Albert Edward Hayes

Albert Edward Hayes was born in 1887 in Corryong, Victoria, to James Hayes and Georgina, nee Maddison. In 1900, James, along with W Heath, purchased the Heath Brothers saddlery business in Corryong. He would sell this business two years later and eventually purchase the Corryong Saw-Mill.

In early 1907, Albert married Marion Elizabeth (surname unknown). In an article in the 13th July 1907 issue of The Prahan Telegraph, it states: “Maintenance Claim: A young woman named Marion Elizabeth Hayes of 61 Packington Street, proceeded against her husband Albert Edward Hayes, to whom she had only been married six months, for maintenance. After hearing evidence an order was made for 15s. A week.” The marriage was formally dissolved in 1910 after Marion successfully filed for divorce on the grounds of desertion. The couple had one young child.

On 17th January 1916, Albert enlisted at Prahran, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 30-year-old fitter living at 22 Grandview Crescent, East Prahran, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 2922 and placed in A Company of the 6th Reinforcements for the 29th Battalion. Albert gave his next of kin as father, James Hayes. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A14 Euripides at Melbourne, Victoria, on 4th April 1916.

During his enlistment period, he was also a member of the Australian Employment Company, being transferred to that unit on the 15th December 1917. On 3rd March 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A14 Euripides, with the rank of Private. He was discharged on 19th June 1919 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Albert’s two younger brothers, William and Percy, also enlisted and served on the Western Front. 

Albert was engaged to be married to Joy Shapland, but unfortunately, he died as a result of a car accident on 13th November 1933 at Apollo Bay, Victoria. He was buried in Cheltenham Memorial Park, Cheltenham, Victoria.