Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War Western Front M.C. group of five awarded to Captain J. A. P. Haydon, 42nd Battalion C.E.F., Black Watch of Canada

Military Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. A. P. Haydon.); Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, silver; War Medal, Canadian issue in silver, mounted for display, nearly very fine or better (5) £1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative during operations at BOIRY NOTRE DAME on August 28th, 1918. With great gallantry, this battalion scout officer took a patrol into Jigsaw Wood, captured six prisoners, and secured valuable information as to the disposition of the enemy.’

Hayden receives several mentions in the regimental history of the Royal Highlanders of Canada, which also confirms that he was wounded twice during the war. The following historical sketch, however, is taken from the history of the Seventy-seventh Battalion C.E.F., Ottawa:

Captain John Alfred Pope Haydon. ‘When war broke out Captain Haydon was employed as editor of the “Eganville Enterprise,” Eganville, Ottawa. In November, 1914, he resigned that position and accepted employment in the Government Printing Bureau at Ottawa. In January, 1915, he enlisted in the 38th Overseas Battalion but being unable to secure Leave of Absence from the Bureau at that time was accordingly discharged. In the early part of August it was decided by the employees of the Printing Bureau to present a machine gun to the 77th Battalion, and it was proposed that the employees should man it from among themselves. This view was concurred in, and the proposition was submitted to the King’s Printer with the result that a few days later a Leave of Absence was granted to Captain Haydon and five other. Therefore, on August 26th, 1915, Jack Haydon, as he is more familiarly known, became No. 145130 Private J. A. P. Haydon. He was attached to the Machine Gun Section, but in a short time was transferred to “B” Company and made Orderly Room Clerk with the rank of Acting Sergeant. Went overseas in June, 1916, served in England with the 77th, 73rd and 20th Reserve Battalions and 1st Q.R.D., and in France with the 73rd, 85th and 42nd Battalions. Was wounded twice - on March 8th, 1917, and September 13th, 1918. Was given his commission on September 2nd, 1917. Upon his return to France from the Canadian Training School at Bexhill-on-Sea he was attached to the 42nd Battalion as Assistant Scout Officer, and later, upon the return to Canada of the Battalion Scout Officer, he was given that post and participated in all the engagements during the summer and fall of 1918. During the engagement in the Arras Section in August he was awarded the Military Cross. Captain Haydon was promoted to the rank of Acting Captain just prior to the Armistice.’

Captain Haydon died at Ottawa on 30 December 1969, and is buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa. Sold with comprehensive research.