Herbert Hopkins

Story:
Herbert Hopkins was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 18th May 1876, the son of Frank Hopkins and Caroline Eliza Hopkins (née Extance). The family lived for some time at Steven's Building, King's Lane, Motcombe. In due time he became a Cabinet Maker. He married Amy Gertrude Smith at Gillingham, Kent, on 20th January 1905 and they went on to have six children. Herbert had previously enlisted on 15th October 1896 with the Royal Engineers and served in South Africa and Malta (Service No. 472). Prior to the First World War he held the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, the 1899-1902 South Africa Medal with clasp 'Cape Colony', and the 1901-02 King's South Africa Medal with two clasps. He served from 1913 entirely in the UK. He had risen steadily in the non-commissioned ranks throughout his career, ending as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Royal Military Academy. He was described as an exemplary soldier on discharge on 15th June 1920 and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. The 1921 Census shows him living at Devonshire Villa, Mottingham, Kent, working as a Cabinet Make on his own account. His last known address was 82 Whitworth Road, Woolwich, London, per the 1939 Register, still described as a Cabinet Maker. He died in the Woolwich Registry district in 1960.

Source: Based on previous initial research by Ken Baxter.