HAYWOOD John Charles

Awarded DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal). Native of Harlaston, Tamworth.

John Charles Haywood was born at Hurlstone, Staffordshire, and was the son of PC Haywood of the Staffordshire Constabulary. He was living at ‘Burlow’, Duncombe Street, Wollaston, at the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Stirling in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and joined the 12th (Service) Battalion. They went briefly to the western front and then spent the rest of the war in Macedonia. The near three year campaign against Bulgaria was quiet for long periods, but Charles Haywood was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery in late 1917 in one of the battles near Doiran. The citation recorded his injuries in battle and stated that ‘his fearlessness on this occasion is typical of the courage invariably displayed by him.’ Until September 1918 all was quiet until a major advance was planned for that month. The Battle of Doiran opened on the 18th September and within five weeks Bulgaria had sued for peace. However, Sergeant John Haywood was killed in action on the 19th September.