Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 2 clasps, Benin River 1894, Brass River 1895 (C. Hayes, Stoker, H.M.S. Widgeon) minor edge bruising, very fine £400-450

Cornelius Hayes was born in Devonport on 8 March 1872. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 6 January 1893. Serving on Widgeon, September 1893-November 1896, he was promoted to Stoker in February 1894. He was advanced to Stoker 1st Class in July 1906 and Leading Stoker in November 1906. He served on Ringdove, May 1913-December 1915; Drake, February 1916-October 1917 and Revenge, April-May 1918. Hayes was demobilised in March 1919. With copied service paper and roll extract.