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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 131

A fine Second World War O.B.E., Great War M.C. group of six awarded to Major J. G. Hopcraft, King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Less than a week before the Armistice, Hopcraft was wounded riding back and forth under heavy fire as a Brigade Major in the action at Foret de Mormal

His subsequent award of the O.B.E. was for services of rather a different nature, namely his admirable role as a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Aircraft Production under Lord Beaverbrook in 1940, when saucepans were turned into Spitfires

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, 2nd Type, silver-gilt, with its Royal Mint case of issue; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. J. G. Hopcraft, Shrops. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. J. G. Hopcraft); Special Constabulary Faithful Service, G.V.R. (John G. Hopcraft), good very fine (6)

Provenance:
Sotheby's, 5 April 1993, when sold with his brother's medals; see Lot 130.

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1941.

M.C. London Gazette 4 October 1919:

'For great gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near the Foret de Mormal on 5 November 1918. He, while acting as Brigade Major, kept in touch with front-line battalions all through the advance, riding from one headquarters to another under heavy fire, sending back valuable information from time to time. After being wounded, he rode back two miles to Brigade Headquarters and gave a clear account of the situation. He rendered excellent service.'

John Gordon Hopcraft was born on 8 April 1892 and was educated at Colet Court preparatory school and St. Paul's School, Barnes; an accompanying letter from the archivist at St. Paul's states that young John was 'taught by the famous Rev. Horace Elam, the eponymous schoolmaster in Ernest Raymond's novel, Mr. Olim.'

Be that as it may, he was duly commissioned with his brother into the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry in September 1914. Embarked for France as a Lieutenant in September 1915, he served as his battalion's Transport Officer until transferring in a similar capacity to 8th Brigade in June 1916 and thence to 15th Brigade at Dieval in August 1916. Hopcraft was still serving on the Brigade's staff as a Brigade Major at the time of his M.C.-winning exploits at the Foret de Mormal on 5 November 1918, when he was wounded. He had earlier been mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 24 April 1918, refers).

On the renewal of hostilities in September 1939, Hopcraft was granted an emergency commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in his old regiment, but he transferred to the Air Ministry under Lord Beaverbrook, acting as Deputy Director at the Ministry of Aircraft Production. No doubt having played a significant role at the time of the battle of Britain, he was awarded the O.B.E. in January 1941. Beaverbrook later wrote:

'Looking back on that stirring time at the Ministry of Aircraft Production, I recall the immense task undertaken by you and I remember the days and nights of labour … Sir Winston approved of the medal and distribution.'

Hopcraft, who received his award at Buckingham Palace in February 1941, died in Poole, Dorset in 1973.

Sold with his original O.B.E. warrant and related Chancery forwarding letter, the above quoted letter from Lord Beaverbrook, and a studio portrait photograph.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£600