South Yorkshire Times February 12, 1944

Home From Abroad

James Sidney Hirst (27), elder son of Mr J MJ first and the late Mr Ernest 7 Duke St, Swinton and return to this country after two years abroad and spent a leave at home.

He was with the Allied forces in the advance from El Alamein. He lost part of his little finger as a result of action in North Africa. Bdr. Hirst was among the men addressed by Mr Churchill at Carthage.

With his brother Sapper E Hirst (25), who has been in the army three years, bombardier Ernest was employed at Wath Main colliery and joined up in 1941.