HAYLES, George

DIVISIONAL UNIT:        3rd Canadian Infantry Division
                                             9th Infantry Brigade
                                             58th Battalion  -  Central Ontario
                                             Canadian Infantry Corps
SERVICE NO:                   491226
RESIDENCE:                    Clinton – Ontario 
DATE OF BIRTH:            March 31, 1896
                                             Brighton – Sussex - England
DATE OF DEATH:           June 26, 1917                       21 years     2 months
CEMETERY:                     Lapugnoy Military Cemetery – Lapugnoy –
                                             Pas de Calais – France
                                             IV     E     10
PARENTS:                         Mr. Henry and Ellen Hayles – Wingham - Ontario
Occupation:                        Tinsmith                               Religion:     Church of England
Enlistment:                         Clinton – February 1, 1915 into the 33rd Battalion
Enlistment Age:                 18 years     10 months

He departed Canada and Halifax onboard the S.S. Lapland and arrived in England on March 26, 1916.
Private Hayles was transferred to the 58th Battalion and went to France on May 7, 1916 and joined his unit on May 29th.
On June 26th whilst he and the men in his unit were in the trenches near Lens he was gravely wounded in the head, legs and back from the explosion and shraapnel of an enemy high explosive shell. He was immediately evacuated to No. 23 Casualty Clearing Station, but his wounds were too severe and later in the day Private Hayles died.
The weather on June 26th was fine and the winds were southerly at 15 mph. The Brigade was located at Zollern Havs. 
Battalion Diaries: During the day, the 58th had 3 men wounded after taking over the front lines and immediately after this word came that the 4th Canadian Division on the left was advancing and the Battalion was ordered to advance to the line of the first objective which was was Acorn and Ace Trenches and while advancing keep in touch with 43rd Battalion. This was successful and the 58th was able to advance to Adept Trench.
After dark patrols were sent out to reconnoitre and if possible seize Avion Trench. “D” Company sent two out to the left toward the railway; “B” Company sent a patrol up toward Alcove Trench
Brigade Diaries: At 2 pm the 58th reported they had a post in Amble Trench at the junction with Bilge Trench and also had a post in Alcove truch at the junction with Bilge Trench.
There were three platoons out from the railway to Beaver Trench. Along Adept Trench another post was being established in houses along Avion Road west of the railway.
Intelligence: Avion Trench was under severe enemy artillery fire at times during the day and his artillery was active during period of the day. The enemy was using his 77mm and 5.9” guns. Between 8:30 pm and 9:15 pm the enemy laid down a very heavy barrage using their 5.9” guns and shrapnel onto the 58th Battalion front. The enmy machine guns and rifle fire was active all day but especially active after dark. Enemy sniper fire was heavy and deadly during this period.
Mrs Hayles had ten men in her family on active service and nearly all were either killed or wounded.