Mexborough and Swinton Times, August 1916

Sgt Harry Hadwin (York and Lancaster),

a formally territorial, whose home was 13, Avenue Road, Wath, was killed on July 24.

He was only 19 years old.

The news was conveyed to his mother by a Thurnscoe man in the same company, Sgt G Teece, writes:

“Harry and I have been chums for a long time, I can assure you everyone of us feels the loss of one of the best of chums and a noble and willing soldier. I am forwarding all the articles he had in his possession, as I know you will cherish every little memento.

You will also find a German bomber’s tassel which he got while we were together in the German lines. Perhaps you would like to know how he met his death.

We had a splendid dugout, and I slept with him, but I was called out to go to some special work, and as I came out Harry said: “Well, George, laugh, take care, and the best of luck.”

We never dreamt that God would call him in so short a time afterwards. At 12:39 am a shell dropped on the dugout, and Harry was killed in his sleep. It will be some consolation nor had he has had a decent burial near lovely little cemetery on a hillside, I will do my best to look after the grave of dear old Harry, who was a true friend to us all.”

From C.W.G.C.:

Service No: 2065
Date of Death: 23/07/1916
Age: 19
Regiment/Service: York and Lancaster Regiment 1st/5th Bn.
Grave Reference: I. B. 17.
Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, AUTHUILLE WOOD
Additional Information:
Son of Alice Hadwin, of 73, Avenue Rd., Wath-on-Dearne, Rotherham, and the late William Hadwin.