Military History

Leonard died of pnuemonia on 30 Oct 1918 at the Waveney Hospital in Ballymena. He was buried on 5 Nov 1918 in the graveyard at Dunchurch St. Peter's.

An article about Leonard's funeral in the Rugby Advertiser of 9 Nov 1918 is transcribed below.

DUNCHURCH

The funeral of Leonard J. Hopkins, aged 18 years, son of Mr & Mrs Wm Hopkins of Dunchurch, took place at Dunchurch on Tuesday last. Deceased, who was a Private in the Devon Reserves died after a short illness in Waveney Hospital, Ballymena, Ireland.

Before joining the army he was employed as gardener at Thurlaston Grange, and a bunch of mauve chrysanthemums (his favourite flower) was sent by Mr. Appleby bearing the words "These flowers he tended so carefully during his life are sent as a token of deep sympathy from all at Thurlaston Grange".

The funeral service was conducted by the Vicar, The Rev. E.P. Rowland and the coffin was borne by four soldiers staying in the village. Among the flowers were tributes from Mrs. Mallam, Mr and Mrs Appleby, Mr and Mrs Dew, Mrs Borsley, Mr and Mrs Tomlin and Mrs Busby. The deceased was very popular with the boys of the village, and in addition to the above were wreaths from "His Chums", Pte R Jennings, serving in France and the Scholars and Staff of Dunchurch Boys School.

The people of the village feel the deepest sympathy with Mr and Mrs Hopkins in their bereavement.