7475 Private HOPWOOD Robert Francis

2nd Australian Infantry Battalion 25th Reinforcements 

Robert was the son of George William and Kathleen Frances Hopwood of the Post Office, Wallendbeen. He was born in Young in September 1987. 

Robert enlisted in Cootamundra 26 April 1917 at the stated age of 19 years and 8 months. His next of kin was his Father, George. Robert embarked on HMAT A20 Hororata on 14 June 1917. He was hospitalised on the ship, arriving in Liverpool on 26 August 1917 and was sent to the 1st Training Battalion. 

He arrived in France from Southampton on 17 January 2018. Marching into his Unit, in the field, in Havre on 23 January 2018. Robert was hospitalised, in France, with influenza on 6 February 1918. He returned to active service in the field on 8 June 1918. 

Robert was killed in action in France 23 August 1918, aged 21. It was reported, at the time, he was buried at Harbonnieres. In 1919 Robert’s family was formally advised he was buried Plot 5, Row C, Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, Picardie, France. 

Robert’s Father receipted his medals, the 1914-15 Star, the British War and the Victory; and his Memorial Scroll and Paque