De Ruvigny Roll of Honour Vol. 1 page 194

Photo : Len

James Inne-Hopkins UK Will.

James Randolph Innes Hopkins was born at Grey Towers, Nunthorpe, Cleveland on the 5th October 1876, he was the 5th and youngest son of William Randolph Innes Hopkins, of the Leat, Malton, and his wife Everald Catherine Eliza, daughter of Thomas Hustler.

In 1881 he was residing at 3 Roslin Villa, Saltburn, with his elder brother and daughter. He was educated at Aysgarth, York, and Oriel College, then from 1890, King’s School, Canterbury, in October, 1895, to 1898 Oxford. 3 Classics Moderations 1897, pass school groups, Greek and Roman History and Political Theory and Intuitions 1897, Greek Philosophy and History 1898. Graduated in 1899.

James was a Financial Agent. He married on the 29th September 1904 in St Luke's Church in Chelsea, London, Doreen Maud Parker, eldest daughter of the Hon Reginald Parker (6th son of Thomas, 6th Earl of Macclesfield) and they had a daughter Everald Adela, born 1905.

They were residing then at 35 Beaufort Gardens, London SW1. Prior to this address they were residing at 8 Gerald Road, Chester Square, London S W, where Doreen resided.

Doreen [formerly Innes-Hopkins], remarried on the 6th October 1915, Thomas Sackville Manning. Residing at 6 Lennox Gardens, London SW 1. She received a Gratuity amount of £150.00 after deductions in 1920.

James served in the South African War 1899-1902, as Private, 3177, in the 14th Company, 5th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, as a trooper, and was given a commission in the Northumberland Hussars. Went to Canada in 1906 and settled in Saskatchewan. He arrived back in England on the 20th December 1913 at Liverpool, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Empress of Ireland, 123972, Canadian Pacific Line. In 1913 he was also in the 105th Fusiliers. Being adjutant and promoted acting Cadet of the 27th Light Horse, from the 12th August 1914, as a Pro Lieutenant in the Canadian Militia, on the outbreak of war he, he was given a commission as Captain in the 5th Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, from the 22nd September 1914 at Valcartier. He was aged 37 years and eleven months, 5 feet 9 and a half inch tall, Greyish Blue Eyes, Fair Hair with a Fresh Complexion. C of E,. Medical examination took place on the 31st August 1914. His monthly pay was $50.

On the 7th May 1914 he left Liverpool for New York, on the Cedric, 115354, White Star Line, to return to Canada, his wife did not accompany him.

He came over with the first Canadian contingent on the 3rd October 1914, and was training at Salisbury Plain during the winter of 1914/15.

He joined the 5th Battalion on the 1st April 1915 in the field.

The 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion was organized at Valcartier under Camp Order 241 of 2 September 1914 and was composed of recruits from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The battalion was commanded successively by Lieutenant- Colonels G.S. Tuxford, and H.M. Dyer DSO.

The battalion embarked at Quebec on the 26th September 1914 aboard LAPLAND, disembarking in England on the 17th October 1914. Its strength was 44 officers and 1094 other ranks. The battalion disembarked in France on the 13th February 1915, becoming part of the 1st Canadian Division, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. It was later reinforced by the 15th Canadian Reserve Battalion. The battalion returned to England on the 24th March 1919, disembarked in Canada on the 18th April 1919, demobilized on the 24th April 1919, and was disbanded by General Order 149 of the 15th September 1920.

The battalion produced two Christmas publications: "A Christmas Garland from the Front" (Dec 1915) and "Another Garland from the Front" (Dec 1916). The battalion had a brass band and a regimental air "Till the boys come home". The King's colour was transferred to the Saskatoon Light Infantry on November 1924, as was the "battle flag". The battalion's mascot was a goat named Sergeant Billy. The 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion was perpetuated by The Saskatoon Light Infantry.

Was sent to France in February 1915 and was killed on the 24th May 1915 at Neuve Chapelle.

A brother officer wrote:- He was by far the most popular officer we had, and his loss will be deplored by all ranks, as he was beloved by us all.

In his will he appointed his brother William Hustler, of Acklam Hall, [then in the North Riding area in the County of York], as sole Executor of his will. His gold watch and chain was bequeathed to his nephew Hugh Cartell Pearson. All of his jewellery and personal ornaments were to be divided between his nephews Mostyn Hustler John Platt and Charles Platt.

He was an uncle to Castell Percy Innes Hopkins and Charles Randolph Innes Hopkins.

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

James Randolph Innes Hopkins is reembered in Newcastle in NUT195 page 26, and in NUT236 page 317.

War Diary entry for the 24th May 1915
Canadian War Diaries WW1
Canadian Expeditionary Force Study Group
The CWGC entry for Captain Innes-Hopkins