Since the politicians messed things up so badly in 1918 and 1919, Britian’s young men had to do it all again in 1939-1945. Sadly German nationalism was allowed to flourish again during the 1920s and 30s, along with the racist and anti-semitic idealogy known as National Socialism.

As far as we can determine, there were eight Hasketon servicemen killed during the Second World War. Investigating their history is much more difficult than it is for the Great War because many of them are too young to be included in the 1911 census – and even the 1921 census, and only a few military records are available. There are three men mentioned on the village war memorial, a further two are buried in the churchyard and three who are remembered elsewhere. Their names are below – click on the links to get further details.

• Stoker Leonard James Bardwell
• Lance Sgt. Robert Bishop
• Private Harry Cole
• Wing Commander Patrick Edward G G Connolly
• Warant Officer Cyril Dunnett
• Sergeant Harold Philip Gardiner
• 2nd lieut. Philip Miles Derek Godfrey
• Private Joseph Jones

I’m aware that some of these brave men may have close family members still living, and I’m obviously keen to avoid any errors or misunderstandings. Please get in touch if I’ve got anything wrong, or you’d like me to either modify an entry or to contribute some further detail.