| Surname: | Ayres |
| Initials: | H A D |
| Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Army Number: | 5335820 |
| Notes: | RMP. Formerly Royal Berkshire Regiment. From Small Heath, Birmingham. Name spelt Aynes in National Archive WO 373/70. Hearstone Alfred David Ayres. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | British Empire Medal (London Gazette: 37996 Page: 2922 June 26, 1947) |
| Citation: | Egypt. For gallant conduct in carrying out hazerdous work in a brave manner. Citation for BEM: On 4th March 1946, this Non Commissioned Officer was on duty in the Military Police outpost in Midan Saad Zaghleul, ALEXANDRIA, when it was attacked for two hours by a hostile Egyptian crowd, who later set it on fire and murdered two of his comrades. When the Non Commissioned Officer in charge of the post was wounded, Lance Corporal Ayres came to the fore and assumed command at a critical moment. His calm handling of the situation and his bravery were an example to all the policemen in the Outpost. Exposing himself to great personal danger, he assisted all his comrades to escape, before leaving the outpost himself. This Non Commissioned Officer's devotion to duty was exeptional and through his actions the lives of other Military Policemen were saved. National Archive WO 373/70 Pt.1.13105296 Cpl A D Jump was also awarded a BEM for this incident. 1616627 L/Cpl P D Maile and 5783652 Pte A J Bailey were killed by the rioters, both are buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery. |
| Decoration: | General Service Medal 1918 (London Gazette: Medal Roll WO 100/541 Page: 043 Feb. 4, 1948) |
| Citation: | Clasp:Palestine 1945 - 1948. From 03/1946. |