Harry Pykett from Ayston and his two elder brothers, Tom and Arthur all fought in the First World War. Harry and Tom were killed, Arthur returned safely. Two cousins, Frank and James, who also lived in Ayston, were killed as well. The Pyketts were originally from Exton, although Harry and Tom were born at Wardley, and later the family moved to Ayston to join their uncle James whose family was already living there. Harry was a horseman and enlisted in the Army Veterinary Corps on 28 March 1915, before being transferred to the infantry. He served in Egypt and Palestine, and died of wounds on 8 May 1918. He is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery, grave V.61. All four of the Pyketts are remembered on the war memorial inside St Mary's Church in Ayston.