HART Hedley

The birth of Hedley Hart is registered in the December Quarter 1922 under the Stourbridge Registration District, mother’s maiden name: Simpkiss.

Appears on the Army casualties List for Worcestershire.

The following information has been researched by The Black Country Society:
Hedley Hart was the son of David and Alice Hart of Wollescote and he enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry. He joined the 7th Battalion which was in the same brigade as the 1st Worcesters in the 43rd (Wessex) Division. This Division was part of the follow up force to D-Day. They crossed to France on the 18th June and on the 25th they entered the line in the shattered village of Cheux west of Caen. This town was to occupy the British forces for two hard months while Rommel mounted a series of heavy Panzer counter attacks. The 43rd Division was the driving force of the advance. In the battle of the River Odon they took Mouen and then played a vital role in capturing Point 112 from which the enemy had over-looked the Allied positions. The Somersets suffered heavily in their final attack of the Normandy campaign. The battle for Mont Pincon lasted from 30th July to 9th August and Private Hedley Hart was killed in action on the final day.

The following information has been researched by John Barry:
1939 Register
47 Central Avenue, Stourbridge
David Hart, born 24th November 1898, Pneumatic Riveter Motor Company
Alice Hart, born 26th January 1902, Household Duties Unpaid
William Hart, born 27th August 1921, Steel **** Worker
The next 3 records are officially closed

Photograph of Hedley Hart courtesy of John Barry (from Ancestry)