Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Second Battle of the Scarpe’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain W. Hopkins, 7th (Fife) Battalion, Royal Highlanders, late Private 1st Rhodesian Regiment, for gallantry at Fampoux on the Arras Front, 23 April 1917

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse privately engraved ‘Capt. W. Hopkins. M.C. 7th Bn. Black Watch. Fampoux France 23rd April 1917’; 1914-15 Star (Pte. W. Hopkins 1st Rhodn. Rgt.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. W. Hopkins.) surname partially officially corrected on last, generally very fine or better (4) £700-£900

M.C. London Gazette 18 July 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he advanced alone to within 50 yards of the enemy trench in order to locate the machine guns. Having done so he returned and led his company to the attack. He had previously rallied them under heavy fire. He showed a splendid example of coolness and leadership throughout.’

Walter Hopkins initially served during the Great War as a Private in the 1st Rhodesian Regiment. He was commissioned into the Royal Highlanders in August 1916, and served with the 7th (Fife) Battalion on the Western Front. Hopkins was awarded the M.C. for his gallantry during the Second Battle of the Scarpe, 23 April 1917. On the latter date, despite making substantial gains, the Battalion suffered 7 officers killed and 5 wounded, 64 other ranks killed, 194 wounded and 65 missing. The Regimental History confirms that Hopkins and Company Sergeant Major Raistick both received decorations for their gallantry in that action - the latter being awarded a D.C.M.

Hopkins advanced Captain in July 1917, and was wounded in action, 20 November 1917.