889617 Private William Broadhurst was born on 13^th June 1914, son of Thomas Broadhurst and Catherine Broadhurst (née Davies).

It is likely William never met his father who died in France and Flanders on 17th September 1914. In fact, his only memory he had of his father may have been the pension he received from 23-04-1915 until his 16^th birthday on 13-06-1930.

Less than 9 years later, on 3^rd March 1939 he enlisted, no doubt fully aware of the fate that had befallen his father in France and Flanders. Prior to enlisting he had been working as a ship's fireman.

Having already been awarded decorations of the Africa Star and 8th Army Clasp, in September 1944 William jumped into the Battle of Arnhem as a member of B Company of the 11^th Parachute Battalion. During the fighting, on 28^th September he was taken prisoner of war.

Initially taken to Stalag XIIA Limb urg and given POW number 91666, this was to become just the first of five POW camps where he was held. He was held here until November 1944. Between November and December 1944 he was held at Stalag IVC Mulberg; December 1944 to January 1945 he was held at ARB KDO 50 at Wurzmes; January and February 1945 he was at Elsternhorst Hospital; and February to April 1945 he was held at Hoenstein Res. Laz.

Whilst being held as a POW he was also forced to work - coal mining. In December 1944 and January 1945 he was required to work at Wurzmes by coal mining.

Like many men held as prisoners of war, he suffered from illness as a result of the treatment he received whilst detained. He suffered from pneumonia and bronchitis for a period of three and a half months as a result of being required to work in damp draughty passages. He was, however, fortunate that, unlike many of his colleagues, he felt he received adequate medical treatment.

William continued his own war effort against the enemy whilst being held POW. When asked whether did anything to sabotage or destroy enemy plant when employed on working parties he answered: "Yes. Bent rails in coal mine causing several trucks to capsize, buried tools. Dec '44 - Jan '45 changed destination labels on priority railway trucks."

On 23^rd September 1948 he was awarded his war medals. At this time he was living at 98, Saltaire Rd, Shipley, Yorkshire.

William died in Bradford, West Yorkshire during the summer of 1992

We are still researching the life of Private Broadhurst. If you are a relative or have any information about him, please contact us.