Canada, Commonwealth. A Silver Gift Box to Brigadier V. Hodson, Commander, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade (1941–42)

A large Solid Sterling Silver case, marked BIRKS, silver hallmarked with date letter 'F' denoting 1941 manufacture, with inscription etched on lid, "Brigadier V. Hodson from 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade February 1942, with the icons and signatures of regiments under Hodson's command including Governor General's Foot Guards, Canadian Grenadier Guards and the Elgin Regiment, measuring 22 cm (l) x 11 cm (w) x 5 cm (h), weighs 969 grams, wooden interior and accompanied by a large studio portrait of Hodson, extremely fine. 

Vernon Hodson was a long-serving officer of the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) whose military career spanned both World Wars and extended from junior officer ranks through to Brigadier and command appointments.

First World War and Early Service:  Hodson served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War, where he was wounded early in the conflict (notably during the Somme period) and mentioned in despatches. He later held instructional and administrative roles, including Adjutant of the RCR during the postwar period. His wartime experience and injuries delayed his return to full front-line service, but he remained closely tied to the Regiment. He held substantive and brevet promotions during and after the war, eventually stabilizing at the rank of Lieutenant and Captain in peacetime establishment while holding higher brevet or wartime ranks when required.

Interwar Career (1919–1939): During the interwar years, Hodson became a central figure in the professional development and training of the RCR:  Served in instructional and training roles with the Royal Air Force Cadet system in 1918–1919. Returned to Canada and rejoined the Permanent Force and RCR base structure. Became deeply involved in regimental training, musketry, weapons instruction, and staff duties. Held key appointments including Adjutant of The RCR, District Weapons Training Officer (Military District No. 1), and later company command in various stations (London, Halifax, St. Jean, Toronto). Specialized in weapons training, attending multiple courses at Connaught Ranges and qualifying as instructor in rifle, Lewis gun, Vickers machine gun, anti-gas warfare, and other specialist disciplines. Was promoted to Brevet Major in 1929 and later substantive Major in 1935. He was also a well-known social and sporting figure within the regiment, heavily involved in athletics, regimental sports competitions, ceremonial duties, and community events. A defining feature of this period was his command of “A” Company in Halifax (1934–1938), during which he oversaw training, exercises, ceremonial parades, and a notable large-scale road exercise (“JOHNCOL”) from Halifax to St. Jean.

Second World War Service: At the outbreak of the Second World War, Hodson was appointed to senior administrative and operational staff roles before returning to command: 1939: Appointed Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General at Military District No. 2 (Toronto). Late 1939: Took command of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and led the Regiment overseas to Britain. 1940: Commanded The RCR during operations in France, including the brief deployment toward Dunkirk and the “Brest operation” withdrawal. Notably, he became the only officer in the Regiment to have served operationally in both World Wars in both England and France with The RCR.

He later held senior brigade and divisional commands: Acting Commander, 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade (1940). Commander, 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade (1941–42). Temporary commands including Camp Sussex Area, 4th Canadian Division, and 2nd Army Tank Brigade. Fortress and coastal defence commands in British Columbia (Esquimalt and Terrace areas). Final appointment as GSO1 (Training), Pacific Command

Hodson’s career represents a classic example of a long-service Canadian Permanent Force officer: deeply embedded in regimental life, heavily involved in training and administration between wars, and called upon for increasingly senior command responsibilities during WWII. His legacy within The Royal Canadian Regiment is particularly tied to training professionalism, interwar regimental continuity, and early WWII mobilisation leadership.