Personal Details
Born: 7 June 1891.
Family: The first child of John and Elizabeth Hayward of 147 Alkington Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. John married Elsie E Thomas in July 1925 and together they had one child, Norman.
Civilian Occupation: In 1911 John was a coach builder’s apprentice and continued with this trade throughout his life.
Residence: The 1939 Register shows the family living at 7 Leonard Street, Chester, Cheshire where they continued to live until John’s death.
Died: On 26 November 1951 aged 61.
Other Information: On John’s service record his next of kin is his wife Elsie, although records would show he did not marry Elsie until 1925.
Military Details
Regiment: Royal Air Force
Rank: Mechanic
Service Number: 229257
Date of Enlistment: 16 May 1917
Date of Discharge: 30 April 1920
Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation
Other Information: He joined the Navy but was later transferred to the RAF in 1918.
John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.