#Uncle Hayward shall not grow old

[eggs-n-ham-sam]

This is Bugler Hayward Wade, 19, the first Worthing man to be killed in action during the war on August 26, 1914.

After running out of ammunition, his unit fixed bayonets and charged the Germans, who shot them down.

This is an account of his final moments as he lay dying on the battlefield.

They were recorded by a comrade lying wounded beside him.

In a letter to Wade’s parents, Sargant FE Ward wrote: “He was with me thought the Battle of Mans, and on that memorable August 26th, when our regiment found part of the defense in the rearguard action.

He was with me when I received my first wound, and was wounded himself the next minute, at the close of the terrible charge when it was then growing dark.

Men lay all around.  One calling your son’s name, he answered quite close to me.

I crawled to him and asked where he was hurt and if I could do anything.

But my ability was small, having received another shrapnel wound, which smashed my right arm.

I find it very hard to put on paper what my feelings were as I lay badly wounded by your son’s side, myself growing weaker and sinking to what I thought would be the end.

I can only say that I have often wished that I might meet me end with as brave a front and apparent satisfaction as he did.

His last words with always be dear to my memory.

Although only comrades, you can understand the love that springs up between in these positions of life and death.

I spoke to him as best I could, and well remember his answer: ‘We have done our best, may God bless us all, and England.’

I thought no man prepares for the end could ever meet at with such a calm frontage.

I then dropped off to sleep, of unconsciousness, and woke at 11 o’clock the next morning, and on turning toward your son, found him with eyes closed, and apparently dead.

I feel sure he had a peaceful end.

I can truly say he did his fighting and dying bravely as a soldier.

A better soldier I should never wish to have in any charge.”