HOOK, GODFREY BLAIR, Captain, was
born at Grahamstown, South Africa, in 1872, the son of Major David Blair
Hook. He was educated at St Andrew's College, Grahamstown; served in the
British Bechuanaland Police during the Matabele War of 1893, and took part
in the occupation of Matabeleland. He was Lieutenant in the Bulawayo Field
Force during the Matabele Rebellion, 1896; was severely wounded at Maqusa 22
April. In October 1899, he became Lieutenant in the Southern Rhodesia
Volunteers. He served in the South African War with General Plumer's Force;
was promoted Captain, and became DAAG on General Plumer's Staff in March,
1900. He was present at the Relief of Mafeking, and served with General
Plumer until the Rhodesian Brigade was disbanded in November 1900. For his
services while acting as DAAG on General Plumer's Staff he was created a
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette 19 April,
1901]: "Godfrey Blair Hook, Captain, Southern Rhodesia Volunteers. In
recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The
Insignia, etc, were sent to South Africa, and presented in South Africa. He
was appointed Military Commandant at Bedford, Cape Colony, in January 1901.
He married, in 1899, Annye, daughter of C Cornwallis de Smidt, of Beaufort
West, South Africa.
