Eddie Castling & Andrew O’Sullivan have submitted the following:
HAYS, John Herbert
Born 24/07/1895.
In 1908 he lived in Sycamore Terrace, Haswell, Co Durham. His father, George, was a Commercial traveller, his mother was Annie. Later he lived with his uncle John, a retired Blacksmith, in Station Street, Haswell.
He was admitted to Durham Johnston School on 15/09/1908, aged 12, having previously attended South Hetton Council School.
He became Deputy Organist of St Paul’s Church, Haswell.
On enlistment he was a Pioneer with 5th Bn Special Bde Royal Engineers (Regtl No 159320)
He died on 03/07/1916, aged 20.
Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
He is remembered at Durham on D47.025 and at Haswell on H116.05
