James (Jim) Hayes
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- Military History
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James known as Jim on all records. was the son of Joseph and Maria Hayes On the 1891 census he is shown as being aged 8, living at 17 Todds Row, Sutton in Ashfield Notts his siblings are listed as Herbert Thorpe, 10; Martha Thorpe, 7; Fanny Thorpe, 4; Eliza Hayes, 6 months. In the 1901 census he aged 18 and is living at the same address. In 1907 , he marries his wife Mabel Marriott at Basford, Nottingham. In the 1911 census , he is living at - 2 Wesley Street, Annesley Woodhouse Notts shown as Jim Hayes, head, 28, Hewer, Miner; Mabel Hayes, wife, 26 they state they have been married for three years Soldiers Effects to his Widow Elsie 8/9/1919 - £6-10s Gratuity 1/1/1920 - 1s 2d AFW 5070 relatives form sent 20/6/1919
21498 Private Jim (James) Hayes enlisted in Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) in January 1915. He was posted to 9th battalion based near Grantham. On 1st July 1915, Jim sailed with the battalion for Gallipoli and fought there in July and August. It is likely he was wounded or contracted one of the many diseases prevalent on Gallipoli, being evacuated back to the UK. On recovery he was sent out to France and the 1st battalion. On 5th July 1916 the 1st battalion were tasked with attacking and consolidating the line near La Boisselle. They had problems getting to the jump off, with officers of the 57th brigade, not knowing the way, shelling of the communication trench and elements of 57th brigade clogging the front line after their failed attack. Eventually the battalion moved off at 2.50 pm (50 minutes late), with three columns attacking. The centre column was held up by an earthwork some 12 feet high and had to give ground owing to enemy bombers attacking the flanks. The right column gained its objective but was then driven back by bombs. The left column had been held up from the start. Close quarter fighting continued for many hours but by 7 pm, it became clear that with the exception of 'D' company, all Coys had been driven back. 'D' Coy after making five attacks, win and held their objective. At 9pm, 'D' Coy. was withdrawn as it was in danger of being cut off. Despite heroic actions by all companies, the overwhelming numbers of enemy. It was found later that the battalions attack had coincided with a regiment of the Prussian Guards Division, counter attack on La Boisselle. Jim was one of some 60 men killed during the day, when the battalion suffered over 300 casualties.
memorial visited, wreath laid and photo taken by John Morse. Soldiers Died in the Great War - Hayes Jim, born Sutton in Ashfield, enlisted Mansfield Notts, abode Sutton in Ashfield Nott's, 21498, Private, killed in action, France and Flanders, 5/7/16
