Mexborough and Swinton Times, March 25, 1916
William “Micky” Bennett, Sheffield Wednesday footballer and His Soldier Sons
Below are photographs of William Bennett, the once favourite Sheffield Wednesday centre forward, his two sons and a son in law, all of whom are serving with the forces. William Bennett, or “Micky” as he was known throughout South Yorkshire in his footballing days, enlisted at the age of 53, in the Army Service Corps, and after a fortnight at Aldershot went to France, where he was engaged in carrying ammunition up to the firing line. After three months strenuous service, rheumatism developed, and he broke down and had to go to hospital. He has now been discharged from hospital, and will probably be discharged from the service. His home is at 68a, High Street, Mexborough.
Of his two soldier sons, one, Private William Bennett, aged 28 has met with misfortune. His home is at 12, Charles Street, Mexborough and he has been serving with the York and Lancaster in France. He enlisted in November 1914 and has spent 8 or 9 months in France. On the night of March 8th he was shot across the forehead, the bullet lodging in the left eye, which has been removed, the operation taking place in hospital in Leicester. He is now making favourable progress.
The other son Corporal Walter Bennett, iof the Army Service Corps, transport section, is a regular soldier, with three years service. He has been at the front since the landing of the first expeditionary forces. He was in the battles of the Marne, the Aisne, Ypres and all the heavy fighting on the British front since the bar was drawn across the road to Calais. Except for a few days in hospital he has come uninjured through the hostilities so far. On Monday he arrived in Mexborough for his second furlough, and on the following day he went to see his brother in Leicester. He returns to France on Sunday.
Mr Bennett’s son in law, Gunner Harry Hurst, formerly a Mexborough fireman has been with the 7th Brigade R.F.A. for seven months.
William Bennett A.S.C.
Corporal Walter Bennett A.S.C.
Private William Bennett (9th York & Lancs)
Wounded
Gunner Henry Hurst R.F.A. William “Micky” Bennett, Sheffield Wednesday footballer and his soldier family