Vivian Charles Mayes
Many Welwyn families sent men to fight in World War I and many of course suffered as a result, but few, if any, could have suffered as much as the Mayes family. Of five sons Arthur and Cecilia saw all of them fight, but by 1920 the names of three of their sons would appear on the War Memorial.
Vivian Charles was the fifth and youngest son of the family, born in Welwyn on the 6th June 1899 and baptised in St. Mary’s Church on the 1st February 1903 at the same time as his brother Alfred.
The family lived in Prospect Place, with five sons and two daughters being born between 1887 and 1901. Arthur Abel Mayes, originally from Aldersgate in London was a Life Assurance Agent married to Cecilia, also born in London.
By 1915 the 16 year old Vivian had started work an Assistant Postman in Welwyn. The Post Office released over 75,000 men to fight including 12,00 who fought in it’s own Regiment, The Post Office Rifles
From February 1918 Vivian served in the 8th Battalion (Post office Rifles) but was then transferred to the 17th Battalion, where he served until his death on the 1st September, killed in action at Gouzeaucourt.
Vivian Charles Mayes is also commemorated on the Welwyn Scouts Memorial
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Photograph of Vivian Mayes courtesy of Mr. Ian Mayes
