Cecil John Hopkins – Welsh Regiment, 14th Battalion
Private Cecil John Hopkins – Welsh Regiment, 14th Battalion
Early Life
Cecil John Hopkins was born in 1894 in Mumbles,
the son of John Hopkins and Annie Hopkins. He later became the first
casualty of the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment to die during the
First World War.
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| 1901 Census |
The 1901 Census records the Hopkins family living at 1 Westfa Cottage, Llanelly. John (38), born in Raglan, Monmouthshire, was employed as a Domestic Coachman, while Annie (39), born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, managed the home. Their children present were Blanche (14), Ivor (10), Cecil (7), and Ernest (2). Also residing in the household were boarders Albert V. Sellers (25) and his wife Maude (26).
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| 1911 Census |
By 1911 Census, the family had moved to 28 Brunswick Street, Swansea. John (48) continued working as a Domestic Coachman, and Annie (49) remained at home. Their children living with them were Ivor Claude (20), employed as a Domestic Chauffeur; Cecil John (17), working as a Railway Stoker; Ernest Tom (12); Tom Albert (9); and Cedric Joseph (7). The household also included Rosa Jane Dennis (27), listed as a Guest; George Parker (25), a Groom; and William John Jenkins (31), a Yard Labourer, along with his wife Blanche Eleanor (24) and their infant son Claude Alfred (6 months).
Military Service and Death
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| North Wales Weekly News |
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| Cecil John Hopkins Danygraig Cemetery credit - findagrave |
Cecil enlisted in the 14th Battalion, Welsh
Regiment. While staying in lodgings at Wellington Road, Rhyl, he died
on 21st February 1915.
His death was reported in the North Wales Weekly News, which noted that
he was the first soldier of the battalion to die in the war. He was
buried at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea.
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