The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, O.B.E.; Military Cross GVR; 1914-15 Star (LIEUT. J.G. HOPCRAFT. SHROPS. L.I.); British War Medal (CAPT. J.G. HOPCRAFT); Victory Medal with M.I.D. Oakleaf (CAPT. J.G. HOPCRAFT); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal GVR (JOHN G. HOPCRAFT) - with original case of issue for the O.B.E.
John Gordon Hopcraft was born in 1892 in San Remo, Italy and educated at Colet Court and St. Paul's. He was commissioned into the 7th battalion Shropshire Light Infantry and was sent to France with them on 16.2.1916 as Transport Officer. He ultimately became Transport Officer for 8th Brigade before transferring to a similar capacity to 15th Brigade at Dieval in August 1916. He was still serving with this formation, on the Staff as a Captain. in August 1918. He was Mentioned in Dispatches and awarded the Military Cross in the LG of 4 October 1919, the citation reading as follows:
"For great gallantry and devotion to duty during operations in and near the Foret de Mormal on 5th November 1918. He, while acting as Brigade Major, kept in touch with frontline battalions all through the advance, riding from one headquarters to another under heavy fire, sending back valuable information from time to time. After being wounded he rode back two miles to Brigade headquarters and gave a clear account of the situation. He rendered excellent service."
Inter-war he qualified as a pilot in 1935 whilst living at Oakdene, Arkley, Berks. He flew Tiger Moths. This placed him in an ideal position when WWII broke out and he was granted an emergency commission with his old regiment before transferring to the Air Ministry under Lord Beaverbrook, acting as Deputy Director at the Ministry of Aircraft Production. For these services he was awarded the Civil Division OBE in the London Gazette of 1 January 1941 - invested at Buckingham Palace on 25 February 1941.
He also earned the Special Constabulary Medal
A frequent traveller abroad, he passed away on 2 January 1973 at Canford Cliffs, Poole at the age of 81.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold together with copied research and including an original photo of Hopcraft, his original Warrant for the O.B.E. and a letter from Lord Beaverbrook.
