44
WW2 Gallantry Medal and Extensive Document Grouping of Major D C Hopson Royal Armoured Corps
1/13
Description
WW2 Gallantry Medal and Extensive Document Grouping of Major D C Hopson Royal Armoured Corps Attached No3 Commando and 1st Commando Brigade, Awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry during the Normandy Landings (D-Day) and the Distinguished Service Order for Actions at the Battle of Esseller Forest 1945, consisting of refurbished GVIR DSO in silver gilt and enamel with replaced un-dated top mount bar, Military Cross GVIR with the reverse officially dated 1945 and engraved to the centre “MAJOR D C HOPSON”, 1939-45 star, Africa star, Italy star, France & Germany star and 1939-45 War medal. Medals have been modern swing mounted with a mixture of original and reproduction ribbons, stars also do not appear to match in colouring. Bronze boxing medal engraved to the reverse “3 CDO Inter Coy 1943 D.C.H” and another larger boxing medallion with badge of the Seaforth Highlanders and engraved “Lt D HOPSON RU 1941”. Two cloth formation signs for British Troops in France. The paperwork archive that accompanies the medals consists of various typed reports of operations taking place in 1945 with reconnaissance reports and instructions of the objectives needed to be achieved in the operation, GQ Parachute Company framed certificate dated 1946 awarded to Major D C Hopson DSO MC, four black and white press photographs of North West Europe interest, six HQ 21st Army Group report folders with maps and plans of operations taken place including the Report on River Weser (text & plans), part 1 of Ems-Weser Elbe Canal, Report on East Frisian Waterways, Report on River Ems (text & plans). Some other larger maps, manual and three photographs taken after the liberation of Belsen concentration camp. ** Major Hopson served with Royal Armoured Corps attached to No3 Commando in Italy and was wounded several times and mentioned in despatches for gallantry during the campaign. The unit was brought back to the UK to prepare for Operation Overlord (D-Day). No3 Commando landed as part of the 1st Special Service Brigade on the morning of 6th June 1944 at Sword Beach, with the objective of linking up with the 6th Airborne division. His recommendation for The Military Cross is as follows “Since the time of landing in Normandy on 6th June 1944 this officer had shown the same determination and gallantry and coolness when under fire which he had already shown in Agonone, Sicily and in Termoli, Italy, on 14th July 1943 and 5th October 1943. On the 6th June 1944 when the 2nd i/c was wounded bringing the unit forward, Major Hopson took charge and led the troops across the bridges Benouville with great speed and skill, and with slight casualties. Subsequently, although wounded in the head when the self-propelled gun in which he was operating struck a mine, he insited on proceeding out with another self-propelled gun and completing his task. On the occasion of the attack at Breville he performed invaluable service by leading tanks up to the forward positions which the commanders had not had time to recce. Several times during heavy shelling of the units FDL’s he again showed great courage and coolness in directing the bringing to shelter of the wounded although he himself was again slightly wounded. His service with this unit has always been an example of courage, coolness and efficiency and an inspiration to his fellow officers and men.” Originally recommended for the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) this was downgraded to a Military Cross, appearing in the London Gazette 1st March 1945. ** Continuing to serve with the unit throughout the campaign in North West Europe, he was again involved in heavy fighting during the crossing of the Rhine during Operation Plunder. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry during this time, the recommendation for the award is as follows, “Since Jan 45 Major Hopson has been Brigade Major of the First Cdo Bde, and has taken an active part in all operations since that time. He crossed in the first wave both in the Battle of the Rhine and the Weser crossing. In the Battle of Esseller Forest he particularly distinguished himself. The Brigade encountered a strong Kriegsmarine Fusilier force of three battalions, two companies of SS troops and a detatchment of SP guns. The Brigade consolidation area was in the form of a tight bridgehead over the river Aller, which was of the greatest importance to 11 Armd Division. At about 1130 hrs on 11 Apr 45 the Brigade was heavily counter attacked from three sides. Bde HQ was under mortar and small arms fire and several officers and men were killed by sniping. Physical contact with units was impossible. Major Hopson was in a slit trench with a No.22 wireless set and was very much exposed from one flank to enemy fire. Nevertheless during the whole battle when vital messages were being sent, Major Hopson continually exposed himself to fire in order to ensure that there should be no fault or delay in the passing of the orders. The whole battle was a great success and the bridgehead consolidated, allowing 11 Armd Div to pass complete over the River Aller. Major Hopson complete disregard for his own safety, and his wholehearted devotion to duty materially contributed to the success of the operation. Both before and since that date Major Hopson has distinguished himself on every occasion the brigade has been in action, and has been an inspiration and an example to all members of the First Commando Brigade”. The award appeared in the London Gazette on 11th October 1945. ** We are of the opinion due to the construction of the medal bar, that the medals in this grouping have been made up by a collector / dealer to resemble the group of Major D C Hopson and is being sold as viewed. We would ask any potential bidders to view the item in person to make sure that they are happy with what they are buying. This Lot is not subject to return.
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
WW2 Gallantry Medal and Extensive Document Grouping of Major D C Hopson Royal Armoured Corps Attached No3 Commando and 1st Commando Brigade, Awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry during the Normandy Landings (D-Day) and the Distinguished Service Order for Actions at the Battle of Esseller Forest 1945, consisting of refurbished GVIR DSO in silver gilt and enamel with replaced un-dated top mount bar, Military Cross GVIR with the reverse officially dated 1945 and engraved to the centre “MAJOR D C HOPSON”, 1939-45 star, Africa star, Italy star, France & Germany star and 1939-45 War medal. Medals have been modern swing mounted with a mixture of original and reproduction ribbons, stars also do not appear to match in colouring. Bronze boxing medal engraved to the reverse “3 CDO Inter Coy 1943 D.C.H” and another larger boxing medallion with badge of the Seaforth Highlanders and engraved “Lt D HOPSON RU 1941”. Two cloth formation signs for British Troops in France. The paperwork archive that accompanies the medals consists of various typed reports of operations taking place in 1945 with reconnaissance reports and instructions of the objectives needed to be achieved in the operation, GQ Parachute Company framed certificate dated 1946 awarded to Major D C Hopson DSO MC, four black and white press photographs of North West Europe interest, six HQ 21st Army Group report folders with maps and plans of operations taken place including the Report on River Weser (text & plans), part 1 of Ems-Weser Elbe Canal, Report on East Frisian Waterways, Report on River Ems (text & plans). Some other larger maps, manual and three photographs taken after the liberation of Belsen concentration camp. ** Major Hopson served with Royal Armoured Corps attached to No3 Commando in Italy and was wounded several times and mentioned in despatches for gallantry during the campaign. The unit was brought back to the UK to prepare for Operation Overlord (D-Day). No3 Commando landed as part of the 1st Special Service Brigade on the morning of 6th June 1944 at Sword Beach, with the objective of linking up with the 6th Airborne division. His recommendation for The Military Cross is as follows “Since the time of landing in Normandy on 6th June 1944 this officer had shown the same determination and gallantry and coolness when under fire which he had already shown in Agonone, Sicily and in Termoli, Italy, on 14th July 1943 and 5th October 1943. On the 6th June 1944 when the 2nd i/c was wounded bringing the unit forward, Major Hopson took charge and led the troops across the bridges Benouville with great speed and skill, and with slight casualties. Subsequently, although wounded in the head when the self-propelled gun in which he was operating struck a mine, he insited on proceeding out with another self-propelled gun and completing his task. On the occasion of the attack at Breville he performed invaluable service by leading tanks up to the forward positions which the commanders had not had time to recce. Several times during heavy shelling of the units FDL’s he again showed great courage and coolness in directing the bringing to shelter of the wounded although he himself was again slightly wounded. His service with this unit has always been an example of courage, coolness and efficiency and an inspiration to his fellow officers and men.” Originally recommended for the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) this was downgraded to a Military Cross, appearing in the London Gazette 1st March 1945. ** Continuing to serve with the unit throughout the campaign in North West Europe, he was again involved in heavy fighting during the crossing of the Rhine during Operation Plunder. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry during this time, the recommendation for the award is as follows, “Since Jan 45 Major Hopson has been Brigade Major of the First Cdo Bde, and has taken an active part in all operations since that time. He crossed in the first wave both in the Battle of the Rhine and the Weser crossing. In the Battle of Esseller Forest he particularly distinguished himself. The Brigade encountered a strong Kriegsmarine Fusilier force of three battalions, two companies of SS troops and a detatchment of SP guns. The Brigade consolidation area was in the form of a tight bridgehead over the river Aller, which was of the greatest importance to 11 Armd Division. At about 1130 hrs on 11 Apr 45 the Brigade was heavily counter attacked from three sides. Bde HQ was under mortar and small arms fire and several officers and men were killed by sniping. Physical contact with units was impossible. Major Hopson was in a slit trench with a No.22 wireless set and was very much exposed from one flank to enemy fire. Nevertheless during the whole battle when vital messages were being sent, Major Hopson continually exposed himself to fire in order to ensure that there should be no fault or delay in the passing of the orders. The whole battle was a great success and the bridgehead consolidated, allowing 11 Armd Div to pass complete over the River Aller. Major Hopson complete disregard for his own safety, and his wholehearted devotion to duty materially contributed to the success of the operation. Both before and since that date Major Hopson has distinguished himself on every occasion the brigade has been in action, and has been an inspiration and an example to all members of the First Commando Brigade”. The award appeared in the London Gazette on 11th October 1945. ** We are of the opinion due to the construction of the medal bar, that the medals in this grouping have been made up by a collector / dealer to resemble the group of Major D C Hopson and is being sold as viewed. We would ask any potential bidders to view the item in person to make sure that they are happy with what they are buying. This Lot is not subject to return.
Military Collectibles - Including Private Collection of Medals to The Seaforth Highlanders & Part 5 of the Colin Churchill Badge Collection
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
The Spa Hotel
Mount Ephraim
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN4 8XJ
United Kingdom
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
- C&T Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd offer an in house post and packing service for most auctions unless advertised.
- Sorry We Do Not offer In House Post our Packing for our Toy Soldiers and Figures lots in our sales, we can recommend Mailboxes Tunbridge Wells or Jentel Packing.
- We are not able to offer in house post and packing on invoice totals over £3,000 or very fragile, large or heavy items. These items will also need to be shipped by specialist shippers.
- POST BREXIT NOTICE FOR EU BUYERS SHIPPING PURCHASED LOTS OUTSIDE THE UK:From the 1st of January 2021 all sales from the UK to EU customers will be treated as exports. These can be zero rated for UK VAT purposes, as currently applied for non-EU countries. But, items depending on their value and nature, may become liable to import VAT (and customs duty where applicable) when entering the EU (This is the responsibility of the buyer).
Please contact our office 01233 510050 for further information.
- PLEASE NOTE DUE TO NEW RESTRICTIONS, ALL PURCHASERS OF ANY EDGED WEAPON WILL NEED TO PROVIDE US WITH PROOF OF AGE (OVER 18) BEFORE THE ITEM CAN BE SHIPPED.
- ALL LOTS WITH ^ PREFIX CONTAIN IVORY OR ANOTHER PROPERTY THAT WILL REQUIRE CITES LICENSE BEFORE BEING SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF THE EU. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CAN LEGALLY IMPORT INTO YOUR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE ANY ITEM BEFORE BIDDING IN THE AUCTION.
- ANTIQUE FIRE ARMS CAN NOT BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF THE UK
C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are not responsible for any damage caused when items are in transit with postal or courier firms. We are also not responsible for any package sent either by ourselves or any third party company which is lost in transit.
For lots we are not able to offer in house shipping;
We can recommend the following companies for shipping, who will be happy to quote and pick up:
MailBoxes TunbridgeWells
t: 01892510155
Email:greg@mbetunbridgewells.co.uk
Jentel Packing
t: 01268 776777
Email: enquiries@jentelpacking.co.uk
Collections
After the auction lot(s) can only be collected from our office, by appointment only and must be paid for in full, prior to your arrival.
C & T Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd
Unit 4 High House Business Park
Kenardington
Nr Ashford Kent TN26 2LF.
Tel: 01233510050
PLEASE READ OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE BIDDING THANK YOU.
Important Information
Lots will be on view throughout the day of the auction from 9.00 am at:
The Spa Hotel (The Kings Room) Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN48XJ
On the day of the auction please contact Glen Chapman on 07710110760, on the day of the auction we will not be able to offer extra images or condition reports .
If you are successful in the auction with an absentee, telephone or internet bid, you will be invoiced, normally within 72 hours of the auction taking place. These invoices are sent via email and have an attachment. Once you have had this invoice, you can then contact us for payment.We can take payment directly for those registered with the-saleroom.com, just let us know.
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed.
A 2% surcharge will be added if paying with a UK credit card. Debit and credit cards issued outside the UK will incur a 2% surcharge.
* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on the hammer price and the prevailing rate on buyers premium
Shipping
large items will be shipped through Mail Boxes Tunbridge Wells
t: 01892510155 info@mbetunbridgewells.co.uk
C&T Auctioneers and Valuers do offer an in house postal service for most items in our auctions. However if an item(s) are too large or need specialist shipping methods, this will be conducted by a third party firm. Details of the firm we recommend will be passed onto buyers in this case. This also relates to lots of a certain value.
If you would like to know who will be shipping a paticular lot(s) please contact us before the auction.
C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are not responsible for any damage caused when items are in transit with postal or courier firms. We are also not responsible for any package sent either by ourselves or any third party company which is lost in transit.
PLEASE READ OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE BIDDING THANK YOU
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
When participating in an auction conducted by C&T Auctioneers and Valuers you are bound by these conditions without exception. All public auctions held by C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are exempt from the Sale of Goods Act. Please make sure that you agree and understand these conditions.
BUYER
1: C&T Auctioneers and Valuers at no point are the legal owners of the lots offered in our auctions. We act solely as an agent between the Vendor and the Buyer.
2: The highest bidder of any lot will not become the legal owner of the lot until all associated fees have been paid to the Auction House, this includes any fees charged by the auction house.
3: Winning bidders agree to pay the winning bid plus the buyers premium charged by the auction house, this is currently 18% + VAT (21.6% total). Buyers purchasing via a online live bidding platform will be charged an additional 3% + VAT on the hammer price.
4: When registering for our auctions you may be required to provide proof of identity and address. If registering for absentee or telephone bids a form of payment method must be left with the auctioneers.
5: It is the responsibility of the bidder to insure that all absentee bids are left with the auction house at least 24 hours before an auction takes place. No bids will be accepted on the day of the auction, unless you are known to the auction house or have an agreement with the auctioneer. C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are not responsible for any errors on a bidding sheet. C&T Auctioneers make every effort to insure all bids left are placed on the auctioneers book, however we cannot accept reliability for any failure to receive or place any bids.
6: If two identical bids are left on one lot, the bid received first will take preference.
7: Telephone bids will only be accepted for lots with a bottom pre sale estimate of £100 or more. Telephone bids will only be accepted for lots with a pre sale estimate of under £100 if you are bidding on multiple lots which equal over £100 or are known to the auction house and have an agreement in place. International bidders we will only accept telephone bids on lots with a pre sale estimate of £250 or more.
8: Bids are accepted solely at the auctioneers discretion. The auctioneer has the legal right to re-open any lot in the auction, even if the hammer has come down. Any bids left via a third party, including a online bidding platform, are not classed as absentee bids and are taken as if a room bid. This may mean that the maximum bid you have left will fall on the bidder in the room, C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are not liable or responsible for any failure for your bid to be executed. C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are also not responsible for any error or problem with any bidding platform software used in the room or at the bidders location.
9: Conditions stated of items are the opinion of the cataloguer for the auction house. It is advised that interested bidders should view items in person or ask for condition reports of any defects. Condition will not be accepted for a reason to return a lot.
10: Some items may be referred to as “gold grade”, this does not mean that the item is made of gold, please make sure you check with us before bidding.
11: Originality of items offered for sale in C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are the opinion of the specialist employed by the auction house. All bidders should make sure that they are happy with the originality of any item they intend to bid on.
12: Any statement made in the description of a lot is the opinion of the specialist cataloguer and will be either from evidence he or she has at the time of writing the description, this may also be information provided by the vendor of the lot. We advise all bidders to confirm this information before the auction takes place.
13: If bidders and buyers who are not experts in the lots they are interested in, we would recommend that they seek independent advise on the lots and the value before bidding.
14: All successful buyers in the auction room, must pay and collect their items on the day of the sale unless an agreement is in place with the auction house.
15: If you are successful in an auction with an absentee, telephone or internet bid, you will be invoiced, normally within 72 hours of the auction taking place. This invoice will normally include a shipping quote. These invoices are sent via email and have an attachment. Once you have had this invoice we require full payment within 7 days, unless another arrangement has been made with the auction house. Items must be collected from C&T Auctioneers and Valuers within 7 days of payment being made, unless agreement is in place with C&T Auctioneers and Valuers.
16: C&T Auctioneers and Valuers do offer an in house postal service for most items in our auctions. However if an item(s) are too large or need specialist shipping methods, this will be conducted by a third party firm. Details of the firm we recommend will be passed onto buyers in this case. This also relates to lots of a certain value. PLEASE NOTE C&T AUCTIONEERS AND VALUERS ARE NOT A SHIPPING COMPANY, WE WOULD ASK ALL BUYERS TO BE PATIENT AND ITEMS ARE DEALT WITH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.
17: C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are not responsible for any damage caused when items are in transit with postal / courier firms. We are also not responsible for any package sent either by ourselves or any third party company which is lost in transit.
18: C&T Auctioneers and Valuers declare the full value of any lot sent to international buyers. We are not responsible for any customs import charges of the country of destination. It is the buyers responsibility to make sure they can legally import the item into their country. We advise international buyers if they are not sure of any import issue, to obtain independent advice.
19: C&T Auctioneers and Valuers accept the following methods of payment, Cash in UK pounds sterling up to £3,000, Personal Cheques (must clear before goods are dispatched), Debit cards, Credit cards (2% surcharge will be added if paying with a credit card), Bank Transfers (Please note that if paying by this method the amount received after the deduction of any bank fees or currency conversion of payment to UK pound sterling must not be less than the sterling amount payable as set out on the invoice).
20: If you purchase an item and you are not happy with the originality of an item you must contact the auction house within 7 days of receiving the lot(s), it is then solely up to the auctioneers discretion to issue a refund. Proof of error in description may be required, this is the responsibility of the purchaser to obtain this information and any fees associated with this are not refundable by C&T Auctioneers and Valuers. We will only accept information by a professional in the chosen field, we will not accept any information from a private individual or internet collectors forum. Any payment fees or postage fees associated with any lot can not be refunded.
21: If originality of an item is accepted proven after the vendor has been paid for a lot, it is up to the vendor, if they are willing to issue a refund. C&T Auctioneers and Valuers are unable to offer a refund without having an agreement from the vendor. Refunds will only be issued to the purchaser of the item and not if the item has been given or sold to a third party.
