Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the Bridgnorth area who died during the two World Wars.
Walter was born in Bridgnorth on 17th October, 1895 and baptised at St Leonard's on 13th November. He was the son of John Thomas Hayward, a carpet weaver, and his wife Fanny. At the time of Walter's birth the family lived in Whitburn Place but by 1901 they had moved to Listley Street.
Like many Shropshire families at the time, the Haywards were persuaded to emigrate to Canada. By 1911 they were no longer in Bridgnorth. When Walter joined the Canadian Army in September 1915 he was living in Guelph, Ontario, and working as a weaver.
Walter returned to Europe with the 54th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. The 54th arrived in France in August 1916 and was involved in the Somme 1916, The Arras Offensive and the Second Battle of Passchendaele 1917. Walter was killed in action on 30th September, 1918 just after the 54th had played its part in the capture of Bourlon Wood.
Private Hayward, 126057, is buried in Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery, Sailly.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg. For news of updates follow @BridgnorthHeros on Twitter.