Alfred Hayes was a son of William and Sarah Ann Hayes. He was born on 8th May 1888 in Cookstown. He was one of at least twelve children. After his father died the family moved to Belfast. Alfred enlisted in January 1907, aged 18. He served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Malta, China and India. He fought throughout WWI and received the Military Medal. After the war her returned to Belfast and married. During the Second World War Alfred Hayes served with the 6th (Home Defence) Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles. Private Alfred Hayes was 51 when he died of septicaemia on 6th February 1940.