Emilius Hopkinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emilius Hopkinson
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|---|---|
| Born | March 31, 1869 |
| Died | June 11, 1951 (aged 82) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Commands held | 15th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Oxford |
Emilius Hopkinson (born March 31, 1869 – died June 11, 1951) was an important British doctor and bird enthusiast. He was known for his work as a medical officer in the military and his long service in West Africa. He also had a great love for birds, even having a bird named after him!
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Who Was Emilius Hopkinson?
Emilius Hopkinson was born in 1869. His father was Jonathan Hopkinson and his mother was Emily Elizabeth. He grew up to become a doctor and spent much of his life helping people and studying nature.
Early Life and Education
Emilius went to a school called Haileybury. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Oxford, which is a famous university. He then completed his medical training at St Thomas' Hospital in London. This is where he learned how to be a doctor.
A Doctor in the Military
From 1900 to 1901, Emilius Hopkinson worked as a doctor in the military. He was a Surgeon-Captain in a group called the 15th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry, in South Africa. During this time, he was recognized for his bravery and good work. He was "mentioned in dispatches," which means his actions were officially praised. He also received the Queen’s Medal with four clasps and the DSO. The DSO is a special award given for excellent service in the military.
Serving in The Gambia
After his military service, Emilius Hopkinson moved to the Gambia Protectorate in West Africa. He worked there for a long time, from 1901 to 1929. At first, he was a Medical Officer, continuing his work as a doctor. Later, he became a Travelling Commissioner. This role involved traveling around the region to help manage local affairs and support the people. In 1922, he received another important honor, the CMG, for his dedicated service.
A Passion for Birds
Emilius Hopkinson had a lifelong interest in birds and "aviculture," which is the hobby of keeping and breeding birds. When he took breaks from his work, he would often bring live birds back with him. Even after he retired, he continued to study birds. Every winter, until World War II began, he would travel back to West Africa. He did this to study how birds migrate, meaning how they travel long distances between seasons. He also enjoyed visiting warmer places.
Legacy
Emilius Hopkinson's love for birds was so well-known that a friend, David Armitage Bannerman, named a bird after him. In 1930, a type of Ahanta spurfowl found in Gambia was given the scientific name Pternistis ahantensis hopkinsoni. This was a special way to honor Emilius and his contributions to bird study.
Emilius Hopkinson passed away in 1951 at his home in Balcombe, West Sussex, England.
