Thank you to Jane Anthony for the following research.
Sidney Hayter was the second son of Frank and Eliza Hayter and was born in Epping in Essex in 1894. In 1901 his father was employed as a coachman, but by 1911 had become a domestic gardener. Other than his oldest sister, all the children were born in Essex. His oldest sister was born in Norfolk and his father had originated from Wiltshire.
In 1911 Sidney was living at home with his parents and two younger brothers. He was employed as a grocer’s assistant. His older brother Albert and both sisters were working as domestic servants. At the time of his enlistment in September 1914, his occupation was given as shop assistant. He was the head of his household as his parents had moved from Epping to Holmbury St Mary. He enlisted into the 12th Battalion of the Rifle Brigade at Chelsea. The 12th Battalion was formed at Winchester, and deployed to France on 22nd July 1915.
By the time of his death on 21st September 1916, Sidney Hayter had risen through the ranks to become a sergeant. He was 22 years old. He was wounded in the battle of the Somme and taken to the 34th and 2/2nd Casualty Clearing Stations which were known to the troops as Grove Town. He was buried in the
Meaulte Cemetery.
He was awarded the Military Medal, the citation for this could not be traced. However there is a clue in the inscription on his grave stone which reads. “That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends” It seems probable the he was given the award posthumously as a result of his bravery. He was unmarried.
| Born | Epping in Essex | |
| Son of | Frank and Eliza Hayter | |
| Brother of | Lance Corporal Albert Hayter | |
| Regiment | 12th Battalion, Rifle Brigade | |
| Number | S/2696 | |
| Date of Death | 21st September 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Somme, France | |
| Cause of Death | Died of Wounds | |
| Age | 22 | |
| Cemetery | Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France |
