Robert Latewood Hayward

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from John Hamblin, Researcher.

Robert Latewood Hayward,  Rifleman 6897474, 12th (2nd Battalion, The Queen's Westminsters) Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps attached to No. 3 Commando. Died of wounds on the 13th of June 1944, aged 27.

Robert Latewood Hayward was born on the 6th of December 1916, the only son of Lieutenant Arthur Latewood Hayward RNVR and Hilda Hayward (née Greenstreet) of 2, Denmark Avenue, Wimbledon. He was educated at King's College School, Wimbledon. He enlisted as a Rifleman in the 12th (2nd Battalion, The Queen's Westminsters) Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps but later transferred to No. 3 Commando.

At 4.30pm on the afternoon of the 5th of June 1944, No 3 Commando moved from Camp C18 near Southampton and embarked on board five landing craft at Warsash before setting sail for Normandy at 9.30pm as part of Force S. At 8.30am the following morning they were off the beach at La Breche where they were under sporadic shelling from the German defences. At 9.05am the first of their landing craft arrived at the beach, having been under fire during the last part of the run in to the beach with two of their five landing craft arriving in a sinking condition. After two days of continuous fighting they arrived at Château d'Amfreville on the evening of the 7th/8th of June where established their Headquarters.

During the rest of June 1944, they were dispatching regular patrols from the Chateau during which they suffered considerable casualties, of which Robert Hayward was one. He was wounded on the 11th June when the HQ was mortared but died of his wounds on the 13th June. He is buried at Ranville War Cemetery, Plot IA, Row H, Grave 8 and  he is commemorated on the war memorial at King’s College School, Wimbledon.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Robert Haywood. If you are aware of one or you are related to Robert we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.