| Notes: | MFP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 29/5/1915 to 3/9/16. He was born in Tunbridge Wells, enlisted in Eastbourne and resided in Tunbridge Wells. Killed in Action. Inscription on gravestone: Thy will be done. His No. on CWGC roll has no P/prefix.
Info from Pension Index Cards:- DP.53. Haines, Mrs Charles Henry, 117 Queens Road, Tunbridge Wells, P/1286, L/Cpl, Oliver Charles Haines, MFP. Also:-DEPENDANT'S PENSION. D1. Case no. 53. SN.1675.
Haines, Oliver, Charles, P/1286, MFP, L/Cpl. DIED 3/9/16 killed in action, dependant, Mr Charles Henry Haines (nominee) Ann Haines, 117 Queens Road, Tunbridge Wells, relationship Father.
Oliver Charles Haines.
Extract from the Eastbourne Chronicle 29 May 1915.
Soldier Policemen - On Wednesday afternoon eleven constables of the Borough Police Force who have received permission from the Watch Committee to join the army left Eastbourne for Aldershot by the 2.30 train. Their names were PC's Fred Dann, (P/1288) C Grinter, P/1283), J Hastings, (P/1280), J Hooper, (P/1284) O Haines, (P/1286), R King, (P/1278), F Meeds, P/1285), F Mankelow, (P/1279), W Skinner, (P/1282) W Steadman, (P/1287) and E Taylor, (P/1281) and they are all being drafted into the Military Foot Police. It is probable that they will be sent to France in a week or two. Amongst those present at the railway station were Inspector Diplock, Sergts. Lawrence and Wells and PC's Curtia, Braznell, Dean and Peel. Mr W Holdaway (the station superintendent) kindly supplied the men with a box of cigars, PC's Grinter and Meeds were married a few days before leaving, and of the remainder PC's King an Skinner are married men. Out of an original total of 96 members of the force 36 have joined the colours.
Eastbourne - News has been received that another member of the Force has been killed in action. He is PC Haynes, (note spelling of name) and was attached to the Military Police. His home was at Tunbridge Wells, and his father has received the news that he was killed on August 26th (3/9/1916 on War Grave Roll). PC Haynes was one of the second batch to join the Military Police. This makes the third member of the Force killed while several have been wounded. Police Review, 15/9/1916, page 388.
Extract from the Eastbourne Chronicle 16/9/1916. L/Cpl Haines - The Chief Constable (Maj. Teale) has received the following communication from a comrade of L/Cpl Haines, of the Military Foot Police and formerly a member of the local police force, who was killed in action September 3rd: I respectfully beg to write a few lines to you and all members of the Eastbourne Police Force. I am awfully sorry to say that L/Cpl Haines, Military Foot Police, of your force, was killed on Sunday, 3rd September by shell fire. He was beloved by every one of his comrades. He was a good policeman in every way, an example of a British soldier. I must tell you that he has been buried with military honours and a coffin was made by his comrades and a cross is being erected on the grave. You, Sir, and all members of your Force have the heartfelt sympathy of the Military Foot Police. J J Ralph, Sergeant, Military Foot Police. PS I wish to be remembered by your police. I was at one time residing in Seaside.
Extract from the Police Review, page 388, 15/9/1916.
Eastbourne:- News has been received that another member of the Force ahs been killed in action. He is P C Haynes (spelt Haines in CWGC) and was attached to the Military Foot Police. His home was at Tunbridge Wells, and his father received the news that he was killed on August 26th. PC Haynes was one of the second batch to join the Military Police. This makes the third member of the Force killed while several have been wounded. |
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