'Operations Gravenstael - 1st October to 5th October 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the night of the 2nd/3rd October in the Sector east of Ypres, the enemy placed a barrage round Battalion Headquarters in the Line, and cut the wires on three separate occasions so that telephonic communication with the Front Line Companies was cut off. As the enemy had been threatening to counter-attack several times it was essential that communication with the Front Line Companies by telephone should be maintained as far as possible. Lance Corporal Hayton went our through the barrage on three occasions and successfully repaired the wire although the barrage was placed so close to Headquarters that the roof was twice hit by a 5.9 shell, and a third similar shell fell right at the entrance. It was wholly owing to the bravery and devotion to duty of this Non-Commissioned Officer that Headquarters was able to keep the necessary touch by telephone with the front at such a period.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 December 1917

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack he followed the advancing troops through a severe machine-gun barrage, and laid a telephone line forward. On the NCO in charge of the forward signal station becoming casualty, he immediately took command of all the battalion signal communications, and when his forward post had been severely damaged by shell fire he established communication over an area continually swept by heavy shell fire. For two days he maintained all his lines as well as a visual station at brigade headquarters, and by his thorough organization of the means of communication he displayed high powers of leadership and resource.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 28 March 1918