Regiment: East Yorkshire Regt.
Died: 13 November 1916 aged 24 in France. Killed in action.
Battle: Battle of the Somme. Cemetery: Serre Road Cemetery No 1 I.D.4
Son of the Rev. W. H. Elmhirst, of "Elmhirst", Barnsley and Pindar Oaks, Barnsley. b. 1892.
Lower V—VI. House Prefect. House XI Cricket.
Scholar Worcester College, Oxford; B.A. (Third Class Jurisprudence) 1914.
Articled to a Solicitor.
8th Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment.
'At School, Will Elmhirst's career was not marked by any exceptional incidents or achievements, but he exercised a very sound influence here. He fully realised the meaning of duty and responsibility, and in a quiet unobtrusive way he always set himself to satisfy the demands of his position. During his time at Oxford he maintained the same high standard that he had aimed at and reached here in really important things. In the Army he was regarded with respect and affection by those with whom he came into contact. Many of these have given written testimony to the debt which they owe to him for his help and guidance.' (Malvernian, Dec 1916).
Barnsley Chronicle 9 December 1916:
He took a scholarship from Malvern to Worcester College, Oxford, where he gained honours in law. He volunteered in 1914, from the office of Messrs. Brown and Elmhirst, solicitors, York where he was articled. His commanding officer writes, "He was a universal favourite both with the officers and men. I looked upon him as one of the best young officers I have had in the battalion. He always took such an interest in his work, was so keen, and nothing was ever too much trouble for him to do, and to do thoroughly. His death is a sad loss, not only to his friends, but to the Army. He was last seen rallying his men close up to the German position."
Barnsley soldiers
Service record: WO 339/21678
War diary: WO 95/1424/2