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The information displayed here is at the time of death.
John was the son of George and Annie Hays. In 1911 the family is registered as living Haswell, County Durham. He was educated at Durham Johnston Grammar School, then Armstrong College (1914/15).
He was commissioned into the Special Brigade Royal Engineers, 5th Battalion, later attaining the rank of Pioneer.
John died on 3rd July 1916 aged 20. He was killed in action.
Station Street Haswell, Easington, Durham (place of residence as entered in the 1911 Census)
John is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in Somme, France.
James is also commemorated on a brass plaque in the chancel at St. Paul's Church, Haswell, County Durham and on a panel in the assembly hall of Durham Johnston School, where he was a former pupil.
UK Census registers, National Archives (available via Ancestry.co.uk)
UK Military Service Records, National Archives (available via Ancestry.co.uk)
Newcastle University Archives (Roll of Service, Armstrong College Calendars, The Northerner Student Magazine)
North East War Memorials Project
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Ian Johnson
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Alan Callender