HOPKINS, Stephen

Stephen was born at Cobram in Victoria. He was the son of William Hopkins of Albury NSW. He enlisted twice, the first time in July 1915 at Wodonga and was attached to the 16th Depot Battalion at Bendigo AIF Base. During November that year he was absent without leave and subsequently declared a deserter.

At Inverell NSW in October 1916, Stephen enlisted again, stating he was a twenty four year old single man working as a Labourer. He must have been working in the Yetman district as he was one of the local men given a farewell there. He joined the 46th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement and left Australia on SS Port Napier in November 1916, arriving in England in January the following year. After two months training he was sent to France in March 1917. Eight months later he was ill with bronchitis and sent to England for treatment.

Stephen returned to Australia and was medically discharged in August 1918. Upon his return to Yetman he was one of the local soldiers given a ‘Welcome Home’ in September. He died in 1940 near Wingham NSW and the local RSL Sub Branch arranged his funeral.

Stephen Hopkins has his name recorded on the Yetman Honor Roll.