HOPKINS, Alfred John Arthur

Known as: 
Alf
Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
1 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Devonshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
5628330
Born: 
Tuesday, April 29, 1913
Birthplace: 
Bristol, Gloucestershire
Died : 
Tuesday, March 8, 1988
Place died: 
Bristol, Gloucestershire
Alf Hopkins 1 Commando
Alfred Hopkins
Private Alfred Hopkins was one of the commando contingent who embarked on motor launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid he was later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner *. 
  • 1944 reported "Wounded and Prisoner of War (Germany) now Repatriated" **.
Extract from the Western Daily Press 25 May 1944.
"On His Way Home
Private A.J. Hopkins of Cambridge Street, Totterdown, Bristol, is one of the repatriated prisoners who arrived at Belfast from Barcelona. Mrs Hopkins received a telegram from her husband which read: Safely on board Gripsholm. Hope to be with you before long. 
Private Hopkins, a Commando, was taken prisoner in the St Nazaire raid in March 1942 and was wounded. He worked as an engineer at Messrs Mardon, Son, and Hall before joining the Devons about four years ago."
 
Sources
*  Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/44 and WO417/47.
** Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/76.
Report in the Western Daily Press 25 May 1944.
Report in the Western Daily Press 01 June 1944 (includes first name).
St Nazaire Society website.
[Images] John and Marion Mason (great niece).
 

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