Private Arthur James Hay
PERSONAL INFORMATION
MILITARY INFORMATION
- Private (Army). 1915-07-21 ?
- Private, 38th Battalion, Infantry (Army).
Distinguished Conduct Medal (Capture of Vimy Ridge)
Images
RESEARCH INFORMATION
Pte. A. J. Hay, a native of Toronto, was one of three brothers who enlisted for military service: Sappers Thomas Hay, Canadian Engineers, and Lance Corporal George Hay, Canadian Buffs. A younger brother, David Albert Hay, 769127, served with the P.P.C.L.I., but was discharged from France as underage.
According to a newspaper report, Hay received his D.C.M. for the following:
"...for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With one other man he followed his officer into a dugout; the occupants resisted and the situation was critical. After a fight they succeeded in capturing 75 men and two officers with two machine guns and much ammunition."
Private Hay was an orderly in the 38th Battalion serving as a runner at the time of the capture of Vimy Ridge on April 9th, 1917. He and Private James Thomas Kobus assisted Captain (later Major) Thain Wendell MacDowell bluff 75 German soldiers and 2 officers into surrendering when Captain MacDowell entered their large dugout. Captain MacDowell was awarded the Victoria Cross while Kobus and Hay each received the Distinquished Conduct Medal (DCM.)
War diary Battle Reports, April 9th, 1917:
Description of event for which he received DCM - 8:00 a.m. Report from dugout - 10:30 a.m.Details of the dugout he and Privates James Thomas Kobus and Arthur James Hay captured - 2:45 p.m.