(With thanks to Diana M. Ward)
1. Thomas HOPER The baptisms and marriage of Thomas and his wife Sarah has not been traced. The earliest marriage record for the family in Brenzett parish register is 1815. It is stated that they were 'both of this parish' when their first born child was baptised in Brenzett in 1817. The baptism records for each of their three children give the occupation of Thomas as being a labourer.
Children of Thomas HOPER and Sarah are:
i. Marianne HOPER, born 1817, Brenzett, Kent
2. ii. James Edward HOPER, born 1819, Brenzett, Kent.
3. iii Stephen HOPER, born 1822, Brenzett, Kent; died 5 Dec 1896, Romney Marsh.
2. James Edward HOPER was born 1819 in Brenzett, Kent, and died Before 1860. He married Ann WELLER, 26 May 1849 at St John the Baptist, Wittersham, Kent. She was born 1825 in Wittersham, Kent, and died After 1860
Children of James Edward HOPER and Ann WELLER are:
4. i. Mary Elizabeth HOPER, born 1850, Brenzett, Kent; died 1903, New Romney, Kent
ii. Sarah Ann HOPER, born 1851, Brenzett, Kent
iii. Alfred HOPER, born 1853, Brenzett, Kent
iv. David HOPER, born 1856, Brenzett, Kent; died 1857, Romney Marsh.
v. Herbert HOPER, born 1856, Brenzett, Kent; died 1856, Romney Marsh.
3. Stephen HOPER was born 1822 in Brenzett, Kent, and died 5 Dec 1896 in Romney Marsh. He married (1) Charlotte WIMBLE 1846 in Battle, Sussex. She was born Abt. 1825 in Appledore, Kent, and died 1869 in Romney Marsh. He married (2) Eliza HILLS 1870 in Romney Marsh. She was born Abt. 1850 in Stone, Kent, and died 1929.
Children of Stephen HOPER and Charlotte WIMBLE are:
i. Edward HOPER, born 1846, Brenzett, Kent, married Ann WILLARD, 1867, Rye, Sussex; born 1826, Camber.
ii. William HOPER, born 1848, Brenzett, Kent; died Bef. 1851, Brenzett, Kent.
5. iii. Mary Jane HOPER, born 1850, Ivychurch, Kent; died 1868, Romney Marsh.
iv. Thomas HOPER, born 1852, Ivychurch, Kent; died 1880, Tenterden, Kent.
v. George HOPER, born 1853, Ivychurch, Kent; died 13 Feb 1870, New Romney. Kent.
vi. Sarah HOPER, born 1854, Ivychurch, Kent
6. vii. Richard Frederick HOPER, born 07 Jan 1856, Ivychurch, Kent; died 24 Jun 1927, Dymchurch, Kent.
viii. Charlotte HOPER, born 1858, Ivychurch, Kent; died 1859, Ivychurch, Kent.
7. ix. Stephen John HOPER, born 14 Feb 1859, Ivychurch, Kent; died 28 Nov 1923, Folkestone, Kent.
x. Fanny HOPER, born 1861, Ivychurch, Kent; died 20 May 1873, New Romney, Kent.
xi. John James HOPER, born 1863, Ivychurch, Kent; died 1864, Ivychurch, Kent.
xii. Kate HOPER, born 1867, Ivychurch, Kent; died 1867, Ivychurch, Kent.
Children of Stephen HOPER and Eliza HILLS are:
xiii. John HOPER, born 1870, Romney Marsh; died 1871, Romney Marsh.
8. xiv. Peter HOPER, born 1872, St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent; died 22 Apr 1949, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
xv. Eliza HOPER, born 1875, New Romney, Kent married Stephen John BOULDEN, 17 Aug 1895, New Romney, Kent.
xvi. Abraham HOPER, born 1877, St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent; died 02 Jul 1918, WW1 - France; married Harriett Kate HOPER, 1902, Tonbridge, Kent; born 1873, Tunbridge Wells, Kent; died 1953, Tonbridge, Kent.
Notes for Abraham HOPER:
Abraham Hoper was the fourth child and third son of Stephen and Eliza. He was born in St. Mary in the Marsh. His birth registration can be found in the June quarter of 1877 for Romney Marsh 2a 929. Abraham was baptised at St. Mary the Virgin, the parish church at St. Mary in the Marsh on 20 May 1877 entry number 409.
Abraham married Harriet Kate Norman a widower, formerly Hoper. The marriage entry in the GRO index is in the December quarter of 1902 volume 2a page 1629 in Tonbridge.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website and records "Soldiers who died in the Great War" provides the following information.
Abraham Hoper served with the 6th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). He served in the rank of Sergeant Number S/317 and took part in the South African Campaign. He enlisted at Tunbridge Wells and was born in New Romney, Ashford, Kent. Abraham was killed in action on 2 July 1918 in France and Flanders. His wife Harriet Kate Hoper was living at 40, Sidney Street, Folkestone when he died. Abraham is buried at Harponville Communal Cemetery extension in Somme, France. Grave reference/panel is F.8.
Abraham is also commemorated on The Cenotaph at Folkestone, Kent.
9. xvii. Alice HOPER, born 1880, St. Mary in the Marsh
xviii.Elizabeth Ann HOPER, born 1881, St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent; died 1882, Romney Marsh.
xix. Rose HOPER, born 1885, St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent; died 10 Dec 1903, New Romney, Kent.
4. Mary Elizabeth HOPER was born 1850 in Brenzett, Kent, and died 1903 in New Romney, Kent. She married Henry PRIOR 28 Jan 1872 in New Romney, Kent. He was born 1845 in Bilsington, Kent.
Children of Mary HOPER and Henry PRIOR are:
10. i. James Edward PRIOR, born 1872, New Romney, Kent.
ii. William Henry PRIOR, born 1873, New Romney, Kent.
iii. Alfred E. PRIOR, born 1877, New Romney, Kent.
iv. Agnes Elizabeth A. PRIOR, born 1878, New Romney, Kent; married Charles ARTER, 1889, Romney Marsh.
v. Charles Frederick PRIOR, born 1880, New Romney, Kent; died 1911, New Romney, Kent.
vi. John George PRIOR, born 1882, New Romney, Kent.
vii. Mary Elizabeth A. PRIOR, born 1884, New Romney, Kent.
viii. Herbert Ernest PRIOR, born 1886, New Romney, Kent.
ix. David Thomas PRIOR, born 1889, New Romney, Kent; died 1892, New Romney, Kent.
5. Mary Jane HOPER was born 1850 in Ivychurch, Kent, and died 1868 in Romney Marsh. She married John WILLARD 1867 in Ivychurch, Kent. He was born Abt. 1843 and died 1870 in Romney Marsh.
Child of Mary Jane HOPER and John WILLARD is:
i. Elizabeth Ann WILLARD, born 1868, Romney Marsh.
6. Richard Frederick HOPER was born 07 Jan 1856 in Ivychurch, Kent, and died 24 Jun 1927 in Dymchurch, Kent. He married Mary Ann WHITEHEAD 10 Dec 1882 in Dymchurch, Kent. She was born 05 Oct 1860 in Dymchurch, Kent, and died 13 Feb 1939 in Dymchurch, Kent.
Notes for Richard Frederick HOPER:
The marriage of Mary and Richard is in the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Dymchurch following banns. Entry no 195, page 98 in the register. The rector Charles Eaton officiated. Richard is described as a labourer and resident of Dymchurch. It is stated that Mary Ann was at that time a resident of New Romney.
The 1891 Census records show Richard and Mary and their six children living at Rock Cottage, Dymchurch. Richard was then working as an agricultural labourer. The 1901 census shows them living at 58 Rock Cottages, Richard is described as an employed labourer and general gardener whilst Mary was working from home as a sweet and bakery worker. All nine children (aged between 1 and 18 years) were living in the house. At some stage they changed or expanded the type of merchandise they sold in their shop and included green grocery which is believed to have been home grown by Richard. He owned a horse and cart and also travelling the streets selling his merchandise. There is an old photograph of the shop with an advert outside for "boot repairs". From 1891 Richard is listed in Kelly's directory as a shopkeeper. At some stage Rock Cottage and the properties in what was then called Main Street became part of the High Street and the shop, which still exists, became number 10 High Street, Dymchurch. It is also thought that in the 1930's the left hand side of the building was run by a Mrs Henley as a Fish and Chip Shop so at some stage the Hoper family took over the adjoining cottage. The sweet shop became the left hand side. The right hand downstairs was the living room, whilst Mary occupied the bedroom at the back behind the right hand side windows.
Richard died aged 71 years on 24 June 1927. He was buried on 28 June in the parish churchyard of St. Peter and St Paul in Dymchurch entry No. 367 page 46. GRO death index June quarter 1927, Romney Marsh volume 2a page 1317.
Mary continued to run the shop with the help of her daughter Beatrice who eventually took over the business. Mary died on 13 February 1939 aged 78 years. Civil registration is in the March Quarter of 1939 Vol 2a, page 2023, Romney Marsh. She was buried on 16 February 1939 in the parish churchyard at Dymchurch entry No. 460 page 58. The death was registered by her son Herbert Richard since she had outlived four of her sons and at her death, only Herbert and Walter were still alive.
Neither Mary or Richard's grave are marked in Dymchurch churchyard but Mary is buried in front of the grave of Beatrice Stoakes Jones which has a memorial stone and Richard was in front of Mary with the grave of Mary Alice Pullen to the left.
Children of Richard Frederick HOPER and Mary WHITEHEAD are:
11. i. Charles Hoper WHITEHEAD, born 18 Oct 1882, Dymchurch, Kent; died 27 Jul 1925, Dymchurch, Kent; Stepchild.
ii. Herbert Richard HOPER, born 04 Feb 1884, Dymchurch, Kent; died Aft. 1939, ?; married Sarah Louisa BARMAN, 02 Jan 1909, [Reference Family Bible]
iii. Beatrice Mary HOPER, born 28 Mar 1885, Dymchurch, Kent; died Feb 1954, Folkestone, Kent.
12. iv. Walter Frederick HOPER, born 17 Apr 1886, Dymchurch, Kent; died 01 Jan 1968, Dymchurch, Kent.
v. Bertie O. HOPER, born 06 Sep 1887, Dymchurch, Kent; died 09 Mar 1888, Dymchurch, Kent.
vi. Alfred Edgar HOPER, born 31 Dec 1888, Dymchurch, Kent; died 12 Apr 1917, World War One in France.; married Bessie RAYNER, 03 Jul 1915, Paddington, London; born 1885, Depwade, Kent; died Unknown, ?.
Notes for Alfred Edgar HOPER:
The birth date of Alfred Edgar Hoper is given as the 31 December 1888 in the family bible. The Civil Registration for the birth of can be found in the March quarter 1889 reference 2a 1037 in Romney Marsh. He was baptised at the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Dymchurch, Kent on 3 February 1889 entry reference No. 710 and was the sixth child of Richard Hoper and Mary Whitehead.
In the 1901 Census, Alfred is shown as living with his parents at 58 Rock Cottages, Dymchurch and being aged 14.
Alfred enlisted at Hythe, Kent to serve in the Royal Field Artillery army number 12419. During a period of home leave he married Bessie Rayner on 3 July 1915 at Paddington Register Office. This marriage is in the family bible and the civil registration is in the September quarter of 1915 in Paddington, volume 1a page 195. The marriage certificate states that Alfred married at the register office by certificate, he was a carpenter by trade and gives his home address as 164, Ashmore Road, London. Alfred was then a bachelor of 26 and Bessie a spinster aged 30. Her address is given as 6 Chester Place, London. Alfred states his father as being Charles Richard Hoper a fruiterer. Bessie's father was Bob Rayner a builder. Witnesses at the wedding were F R Inggs and R C Trice. [certificate].
Alfred later transferred to the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) in the rank of Private No. 5454. Alfred was killed in action during World War One on 12 April 1917 in France & Flanders. His name is inscribed on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France bay 9. Alfred's name is also inscribed on the Dymchurch Village War Memorial. He is commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site http://www.cwgc.org/
The medal card index at the General Register Office in London states that Alfred was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal. Details of his army service have not been found, it is thought that they were amongst the records that were severely burnt during WW2 bombing raids and unable to be restored.
On 21 September 1918 Bessie Hoper remarried in Dymchurch.
13. vii. Florence May HOPER, born 09 May 1890, Dymchurch, Kent; died Feb 1971, Bromley, Kent.
14. viii. Nellie HOPER, born 04 Nov 1891, Dymchurch, Kent; died 1960, ?.
ix. Arthur HOPER, born 29 Mar 1893, Dymchurch, Kent; died 03 May 1915, World War One in France..
Notes for Arthur HOPER:
Arthur was born on 29 March 1893 according to the family bible. The civil registration for his birth can be found in the June quarter of 1893 for Romney Marsh, volume 2a page 1023. He was the ninth child of Richard and Mary Hoper.
In the 1901 Census, Arthur is shown as living with his parents at 58 Rock Cottages, Dymchurch and being aged 8 years.
Arthur joined the 2nd Battalion Buffs (East Kent Regiment) enlisting at Lydd in Kent. His attestation form states that he was 17 years and 10 months of age and occupation labourer. It also stated that he had not resided at his father's house for the last 3 years and had previously been rejected for military service due to being underweight. The Reverend H L Bolders, Clergyman of the Parish, gave him a character reference stating that he had known him for 3 years, a single man whom he believed to be sober, honest and respectable. He attended a medical on 8 February 1910 at Canterbury where he was passed as fit. He is described as being 5' 5" weight 114 lb. chest 33½" blue eyes and light brown hair with fresh complexion. His rank was a Private with The Buffs Special Reserve and his army number was S/9594. Later references show that he was transferred to the 2 nd. Battalion East Kent Regiment army number SR/9594.
His total army service was 5 years 86 days he had served at home from 8 August 1914 to 5 March 1915 and went with the Expeditionary Force to France on 6 March 1915 where he was killed in action on 3 May 1915 in France and Flanders, he was then aged 22 years. He is commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site http://www.cwgc.org/
His army service record includes a copy of the letter from No. 2 Infantry Record Office in Hounslow to Arthur's father enclosing a memorial scroll and informing him that a memorial plaque was being despatched direct from the factory. There is also a letter dated 25 October 1915 from the War Office to Infantry Records in Hounslow asking them to send any personal property to his father with his medals. A receipt for the medals signed by Richard Hoper is included in the records.
Arthur's name is inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in France, panel 12 & 14. It can also be seen on the Dymchurch Village War memorial. Inside the church at St. Mary in the Marsh in Kent is a brass plaque which states "To the Glory of God & in Memory of Arthur Hoper, William Pullee, Archibald Whitehead and others who gave their lives for their Country's Cause during the Great War - October 1919".
The Medal Card Index and his army service record shows that Arthur was awarded the Victory Medal, British War Medal and 1914-15 Star in the Theatre of War in France (1). The details of Arthur's army service can be found in the General Register Office in Kew, London, under WO363/H1776 row 8 drawer 76.
x. Annie Alice HOPER, born 17 Feb 1900, Dymchurch, Kent; died Unknown, ?; married Edgar Austin ESGATE
7. Stephen John HOPER was born 14 Feb 1859 in Ivychurch, Kent, and died 28 Nov 1923 in Folkestone, Kent. He married Margaret ? She was born Abt. 1859 in Folkestone, Kent, and died 1937 in Kent.
Child of Stephen HOPER and Margaret ? is:
15. i. John Stephen HOPER, born 15 Nov 1884, Folkestone, Kent; died 29 Nov 1960, Folkestone, Kent.
8. Peter HOPER was born 1872 in St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent, and died 22 Apr 1949 in Portsmouth, Hampshire. He married Anna Maria HARRISON 09 Dec 1893 in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. She was born about 1876 in Ireland, and died 16 May 1945 in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Notes for Peter HOPER:
Peter was the second son from the second marriage of Stephen to Eliza. His birth registration can be found in the June quarter of 1872 for Romney Marsh volume 2a page 891. He was baptised at the parish church of St.Mary the Virgin in St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent on 28 April 1872.
In the 1881 census he was aged 9 living with his parents and siblings at Jesson Farm in St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent. [RG11 piece 1015 folio 47 page 3].
Peter worked as a labourer before joining the army. He enlisted in 1889 and gave the age of 18 years and 8 months. His attestation papers state that he was already in the 1st Buffs East Kent Battalion and he wished to sign for the Royal Irish Fusilier. He joined the 2nd Battalion as a Private on 28 September 1889 army number 6884. He gained promotion in 1892 being made a Lance Corporal. He then underwent a period of training which included attaining a Certificate of Education on 20/2/1893, He was promoted to Corporal in 1894 and moved to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Fusilier's. In 1897 he became Lance Sergeant and by 1898 he was a Sergeant. In 1900 he was transferred to the Royal Irish Regiment. His service at home and abroad totalled 28 years and 88 days and during that time he spent several periods abroad. His military history sheet shows the following:-
Home 28 September 1889 to 2 September 1894
East India 3 September 1894 to 20 September 1897
Egypt 21 December 1897 to 29 September 1899
South Africa 30 September 1899 to 22 April 1900
Home 23 April 1900 to 24 December 1917
His home service included time in both UK and Ireland. It was on 9th December 1893 that Peter married Annie Maria Harrison at St. Mary's Church in Castlebar in County Mayo, Ireland. The Reverend T Taylor officiated and witnesses were W Harrison and M Keenan. [Source Army Service Record]. Between 1894 and 1912 they had nine children, two were born in India, one in Egypt, one in UK and five in Ireland.
Whilst in South Africa Peter was wounded at Talana on 20 October 1899. Details of any injuries have not been recorded but it is not thought to have been serious as he remained in South Africa for another six months. In 1901 he was paid a War gratuity of £10.
In the 1901 UK Census Peter and family are living at Badajos army barracks of the 1st Home Counties Reserve & 5th Royal Irish Regiment. He is listed as a Colour Sergeant with the 5th Royal Irish Regiment aged 29 years. With him is his wife Annie Maria aged 25 and children Florence 6, Stephen 4 and Eileen aged seven weeks. In this census Peter has given his place of birth as being in Dymchurch, Kent. [RG13 piece 612 folio 152 page 8 and also folio 153 page 9].
Peter claimed discharge after 3 months notice and left the army on 24 December 1917 in Cork, Ireland. He was then a Company Sergeant Major with the 4th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment. His discharge papers describe him as 46 years and 11 months of age, 5ft 4inch in height, fresh complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. They give his intended address after discharge as 283, Laburnum Grove, North End, Portsmouth. His military character is stated as being exemplary and he is described as a sober, honest, industrious, smart, intelligent, thoughtful and trustworthy man. When Peter enlisted he did not give his correct age thus at discharge his age has been calculated from the date originally given showing him to be over a year older than he really was.
He was awarded the Queens South Africa medal 1899-1900 with clasp Talana, a long service and good conduct medal together with £5 gratuity and a Coronation Medal with a war gratuity of £10.
The details of Peter's army service can be found in the General Register Office in Kew, London under Soldier's discharged to pension, record class WO364/1742, row 11, drawer 84.
In the late 1940's Peter and Anna lived at 28 Bushey Mead in Purbrook.
Anna died in 1945 and Peter in 1949. They are buried in Waterlooville Cemetery, Portsmouth, Hampshire. The headstone states "In memory of our beloved parents Anna Maria Hoper died 16th May 1945 aged 70 years. also Peter Hoper reunited 22nd April 1949 aged 77 years. Peace Perfect Peace"
Children of Peter HOPER and Anna HARRISON are:
i. Florence HOPER, born about 1894, Allahabad, India; died Unknown, ?.
ii. Stephen Thomas HOPER, born 1896, Shewls Burwah, India; died Unknown, Egypt.
iii. Peter Lawrence HOPER born about 1898, Cairo, Egypt; died Bef. 1901, ?.
iv. Eileen Victoria HOPER, born 1901, Aldershot, Hants; died Unknown, ?.
v. Eva May HOPER, born 14 Oct 1902, Kilkenny, Ireland.
16. vi. William Arthur HOPER, born 14 Oct 1902, Kilkenny, Ireland.
17. vii. Albert HOPER, born 27 Oct 1905, Kilkenny, Ireland.
18. viii. Annie Elizabeth HOPER, born 17 Oct 1907, Kilkenny, Ireland.
ix. Marjorie HOPER, born 18 Aug 1912, Kilkenny, Ireland; married ? KEMP.
9. Alice HOPER was born 1880 in St. Mary in the Marsh, Kent. She married Alfred John GOODWRIGHT. He was born about 1875 in Dover, Kent.
Child of Alice HOPER and Alfred GOODWRIGHT is:
i. Arthur Stephen GOODWRIGHT, born 1900, Folkestone, Kent.
10. James Edward PRIOR was born 1872 in New Romney, Kent. He married Mary E ?. She was born 1872.
Child of James PRIOR and Mary ? is:
i. Ethel PRIOR, born 1898, New Romney, Kent.
11. Charles Hoper WHITEHEAD was born 18 Oct 1882 in Dymchurch, Kent, and died 27 Jul 1925 in Dymchurch, Kent. He married Hannah Nellie Tree FOORD 04 Apr 1906 in Dymchurch, Kent.
Children of Charles WHITEHEAD and Hannah FOORD are:
i. Louise HOPER-WHITEHEAD, born 08 Jun 1908, Dymchurch, Kent; married Alfred William Beckham PALMER, 28 Nov 1931, Dymchurch, Kent; born 1905, Kent.
ii. Gracie HOPER-WHITEHEAD born 10 Jul 1910, Dymchurch, Kent married Ernest Alec Edward EVANS, 24 Sep 1939, Dymchurch; born about 1917
19. iii. Charlie HOPER-WHITEHEAD, born 25 Dec 1911, Dymchurch, Kent
iv. James HOPER-WHITEHEAD, born 05 Apr 1913, Dymchurch, Kent.
v. Percy HOPER-WHITEHEAD, born 25 May 1914, Dymchurch, Kent; died 17 Jun 1940, WW2.
Notes for Percy HOPER-WHITEHEAD:
Percy Hoper Whitehead was born on 25 May 1914. He was baptised at the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul on 12 July 1914 entry 169 page 22.
Percy was killed in action during World War Two his name is engraved on the village War Memorial in Dymchurch. The CWGC roll-of-honour website states that his death was on 17th June 1940 aged 26 years. He was in the 71st Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery Gunner 835697.
12. Walter Frederick HOPER was born 17 Apr 1886 in Dymchurch, Kent, and died 01 Jan 1968 in Dymchurch, Kent. He married (1) Louisa Jane CORNES 25 Dec 1913 in New Romney, Kent. She was born Abt. 1876, and died 10 Apr 1931 in Dymchurch, Kent. He married (2) Lilian Jane GAMBLE 07 Oct 1933 in Dymchurch, Kent. She was born about 1904.
Notes for Walter Frederick HOPER: Walter Frederick Hoper was born on 17 April 1886 according to the family bible. The Civil Registration for the birth can be found in the June quarter 1886 reference 2a 1044 in Romney Marsh. He was baptised on 30 May 1886 at the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Dymchurch, Kent, entry number 660. He was the fourth child of Richard and Mary Hoper.
In the 1901 Census, Walter is listed as living with his parents at 58 Rock Cottages, Dymchurch, aged 16, single, the entry has a symbol which is thought to represent "ditto" under occupation and suggests he was a general labourer as his two older brothers were.
Walter married Louisa Jane Cornes on 25 December 1913 in New Romney. The registration entry can be found in the December quarter of 1913 for Romney Marsh Vol 2a page 2595.
On 11 December 1915 Walter joined the army. His attestation form completed in Hythe states that he was then aged 29 years and 251 days, a labourer, married and living at 2 Grove Terrace, Dymchurch. He gave his next of kin as his wife Louise Jane Hoper and also listed a child named John Tolhurst born 30 April 1905. Details of John have not yet been traced. The birth registrations for the June quarter of 1905 show a William John Tolhurst registered in Christchurch Vol 2b page 677 but no relevant Hoper or Cornes entries. John remains a mystery.
Walter was given army number 88747 and he was placed in the army reserve until he was mobilized on 31 May 1916 joining the Royal Garrison Artillery in Dover. He does not appear to have been sent to the front line most of his posting were to depots in Shoeburyness, Darlington, London and Chelmsford. He was promoted to Corporal and later to Sergeant with 'A' Company Royal Garrison Artillery. On 15 March 1919 he was admitted to Colchester General Military Hospital with Ing. Hernia and underwent an operation on 17 May. He remained in the hospital until 4 July 1919 when he was sent to Eastbourne Convalescent Hospital where he remained until 27 August. He was discharged back to his unit as medically fit on 13 September and sent to the Chelmsford dispersal Centre xc (Crystal Palace). He was transferred to class 'z' the army reserve. On 16 September 1919 he was given 28 days furlough and £2 advance of pay. The address given for sending on his discharge papers was 2 Marine Terrace, Dymchurch. He was aged 33 on leaving the army. Details of his army service can be found in the burnt army service records (partially restored) at the General Register Office in Kew, London, reference WO363/H1776 row 8, drawer 76. The documents are severely damaged and much information has been lost.
Louisa died on 10th April 1931. She is buried at Dymchurch in the grave of her father. The inscription on the memorial stone reads "Sacred to the memory of James Cornes husband of Rhoda Ann Cornes died 11 November 1930 aged 84 years also Louisa Jane Hoper his only daughter wife of Walter Hoper died April 10th 1931 aged 55 years.
The Parish Register entry for Walter's second marriage is No. 367, page 184 of the parish register. He is described as a widower and remarried on 7 October 1933 at the age of 47 in the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Dymchurch. His bride was Lilian Jane Gamble who was 29 years of age and described as a widow. Her father was James Dunston. Walter's occupation is described as a bricklayer. The civil registration is in the December Qtr of 1933 Vol 2a, page 3137, New Romney.
They adopted a child Janice Florence whom they baptised at the parish church in 1948. At that time Walter's occupation is given as a painter and the family lived at Gran Clair, Mitcham Road, Dymchurch.
Walter died on 1st January 1968 aged 81 years, his address at that time was given as 21 Mitcham Road, Dymchurch. He was buried on 5 January 1968 in Dymchurch, the burial entry in the parish register is No 784 page 98. He was described as a retired bricklayer and died from cancer of the rectum and arterio sclerosis. The death was registered by his stepson G.S. Gamble of 17 Rydal Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent. This may mean that Lilian had died before him. The civil registration can be found in the March quarter of 1968 reference 5F 663 in Folkestone. [certificate].
Child of Walter HOPER and Lilian GAMBLE is:
i. Janice Florence HOPER, born 06 Jun 1939, ?; Adopted child.
13. Florence May HOPER was born 09 May 1890 in Dymchurch, Kent, and died Feb 1971 in Bromley, Kent. She married Henry Harry Charles CHURCH 22 Mar 1919 in Dymchurch, Kent. He was born 03 Nov 1895 in Lewisham, London, and died Apr 1965 in Bournemouth, Dorset.
14. Nellie HOPER was born 04 Nov 1891 in Dymchurch, Kent, and died 1960. She married Bert BOOTH 14 Dec 1921 in Dymchurch, Kent. He was born 31 Dec 1895 and died Mar 1970 in Folkestone, Kent.
Children of Nellie HOPER and Bert BOOTH are:
i. Jack HOPER, born 03 Nov 1919, Romney Marsh, Kent.
21. ii. Doreen BOOTH, born Abt. 1922, St Mary in the Marsh, Kent.
15. John Stephen HOPER was born 15 Nov 1884 in Folkestone, Kent, and died 29 Nov 1960 in Folkestone, Kent. He married Florence Alice LAVENDER 29 Nov 1913 in Folkestone, Kent. She was born 27 Sep 1892 in Walthamstow, London E17, and died 26 Oct 1990 in Dover, Kent.
16. William Arthur HOPER was born 14 Oct 1902 in Kilkenny, Ireland. He married Eva Mary TENNANT Aug 1930.
Notes for William Arthur HOPER:
William was born in Ireland and baptised locally in Kilkenny on 16 November 1902 by the Reverend Hogg. [Source Army Service Records]. As a boy soldier he joined the Hilsea Horse Artillery. In the 1930's he served as a private in India. He became a Captain Quartermaster, R.A.
Children of William HOPER and Eva TENNANT are:
i. Daphne HOPER.
23. ii. Ian HOPER.
17. Albert HOPER was born 27 Oct 1905 in Kilkenny, Ireland.
Notes for Albert HOPER:
Albert was born in Ireland and baptised locally in Kilkenny on 15 January 1905 by the Reverend Hogg. [Source Army Service Records]
A newscutting circa 1945 states:- “Captain (temporary Major) Albert V. Hoper, R.A.S.C. attached to the R.I.A.S.C., son of Mr & Mrs P. Hoper, of 28 Bushey Mead, Purbrook, has been awarded the M.B.E. (military division) in recognition of gallant services and distinguished services in the Middle East. He was born 38 years ago when his father was a C.S.M., Royal Irish Regiment, at Kilkenny, Ireland. Captain Hoper joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers as a boy and left when he was 19. He enlisted in the R.A.S.C. on the outbreak of war and was evacuated from Dunkirk. His brother William is a Captain Quartermaster R.A. His other brother Stephen died in Egypt when a corporal in the R.A.S.C. His father served in the last war and the Boer war and was a survivor in the relief of Ladysmith”.
18. Annie Elizabeth HOPER was born 17 Oct 1907 in Kilkenny, Ireland. She married Harry ANDERSON in 1932.
Children of Annie HOPER and Harry ANDERSON are:
i .Diana ANDERSON
ii. Roger ANDERSON, born Unknown married Mary Lou ...........
19. Charlie HOPER-WHITEHEAD was born 25 Dec 1911 in Dymchurch, Kent. He married Phyllis Irene MORGAN 19 Dec 1938 in Dymchurch, Kent. She was born Abt. 1912.
Child of Charlie HOPER-WHITEHEAD and Phyllis MORGAN is:
i. Linda Ann HOPER-WHITEHEAD, born 1939, Dymchurch, Kent.
21. Doreen BOOTH was born Abt. 1922 in St Mary in the Marsh, Kent. She married Roy Douglas John HADFIELD 27 Jul 1940 in Dymchurch.. He was born Abt. 1920 in Kent.
Child of Doreen BOOTH and Roy HADFIELD is:
i. Barry R. HADFIELD, born 1941, Romney Marsh.
Extracts from Family History research compiled by Diana M. Ward as at May 2007.