Below are extracts from his story as related by his great nephew, John Freesmith.
The full version is in the Booklet "Stories of World War 1 Soldiers in the Hayes and Donaldson Families" for purchase ion our "For Sale" page.
The full version is in the Booklet "Stories of World War 1 Soldiers in the Hayes and Donaldson Families" for purchase ion our "For Sale" page.
Private James Hayes (1891-1957)
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First Army EnlistmentJim originally enlisted in the Australian Infantry Forces (AIF) on 29 July 1915 when he was 23 years old. Jim served in the army for less than four months and was discharged on 16 November 1915, having not left Victoria. He was diagnosed by army medical authorities with Cardiac Debility.
Second Army EnlistmentHe re-enlisted for a second time on 14 January 1916, in the 7th Battalion, joining up in Melbourne, with his two cousins, Joe (Serial Number 5103) and Abbie Hayes (Serial Number 5101), with whom he shared consecutive Battalion serial numbers, Jim’s being No 5102.
All three departed Melbourne aboard HMAT Suffolk A23 on 1 April 1916. He only served for two months in France, where his cousin Jack Hayes recollected meeting him in the trenches. He left France on 10 December 1916 for England to convalesce, being sent firstly to Wareham, then Waymouth and finally to Pelham Downs. Home from the WarJim embarked from England on 25 August 1917, returning home to Australia aboard HMAT “Benalla” 24. On the 25 October, 1917, he was sent to the Medical Board in Melbourne for final assessment.
On the WallabyJim returned from the war in France, Jim hit the road carrying his swag. Like thousands of men, Jim was caught up in the great depression and was required to fend for himself, finding work on stations in New South Wales, wherever he could. He finally settled in Mooroopna where Jack Hayes started to visit with him.
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A Final Resting PlaceJim died on 6 August 1961 and is buried in the Mooroopna Cemetery where the Repatriation Commission erected a stone on his grave. He was 69 years old. Jack attended Jim’s funeral, along with Myrtle Rainey from Emu Flat and her brother, Tom Hayes, from ‘Medburn’ Tooborac. His nephew, Billy Free and wife Ruby, are also believed to have attended. The Returned Servicemen also gathered for the last march with a comrade.
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