William Gordon Hayes

William Gordon Hayes was born in 1893 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.

On 11th August 1915, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 22-year-old labourer living at St Leonards Rd, Healesville, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 6952 and placed in the 11 Battery of the 4th Field Artillery Brigade. William gave his next of kin as his father, James Hayes. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A18 Wiltshire at Melbourne, Victoria, on 18th November 1915.

During his enlistment period, he was also a member of the 2nd Division Ammunition Column and No. 15 Battery of the 5th Field Artillery Brigade, being transferred on 19th July 1917 and 11th August 1917, respectively. 

On 10th April 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A7 Medic, with the rank of Driver. He was discharged on 23rd July 1919, being awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

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

William married Violet Marion Gentles in 1924. He passed away on the 4th July 1953 at Royal Park, Victoria.