Mexborough and Swinton Times, September 2, 1916

The Mexborough V.C.
A Supreme Act of Sacrifice

Sapper William Hackett, V.C.
(Royal Engineers)

Sapper Hackett of 27 Cross Hall gate, Mexborough, was an August 5th 1916 gazetted V.C.:

“for most conspicuous bravery when entombed with four others in a gallery, owing to the explosion of an enemy mine.

After working for 20 hours a hole was made through fallen earth and broken timber, and the outside party was met.

Sapper Hackett help three other men through the hole, and could have easily followed, but refused to leave the fourth, who was seriously injured, saying: “I am a tunneller; I must look after the others first.”

Meanwhile the hole was getting smaller, yet he still refused to leave his injured comrade.

Finally the gallery collapsed, and though the rescue party worked desperately for four days the attempt to reach the two men failed.

Sapper Hackett, well-knowning the nature of sliding earth, and the chances against him, deliberately gave his life for his comrade.”