Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 15, 1916

A Noble End
Wombwell Officer falls in the Charge

Amongst the many local men who have nobly died in their countries cause during the recent magnificent thrust in France, stands out prominently that of second Lt William Hirst, whose photograph we publish above.

Lt Hirst was attached to the 14th  Service Battalion (second Barnsley), York and Lancaster Regiment, and had numerous friends in Barnsley and Wombwell. His military career was being watched with keen interest, and naturally his death created a very deep and sad impression in the districts named.

Local feeling regarding his death was very aptly expressed by the Rev James Cropper, Rector, at the Parish Church, Wombwell, on Sunday, at a service held in honour of the fallen brave of Wombwell. At a restriction reference was made to Lt Hurst connection with the Parish Church, the excellent work he had done in the Church generally, and the great part he played in the administration of the local branch of the Church Lads Brigade.

There have been numerous evidences, most eloquent of which would have been the letters which we have from time to type published, that Lt Hurst was beloved of and admired by, the men under his charge. It is clear that he met his end in a brave and noble manner, quite in keeping with his reputation.

“His battalion,” says quartermaster Sgt Bentley, “went into action on the morning of the first, and was met with very heavy machine-gun and shrapnel fire, which caused many casualties amongst officers and men. Lt Hurst led the company across No man’s Land, and got into the first line of trenches, and then he fell. He died as an Englishman, facing the full, at the head of his men.

The company will be very much poorer for his loss. Such an officer as he was can never be replaced. His earnestness and devotion to duty impressed me as the greatest characteristic. Every man in the company has lost a good friend. He attended to every one of his men, both officially and unofficially. In many deeds of kindness were done in a quiet and unobtrusive manner.

In a special manner the woman or man of the company and of the battalion will feel is lost deeply. He has made the great sacrifice for King, country and Empire, and (as our General said before we went forward) for all our dear ones at home.”