Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
he was the son of William and Frances A. Hayes.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday June 8th, 1917

Mr W. Hayes, assistant superintendent to the Britannic Assurance Co. of 38, Belvoir Road, Coalville, has been notified that his son, Pte. Horace Hayes, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed in action in France, on May 26th. The news is conveyed in a letter from another Coalville soldier, Pte. Arthur Haggar, of the same platoon, who writes, “It is with very great sorrow and regret that I have to tell you that Horace was killed in action on Saturday morning, May 26th. I did not happen to be with him at the time, but have since learned all the details. The corporal of the platoon did everything possible, but death was instantaneous. The corporal gave him a decent burial and erected a cross. I am very sorry this has occurred and feel deeply grieved for you in your hour of trouble. Horace was well liked by all, and his company sympathise with you.”

Pte. H. Hayes who was 21 years of age, and single, enlisted on March 25th, 1916, and proceeded to France in September of the same year. He was formerly a grocer’s assistant in Worthington’s Stores at Coalville. Mr and Mrs Hayes have another son, Joseph Henry at the Front, he being a bombardier in the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Mr and Mrs Hayes have received the following letter from the deceased’s officer, “It is with deep regret that I write to tell you that your son, Pte. H. Hayes, was killed by a German shell early last Saturday morning, May 26th. His loss is keenly felt by we, his comrades in “A” Company, as he proved himself a true friend and brave soldier, who always did his duty regardless of self. Please accept the sympathy of officers and men who mourn with you in your sad bereavement. P.S. Your son was given a Christian burial, and a cross has been erected over his grave.”

THANKS

Mr and Mrs W. Hayes and Family, of 38, Belvoir Road, Coalville, desire to thank most sincerely the many friends who have kindly expressed sympathy with them on the occasion of the death of their son, Pte. Horace Hayes, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who fell fighting in the defence of his country in France, May 26th, 1917.

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Horace Hayes, Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed in action on May 26th, 1917.

“No more he’ll answer the roll call,
Nor rush at the bugle’s sound,
But O God, when Thy roll’s called in Heaven
May his name in The Book be found.”

From his loving Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Joe (in Italy) and Hilda.

In affectionate remembrance of Private Horace Hayes, Northumberland Fusiliers, killed in action, somewhere in France, May 26th, 1917.

“Could we have raised his dying head,
Or heard his last farewell,
The grief would not have been so hard,
To those who loved him well.
He bravely answered duty’s call,
He gave his life for one and all;
Christ will clasp the broken chain,
Closer, when we meet again.”

From Mother, Father, Brothers and Sister, 38, Belvoir Road, Coalville.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 30th, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

In affectionate remembrance of our dear brother, Pte. H. Hayes (Northumberland Fusiliers) who was killed in action, May 26th, 1917, somewhere in France.

“In a land of strangers our loved one lies,
Not one of us near him to bid him goodbye;
But the angels of heaven are guarding his soul,
Till we meet him again at the call of the roll.”

From his loving Brother and Sister-in-law, Joe and Hilda.

In loving memory of Horace Hayes, (Northumberland Fusiliers) the beloved son of the late Wm. Hayes and Mrs Hayes, 38, Belvoir Road, Coalville, killed in action, May 26th, 1917.

“Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the Better Land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.

God knows the way; He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring hand;
Sometimes with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, there, up there, we’ll understand.”

From Mother, Sister, Brother, also Edith (of Redcar)

Coalville Times article - Friday May 28th, 1920

IN MEMORIAM

Hayes – In loving remembrance of Pte. H. Hayes, who fell in action, May 26th, 1917.

“He sleeps within a foreign land,
The lad we loved so well,
He did his duty like a man
And like a hero fell.”

From his loving Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 8/11/2017