The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Hopson
- First Name:
- Edward Mason
- Nick Name:
- Ted
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX9241
- Company:
- 'B' Company, No. 7 Platoon
- Enlisted:
- 30.10.1940
- DOB:
- 7.02.1909
- Place of Birth:
- Albany, Western Australia
- Father's Name:
- Alfred Joseph Hopson
- Mothers's Name:
- Mary Jane Hopson (nee Hawkes)
- Religion:
- Presbyterian
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Farmhand
- Memorial:
- Dutch Cemetery, Atjeh, North Sumatra, Age 35.
- Force:
- Atjeh Party Sumatra
- Camps Java:
- Atjeh, Blangkenjeren
- POW#:
- 338
- Cause of Death:
- Appendicitis
- Place of Death:
- Tenal Gajoe
- Date of Death:
- 26.04.1944
- Buried:
- Soldier’s body was buried at a point 200 yards south of 28 kilometre peg on Blangkenjeren-Tekenong Road at location 3.59N-97.20E.
General Description
Listed as missing from Pasir Panjang on Sunday evening 15.2.1942. He escaped with Atjeh Party to Sumatra and was soon aftrer captured by Japanese. He remained a POW in Sumatra with Magill WX16886 and Quinn WX9285.
Following the fighting to save Singapore between 8-15th February 1942, Frank Thaxter wrote just a few words regarding Ted Hopson’s escape which took place on during Sunday 15 February:
“5 or 6 of us decided to make a break with Tom’s (Bunning) blessing.”
From the above, we estimate Frank was in the party attempting escape but was unsuccessful.
Ted Hopson of ‘B’ Coy 7 Platoon reached Sumatra where he was not so long after, captured by the Japanese. He very tragically died at Tenal Gajoe hospital with appendicitis – unable to be operated on due to the fact Ted also had dysentery. Ted was a very popular bloke and the men in Sumatra were affected by his death on 26 April 1944.
Ted Hopson had been left at Tenal Gajoe suffering with appendicitis. Because he was also ill with dysentery it was not possible to perform an operation for fear of infection. Ted died on 26 April 1944 and was buried 200 yards south of 28 kilo peg on Blangkejeren-Tekencong Road.
Ted was popular and well liked amongst the group. He was described as being ‘a good bloke’. His body was brought to Blang Kedjeren where a coffin was constructed. The machine gunner was laid to rest about 100 yards from the camp. Amongst the POWs was a stonemason who cut a headstone, which was placed at the head of Ted’s grave.
To a (WX) Mother by Pte Frank Collins
(Frank Collins NX32561was with 2/19th Battalion.)
Alfred John Hopson was born in England and married 1902 at Albany to Mary Jane Hopson who was born Wallaroo, SA in 1878.
Alfred and Mary with their family farmed at Lower Kalgan until end of 1930’s, when Mary and her sons and daughter Eve moved to Albany to live.
Edward Mason was one of four sons born to Mary and Edward, and one daughter Eve. Sons include Alfred (Jnr), John and Cyril.
Alfred Joseph Hopson died in 1934.
Below: 15 February 1922
Above 1921 – happier family days!
Above: Edward at local Shoot Club Competition.
Above: Obituary for Alfred Joseph Hopson.
Below: Edward’s only sister Eva sadly dies in 1945.
Alfred Hopson is buried with his daughter Eva at Albany with recognition of son Edward Hopson who died Sumatra 1944 aged 35 years.
Mary Jane Hopson died in 1957. She is buried at Albany Cemetery beside her husband and daughter.
Read about 2/4th who escaped from Singapore to Sumatra.
Hopkins was working on road construction with Sumatra Railway
Also please read about Gloe Gloer Camp
Camp Locations:
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- Gloe Gloer Camp - Sumatra
- Tenal Gajoe