'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 3rd October 1918 this NCO made a daylight reconnaissance of the St Quentin Canal for 2,500 yards under hostile machine-gun and rifle fire. On the morning of the 5th he led a reconnoitring patrol across the Canal and brought back most valuable information. During the attack on the 8th he was detailed to take command of a party to look after the unprotected left flank of his Company. He carried out his duties with conspicuous vigour and initiative, and his own section captured alone 2 machine-guns and 35 prisoners'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 14 May 1919

Regimental number	21677
Occupation	Farm labourer
Next of kin	Father, E J Hailes, Kaikoura Harbour, Marlborough
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 16th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, C Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 62 Mokoia on 21 August 1916
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 3rd October 1918 this NCO made a daylight reconnaissance of the St Quentin Canal for 2,500 yards under hostile machine-gun and rifle fire. On the morning of the 5th he led a reconnoitring patrol across the Canal and brought back most valuable information. During the attack on the 8th he was detailed to take command of a party to look after the unprotected left flank of his Company. He carried out his duties with conspicuous vigour and initiative, and his own section captured alone 2 machine-guns and 35 prisoners' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 14 May 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 38, p. 14