Rushden Soldier’s Fine Work - Commission for Service in the Field
Mentioned in Dispatches

We extend heartiest congratulations to Mr. George Bayes, of 10, Essex-road, Rushden, on the honours which have been bestowed upon his soldier son, William, honours which have been won by splendid work in the field. Mr. George Bayes, who is employed by Messrs. Ellis and Everard, coal merchants, has received the gratifying news that the son in question, Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant William Bayes, has not only been mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatches for conspicuous services, but has also been given a commission in the field as Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the – Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Lieut. and Quartermaster Bayes, who stands six feet three inches in height and is “every inch a soldier”, joined the Army from Rushden in January 1889, and served just over 22 years with the Northamptonshire Regiment. He went through the whole of the South African War 1899 – 1902, receiving the Queen’s and King’s South African medals, with six clasps and also the medal for long service and good conduct. In 1911 he left the Northamptonshire Regt. To take up the position of drill instructor to the Town and County School, Northampton. In August 1914, he joined the 1/5th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regt. as Regimental Quartermaster-Sergt., and proceeded to France. He is still serving at the front. When the present war broke out he was asked by the military authorities to take a commission, but at the time could not see his way to do so.

Lieut. Bayes has a son, 18 years of age, serving in France.

The Rushden Echo, 28^th June, 1918, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Honours for Lieut. W. L. Bayes

  Lieut. and Quartermaster W. L. Bayes, son of Mr. George Bayes, of 10, Essex-road, Rushden, has been awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field in Italy.