239124 L/Cpl. Charles Harral Clayton British Army 16th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers from:Heath Hayes, Cannock (d.27th Feb 1918) Charles Clayton was great grandfather of my wife. We do not have a photo of him. He is remembered at Heath Hayes gates and Tyne Cot Memorial. Charles Harrall Clayton was born in 1883, the son of George and Sarah Clayton from John Street, Chadsmoor.
Before the war Charles was a miner and a pit pony driver. In the winter of 1912 he married Elsie Poxon and the couple moved to a property in Hednesford Road, Heath Hayes.
In 1915 Charles enlisted with the 16th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He was killed in action on 27th of February 1918. He left a widow and two children.
After his death his Superior Office wrote to his family saying ’Charles was one of the keenest and most hard-working soldiers I have met and he was liked by all his comrades’.
His daughter Lillian took part in the opening ceremony of the Heath Hayes War Memorial in 1927, when she presented Mrs Harrison (wife of Colonel Harrison – Chairman of Cannock Chase Coal Owners Association) with a bouquet of flowers.
After Armistice the Silver jug (pictured here) was presented to St. John’s Church, Heath Hayes. The engraving on the back reads: ‘To the Glory of God & in memory of: W. Cockin, W.T. Archer, A.E. Morris, E. Yates, J.H. Shirley, C.H. Clayton & J. Tooth – who died on active service in France 1914-18. Also as a thanks offering, for the safe return of sons from the war and for the blessing of Victory and Peace. May 1919′. It is still used in weekly services at St. John’s Church on Hednesford Road, Heath Hayes.
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