William George Hopkins

William George Hopkins of Coleman joined the Army February 17, 1916 along with 60 other young men. They trained in Calgary at the Sarcee Camp and became part of the 192 Battalion. Over 1,000 people went to see them off on the train. They boarded the “Empress of Britain” at Halifax for England as a unit of 447 officers and men. When it was learned many were experienced coal miners, the tunneling companies used them to tunnel under enemy lines and set explosives. He received the Victoria Medal and British War Medal.