William Henry Hanson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Hanson was born and bred in Torworth. His parents were Charles and Mary Hanson, both native to the area. William acquired a job in the Ranskill Fork works and was a highly respected employee there. He was only 15 when war was declared and the following year, age 16, he spent no time in enlisting, on February 26th 1915, at Retford. He joined the newly formed 10th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.
The 10th (Service) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment was raised at Worcester in September 1914 as part of Kitchener's Second New Army and joined 57th Brigade in 19th (Western) Division. They trained at Perham Down and in March 1915 moved to Tidworth for final training. They proceeded to France on the 18th of July 1915, the division concentrating near St Omer. Their first action was at Pietre, in a diversionary action supporting the Battle of Loos. In 1916 They were in action during the Battle of the Somme, capturing La Boisselle and being involved in The attacks on High Wood, The Battles of Pozieres Ridge, the Ancre Heights and the Ancre. In 1917 they were in action in The Battle of Messines and the Third Battles of Ypres. In 1918 they fought on The Somme during The Battle of St Quentin and The Battle of Bapaume and in the Battles of the Lys at Messines, Bailleul and The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge.
It was on the 20 April 1918, during these latter battles that William was taken prisoner (assuming he was still with the 10th Worcesters). He must have received poor treatment as, two months after his capture, he died as a prisoner of war (camp unknown) on 24/25 June 1918 age 19. He was buried in a grave at the Terlincthun British Cemetery Wimille. In November 1918, his parents received the terrible news that he had died due to general weakness.
Worksop Guardian 29 November 1918
Mr Chas. Hanson, Ranskill, has received information that his son, Pte William Hanson, 10th Worcesters, had died of general weakness, while a prisoner in Germany. Previously to joining HM Forces, Pte Hanson, was an employee at the Ranskill Fork Works, where he was highly respected. He was only 19 years of age. The sympathy of the whole village goes out to the bereaved family at the sad ending to a bright young life.
Commemorated in Ranskill Church WW1 record book and Window 1
CWG additional details:- Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Hanson, of 5, North Rd., Torworth, Bawtry.
Ranskill memorial book details:- William Henry Hanson – joined 26 Feb 1915 – taken prisoner 20 April 1918 – died 24 June 1918 age 19.
Cemetery:- Terlincthun British Cemetery Wimille
Commemorated in Ranskill Church WW1 record book and Window 1.
Research by Colin Dannatt
William Henry Hanson
Buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery. Photo by Murray Biddle