Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

• Percival Bailey Hopkins War Service story
• 1915-1919 France
• Studio portrait of five members of the AIF from South Australia. All embarked for overseas with the 11th Reinforcements of the 10th Battalion from Adelaide on 27 October 1915 aboard HMAT Benalla. After arrival in Egypt, all transferred to the 50th Battalion and in June 1916 proceeded to France. Identified standing at the back on the left, is 3361 Private (Pte) Percival Bailey Hopkins from Hindmarsh, South Australia. A 31 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 27 July 1915, he served on the Western Front and arrived back in Australia on 21 August 1918. Standing at the back on the right, is 3479 Pte (later Corporal) Francis William Slape from Mount Gambia, South Australia. A 27 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 27 July 1915, he died of wounds on 23 May 1918 and is buried in the Vignacourt British Cemetery, France. Seated in the front on the left is 3473 Pte Alan George Shadgett from Parkside, South Australia. A 22 year old motor-body builder prior to enlisting on 28 July 1915, he was killed in action at Noreuil, France on 2 April 1917 and buried in the Noreuil Australian Cemetery. [See also image P09291.088.] Seated in the front centre is 3300 Pte John Earl from Prospect, South Australia. A 39 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 27 July 1915, he was taken ill while serving on the Western Front and returned to Australia to be discharged medically unfit for further service on 19 March 1918. Seated in the front on the right is 3431 Pte (later Sergeant) Lewis George Norman from Mount Gambier, South Australia. A 25 year old farmer prior to enlisting on 27 July 1915, he was captured by the Germans at Noreuil, France on 2 April 1917 and held as a prisoner of war until repatriated at the end of hostilities. He arrived back in Australia on 18 April 1919.