On Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France is the name of 16/1728 Private Ralph James Hopson serving with 5th Platoon, ‘B’ Company, 16th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers who died 01/07/1916.

The son of Ralph Hopson, of 16, Shafto Terrace, New Washington, Co. Durham.

Ralph James Hopson was born in 1896, at 18 Old Row, Usworth, Washington, Co Durham, to Ralph Hopson Jnr, born 1857, and his first wife Jane nee Robinson, born 1859, died 1902, they were married on the 3rd March 1877 at the Holy Trinity Church, at Usworth.

Ralph James Hopson was working as an Errand boy at ‘F’ pit. His mother, Jane, died in 1902, and Ralph Hopson Jnr, remarried  Margaret nee Robson, born 1856, in 1903. In 1911, Ralph James Hopson was residing with his father and step mother at 74 Robson’s Buildings, Village Lane, Old Washington, Co Durham. Ralph enlisted into the Northumberland Fusiliers at Cramlington, probably posted into the 28th Reserve Training Battalion, in October 1915. Then transferred into the 16th Battalion into ‘B’ Company.

Ralph was awarded the British War Medal and also Victory Medal for his war services.

Acknowledgments: William Kirby and Brenda McMahon.

Ralph James Hopson is remembered at Usworth on U9.01 and U9.08 at Washington on W96.01, W96.05, and in the Battalion History, page 157.