Graham Hayes

Graham Hayes, MC (9 July 1914 – 13 July 1943) was a British commando in the Small Scale Raiding Force in the Second World War.

Early life Hayes was the son of Herbert Charles and Lilian Grace Hayes, of Linton-on-Wharfe, Yorkshire. He was educated at Clayesmore School in Blandford, Dorset. His brother, Flying Officer Malcolm Cedric Hayes, also died on service in the Second World War.

Pre-war activities Before the war, Hayes went to Mariehamn in Finland and signed onto the windjammer Pommern, on which he sailed around the world via Cape Horn and Australia. This sea-faring experience was put to good use during his military career. Hayes was returned to Paris and held in solitary confinement in Fresnes Prison for nine months before being executed by firing squad on 13 July 1943.

Hayes was buried at Viroflay New Communal Cemetery (Yvelines France), and is commemorated at Linton Memorial Hall, near Wetherby West Yorkshire, along with his brother, Flying Officer Malcolm Hayes, who is buried in Saumur Communal Cemetery.