Ernest Hayes (British Army soldier)

Infobox Military Person
name=Ernest Hayes


caption=
born=16 April 1898
died=19 February 1938
placeofbirth=Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire, UK
placeofdeath=
placeofburial=Beeston, Nottinghamshire
placeofburial_label=
nickname=
allegiance=UK
branch=British Army
serviceyears=1916 - 1918
rank=Corporal
unit=King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
commands=
battles=World War I
• Western front
awards=3 x Military Medal
relations=
laterwork=

Ernest Hayes was a Corporal in the British Army. He was awarded the Military Medal three times for his action in World War I.

Biography

Ernest Hayes, born the 16 April 1898, in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire. He was one of only 180 men out of 115,600 to be awarded the Military Medal three times during WW1. He enlisted with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. also known as the KOYLI, in 1916. After initial training in England,he was then transferred to the Western front in France. During his time there, he took part in several major battles. He was awarded his first "MM" on the 13 March 1918. In the London Gazette it reads: "203928 Pte. E. Hayes, Yorks. L.I. (Cotgrave)". [cite journal|url=http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.aspx?pdf=30573&geotype=London&gpn=3235&type=ArchivedSupplementPage&all=203928&exact=&atleast=&similar=|format=PDF|title=Second Supplement to The London Gazette|date=12 March 1918|publisher=The London Gazette|issue=30573|pages=3235] His second "MM" was awarded for his part in securing the Sambre canal on 4 November 1918. The citation from the Army for his actions that day reads as:

"No.203928 Cpl.E.Hayes:- For gallantry & devotion to duty during the successful attack on the Sambre canal, S.W.of Landrecies on the 4th of November 1918. In the face of an intense enemy artillery & machine gun barrage he led his Lewis gun section forward through very close country with great skill, onto his objective. On arrival there he consolidated his post & for some hours kept his gun team in action under heavy enemy fire. He was utterly regardless of personal danger & his calm method of picking up target after target had a most inspiring effect on the men in his post & other posts in his vicinity".Fact|date=September 2008

This was dated, the 26 November 1918. His first bar was awarded in 1919 & is mentioned in the London Gazette on the 23 July 1919. [cite journal|url=http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.aspx?pdf=32152&geotype=London&gpn=12037&type=ArchivedSupplementPage&all=203928&exact=&atleast=&similar=|format=PDF|title=Second Supplement to The London Gazette|date=3 December 1920|publisher=The London Gazette|issue=32152|quote=2nd Bar to Military Medal. (1st Bar Gazetted 23rd July, 1919.)|pages=12037] His second bar was awarded in 1920.

Ernest Hayes died on 19 February 1938, just 39 years old. He is buried in Beeston cemetery, Nottinghamshire. His grave remained unmarked until 2005, when, with the help of his youngest daughter Barbara & the British Legion, they placed a memorial stone upon his grave.

References