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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 858

(x) Five: Marine W. Hopkins, Royal Marines, wounded at the Defence of Calais on 24 May 1940

British War Medal (CH. 20307 Pte. W. Hopkins. R.M.L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (CH. 20307 W. Hopkins. Mne. R.M.), edge bruises, very fine (5)

Wilfrid Hopkins was born on 13 March 1898 at Lightcliffe, Brighouse and was a fitter upon his enlistment on 8 November 1915. Issued with his British War Medal on 26 May 1922 (sole entitlement confirmed) and his L.S. & G.C. on 3 May 1931, he was serving with Captain G. W. A. Courtice's 'Scratch' Company by the outbreak of the Second World War. Hopkins was in this small number of gallant Marine's raised on 23 May, who gave a fine account of themselves at Calais. According to The Flames of Calais:

'Captain Courtice and thirty-five Royal Marines with a Vickers machine-gun had landed from H.M.S. Verity on the previous evening. Many were still in service dress having been hurriedly recalled from cinemas and dance halls to embark for Calais. They were digging in across the railway lines and their discipline was inspiring.'

So impressive were their actions that the 10th Panzer Division War Diary suggests that they '...seem to have received reinforcements.' Hopkins was himself wounded during the action and was lucky to be evacuated, while Courtice was awarded a well-deserved 'mention'; sold with copied service record and research.

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Sold for
£200

Sale 19001 Notices
Hopkins escaped capture at Calais and was not wounded.