Willie Hirst

Private: 38609. 2nd Battalion. York and Lancaster Regiment.

Born: 1879.

Son of the late William Hirst.

Husband of Clara nee Ainley, and father of Ronald.

Address: 79, Swallow Lane, Golcar. In 1911 living at 32 High St. Scapegoat Hill.

Occupation: Partner in the firm of Milnes &Hirst, painters & decorators, Leymoor Rd, Golcar.

Enlisted in November 1916.

Killed in action: 22nd April 1917. Aged 39.

Commemorated on the Loos Memorial in Dud Corner Cemetery. Panel 105 & 106.

Willie's wife received a letter from the War Office informing her that her husband had been killed. He was well known in Golcar through his work. He was sent to France in February 1917. He leaves a wife and one child. His name appears on the Roll of Honour in St. John's Church, Golcar.

The Loos memorial commemorates 20,000 officers and men who fell, and have no know grave. The Memorial forms the sides and back walls of Dud Corner Cemetery. The name after the armistice. given is due to the large number of unexploded enemy shells found in the neighbourhood