David Adams, while C.B. Heyd and others gave brief addresses of a eulogistically nature. The recipient made a very manly reply.