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A.B: HOPKINS, WILLIAM J.

Born about 1890, Cockett, Glamorgan, Wales.1


Parents: John, a Coal Miner Hewer, age 29 and Elizabeth K. Hopkins, Born: Carmarthen, Llandilo, age 27. Daughter: Elizabeth C. age 1. Sons: William J. age 11, Edward, age 6 and Ivor, age 3.  All of them were born in Cockett, Glamorgan, except for Elizabeth (Mother). Each of them spoke, both Welsh and English, except the child Elizabeth.  They all lived in Gendros, Fforestfach, parish of Cockett, Swansea.1

 
Parents: John, a Coal Miner Hewer, age 39 and Elizabeth Kate Hopkins, age 37, married 18 years, Children born 7, 6 children still alive.  Daughter: Elizabeth Simson, a Scholar, age 11. Sons: William John, Mason Labourer,  age 17, Edward, a Mines Labourer,  age 16, Ivor, a Scholar, age 13, Elvet, a Scholar, age 8 and Elwyn Samuel, a Scholar, age 4.   They were all born in Cockett, Glamorgan, except Mother, Llandilo, Carmarthen and William John at Landore, Glamorgan.  John, Elizabeth, William, Edward, Ivor all spoke both Welsh and English, Elizabeth Kate, Elvet and Elwyn only spoke Welsh. They live at Armine Road, Fforestfach, Swansea.2

 
Son of John and Elizabeth Kate Hopkins, of Armine Rd., Fforestfach, Swansea.  Joined Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. Vanguard, Service No. Wales/Z/1240 as an Able Seaman.  Died: 9th July 1917, age 23. Memorial: Panel reference, 24. Plymouth Naval Memorial.3

“BACK TO DUTY. A.B. W. J. Hopkins and A.B. Evan Jones, Fforestfach, both of the Vanguard, have just returned to duty following a short leave. They have passed through thrilling experiences, but, nevertheless, both looked remarkably fit.”4

 “FFORESTFACH.

I A reception to Lance corporal David C. Davies, Welsh Regt., was held at Calfaria Vestry. Mr. J. H. Rees presided.  To the programme the following contributed: -Master Bertie and David J. Evans, Misses Edith Thomas, Winnie Howells, Messrs. John Nicholas and Rees Evans. Miss Annie Rowlands accompanied. Addresses were given by the chairman and Rev. D. Jenkin Jones (Saron). Rev. J. J. Lewis (St. Peter's), Mr. T. P. Davies. On behalf of the inhabitants and committee, Mrs. Walter Thomas handed the hero an inscribed Bible.  D. J. Thomas, Fforestfach, was successfull in passing in mining at the last examination held under the Glamorgan County Council. The funeral of Mrs. Corbett, of Mardy, took place at Cadle, the Rev. D. Jenkin Jones (Saron) officiating, assisted by the Rev. W. Rawson Williams, B.A. (Jerusalem).
The funeral of Mr. William Davies, Parc, took place at Cadle. Deceased, aged 76. was the oldest deacon of Saron. The Rev. D. Jenkin Jones(Saron) officiated, assisted by the Revs Perar Griffiths, E. J. Hughes, W. Rawson Williams, B.A., and J. Edwards.
A concert was held at Saron, Gendros. in aid of the Fforestfach Soldiers' and 'Saliors' Fund and the Red Cross Hospital Mr. Ben James (secretary) called upon Mr. C. C. Vivian (late of Forest Hall) to preside, and in doing go spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Vivian's goodness to Fforestfach and his unfailing readiness to extend a helping hand. A vote of condolence was passed with the parents and relatives of two local heroes who lost their lives on H.M S. Vanguard, namely, A.B. William John Hopkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hopkins, Armine-road; and A.B. Daniel Jones. son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jones. Arnside, Middle road; and also with Dr. McRitchie and family in their bereavement. The artistes were: Miss H. M. Williams (Ynystawe), Miss Beatrice Hughes (Manselton), Miss M. J Francis ('"Llaethferch"), Mr. J. Morlais Evans (Llangennech), Master M.R. Lloyd (Treboeth). Madam L. B. Thomas (Fforestfach) On behalf of the committee and local inhabitants, Mrs. W. Hosea Jones, Manselton, .and Mrs. John Davies, Bleak House, handed suitably inscribed Bibles to the, following soldiers Pte. Rees Morgan, Pte. D. J. Mabbett, Sapper W. G. James and A.B. Fred Morse. Pte. Tom Jones, who lost his right arm on the Somme, was handed a cheque, Mr. Vivian making the presentation on behalf of the Committee.  Pte. Lewis Evans (discharged) who was also present, received a similar gift a fortnight ago.”5

William Hopkins5a

“THE POST BAG
The late A.B. William John Hopkins, of Fforestfach, possessed a splendid voice and took a prominent part in the Vanguard's theatrical company. Last winter they presented a "musical calamity," entitled "Double Salvoes," and in the cast A.B. Hopkins performed the role of Ralf Armstrong, Dorothy's fiancee, while A.B. Jones participated in the, chorus of villagers.”6

Thanks for Sympathy6a

 Medals: Victory, British & Star.7

SOURCE
1 1901 Census Wales
2 1911 Census Wales
3 Commonwealth War Graves Commission
4 Cambrian Daily Leader 18.12.1916
5 Herald Of Wales 21.07.1917
5a Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorde 21.07.1917
6 South Wales Weekly Post 21.07.1917
6a The Cambria Daily Leader 03.08.1917
7 ANCESTRY.CO.UK Naval Medals and Award Rolls 1793-1972