Private William Hirst
49093 2/5th Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment
Killed in Action 27th September 1918,
aged 25
Lived at 212 Cog Lane
Buried at Hermies Hill British Cemetery France - IV.H.2.
Commemorated on the Holy Trinity Memorial
Burnley Express 9th October 1918

KILLED BY SNIPER
OFFICER’S TRIBUTE TO “ FINE MAN” (Burnley Express 9/10/1918)

News was received on Saturday by Mrs. Hirst, of 212, Cog-lane, Burnley that her husband, Pte. Willie Hirst, of the King’s Own Royal Lancasters, to the effect that he was killed by a sniper on September 27th while serving in France. The news came from a comrade, and also his commanding officer. The former, Pte. William Dawson, states that he was also wounded by the same sniper, but he had his revenge by killing that individual. Pte. Hirst was well-known in the Wood Top district. He was 25 years of age and leaves a young widow, who is a Cumberland lady. At the time of enlistment on May 8th last, he was engaged at Barrow, previous to which he was employed at Mr. Heap’s Motor Garage, Burnley. He was connected with Holy Trinity Church, Burnley, where he was a respected member of the church choir.
Captain R. Whittaker wrote : “ I deeply regret that your husband was killed. All the boys were very sorry when they heard of his death. He was just beside me in a shell hole, and went out about three yards, when I heard a cry. Going to his assistance. I found him dead. He must have suffered no pain. I was his section commander, and I can assure you I feel his loss very much. He was a fine man, one who did his work well. He was respected by his platoon, all of whom join with me in sending you our sympathy in the loss you have sustained.