Ernest Hayes British Army soldier

Ernest Hayes was born on April 16, 1898, in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire, and enlisted with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) in 1916, joining the Western Front in France during World War I. He was awarded the Military Medal (MM) three times for his bravery, a rare distinction shared by only 180 soldiers out of 115,600.

His first MM was granted on March 13, 1918. His second MM recognized his actions during the capture of the Sambre canal on November 4, 1918, where he led his team under intense fire and displayed exceptional courage. Subsequent bars for this medal were awarded in 1919 and 1920.

Hayes died on February 19, 1938, at age 39, and was buried in Beeston Cemetery, Nottinghamshire. His grave remained unmarked until 2005, when his daughter, Barbara, with support from the Royal British Legion, placed a memorial stone there.

In summary, Ernest Hayes distinguished himself through three exceptional acts of bravery during World War I, earning rare military honors and leaving a legacy remembered by his family and community.