Soldier+of+the+Month

**This month we remember C/7546 Rifleman John Joseph Haynes, who was killed in action on 15th September 1916.**

John Joseph Haynes was the son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Haynes, of Nether Heage, Derbyshire, and was only 17 years and 6 months when he enlisted at Derby. He went out to the Western Front a week after he was 18 years of age, and was there about one year. He was serving with the 18th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, which was part of 122nd Brigade, 41st Division, on 15th September 1916. This was the first time that tanks were used in action and the battalion advanced from Delville Wood, their objective was to capture the village of Flers. John Joseph Haynes was killed during the battle.

His death was reported in the Belper News And Derbyshire Telephone, October 20th, 1916. The article included a letter from Rifleman William Harrison, who wrote to Mr and Mrs Haynes concerning their son's death. His letter said:- "As you know, Joe and I joined the Forces at the same time and have been together as much as possible, but now I am sorry to say we have been parted, and this time forever, for he was killed last Friday, the 15th September, but happily he suffered no pain. I can tell you I am very sorry to lose such a pal, but it cannot be helped. We shall have to look on the bright side. We know it is hard to part, but I beg of you not to worry, but keep smiling."

John Joseph has no known grave and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France and on the Heage First and Second World War Memorial, St Luke's Church, Church Street, Heage, Derbyshire.

1911 Census Born Nether Heage, 1898 A school boy Son of Thomas, a coal miner stallman, and Martha Haynes, of Nether Heage, Derbyshire


 * A Mark I tank, such as those which took part in the Battle of Flers, 15th September 1916**


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