On this day we commemorate the death of James (Gabby) Hayes who was Killed in Action at the Battle of Suoi Chau Pha
Biography of James F. Hayes
James Hayes was born in Goulburn, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, on the 24th November 1939
His service in Vietnam included:-
1 Australian Reinforcement Unit from the 13th June 1966 to the11th December 1966
7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from the 8th April 1967 to the 6th August 1967
… the fatal action in Vietnam …
Corporal James ‘Gabby’ Hayes died during the Battle of Suoi Chau Pha, in Phuoc Tuy Province on August 6 1967. Five other Australian soldiers from A Company died and 15 were wounded during this battle.
In his Will he left money to the Battalion Sergeants’ Mess for the drinking of a toast each year to the Infantry Soldier on the Battalion’s birthday. CPL Hayes also set aside money to buy a trophy for competition at indoor sports between the sergeants and corporals of 7 RAR.. The ‘Gabby Hayes’ Night as it become known, is a continuing tradition in the Battalion and within the 7RAR Assn.
His grave (E 10 44) is located in the Roman Catholic section of St. Patricks Cemetery, Kenmore, New South Wales.
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