Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second China War C.B. group of four awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Hocker, Royal Marines

The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, C.B. (Military) Companion’s breast badge in 22 carat gold and enamels by A. J. Strachan, hallmarked London 1828, one of the so-called ‘economy’ issues, with original swivel-ring straight bar suspension but lacking ribbon buckle, enamels chipped, one lion a later replacement and one ball point lacking; Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (Edwd. Hocker, Capt. R.M.); China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Canton 1857, unnamed as issued; St Jean D’Acre 1840, silver, unnamed as issued, the second with edge bruising and contact marks, therefore good fine or better (4) £1400-1600

Edward Hocker was commissioned 2nd Lieut. in the Royal Marines on 30th June, 1830, and promoted 1st Lieut. in 1837. He served in Syria in 1840 and was at the storming of Sidon, the surrender of Beyrout, and the bombardment and capture of Acre. Hocker served on the staff as Quarter-Master from 1846 to 1850 and was promoted Captain in 1847.

In 1857, now Lieut-Colonel, he commanded one of the two battalions of the Royal Marine Light Brigade under Colonel Holloway. Hocker led his battalion through the China expedition 1857-58. He participated in the blockade of the Canton River and in the landing before and storming of Canton. He was amongst the first on the walls of Canton and for his distinguished service was gazetted a companion of the Bath.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hocking died in 1860 with 30 years service in the Royal Marines.