HOPWOOD, Howell Gaston Lloyd

Known as: 
Bill or Hoppy
Rank: 
Lieutenant (later Honorary Captain)
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Essex Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
79651
P.O.W. number: 
18738
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Sunday, August 1, 1909
Birthplace: 
Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Died : 
Tuesday, November 6, 1962
Place died: 
Great Totham, Essex
Lieutenant Howell Hopwood 2 Commando
Lieutenant Hopwood 2 Commando
Lieutenant Howell Hopwood, 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the raid on St. Nazaire on the night of 27/28th March, 1942.  Embarked on board HMS Campbeltown; prisoner of war after the raid.
Recommendation
"Lieut. Hopwood was commanding the covering party to several demolition parties operating in the Dry Dock area. Lieut. Hopwood for nearly two hours led his men in holding an area which contained many important objectives so that these installations could be destroyed.
Lieut. Hopwood was always to be seen moving from one vantage point to another at most times under heavy fire from the enemy. He later played an important part in the street fighting, and although wounded, carried on until he and his party ran out of ammunition.
He at all times showed a great devotion to duty and an utter disregard for his own safety. "
  • 4 November 1959 ceases to belong to the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers (Essex) and is granted the honorary rank of Captain*.
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives files WO392/1 and  WO392/11.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/183/255.
London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
National Archives file WO373/46/291.
*London Gazette 41858, page 6930.
St Nazaire Society 75th anniversary newsletter.
[Images] From the CVA Gallery.
 

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