William Hurst

William Hurst was born in 1883, the 3rd son of 5 sons of Joseph and Ellen Hurst, the others being John, Samuel, Edward and Henry. In 1891 they were recorded as all born at Newark and living at Water Lane, with their father, Joseph working as a hawker. In 1909, William married Mary Smith at Newark and in the same year had a son who they named Joseph. Two years later, all three were living at 38 Colbeck Street, Worksop, and were followed at the end of 1911 and again in 1912 with 2 more children, Sarah and Edward. It was whilst a resident in Worksop that he enlisted there being previously a reservist.

Private William Hurst Worksop Guardian 9 April 1915 Private William Hurst, of the G Co., 3rd Notts & Derbys, of Duck Row, Westgate, Worksop, who was killed in action in the Basse*-road near Neuve Chapelle, on January 15th 1915. To those better acquainted with Private Hurst he was known as “Narrow”. He was a reservist and worked at Steetley Quarry, and was re-called to the colours on August 2nd. He was last heard from a few days previous to being killed. He leaves a widow and three small children.

Commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Research by Colin Dannatt