HAYES H U
HAYES, Harry Urmson
Regiment: 1 Bn Black Watch Royal Highlanders
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Number:
Died: 13 October 1915
Aged: 19
Buried/Memorial: Loos Memorial
Address: ‘Hoole Bank House’, Hoole
Cheshire Observer 30 Octobe 1915
TOLL OF THE WAR
SEC LIEUT HAYES KILLED IN ACTION
“We regret to learn that Sec lieut Harry Urmson Hayes of the 1st Batt, Black Watch, was killed in action in France on October 13th. Sec Lieut Hayes was only 19 years of age and was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs George W Hayes of Pinewood, Worplesdon Hill near Woking and of Hoole Bank Chester, which latter house, as is well known, is at present being used as a Red Cross hospital. The deceased lieutenant is supposed to have been killed by a German bomb near the enemy’s wire entanglements. He had been at the Front for about six months.
Sec Lieut Hayes was educated at Charterhouse and the Royal Military College Sandhurst. He has a younger brother who at present at school."
Chester Chronicle 30 October 1915
LIEUT HAYES KILLED IN ACTION
“It is with deep regret that we announce the death of 2nd Lieutenant Harry Urmson (Dick) Hayes, son of Mr and Mrs George W. Hayes of Hoole Bank Chester, who was killed in action in France on the 13th October. Lieut Hayes had been gazetted to a 2nd Lieutenancy in the 1st Battalion of the Black Watch and it was while fighting with that famous regiment that he fell. He was a very popular and promising young fellow.
The deep sympathy of the citizens of Chester will be felt for the bereaved parents who, at the outbreak of the war, gave up their beautiful house, Hoole Bank, to be used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Mr and Mrs Hayes have, since they left Hoole Bank, been living at Worplesdon Hill, near Woking, where the sad news of their son’s death reached them. 2nd Lieut Hayes was only 19 years of age."
Chester Chronicle 1 September 1917
THE LATE SECOND LIEUT. H U HAYES
MEMORIAL IN CHESTER CATHEDRAL
“A memorial tablet of white marble has been placed in Chester Cathedral to the memory of the late Second Lieut Harry Urmson Hayes, Black Watch, the only son of Mr and Mrs Hayes Hoole Bank, Chester. The inscription on the tablet which is surmounted by the regimental badge is as follows “In loving memory of Harry Urmson Hayes Second Lieut the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) killed in France 13th October 1915 aged 19. He gave his heart to his home, his life for his King and country and his soul to his God” The gallant lieutenants parents, it will be remembered have given a munificent donation for a memorial in Chester Royal Infirmary.”
The 1901 Census shows 5-year-old Harry living at Hoole Bank together with father George, mother Eva, brother Eric, John Higson a visitor and nine domestic staff. A further seven staff are living at the coachman’s cottage.
His father George had donated Hoole Bank House for use as a Red Cross Auxiliary Hospital in August 1914, in which role it continued until 1919. See Hoole Hospitals 1914 - 1919.