In the area surrounding Ammanford are the villages of Betws, Blaina, Capel Hendre, Pantyffynon, Penybanc, Penygroes, Saron and Tycroes. The men of these villages who fell during the Great War are remembered below. Many of these men are remembered on the Ammanford Cenotaph also. I do not have photographs of any of these memorials, so details have been taken from the 1922 published Carmarthen County War Memorial roll, plus SDGW and the CWGC.

Ammanford Area War Memorials, The Great War, 1914-1918

David John Ashton, Private, 41581, Worcestershire Regiment. David was born at Betws, the Son of William and Grace Ashton, later of 32, Wernolau Road, Ammanford. He enlisted into the 1/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, who were attached to 144 Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division. The Division moved to France in March 1915, and saw its first major engagement at the opening of the Battle of the Somme, holding the line between the 56th (London) and the 31st Divisions, both of which were heavily engaged at Gommecourt and Serre respectively. Two of the battalions of the Division attacked on 1 July 1916, and suffered heavy casualties. They then went into action at the Battle of Bazentin, during the second phase of the Battle of the Somme, and captured Ovillers. They also fought at the Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of the Ancre. In March 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and later in the year fought at Third Ypres, at the Battle of Langemarck, the Battle of the Polygon Wood, the Battle of Broodseinde and the Battle of Poelcapelle. The Division was ordered to Italy on 21 November 1917, where it remained for the duration of the war, taking part in actions on the Asiago Plateau, where David was killed in action on 9 August 1918. He was 24 years old, and is remembered on the Giavera Memorial, Italy.

Stewart Rendall Bowen, Private, 14168, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Stewart was born at Llandeilo. He resided at Penygroes prior to the war, and had enlisted at Llandeilo into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was a Training Reserve Battalion based in the UK. Stewart had probably served on the Western front with the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but had become ill and returned home. He sadly died at home on 14 February 1917 and is buried at Llandeilo (Bethel) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard. Many thanks to W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

David Ching, Corporal, 91992, Royal Engineers. David was the Son of William and Mary Ann Ching, of 5, Warberry Road West, Ellacombe, Torquay. He resided at Capel Hendre prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Devon Regiment. David was probably a miner, and was later posted to the 255th Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. The company had formed in January 1916, and moved to Neuve Chapelle. It then moved to Souchez, and helped dig the famous Vimy subways in early 1917. Late in 1917, the Company was at Givenchy, and was forced to retreat during the German offensive on the Lys in April 1918. They then worked on defensive systems for the rest of the war. David was killed at Ypres on 28 September 1918. He was 18 years old, and is buried at Hagle Dump Cemetery, Belgium.

 

Daniel John Davies, Private, 16410, Grenadier Guards. Daniel was the Son of John and Catherine Davies, of Garnant Ganol, Garnswllt, Pantyffynnon. He was a pre-war regular, who served with the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, attached to the 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, the 2nd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. They moved to Belgium, where they fought at the Battle of Mons, and retreating southwards, fought at the Affair of Landrecies, the Rearguard Actions of Villers-Cotterets, and at the Battle of the Marne where the German offensive was stopped. The Germans retreated north, and the BEF met them, fighting at the Battle of the Aisne. Daniel was killed in action on the Aisne on 23 September 1914. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Vailly British Cemetery, France.

James Ernest Davies, Private, 5949, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. James was the Son of John Isaac and Anne Davies, of 2, Castle Street, Llandovery. He resided at Penygroes prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 4th Welsh. James was one of a batch of men transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. The battalion was attached to the 61st (South Midland) Division, and moved to positions at Fleurbaix for its trench initiation. The Division took over the line from the 38th (Welsh) Division, and took part in the infamous attack at Fromelles, a diversion for the main Somme offensive. James was killed in action at Fromelles on 10 July 1916, aged 25. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

John Davies, Private, 19109, Somerset Light Infantry. John was born in Betws, and was the Husband of Emily Davies, of Bryngrenig, Glanamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, attached to 63 Brigade, 21st Division. The Division crossed to France in September 1915, and its first experience of battle was truly appalling. Having been in France for only a few days, lengthy forced marches brought it into the reserve for the British assault at Loos. The Division was sent into action on 26 September, suffering over 3,800 casualties for very little gain. They moved to the Somme in 1916, and fought at the Battle of Albert, where John was sadly killed in action during the opening assault, on 1 July 1916. He is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers La Boiselle, France.

Thomas Ernald Davies, Corporal, 203565, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Carmarthen. He resided at Penygroes prior to the war, returning to Carmarthen to join the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and had fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. After suffering terribly again, they moved South to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, where Thomas was killed on 2 June 1918. He has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France.

 

Thomas Haydn Davies, M.M., Private, 20732, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the son of Mr and Mrs T. Davies, of 6, Quarry Row, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Pontardulais into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the 'Carmarthen Pals'. The Battalion was part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, which had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14 July to finally clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Thomas was killed in action at Ypres on 30 January 1917. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Thomas had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery during his twelve months on the front, probably for action at Mametz Wood.

William Timothy Davies, Private, 27401, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born at Penybanc. He worked in London prior to the war, and enlisted at Holborn into the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion became part of 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and moved to France in December 1915. After several months in the Fleirbaix Sector, the Division moved to the Somme in June 1916 and took part in the attack on Mametz Wood. After suffering heavy casualties during the successful capture of the wood, the Division moved to Hebuterne, then to positions at Boesinghe, north of Ypres. In July 1917 the Division made its famous attack on Pilckem Ridge, and after weeks of heavy fighting moved back to the Fleurbaix Sector to rebuild. William was killed here on 8 November 1917. He is buried at Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France.

 

William Alfred Edwards, Gunner, 161082, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was the Son of John and Rachel Edwards, of 46, Wind Street, Ammanford, and the Husband of Mary Ann Edwards, of Ynysdawelog, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and served with their 170th Siege Battery. The Battery was at Ypres during the Battles of Third Ypres, and William was killed in action there on 9 November 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.

William Coslett Evans, Private, 13217, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born at Betws, the Son of Thomas and Hannah Evans, of 2, Betws Road, Ammanford. He enlisted there into the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Fleurbaix. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took four more days to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at the Battle of Pilckem, where William was killed in action on the 31 July 1917 aged 34. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

 

John George Gaylor, Leading Stoker, K/8085, Royal Navy. John was born at Clerkenwell, London on 15 August 1888, and was the Husband of Florence Gaylor, of 28, Lark Row, Bishop's Road, Bethnal Green, London. He had family at Betws. John had enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1910, and by 1917 was serving aboard HMS Victory. He became ill with pneumonia, and returned with his family to 15, Villiers Road, Ammanford, to visit his cousin and recuperate from his illness. Sadly John suffered a heart attack, brought on by his pneumonia, and died on 13 August 1917. He is buried at Bettws (St. David's) Church Cemetery.

William Hewlett, Private, 7744, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Islington, and was the Husband of Sarah Jane Hewlett, of 44, Pantyffynon Road, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Llandebie into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, but William was one of many Welshmen to be killed in action here during the Battle of Gheluveld, on 31 October 1914, aged 31. He was buried at Kolenberg Forest German Cemetery, but his grave was lost in subsequent fighting over the area during the next four terrible years, and so he is now remembered by a Special Memorial sited at Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium.

William Higgs, Acting Sergeant, 200898, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Betws, the son of Mr and Mrs Jonathan Higgs. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, which moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July 1915. They arrived at Mudros by 5 August 1915, and landed at Gallipoli on 9 August. Here they were immediately plunged into action, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. William was killed in action during the First Battle of Gaza, on 26 March 1917, and is buried at Gaza War Cemetery.

Charles Haydn L Hughes, Drummer, Herefordshire Regiment. Charles was born in 1897, the Son of Thomas and Sarah Hughes, of Mount Pleasant, Llandebie. He later lived at Caerbrynfach, Penygroes, and served with the Herefordshire Regiment. Charles doesn't seem to have served overseas, which makes any research difficult.

William John Hughes, Private, Devonshire Regiment. William was the son of David and Mary Hughes, of 4, Lewis Terrace, Penygroes. He served with the Devonshire Regiment during the war. No other information can be found about William, but he is listed on the 1922 published Carmarthen County War Memorial Roll.

Albert John Hunt, Private, 31232, Machine Gun Corps. Albert was the Son of Richard and Jane Hunt, of 32, Park Terrace, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Ammanford into the South Wales Borderers. He later transferred to the 70th Company, Machine Gun Corps, attached to the 23rd Division, which had been in France since December 1915, and they saw their first major action at the Battle of Albert, where they captured Contalmaison, and then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Pozieres, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy, where they captured Le Sars. In May 1917 they took part in the Battle of Messines, which is where Albert was killed in action on 7 June 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. He was 20 years old.

Alfred Jenkins, Private, 4629, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was the Son of John and Maria Jenkins, of Llwynyrynn, Penygroes. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Glamorgan Territorial battalion. The battalion moved to France on 29 October 1914, and moved to work on Lines of Communication. On 5 July 1915 the battalion became attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division, then on 23 October 1915 transferred to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, becoming Divisional Pioneers. After the Armistice, the Battalion became part of the Army of Occupation in Germany. Alfred died in Germany on 16 August 1919, aged 33. He is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Photograph courtesy of Michael Bloy.

William Jenkins, Private, 13255, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was from Capel Hendre. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed for the Mediterranean, and in June 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair. William was wounded here, and evacuated by Hospital Ship to Malta. He died of wounds aboard ship on 18 August 1915, and is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

 

David Jones, Pioneer, 159329, Royal Engineers. David was the Son of William and Mary Ann Jones, of Pantycelyn, Tycroes. He had enlisted at Bangor into the army, and served with the Royal West Kents before being transferred to the 5th Battalion Special Brigade, Royal Engineers, a Special (Gas) Company. The company was on the Somme in the summer of 1916, and it was here that David was wounded. He was brought to the casualty clearing station at Heilly in the picturesque Somme valley for treatment, but died there on 21 August 1918, aged 22. David is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, France.

 

David George Jones, Corporal, 3693, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, and was the Brother of Thomas Penry Jones, of Bristol House, Penygroes. He resided at Pantyffynon prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division and on 9 August 1915, landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli. On 10 August 1915, the day after landing on the hostile shores of Gallipoli, David was killed in action, during a charge on the Turkish lines. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

 

John Jones, Private, 20819, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Lampeter, and resided with his mother Mary at 4, Dogsbrook Terrace, Saron prior to the war. John worked as a Collier. He volunteered at Ammanford to serve with the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Carmarthenshrie Battalion, and attested at Rhyl. In 1915 the battalion moved to Winchester, where it became part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and landed in France on 4 December 1915. The Division was posted to trenches in the Fleurbaix sector for trench familiarisation, before moving to the more dangerous Givenchy Sector. John was killed in action here when the Germans exploded a mine on 9 March 1916. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France.

 

Latimer Jones, Private, 2041, Welsh Guards. Latimer was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Goleufryn, Tycroes. He enlisted at Oswestry into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which had been formed during February 1915 by Royal Warrant, before moving to France, where it joined 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and it was here that Latimer was killed on 8 March 1917. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, France.

 

Thomas John Jones, Private, 42843, Labour Corps. Thomas was the Son of David and Diana Jones, of Violet Villa, Pantyffynon. He had worked for the GWR at Garnant prior to the war, before taking up a post at Caerbryn Colliery. Thomas enlisted at Llandeilo into the 7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which was attached to 165 Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division. By the time the Battle of Passchendaele had opened, Thomas had been transferred to the Labour Corps. He was at Ypres when he was killed in action on 24 October 1917, after a German shell hit the dugout that he was in, killing Thomas and five other men. Thomas was 26 years old, and is buried at Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Belgium.

William Jones, Able Seaman, R/4942, Royal Naval Division. William was born on 21 February 1881 the Son of William and Anne Jones, of 29, Ivy Cottage, Pantyffynnon. He married prior to the war, and lived with his wife, Margaret Jones, at 23, Baldwins Crescent, King's Dock, Swansea. William enlisted there into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and due to the surplus of naval men, was posted to the Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October 1914 to guard against invasion by the Germans. However Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and so many of the RND units were withdrawn to England. After a lengthy period of refit and training the Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign, and took part in the landings of 25 April 1915. After being evacuated from Gallipoli after the campaign had lulled into a stalemate, the Division was transferred from the authority of the Admiralty to the War Office on 29 April 1916, and was redesignated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on 19 July 1916. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles in May 1916 and moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and the resulting Operations on the Ancre. In April 1917 the Division were at Arras, and fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Gavrelle. They then fought at the Battle of Arleux, before moving north to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Their next major action was at Cambrai, during the Action of Welch Ridge, where William was killed in action on 30 December 1917 aged 36. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

William Howell Jones, Private, 5244, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Betws, and resided at Pantyffynon prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on 9 August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. William was killed in action just days after landing, during the Battle of Sari Bair (Attack on Scimitar Hill), on 10 August 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William Morris Jones, Private, 5562, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones, of Bridge Street, Llangennech. He resided at Penygroes prior to the war, and served with the 1/4th Battalion (Carmarthen), Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed at the outbreak of war, and became attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, landing at Gallipoli in August 1915. Here, the fresh troops were thrown into a series of suicidal assaults over the coming days, against strongly defended Turkish positions. William was killed here during the attack on Scimitar Hill on 10 August 1915. He was just 17 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 140-144 of the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

 

David Morgan Lewis, Sapper, 145192, Royal Engineers. David was the Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Evans, of 28, Betws Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Engineers, and served with the 69th Field Company, attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on 31 May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and the subsequent actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and remained there until March 1916. By June they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on 2 July. They fought at Pozieres and Le Transloy before being moved to the Arras area during October 1916, where they fought in the March 1917 Battle of Arras, taking part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. They then fought at the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and helped capture Roeux. The Division remained at Arras until taking part in the Battle of Cambrai in November, 1917. David was killed in action here on 30 November 1917 aged 26. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

William Herbert Lewis, Lance Corporal, 103485, Royal Engineers. William was a native of Ludchurch, the Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Lewis, later of 2, Gwendraeth House, Saron, Ammanford. The family had no doubt moved to Ammanford for Thomas to find work in one of the numerous coal mines in the area, and William probably followed his father into the mines after leaving school, working at Pontllanfraith when he decided to enlist into the Royal Engineers. After training, William was posted to the 178th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. The Tunnelling Companies had been set up in order to carry out the secretive and dangerous tasks of digging shafts beneath German positions in order to lay huge explosive charges, which could be blown at the launching of assaults, opening up large areas of the German front line where the British could then drive through in the hope of a breakthrough. 178th Tunnelling Company had formed on the Somme, where it carried out work in readiness for the Somme offensive of 1 July 1916. In 1918 it was involved in demolition work following the German offensives of March and April 1918, and was tasked with demolition of bridges and other vital activities. William was wounded sometime during this period, and died as a result on 28 May 1918, aged 33. William is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, France.

 

William Lynch, Corporal, 13014, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born at Relton, Devon. He resided at Penygroes prior to the war, and enlisted at Tumble into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. In July 1915 the Division landed in France, and moved to positions north of Loos, near Neuve Chappelle. They took part in the Battle of Loos from 25 September onwards, and remained in the area during their first winter in France. The Division was still in the Loos Sector when William was killed in action on 7 February 1916. He is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Harry Martin, Private, 242782, South Lancashire Regiment. Harry was the Son of George and Mary Martin, of 15, Gorsddu Road, Penygroes. He enlisted in December 1914 into the 4th Welsh, before moving to France in August 1916, and being posted to the 7th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, which was attached to 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France in July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. Harry was wounded at Ypres, and died of his wounds on 13 October 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul, France.

 

Willis George Martin, Private, 37850, Leicestershire Regiment. Willis was born at Whitfield, Northants, and resided at Capel Hendre prior to the war. He enlisted at Newport into the Glamorgan Field Company, Royal Engineers, but was later posted to the 8th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, which was attached to 110 Brigade, 21st Division. The Division had been in France since September 1915, and had fought at the Battle of Loos. In 1916 it fought on the Somme, and in 1917 at Arras and Ypres. The division was one of the units hit by the German Spring Offensive on the Somme in March 1918, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, and it was here on 22 March 1918 that Willis was killed. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

 

John McFarlane, Lance Corporal, 21107, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of John and Sarah Ann McFarlane, of Pontypridd, and the Husband of Myfanwy McFarlane, of 2, Plasgwyn Terrace, Penygroes. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Cardiff City Battalion, attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France in December 1915, and spent several months in the Fleurbaix sector, before moving to the Somme in June 1916, and taking part in the capture of Mametz Wood. The battered division moved via Hebuterne to positions at Boesinghe, north of Ypres, and remained there over the coming months, in preparation for the coming Third Battle of Ypres. The Division took part in the capture of Pilckem Ridge, before being pulled from the line to rest, leaving the 15th and 16th Welsh behind in support of the 20th Divisions attack on Langemarck. John was wounded here, and evacuated to Hospital at Wimereux, where he died on 2 October 1917. He was 36 years old, and is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Thomas George Merchant, Private, 11143, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of William George and Margaret Jane Merchant, of Capel Hendre. He was a pre-war regular, who had enlisted at Swansea into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion was at Malta at the outbreak of war, and returned to join 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division was formed landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, however the City was already falling, and so they moved to Ypres, where they became the first British Division to hold the city. They fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and helped stop the German advance through Belgium. Thomas was wounded at Ypres, and was evacuated to Hospital at Wimereux. He died of his wounds there, aged 19, on 2 December 1914, and is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Thomas Griffiths Morgan, Private, 22134, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Richard and Mary Ann Morgans, of 2, Florence Road, Tir-y-dail, Ammanford. He lived at Penygroes prior to the war, and enlisted at Neath into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to France to join their 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. Thomas probably joined the battalion at Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. The Division later moved south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. Thomas was killed at Morval on 25 September 1916. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Samuel Nicholas, Private, 39913, Labour Corps. Samuel was born at Llangennech, and resided at 66, Pantyffynon Road, Ammanford prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was later known as the Carmarthen Pals, but was later posted to the 7th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He must have been wounded at some time, as he was again transferred, joining the 911th Area Employment Company, Labour Corps. Samuel was wounded during the German Offensive of spring 1918, and died as a result of his wounds at St. Omer on 31 May 1918. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France.

Hordern Norris, Private. Very little is known of Hordern, but he was born in Middlesex in 1899, and was the Grandson of Joseph and Harriet Green, of 16, Gilbert Place, Llanelly. He is also commemorated on the Great Western Railway Memorial, and is listed as being based at Pantyffynon.

W. Owen, Corporal, Welsh Regiment. The 1922 published Carmarthen County War Memorial Roll shows this man as being from Penygroes, but his identity cannot be traced.

John Price, Private, 21042, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Price, of 23, West Cottage, Brockhampton, Herefordshire. He resided at 30, Mill Terrace, Pantyffynon prior to the war, working as a Tinworker. John enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals. The battalion trained at Rhyl until the summer of 1915 when it moved to Winchester as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In December 1915 the Division moved to France, where it took the line near Fleurbaix, where it was initiated into trench warfare. In June 1916, the Division moved to the Somme, where it captured Mametz Wood, after heavy fighting, on 11 July 1916. John was killed that day, aged 17, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

John David Rees, Private, 13188, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Elizabeth Rees, later of Caehelyg, Penygroes. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF had landed at Boulogne on 27 September 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area, and in October transferred to the 3rd Division with the Brigade. The Division fought during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, and John was Killed in Action during the 10th RWF's double VC winning assault during the Battle of Delville Wood on 20 July 1916 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Emrys Roberts, Sergeant, 14342, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Emrys was the Son of John and Catherine Roberts, of Tyuchaf, Penygroes. He served with the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in September 1915, but in October 1915 the Division moved by train to Marseilles, and began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December 1915. During August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then in September 1916 at the battle of Machukovo. Between 24-25 April and 8-9 May 1917 the Division fought at the battle of Doiran, and then on 18 September 1918 at the Second Battle of Doiran. Emrys was killed here on 18 September 1918. He was 25 years old, and was buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece. His brother Evan had been killed just over three weeks earlier.

Evan John Roberts, Private, 688, Welsh Guards. Evan was the elder Son of John and Catherine Roberts, of Tyuchaf, Penygroes. He was one of the first to enlist into the newly formed Welsh Guards in February 1915, joining the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which moved to France in August 1915 attached to 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division.  The Divisionsaw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and in March 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem, and at the Battle of the Menin Road, Battle of Poelcapelle and the First Battle of Passchendaele. November saw them move south again, where they took part in the Battle of Cambrai. They remained in the area over the final winter of the war, and were stationed near Gouzeaucourt when the German Spring Offensive hit the area on 21 March, 1918, at the Battle of St Quentin. The British retreated in the face of this onslaught, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume, before the Guards Division retreated west and faced the Germans at the First Battle of Arras, 1918. After this, the German Offensive petered out on the Somme, and on 8 August the Australian Corps advanced towards the town of Villers Brettoneux and won a mighty battle there against the Germans, thus turning the war. On 21 August the British launched an attack on the Somme, and the Guards Division fought here at the Battle of Albert, and then pushed east, fighting at the Battle of Bapaume. Evan was killed during this great offensive on 24 August 1918. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory, France. His brother Emrys was killed just over three weeks later.

John Scott, Sergeant, 3055, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of John Scott and Mrs. M. A. Scott, of 37, Victoria Street, Llandovery, and the Husband of Edith Scott, of 59, Gorsddu Road, Penygroes. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and sailed in July 1915 for the Mediterranean. On 9 August the Division landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, and were plunged into a chaotic action. John was killed in action just two days later, on 11 August 1915, aged 29, during the Battle of Sari Bair. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

 

Charles Taylor, Sergeant, 88602, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Charles was the Son of George and Rachel Taylor, of Green Castle, Penygroes. He had enlisted into the Army, and in 1918 was posted to the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division in France. In April 1918 the Division were moved from Armentieres to the Somme Sector, to relieve battered elements of the British Army who had been pushed back over the old Somme battlefields during the German Spring Offensive of 21 March onwards. The Division was allotted the line north of Albert, towards Hamel, and 113 Brigade took over the Bouzincourt Sector. Over the coming months they fought many small scale actions, before taking part in the launching of the Battle of Albert on 21 August 1918, when the Division crossed the River Ancre, and began driving the Germans back towards the Hindenburg Line. Charles was wounded during the later Battle of the Selle. He died of his wounds aged 23 on 8 November 1918, and is buried at Dourlers Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

 

 

Frederick Terrington, DCM, Corporal, 13695, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick was the Son of Mrs. Maria Watkins, of Brynrhos Tycroes. He had enlisted at Ogmore Vale into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had originally landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, before moving to Ypres. It fought at almost every major battle on the Western Front, before being moved to the Italian Front late in 1917. During the Battle of Passchendaele, before the move to Italy, Frederick gained the honour of being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry, which was listed in the London Gazette of 28 March 1918. The citation read 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in volunteering three times to go on patrol. He drove in a small enemy covering party and accurately located two machine guns, though under heavy fire, in daylight. Later, he brought in many wounded, and though himself wounded, refused to withdraw until ordered to do so.' Sadly, just two days later, on 30 March 1918, Frederick was accidentally killed. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Padua Main Cemetery, Italy.

Daniel Thomas, Private, S/3227, Rifle Brigade. Daniel was the Son of Isaac and Margaret Thomas, of Pleasant Hill Capel Hendre, Pantyffynon. He resided with his wife Margaret Anne Thomas and their son Vincent, at Spen Cottage, Penygroes. He enlisted at Abertridwr in September 1914 into the army, and was posted to Winchester where he joined the 13th Battalion, Rifle Brigade. During April 1915 the battalion was attached to 111 Brigade, 37th Division, and landed in France on 31 July 1915. The Division moved to the northern Somme sector, and took part in the Attack on the Gommecourt Salient, during the first phase of the Battle of the Somme. Two brigades, 111 and 112, were attached to the 34th Division, and took part in several more operations. Upon their return, the 37th Division fought at the Battle of the Ancre. They then moved in March 1917 and took part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Monchy le Preux. Daniel was killed here on 11 April 1917. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

 

Thomas Thomas, Driver, 5673, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Cathrine Thomas, of Brynarfon, Penygroes. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Welsh Royal Artillery, and joined A Battery, 121st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, attached to 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to france in December 1915, and took over the Fleurbaix Sector. It took part in the capture of Mametz Wood on the Somme the following year, and in 1917 captured the Pilckem Ridge, during the Third Battle of Ypres. In April 1918 the Division moved back to the Somme, but the Artillery stayed in the Lys Sector, and fought during the German offensive on the Lys that month, before rejoining the Division on the Somme. From 21 August 1918 onwards the Division crossed the flooded River Ancre, and began its drive towards the Hindenburg Line and beyond. Thomas was wounded during the Battle of the Selle. He was evacuated to Rouen for treatment, but died there on 8 November 1918. He was 21 years old, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

 

William John Thomas, Sapper, 166942, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of Thomas and Mary Thomas, of Arwel, Penygroes. He enlisted at Cardiff on 7 December 1915 into the Royal Engineers. In November 1916 William was posted to France, joining the 207th Field Company, Royal Engineers, attached to 34th Division. The following year the Division took part in the First and Second Battles of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. In March 1918 the Division were in the St. Quentin sector, and were hit by the German Spring Offensive on 21 March. They fought here at the Battle of St Quentin, before being moved north to Flanders to rest. The Germans attacked in Flanders in April, and the Division were caught up in the Battle of Estaires, and fought a rearguard action westwards, fighting at the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Bailleul, and the First Battle of Kemmel. The Division suffered very severe casualties during its part in the defence of Kemmel, and was withdrawn and reorganised. In mid-May 1918 the Divisional infantry was reduced to a training cadre, and used for training American troops. Many reduced units were attached for short periods at this time. It was reconstituted as a full first-line Division late in June 1918, and moved back into the line, where it fought at the Battle of the Soissonnais and of the Ourcq, taking part in the Capture of Beugneux Ridge. William was killed here on 24 July 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, France. There is a memorial to him at Ammanford (Saron) Chapel.

 

Daniel Watkins, Able Seaman, Z/1793, Royal Navy. Daniel was the Son of John and Catherine Watkins, of Bryntirion, Tycroes. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard the Battlecruiser HMS Black Prince, which was a Duke of Edinburgh Class Cruiser, attached to the First Cruiser Squadron. On 31 May 1916 the First Cruiser Squadron was deployed as part of a screening force several miles ahead of the main force of the Grand Fleet, and came into contact with the German High Seas Fleet. Black Prince lost contact with the rest of the Squadron as it came into contact with the Germans, and engaged the German battleship Rheinland, scoring two hits. She attempted to return to the rest of the British fleet at around midnight, but was spotted by the German battleship Thuringen, which opened fire. Other German ships, including the battleships Nassau, Ostfriesland, and Friedrich der Grosse, joined in the bombardment, and the vastly out-gunned Black Prince caught fire and sank, with the loss of all of her crew of 857, including Daniel Watkins. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 19 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

David Watkins, Private, 119247, Machine Gun Corps. David was the Son of Mary Ann Watkins, of Glebeland Cottage, Tycroes. He enlisted at Merthyr into the Welsh Regiment, but was later transferred to the 121st Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to 40th (Bantam) Division. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Later in the year they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, playing an important role in the attack on Bourlon Wood. David was killed after the Battle of Cambrai, on 31 December 1917. He is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, France.

Glyn Williams, Private, 11966, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Glyn was the Son of John Henry and Elizabeth Williams, of The Square, Garnswllt, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and the following year moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July 1916, capturing the village of La Boiselle at heavy cost. Glyn was killed in action during the fighting here on 3 July 1916, aged just 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Henry Williams, Private, 11783, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Henry was born at Penygroes, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion was at Malta at the outbreak of war, returning to Britain to join 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, but the City was falling, and the Division was moved to Ypres, where it became the first British Division to hold the city. They fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and helped stop the German advance through Belgium, and in March 1915 fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. During May they fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and at Festubert, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. In the summer of 1916, the Division were on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Albert, where they captured Mametz, one of the few successes of 1 July 1916. They then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, and the Attacks on High Wood. Henry was killed here on 15 July 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Edwin Frank Wood, Private, 67459, Cheshire Regiment. Edwin was the Son of Mrs. Mary Isabella Wood, of 41, Charles St. Neyland, He had worked in the mines at Pantyffynon early in the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the army. Edwin was posted to the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was part of 75 Brigade, 25th Division. The Division had been in France since September 1915, and had fought at Vimy, and on the Somme in 1916. The Division then fought at the Battle of Messines in June 1917, before fighting at Pilckem Ridge in August. The Division then moved to Bullecourt, and was used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918. They moved north to Flanders on the night of 30 March, where they took up positions at Ploegsteert again, where they received reinforcements, and rebuilt. However, on 9 April the Germans launched an offensive on the Lys, and the Division was caught up in the terrible fighting here, retreating slowly during the coming days. The Division withdrew to Abeele on 17 April, but a week later were ordered back into the line, and took part in the Second Battle of Kemmel. On 9 May the Division moved to Fismes, near Soissons, to give it a chance to rest and rebuild again. However, on 27 May a fresh offensive hit them, and during the coming days the Division was virtually annihilated. Edwin was captured during this period, and was sent to a Prisoner of War Camp in Poland. Sadly he became ill and died there on 4 November 1918 and is now buried at Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. He was just 19 years old. Many thanks to Peter Bennett for the photograph.

James Yockney, Private, 7229, Welsh Regiment. James was the Son of Mrs. B. Yockney, of 9, Dumfries Street, Aberdare. He resided at Penygroes prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and took up positions near Mons. They then fought in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before the Division was moved to positions at Gheluvelt, near Ypres. The 2nd Welsh made a famous stand at Gheluvelt, which helped stop the German drive towards the Channel. James was wounded during the later Battle of Nonne Boschen, and died of his wounds on 1 November 1914, aged 33. He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.