Albert Edwin (Eddie) Hopwood was born in 1893. He was the youngest son of John and Jane Hopwood, (nee Adshead) of Pren Brigog, Buckley. It would seem that both parents died at some points between 1893 and 1901.
The census of 1901 lists Albert living with his siblings still in the family home of Penbrigog. Head of the household was William 24, a Colliery Mechanic. Robert J was 20 and a Coal Miner, Sarah E was 22, Kate M Williams was 22, and Albert Edwin was 8. There was also an Aunt, Kate Adshead who was a 52 year old widow.
The census of 1911 places him still living in the family home. Bryn Hyfryd Pen Brigog, Buckley. Head of the household was then John Philip Davies who was 31 and a stonecutter. His wife was Sarah Ellen Davies (nee Hopwood). They had been married for 2 years and had one son, John Wynn Davies who was 6 months old. Also listed in the household were Sarah’s brothers William Hopwood a 34 year old miner and Albert Edwin Hopwood who was 17 and a teacher at the Council School. Also listed again was Aunt, Kate Adshead a 61 year old widow.
Albert Edwin’s military records include a number of inconsistencies.
UK Soldiers Who Died in The Great War 1914 -19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk tells us that he enlisted in Flint. It confirms the military details at the top left of this page but it goes on to state that he ‘died’ in Salonika (Greece). In fact he died in 56 General Hospital in Etaples France.
His medal index card also on Ancestry, lists his two medals and says that his regimental number was 14613 whilst other sources say 14612.
His rank according to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission was Corporal but the newspaper item below says he was a Sergeant. He left a will which describes him as a Sergeant. Probate was granted to his brother William.
From the Liverpool Daily Post, October 29th 1918:
Sergeant Eddie Hopwood, of Pren, Buckley, has died of pneumonia in a French hospital, aged 25. He was a teacher at the Buckley Council Schools.
The Register of Soldier’s effects in which the army calculated what moneys were owed to dead soldiers includes an entry for Albert Edwin. The sum of £14..10sh was sent to Trustees William Hopwood and Mrs Sarah Ellen Davies. (Brother and sister).
