Sydney Herbert Hawkins

Born in London, he was a driller before he enlisted in the DLI in 1891, aged 18 years. He was posted to 1 DLI and trained as a Mounted Infantryman. He fought in the Boer War with 1 DLI and the 24 Mounted Infantry. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and promoted to Corporal for his bravery on 5 September 1901. He was protecting the flank of his patrol when he was attacked by four Boers. Though over a mile from the patrol, he drove off the attack, wounding one man. Sydney Hawkins was discharged, as a Sergeant, in 1903.