Early years

Sidney Hart was born in Redmarley, Worcestershire on 9th July 1887, the eldest son of Sidney and Selina Hart.  He was one of ten surviving brothers and sisters and was baptised at Redmarley on 7th August 1887.  After 1898, the family moved to Wayend Street, Eastnor.  The Harts also ran a poultry and game business at Smithfield, Link Top, Malvern.

The Hart’s family business, Smithfield at Link Top. (Emma Hart from Ancestry)

The family business

In the 1911 Census, 23 year old Sidney was living at the shop at Link Top, with his three younger brothers and sisters.  It was clear they were all assisting in the business – 27 year-old Evina was recorded as the housekeeper, Francis (aged 18) were greengrocers and Emily (aged 21) was the book-keeper.  Their 15 year old brother Allen was also living there.  Selina and Sidney senior, along with the rest of the family were at Eastnor.

Sidney married Maude Field and St Mary’s Church, Hanley Castle on 27th December 1913.  The couple moved to 1 Clive Villas, Chase Estate, Barnards Green.

Maude Hart with an unknown member of the Army Service Corps, possibly a relative

First World War

Sidney’s regimental number indicates that he was conscripted into the army and joined the Worcestershire Regiment around January or February 1916.  He served overseas on the Salonika front with the 11th Battalion.

Sidney Hart in the uniform of the Worcestershire Regiment.

Salonika

The 11th Worcestershire Regiment, part of 26th Division, faced Bulgarian forces in Macedonia between Lake Doiran and the River Vardar.  The line had remained relatively inactive since the fighting the previous April.  The Regimental History states that:

“When in the front line, patrols, outpost affairs, and small raids were the only form of military activity.”

Sadly however, there were casualties.  The battalion was holding the “H” Sector trenches between 7th and 19th of February and suffered 1 man killed and 11 wounded.  Sidney Hart was this one fatal casualty.

Commemoration

Sidney was buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery.  Which today is on the edge of the town of Polykastro (formerly Karasouli), some 73 kilometres from Thessaloniki, between the River Axios (Vardas) and the south end of Lake Ardzan (now dry and replaced by a reservoir).  After the war his wife Maude requested the inscription on his grave:

“In ever loving memory of my dear husband safe in the arms of Jesus”

News reaches Malvern

He was reported killed in March 1918. His brother, Walter Hart was killed a few weeks before. A memorial service was held for Sidney Hart at the Emmanuel Church, Wells Road, Malvern a few days later.

Sidney Hart’s brother Allen Richard was also killed during the Great War.

Sidney is also commemorated at St John the Baptist, Eastnor.

The war memorial at Eastnor Church showing all three Hart brothers. © Clive Longbottom (WMR-32837)

Malvern News 2/3/1918
Picture: Ancestry - DavidColledge41
1911 Census
Pension Record Cards
Redmarley Parish Registers
Hanley Castle Parish Registers