Very fine Third Burma War clear up operations, China Boxer Rebellion Relief of Peking - the first man to enter city through sewers (according to London Illustrated) and mentioned in dispatches, USA Order of Dragon and Japanese Order of Rising Sun.
Indian General Service Medal clasp Burma 1887/89 script naming 2ND LIEUT E F HOOD 2ND BN S WALES BORD, China Medal clasp Relief of Pekin script naming CAPTN E F HOOD 7TH RAJPUT, USA Military Order of the Dragon engraved naming on reverse ERNEST FREDERICK HOOD CAPTAIN 7TH RAJPUTS ISC NO 119 & Order of the Rising Sun, 5th Class, silver & enamels. Mounted swing style for display.
Ernest Frederick Hood was born on 24th Sept 1867 in France, though he later resided with his parents in Bedford, Bedfordshire, being then educated at University College School. He joined the 5th Militia Battalion, Royal Fusiliers before being appointed to a commission as a 2nd Lt in the South Wales Borderers on 21st Dec 1887 and posted to the 2nd battalion to take part in the Third Burmese War to clear up the operations.
He opted then to join the Indian Army and appointed as a lieutenant into the Indian Staff Corps on 20th May 1890 and then joined the 7th Duke of Connaughts Own Rajput regiment, promoted captain on 21st Dec 1898. The regiment was urgently sent to China to help with the relief of Peking with General Sir Norman Stewarts first brigade to suppress the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. He was present in action at Peitsang Yangsun and the relief of Peking, serving as Double Company Commander and was the first man to enter the city during the relief through the sewers and was mentioned in dispatches for his gallant and distguished service LG 14th May 1901. Appointed to the American Society of the Military Order of the Dragoon membership no.119. In addition Capt Hood was awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, 5th Class in Army List Jan 1904 (copy supplied).
He was on leave from Feb 1903 to Feb 1904 and on his return to India was promoted Major on 21st Dec 1905. From 16th Jan 1906 to 4th Nov 1908 he was employed as a Recruiting Staff Officer in India before he retired on the rank of Lt Colonel on 21st Dec 1913 and returned home to live at Caldwell Priory, Bedford.
When WW1 broke out he was recalled to the Colours and saw service being appointed Lt Colonel of the 9th Service Battalion Pioneers, Border Regiment. He never saw overseas service (no WW1 medals) and relinquished his commission on 27th Sept 1916, being awarded the Silver War Badge. He died in 1941 in Cheltenham, Glos.
