The Incredible Tale of Bob Hayward: From Ordinary Man to Harmsworth Hero

Bob Hayward, an ordinary man with an extraordinary heart, became a true hero when he selflessly put his life on the line to save others in the Harmsworth disaster. His story of bravery and courage is one that will inspire generations to come.

A Moment That Changed Everything

On a fateful day in July, a massive fire engulfed the Harmsworth factory, a symbol of industrial progress. Panic spread among the workers as they frantically tried to escape the burning building.

Amidst the chaos, Bob Hayward, a dedicated employee and a man of immense integrity, sprang into action without a second thought. He quickly assessed the situation and realized that lives were at stake.

Harmsworth Hero: The Bob Hayward Story

by Morgan Rice(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8508 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	24 pages
Item Weight	:	1.92 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.06 x 9 inches

FREE

Ignoring his own safety, Bob navigated through the smoke-filled rooms, pulling frightened employees to safety and leading them out of the burning inferno. With each rescue, he displayed incredible strength and determination, motivated solely by the desire to save lives.

The Battle Against Time

As the fire raged on, consuming everything in its path, Bob's courageous efforts grew even more intense. He climbed ladders, broke through barriers, and faced unimaginable heat to rescue those trapped inside the building.

Through sheer willpower, he managed to save dozens of people from the clutches of the merciless flames. His determination knew no bounds, and his acts of heroism continued until every single worker was accounted for.

A Heroic Legacy

Bob Hayward's selfless acts did not go unnoticed. The media dubbed him the "Harmsworth Hero," a title that recognized his exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment to the lives of others.

His remarkable actions became an inspiration for individuals across the nation, as his story graced the front pages of newspapers and magazines alike. Bob's heroism became a symbol of hope and courage, reminding everyone that ordinary individuals are capable of extraordinary acts.

The Aftermath

Despite his heroic efforts, Bob Hayward remained humble and grateful. He firmly believed that anyone would have done the same given the circumstances.

The Harmsworth disaster served as a wake-up call for better safety measures in factories all across the country. Bob's bravery shed light on the importance of prioritizing the well-being of workers and ensuring their safety within their workplaces.

A True Inspiration

Bob Hayward's story is a testament to the power of human resilience, empathy, and the capacity for selflessness. His actions not only saved lives but also instilled hope in a world that sometimes feels devoid of heroes.

As we reflect on the incredible narrative of the Harmsworth Hero, we are reminded that within each of us lies the potential to make a difference, to help, and to save lives. Bob Hayward's legacy serves as a timeless reminder that heroes can come from anywhere and anyone can become a hero when faced with adversity.

The Enduring Legacy

Today, a statue stands in the heart of Harmsworth, dedicated to Bob Hayward and the workers who lost their lives in the tragic fire. It serves as a reminder of their sacrifice, as well as a symbol of courage for future generations.

Bob's remarkable story will forever be etched in the annals of history, reminding us of the power of human compassion and the incredible feats that can be achieved when we rise above our own fears and put the needs of others first.

Harmsworth Hero: The Bob Hayward Story

by Morgan Rice(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8508 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	24 pages
Item Weight	:	1.92 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.06 x 9 inches

FREE

Bob Hayward was always interested in racing and speed. He would always tinker with engines; and try to make them run faster and smoother. He and his brother, Keith, started off putting outboard engines into boats, and running them down the Thames River, competing against other boats, and winning trophies. When boat racing became too mundane, Bob graduated to dragsters. He built what has been recognized as the first dragster in Canadian street racing; and then would drive it around his town, taking on all comers from out of town. His day job was being a chicken farmer on his father's farm. He was also a full time mechanic, tearing apart engines and then putting them back together. He became known to Colonel Gordon Thompson and his son, Jim, who were the owners of Canada's sole unlimited class racing boat, Miss Supertest II. When they saw him work with engines, they hired him on as a mechanic for their racing team. He did not know that they were also looking for a second driver of the boat; and when they asked him if he would like to take her for a spin, he got behind the wheel, and took to driving 'like a duck to water'. In 1959, the Thompsons built a new boat, Miss Supertest III; and Bob Hayward was her only driver. In 1959, he won the Harmsworth Trophy, which was raced for by one country against another. The trophy had been held by the United States since 1920. In 1960, with the same boat, he defended the trophy against three American challengers. In 1961, in Miss Supertest III once again, he defeated a single American boat to hold on to the trophy for Canada. It was the only time in Harmsworth history that a single boat (hull) won the Harmsworth three years in a row. One month after this race, while driving the older Miss Supertest II in the Silver Cup race on the Detroit River, he had the boat flip and he was killed at the tragically young age of 33. The Thompsons were so grief stricken by the loss of their young driver that they put Miss Supertest III in a museum and never raced her again. This is the story of that remarkable young man, who over five decades later, is still recognzied as Canada's greatest race boat driver.