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PTE: HOPKINS, THOMAS

Thomas Hopkins born about 1895.1

 
Parents: John, a Coal Miner, age 34 and Margaret Hopkins, age 32, Born: Llanon, Carmarthen. Daughter: Mary, a Scholar, age 7. Sons: David, a Scholar, age 10, William, age 4 and Trevor, age 2. John, David, Mary, William and Trevor, were all born in Llangyfelach, Glamorgan. John spoke both, Welsh and English. The rest of the family spoke only Welsh. Boarders: David Thomas, a Coal Miner, age 23, Single, Birth: Llanon, Carmarthenshire, Wales, Rachel Thomas, a Tinplate Opener, age 20, Single, Birth: Llanon, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Both spoke only Welsh. They all lived at Gorseinon, Llangyfelach, Swansea.1


Parents: John, (Head), a Coal Miner, age 45, Born: Llangyfelach, Glamorgan and Margaret Hopkins, age 44, Born: Llanon, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Daughters: Mary, age 17, Elizabeth A. age 4 and Barbara E. age 1.  Sons: David, age 19, William, age 14, Daniel, age 8 and Thomas, age 6 (document very difficult to read).2


Son of John Hopkins, of 9, Jones' Terrace, Ystrad Rd., Fforest Fach, Swansea.  Joined the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, 7th Battalion, Service No. 14913. Died: 14th January 1916, age 20. Grave reference: F. 14,  Dickebusch New Mililtary Cemetry, Ieper, West Vlaandern, Belgium.3

“FFORESTFACH FOOTBALLER KILLED.
Mr. John Hopkins, 9 Jones terrace, Ystrad road, Fforestfach, has received a communication from the War Office, stating that his son, Private Thomas Hopkins, 7th Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry, had fallen in action in France. His officer had also written sympathising with the family, and stating the loss caused by the death of so brave and willing a soldier. Private Hopkins, though but 21 years, of age, was, a finely developed youth, six feet high. Previous to joining the colours was employed as a haulier at Mountain Colliery, Gorseinon, and was highly popular among the workmen.  Another brother, Lance Corporal Daniel Hopkins, 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who fought at the Dardanelles, has been reported missing since the 19th August last. Nothing has been received from of heard since August 16th. Previous to residing at Fforestfach the family lived at Loughor, where "Tommy.” as he was popularly known, played in the seconds’ three quarter line.  Dan was also a keen sport and was considered the fastest man in his regiment. He was very successful on the track and in high jumping competitions, there being quite, a number of trophies at his home, including a silver cup.”4

Medals: Victory, British & Star.5

SOURCE
1 1891 Census Wales
2 1901 Census Wales
3 Commonwealth War Graves Commission
4 Cambrian Daily Leader 28.01.1916
5 British Army WW1 Medals Rolls Index 1914-1920
* Note: Brother, Daniel Hopkins also named on memorial and mentioned on 3.