Carmarthen Christ Church War Memorial
Lammas Street, Carmarthen
The Great War, 1914-1918
Thomas John Bowen, Corporal, 200942, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Carmarthen, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On the 4th August, 1914 the Battalion formed at Carmarthen, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. They moved during November, 1914 to Tunbridge Wells, and in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 the Battalion joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division at Bedford, and on the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, which resulted with them being amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion to form 4th Welsh Composite Battalion. On the 11th December the Division left Gallipoli for Egypt, and on the 10th February, 1916 the Battalion resumed identity. They spent the next twelve months in Egypt, before taking part in the invasion of Palestine the following year. Thomas died of sickness in Palestine on the 9th May, 1915, and is buried at Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery, Syria.
William Bowen, Chief Stoker, 276237, Royal Navy. William was born in Carmarthen on the 8th March, 1873. He enlisted prior to the war into the Royal Navy, and at the outbreak of war served aboard H.M.S. Amphion, which was an ‘Active Class’ Cruiser, that had been built at Pembroke Dockyard. In the afternoon of the 5th August 1914, Amphion and the 3rd Flotilla were carrying out a pre-arranged plan of search when they were informed by a trawler that she had seen a suspicious ship 'throwing things overboard'. This ship turned out to be a German Minelayer, and she was chased and sunk by the Flotilla. They then raced to intercept another suspicious ship, which turned out to be the St. Petersburg which was carrying the German Ambassador back to Germany from England. The Flotilla moved back to their search area, and at 6.30 am Amphion struck a mine that had been previously laid by the German Minelayer Königin Luise. A sheet of flame enveloped the bridge which incapacitated her captain. Except for one man, all the focsle gun crews were killed and many of the bridge occupants were badly burnt. The ships engines were stopped and the escorting destroyers closed in and took off Amphion’s surviving crew. Though her engines were stopped, her momentum carried her back into the minefield and at 07.03, just three minutes after the last boatload of survivors were taken off, she again struck the same row of mines, and exploded, with debris striking the rescue boats and destroyers. Amphion rapidly sank within 15 minutes of the explosion. Around 150 British sailors were killed in the sinking, as well as 18 of the crew rescued from the SMS Königin Luise. The war was only 36 hours old, and the Amphion had been the first Royal Naval Ship sunk. William was killed during the initial explosions, and is now remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Panel 2.
William Henry Bowen, Private, 200943, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bowen of Carmarthen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On the 4th August, 1914 the Battalion formed at Carmarthen, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. They moved during November, 1914 to Tunbridge Wells, and in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 the Battalion joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division at Bedford, and on the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, which resulted with them being amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion to form 4th Welsh Composite Battalion. On the 11th December the Division left Gallipoli for Egypt, and on the 10th February, 1916 the Battalion resumed identity. They spent the next twelve months in Egypt, before taking part in the invasion of Palestine the following year, and fought the Turks at the Battle of Gaza. William was killed in action during the next stage of the offensive, at the Second Battle of Gaza on the 12th April, 1917 aged just 20. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
George Thomas Carpenter, Private, L/7233, Royal West Kent Regiment. George was born in Dalston, and enlisted at Stratford into the 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment. The Battalion were attached to the 13th Brigade, 5th Division and moved to France, landing at Havre on the 15th August, 1914. They fought at the Battle of Mons, and during the retreat south, fighting at Le Cateau, then down to the Marne where the German attack was halted. They took part in the push back to the Aisne, before moving to Flanders, where they fought at the Battle of La Bassée, where George was wounded. He died of wounds on the 27th October, 1914 and is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France.
Arthur Trevor Cooke, Rifleman, 556802, London Regiment. Arthur was the Son of Charles Alfred and Annie Cooke, of 52, Lammas Street, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Westcliffe-on-Sea into the 2/11th Battalion (Finsbury Rifles), London Regiment, which was attached to the 175th Brigade, 58th (2/1st London) Division. On the 4th February, 1917 the Battalion landed at Havre, and followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March. They then took part in the Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of the Menin Road, the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Second Battle of Passchendaele where Arthur was killed in action on the 4th November, 1917 aged 36. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Lionel Gordon Crossman, Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps. Lionel was the Son of John and Mary Crossman, of Ar-y-bryn, Carmarthen. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in Mesopotamia during the Great War, and died there of sickness on the 11th December, 1917 aged 29. Lionel is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq.
Arthur Howie Evans, Private, 288032, Welsh Regiment. Arthur was the Son of David Evans, of 18, Parcmain Street, Carmarthen, and the brother of William Archibald Evans and David George Evans (who both also lost their lives-see below). He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were the Pioneer Battalion to the 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, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving 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. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Passchendaele. Arthur was wounded at Ypres, and brought back to a Casualty Clearing Station near Proven, where he died of wounds on the 24th October, 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
David George Evans, Sapper, 79487, Royal Engineers. David was the Son of David Evans, of 18, Parcmain Street, Carmarthen, and the Brother of William Archibald Evans and Arthur Howie Evans (who also lost their lives during the war). He originally enlisted at Pentre into the Dorsetshire Regiment, but later transferred into the Royal Engineers, where he was attached to their 174th Tunnelling Company. The Company were on the Somme from mid 1916 onwards, and after the Somme Offensive had been closed down, were in the Beaumont Hamel area. David was killed in action here on the 24th August, 1917 aged 38, and is buried at Croisilles British Cemetery, France. The Cemetery is some miles away from the British lines at this time, so David must have been moved here during the Battlefield Clearances after the war.
Henry Evans, Gunner, 42398, Royal Garrison Artillery. Henry was the Son of John and Sarah Evans, of 3, Glannant Road, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Garrison Artillery, but sadly died of sickness before being posted to a Battery, on the 23rd June, 1917. Henry was 25 years old, and is buried at Carmarthen (St. David) Churchyard.
Henry Thomas Evans, Private, 10863, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Henry was the Son of Elizabeth Evans, of Lower Brickyard, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment, but was posted to the 9th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who were attached to the 39th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On the 13th June, 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By the 4th July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. Henry was wounded not long after landing at Helles, and was evacuated to a Hospital Ship. He sadly died of wounds and was buried at sea on the 20th July, 1915 aged only 19, and is now remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Robert A. Evans, Sergeant, 200825, Welsh Regiment. Robert was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Evans, of 29, Catherine Street, Carmarthen. He served with the 4/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Battalion had been formed in Gallipoli in 1915 after the terrible amount of casualties that had been suffered by the 4th and 5th Battalions caused them to be temporarily merged. The Battalion was evacuated from Gallipoli on the 11th December, 1915 and moved to Egypt, where they rested and rebuilt, and resumed their individual identities on the 10th February, 1916. They then fought during the Palestinian Campaign, and on the 30th July, 1918 the Battalions were again merged, forming the 4/5th Battalion and they remained in Palestine until leaving for the UK on the 31st October, 1918. Robert sadly died of sickness at home on the 6th August, 1919. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Carmarthen (St. David) Churchyard.
William Archibald Evans, Corporal, 13738, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of David Evans, of 18, Parcmain Street, Carmarthen, and the Brother of Sapper David George Evans and Private Arthur Howie Evans (who also both died-see above). William enlisted at Swansea into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos. They remained in the area during the coming months, and this is where William was taken ill. He died of sickness on the 8th March, 1916 aged 31, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery.
William Henry Evans, Private, 3968, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Carmarthen, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On the 4th August, 1914 the Battalion formed at Carmarthen, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. They moved during November, 1914 to Tunbridge Wells, and in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 the Battalion joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division at Bedford, and on the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, which resulted with them being amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion to form 4th Welsh Composite Battalion. On the 11th December the Division left Gallipoli for Egypt, and on the 10th February, 1916 the Battalion resumed identity. They spent the next twelve months in Egypt, on the Defence of Suez, where William was wounded. He was brought to Hospital in Alexandria for treatment, but sadly died there of wounds on the 16th September, 1915. William is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military & War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
William James Cadwallader Evans, M.I.D., Sergeant, 448309, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of Thomas and Mary Jane Evans, of 18, Mansel Street, Carmarthen. He served with the 1/1st Welsh Field Company, and had been Mentioned in Dispatches during the war. William died in Egypt on the 15th November, 1918 aged 31, and is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt in Grave Ref. E. 180. William is also remembered on the Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers Memorial in Carmarthen.
Cyril Mortimer Green, Captain, Royal Sussex Regiment. Cyril was the Son of Thomas Mortimer Green and Catherine Green, of Aberystwyth, and the husband of Gwendoline Mortimer Green, of 23, Southwood Court, Golder's Green, London. Cyril was a native of Denbigh, and had been educated at the University Colleges of Exeter, Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, along with his brother Hugh (see below), before being gazetted as Second Lieutenant into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment in October, 1914. Cyril served in France until he was severely wounded at Festubert, 9th May, 1915, and returned home for treatment. Returning to the front, he was attached to the 16th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, who were attached to the 230th Brigade, 74th Division after being formed at Mersa Matruh after their formation on the 3rd January, 1917. The Division was readying to move into Palestine, and had just successfully fought in the Third Battle of Gaza, when Cyril was killed in action on the 6th November, 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Not on Memorial.
Hugh Mortimer Green, Captain, Welsh Regiment. Hugh was the Son of Thomas Mortimer Green and Catherine Green, of Aberystwyth, and the Brother of Cyril Mortimer Green, who also died during the Great War. For some reason Cyril is not on the Christ Church War Memorial. Hugh was educated at Carmarthen University along with Cyril, and was gazetted into the Welsh Regiment. He was posted to the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had formed at Carmarthen, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. They moved during November, 1914 to Tunbridge Wells, and in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 the Battalion joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division at Bedford, and on the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, with Hugh being killed in action on the 10th August, 1915 at the Battle of Sari Bair (Attack on Scimitar Hill). He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
David Griffiths, Sergeant, 200715, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Carmarthen, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On the 4th August, 1914 the Battalion formed at Carmarthen, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. They moved during November, 1914 to Tunbridge Wells, and in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 the Battalion joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division at Bedford, and on the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, which resulted with them being amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion to form 4th Welsh Composite Battalion. On the 11th December the Division left Gallipoli for Egypt, and on the 10th February, 1916 the Battalion resumed identity. They spent the next twelve months in Egypt, before taking part in the invasion of Palestine the following year. David was killed in action soon after, during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
John Harries, Private, 203540, Welsh Regiment. John was residing in Haverfordwest prior to the war, and enlisted at Slebech into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, which had assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division 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, Poelcapelle 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. John was wounded around this terrible time, and returned to the UK for treatment, but he sadly died of wounds on the 6th August, 1918 and is buried at Haverfordwest (St. Thomas A Becket) Churchyard.
Kirk Hearder, Sergeant, 790, Monmouthshire Regiment. Kirk was the Son of Dr. and Mrs. Marie Hearder, of 4, Picton Place, Carmarthen, and the Husband of Mary L. Hearder, of 83, Clevedon Road, Weston-super-Mare. He enlisted at Newport into the 1st Battalion, Monmouth Regiment, which were at Stow Hill, Newport as part of the Welsh Border Brigade, Welsh Division. During February, 1915 the Battalion left the Welsh Division and landed in France on 13th February, attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. The Division saw its first major action at First Ypres in 1914, and then during Second Ypres in 1915, and Kirk was killed in action here during the Battle of Frezenberg, on the 8th May, 1915 aged 31. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Frederick George Hughes, Private, 1934, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was born at Builth Road, Radnor, the Son of Mr. E. M. Hughes (Shipbroker). The family moved to Carmarthen prior to the war, and Frederick enlisted there into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and had fought at the Battle of Mons, and took 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, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, and the Battle of Pozieres. Frederick was killed in action here on the 27th July, 1916 aged 39, and is buried at Albert Communal Cemetery Extension.
David Jones, Rifleman, 292, Rifle Brigade. David was born at Carmarthen, the Son of John and Frances Jones, of 18, Magazine Row. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, part of the 11th Brigade, 4th Division. On the 23rd August, 1914 the Division landed in France, and took part in the Battle of the Aisne. David was killed in action whilst the Division was holding the line south of Ypres on the 19th December, 1914 aged 29. He is buried at Rifle House Cemetery inside Ploegsteert Wood. He is also remembered on the St. Clears War Memorial.
David George Jones, Private, 970, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of George and Sophia Jones, of 4, Shaws Lane, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and had fought at the Battle of Mons, and took part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy. David was killed in action at Chivy, during the same action that saw William Fuller of the 2nd Welsh win the first Welsh V.C. of the war, on the 26th September, 1914. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial, France. His brother John Daniel Jones also fell.
John Daniel Jones, Private, 1210, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of George and Sophia Jones, of 4, Shaws Lane, Carmarthen, and the brother of David (above). He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were stationed in India at the outbreak of war. They were rushed back to the UK, where they joined the 84th Brigade, 28th Division and landed at Havre on the 18th January, 1915. They moved into positions near Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Ypres, and remained here during the following months, defending the Salient against further German attacks. John was killed in action at Ypres on the 5th September, 1915. He was only 18 years old, and is buried at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Archibald Walter Kettley, Private, 39521, South Wales Borderers. Archibald was the Son of John and Mary Kettley, of 24, Parcmain Street, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Abertillery into the Monmouth Regiment, but later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion had begun the war in China, and had defeated the German garrison at Tientsin, before moving back to the UK. Here they were attached to the 87th brigade, 29th Division, and had moved to the Mediterranean in 1915, and landed on Gallipoli on the 25th April, as part of the first wave. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on the 11th January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15th March. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, where Archibald was killed in action on the 16th August, 1917. He was 28 years old, and has no known grave, and so he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
William Cooper Lewis, Private, 137, Welsh Horse. William was born in Carmarthen, and was the Husband of Rhoda Jane Langford (formerly Lewis), later of Yew Tree Cottage, Leaton Heath, Shrewsbury. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 1/1st Battalion, Welsh Horse Yeomanry, who had been formed in August 1914 in the southern counties of Wales under the administration of the Glamorgan T.F. Association, with headquarters at Cardiff. Later in the year they transferred to the Montgomeryshire T.F. Association with headquarters at Newtown. They moved early 1915 to the 1/1st North Midland Mounted Brigade of 1st Mounted Division in the Diss area, and about February 1915 to 1/1st Eastern Mounted Brigade, 1st Mounted Division in Woodbridge area. During September 1915 the Battalion dismounted and sailed from Liverpool in the S.S. ‘Olympic’ on the 25th September, and on the 10th October landed at Anzac and the Brigade attached to 54th Division. William was killed in action at Anzac on the 20th November, 1915. He was 34 years old, and was buried at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Gallipoli. His grave was subsequently lost, and so he is remembered by a Special Memorial.
William Goater Lloyd, Lance Corporal, 731, Welsh Guards. William was born at St. Peter’s, Carmarthen. He enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who had been raised by Royal Warrant of 26th February 1915, and formed at White City. On the 18th August, 1915 they landed at Havre, and were attached to the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. This new Division saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on the 25th 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. William was killed in action here on the 24th September, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Wallis Austin Jonathan Marsden, Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. Wallis was the eldest son of the Rev. J. Marsden, of Llanllwch. He served in the Royal Field Artillery, with the 2nd London Brigade. Wallis was wounded during the Battle of the Somme, on the 21st September, 1916 and was brought back to England for treatment at the Empire Hospital, Westminster. He died of wounds on the 20th July, 1917 and was brought home for burial at Llanllwch (St. Luke) Churchyard.
James John Morris, Private, 268205, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. James was the Son of James and Jane Morris, of 46, Catherine Street, Carmarthen. He enlisted on January 7th, 1915 into the Welsh Regiment, and later transferred into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division 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, Poelcapelle 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, where James was wounded. He died of wounds on the 29th April, 1918 aged just 19, and is buried at Esquelbecq Military Cemetery.
William Archibald Morris, D.C.M., Sergeant, 14582, Welsh Regiment. William was one of five sons of Mr & Mrs Philip Morris, Island Wharf, The Quay, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Neath into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 3rd 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, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving 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. William was awarded his Distinguished Conduct Medal for Gallantry on the Somme on the 25th July, when he remained at his post, although wounded, and helped repulse a German counter-attack. He returned home to Cambridge for treatment, and was presented with his medal in Hospital there. He refused to take up a post as an instructor after recovering, and instead returned to the 2nd Welsh, who had moved to the Flanders Coast during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. After spending another winter in Flanders, they were near Estaires when the German Spring Offensive caught them, and William was severely wounded here. He was brought back to the UK for treatment at the 1st Southern General Military Hospital, Birmingham, but sadly died of wounds there on the 2nd May, 1918. William was 38 years old, and was brought home for burial at Carmarthen (St. David) Churchyard.
James Alexander Orman, D.C.M., Sergeant, 200780, Welsh Regiment. James was the Son of James Henry and Emily Orman, of Southampton, and the Husband of Emma Jane Orman, of 6, Glannant Road, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, which resulted with them being amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion to form 4th Welsh Composite Battalion. James won his Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli on the 11th August, ‘For conspicuous gallantry on 9th August 1915, near Anzac, when, although wounded early in the day, he remained with his Company until dark, displaying great courage and resource.’ On the 11th December the Division left Gallipoli for Egypt, and on the 10th February, 1916 the Battalion resumed identity. They spent the next twelve months in Egypt, before taking part in the invasion of Palestine the following year. They fought throughout the successful campaign in Palestine, capturing Jerusalem in December, 1917. They fought throughout the duration of the war in Palestine, and James was killed in action here, aged 34, during Operations in the Jordan Valley, on the 9th March, 1918. He is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel.
Arthur James Price, Private, 56908, Welsh Regiment. Arthur was the Son of Thomas and Caroline Price, of 13, Blue Street, Carmarthen. He enlisted there into the Pembroke Yeomanry, and later transferred into the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France during December, 1915 and moved to positions in the ‘Nursery Sector’ near Fleurbaix. Here they remained until being moved south to the Somme during June, 1916, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The first attack went in on the 7th July, and it was almost a week later that the wood finally fell, after terrible casualties to the Division. They were pulled from the line and moved to Ypres to rebuild, and remained here until the opening of the Passchendaele Offensive in July, 1917. The Division took part in the Battle of Pilckem, which is where Arthur was killed in action on the 4th August, 1917 aged 24. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Henry Price, Private, 43101, Northumberland Fusiliers. Henry enlisted in Newcastle into the 23rd Battalion (Tyneside Scots), Northumberland Fusiliers, who were part of the 102nd Brigade, 34th Division. The Division moved to France between 7th and 15th January 1916, and saw its first major action on the Somme, during the Battle of Albert, where it suffered very severe casualties during its part in the attack on La Boisselle. It then took part in the Battle of Bazentin, Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The following year saw them fighting at Arras, and Henry was killed in action here, during the First Battle of the Scarpe on the 9th April, 1917. He is buried at Roclincourt Valley Cemetery, France.
Gwynedd William Llewellyn Pritchard, M.C., Captain, Manchester Regiment. Gwynedd was the Son of William Jones Pritchard and Emily Caroline Pritchard, of 1, St. Clement's Avenue, Bloxwich, Walsall, Staffs. He served with the 20th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, which had been in France since November, 1915 with the 7th Division, and moved to Italy in November, 1917. On the 13th September, 1918 they joined the 7th Brigade, 25th Division in France, and took part in the final offensive. Gwynedd was sadly killed in action soon after arriving back in France, during the Battle of the Selle on the 23rd October, 1918. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Pommereuil British Cemetery, France.
George H. Walton, Private, 200940, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Mrs. Mary Walton, of 73A, Lammas Street, Carmarthen. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On the 19th July the Division sailed from Devonport for Mudros, and arrived on the 5th August. On the 9th August they landed at Suvla Bay. Here they were plunged into the thick of the fighting and suffered terrible casualties, which resulted with them being amalgamated with the 1/5th Battalion to form 4th Welsh Composite Battalion. On the 11th December the Division left Gallipoli for Egypt, and on the 10th February, 1916 the Battalion resumed identity. They spent the next twelve months in Egypt, before taking part in the invasion of Palestine the following year. They fought throughout the successful campaign in Palestine, capturing Jerusalem in December, 1917. George took ill in Palestine, and was brought home for treatment, but sadly died on the 5th November, 1918 aged 25. He is buried at Carmarthen (St. David) Churchyard.
Richard Henry Watson, Leading Mechanic, F/3307, Royal Naval Air Service. Richard was the Son of Emmeline Watson, of 47, Lammas Street, Carmarthen, and the late H. J. Watson, of Hong Kong, China. Richard and his brother Arthur attended Carmarthen Grammar School prior to the war, and were both members of Carmarthen Harlequins Rugby Club. At the beginning of the war they both enlisted, and Richard joined the Royal Naval Air Service as a Mechanic. Richard was posted to the Dunkerque Air Station, and in April 1917 a report appeared in the Carmarthen Journal that both brothers had been reported missing during that month. Arthur turned up as a Prisoner of War in Germany after having been shot down whilst serving with the Royal Flying Corps, but Richard was discovered to have been shot down whilst flying a HP 0/100 off Nieuport, and taken prisoner. He died of wounds on the 26th April, 1917 aged just 22, and is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
William John Williams, Private, 11669, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of John and Alice Williams, of 4, Woods Row, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was formed at Cardiff in August 1914, moving to Parkhouse, Salisbury Plain in 40th Brigade, 13th Division. About October the Division moved to Chiseldon, and then in December 1914 to Bournemouth in billets. In January 1915 they became the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th Division. During February 1915 the Battalion moved to Aldershot, and on the 15th June, 1915 sailed from Avonmouth for Mudros. On the 5th August they landed at Anzac, Gallipoli, and were plunged into the Battle of Sari Bair, where William was killed in action just days later, on the 8th August, 1915 aged 26. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
