Hoffman J.J. Gustavus

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Watercolour portrait by John Sowden of Gustavus J.J. Hoffman, J.P.

From John Sowden's notebooks:

"Was born in Brussels in 1855 and was educated privately in Southport and Zürich University. His father Arthur(?) Hoffman was a (?) and was a very well known yarn merchant who settled in Bradford in 1844.

Colonel Hoffman commenced his business career in 1875. Colonel Hoffman always took a deep interest in the Volunteers and when he assumed command in 1892 of the 2nd West Riding of Yorkshire Volunteer Artillery he undertook a task of great magnitude. The regiment was known as one of the smartest and most efficient in the citizen army. In the Volunteers perhaps more than in the regular forces a good leader means good followers. The 2nd West Riding has been fortunate in their colonels and in none were they more fortunate than in Colonel Hoffman who is one of the most competent volunteer artillery offices in the active list. He passed the School of Instruction of Woolwich and obtained special mention in the examination of tactics laid down for lieutenants in the army before January 1, 1890.

Colonel Hoffman possesses the Volunteer Decorations, which means that he has served as an officer for more than 20 years and that he is as competent and experienced a man as it is possible to have in the force. His most important achievement has been the mobilisation of his Brigade which he carried out in spite of many serious obstacles. He retired from the service in 1902. He was made Justice of the Peace in 1889. He was the President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1889-90."

Year

1891

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-138