ID of F/L H. Hopkinson 229 Sqn. 1943

[Tom Semenza]

This officer was serving in 229 Sqn. in July 1943 and made a claim for a Bf 109 damaged on 2 July (Cull, Spitfires Over Sicily). S/L Harry Hopkinson (118043) was CO of 253 Sqn. from Jan. to May 1944 and was awarded the DSO for his service in this capacity. Can anyone confirm that these are the same person?

Thanks,
Tom

[Frank Olynyk]

I have an entry for a P/O Hopkinson (first name/initial unknown) in my database for a shared damaged Bf 109 on July 10, 1942 while with 260 Sqn. The entry for him in Companions of The Distinguished Service Order 1920-2006 Air Awards (Doug V P Hearns), says 754511 T/F/S RFVR; 118043 P/O (P) 7 Jan 1942; War Subs. F/O, 1 Oct 1942; War Subs. F/LT 7 Jan 1944; A/S/Ldr; CO, No 253 Sqn. It does not note service with any other squadrons than 253. Given the dates of his promotions I would guess that P/O Hopkinson, F/Lt H Hopkinson, and S/L Harry Hopkinson are the same person. But that is only a guess.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Re: 754511/(118043) Harry HOPKINSON.

HOPKINSON, Harry, 754511, RAFVR; b.Thurncoe, Yks., 4 Aug 20; ed Thurncoe GS; employed as Boilermaker Apparent, by J. S. Doidge, Grimsby; Sgt Plt, Sep 40; 7 OTU (Spit), Hwdn, Sep-Oct 40; 54 Sqn (Spit I), Ctk, 5 Oct 40; 41 Sqn, 23 Dec 40-25 May 41; WUL/CL, failed to ensure UC locked down in Spit IIa, R7448, Hnch, Esx, 4 Feb 41 ('negligence'); FA/USR, struck rugby post 400m from runway after NFE in Spit IIa P7320, Crk, Yks, 5 Apr 41; 122 (Bombay) Sqn (Spit I) O/F, Turnhouse, 27 May 41; com Prob Plt Off (118043), 7 Jan 42; Prob Fg Off, 1 Oct 42; 229 Sqn (Spit Vc), Hal far, Malta, 17 June 43-25 Jan 44; Flt Lt, 7 Jan 44; flew stripped Spit Vc, EF533, X-O, to 46,300 ft in 36 mins, 12 Dec 43; Actg Sqn Ldr & OC, 253 (Hyderabad)Sqn (Spit Vc), Capodichino (Naples), Italy, 25 Jan-11 May 44; SD/AA in Spit Vc EF740, after attack on train in Trebinje-Poljice area, CL & turned over, Yug, 11 May 44 (ER); DSO, 8 Sep 44; QFI, 1945; app to perm com as Flt Lt, 1 Sep 45; Flt Lt, 1 Sep 55; ret 4 Aug 63, rtng Sqn Ldr.

See:
Blood, Sweat and Courage 41 Squadron RAF 1939-1942.
Brew,Steve.
UK:Fonthill Media Ltd.,2014.
pp.778-9

Col.

[Tom Semenza]

Many thanks, Frank and Col. I have both the books you sited but hadn't even thought of looking in Blood, Sweat and Courage! So these two are definitely the same guy.

Looks like the P/O Hopkinson mentioned by Frank is a different person. By the way, Mediterranean Air War, Vol.2 has him in 250 Sqn. on 10 July 42 when he claimed a share in damaging a Bf 109E. However the same book has him, assuming this is the same individual, in 260 Sqn. when he force landed on 26 Oct. 42.

Cheers,
Tom