Dri A Hayward (1881 – 1918)

Arthur Hayward was baptised at St Leonard’s on 13th November, 1881. He was the son of William and Martha. In 1891 he was living in Kidderminster with his grandparents, Samuel and Mary Brigham.

He joined the army in November 1901 but purchased his discharge just before he married Selina Perks in 1903. The couple lived in Foundry Yard, Bridgnorth, where Arthur worked as a labourer in a brickyard. By 1911 he had a daughter and a step-daughter.

Arthur volunteered early in the war. He went to France on 4th October, 1915. He served with the 52nd Divisional Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. He survived the war but he died in Bridgnorth on 23rd December, 1918.

Driver Hayward, 43038, was awarded the Victory and British Medals and the 15 Star.

SOLDIER’S FUNERAL
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 28th December, 1918]
On Thursday afternoon last a large number of persons assembled at the Bridgnorth Cemetery to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of Pte. A. Hayward, a Bridgnorth soldier, who was given a military funeral, arranged by men on leave in the town, who also provided a firing party, it being found impossible to send representatives from headquarters. Pte. A. Hayward, R.G.A., aged 37 years, a married man, whose home was in Severn Street, was badly gassed in France and sent to Berrington Hospital, and on Friday in last week he was granted leave and came home. He died on the 23rd from the effects of the deadly mustard gas. The funeral was conducted by the the Rev. H. Skellern, curate at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, and at the conclusion of the service at the graveside the firing party of seven men, including Sergt. Gower, who directed, fired three volleys, and Buglers S. Southwell and H. Morgan sounded the "Last Post."