C & T Auctioneers
Lot 44
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.
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