Unit: 1st Commando Brigade.

Since January 1945 Major Hopson had been Brigade Major of the First Commando Brigade, and has taken an active part in all operations since that time.

He crossed in the first wave both in the battle of the Rhine and the Weser Crossing. In the battle of Esseller Forest he particularly distinguished himself. The brigade encountered a strong Kreig Marine Fusilier force of three battalions, two companies of SS troops and a detachment of self-propelled guns.
The brigade consolidation area was in the form of a tight bridgehead over the River Aller, which was of the greatest importance to 11 Armoured Division.At about 1130 hours on 11th April 1945 the brigade was heavily counter-attacked from three sides. Brigade H.Q. was under mortar and small arms fire and several officers and men were killed by sniping. Physical contact with units was impossible.
Major Hopson was in a slit trench with a No.22 Wireless Set and was very much exposed from one flank to enemy fire. Nevertheless during the whole battle when vital messages were being sent, Major Hopson continually exposed himself to fire in order to ensure that there should be no fault or delay in the passing of the orders. The whole battle was a great success and the bridgehead consolidated, allowing 11 Armd Div to pass complete over the River Aller.

Major Hopson's complete disregard for his own safety, and his wholehearted devotion to duty materially contributed to the success of the operation. Both before and since that date Major Hopson has distinguished himself on every occasion the brigade has been in action, and has been an inspiration and an example to allmembers of the First Commando Brigade.

Award Recommendation: National Archives file WO373/55/13.