10 Facts About Ronald Hopkins

Major General Ronald Nicholas Lamond Hopkins CBE was a senior officer in the Australian Army.

Ronald Hopkins began his military career in 1915 when he entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon as a staff cadet and graduated as a lieutenant in the Permanent Forces in late 1917.

Ronald Hopkins was born in Stawell, Victoria on 24 May 1897.

Ronald Hopkins's father, William Hopkins, was a surgeon who was later killed on active service during the Boer War in 1900.

Ronald Hopkins was seconded to the headquarters of the 2nd and 3rd Light Horse Brigades, and the Anzac Mounted Division, to serve in a staff role.

Ronald Hopkins returned from India in 1928 and undertook staff work at brigade level and then at Army Headquarters in Melbourne, Victoria.

Ronald Hopkins returned to Australia in April 1939 and was instrumental in organising the Australian Armoured Corps during the Second World War.

Ronald Hopkins was later promoted to brigadier and attached to the staff of New Guinea Force and then served as a liaison officer to the American forces participating in the New Guinea campaign throughout 1943 and 1944.

In September 1944, Ronald Hopkins was appointed the position as commander of the Australian Staff School.

Ronald Hopkins subsequently died on 24 November 1990, leaving behind his wife of almost 64 years, Nora, and one son.