South Yorkshire Times, September 26, 1942
Birthday “Present.”
C.S.M and Mrs. Hirst, of Station Villas, Conisbrough, have received news that their eldest son, Spr. W. O. Hirst, R.E., is a prisoner of war in Italian hands as from June 20th.
Spr. Hirst went to France with his father and brother, and went to the Middle East 18 months ago. He worked on the L.N.E.R., Conisbrough.
News of his capture was received on his 27th birthday.