Caio War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

William Henry Critchley, Private, 23390, South Wales Borderers. William was born at Cheltenham, the Son of Samuel Fred and Alice M. M. Critchley, later of 10, Treherbert, Cwmann, Lampeter. He enlisted at Newport into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire, and in June moved to Gallipoli, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. The Division was evacuated from Suvla on 19 December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On 8 January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by 31 January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On 12 February 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to attempt the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March, the Division had assembled near Sheikh Saad and came under orders of the Tigris Corps, and then took part in the attempts to relieve Kut. However, after these efforts failed and Kut fell, the British force in the theatre was built up and reorganised. The Division then fought at the Battle of Kut al Amara, then at the capture of the Hai Salient and the capture of Dahra Bend. They took part in the passage of the Diyala, in the pursuit of the enemy towards Baghdad, and part of the Division were the first British troops to enter Baghdad. During the rest of March and April 1917, operations were undertaken to consolidate the position won at Baghdad, by pushing north across Iraq, and it was during this drive that William died, aged just 19, on 5 September 1917. He is buried at Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. William is not named on the memorial, but the County War Memorial roll shows him as being a Caio man.

Benjamin Trevor Davies, Gunner, 123915, Royal Garrison Artillery. Benjamin was the son of Daniel and Esther Davies, of Pantyrhendre, Llansadwrn. He enlisted at Llandovery into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in their 304th Siege Battery, part of the XCV Heavy Artillery Group. Benjamin fought in the Mesopotamian theatre, where he was wounded, and he sadly died of Meningitis following wounds on 5 March 1918, aged only 21. He is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Iraq.

David Davies, Private, 50274, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Caio, the Son of Mrs Davies, Castle Hotel, and the Brother of Reverend T. Eric Davies of Pontypridd. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Army, joining the 16th Battalion (Cardiff City), Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The division moved to France during December 1915 and saw service in the line in Flanders, before moving to the Somme, where they attacked and captured Mametz Wood, at heavy loss. They then moved north to Ypres, where they spent the next twelve months on the Canal Bank at Boesinghe, from where they launched their attack during the Battle of Langemarck, on 31 July 1917. David was killed just three weeks later, on 20 August 1917. His grave was lost on the battlefield, and so he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Not on Memorial.

James Davies, Private, 15761, Welsh Regiment. James was born 10th December 1896, the Son of Isaac and Letitia Davies, of Old Royal Oak, Caio, Carmarthenshire. He had been educated at Llandovery Intermediate School, and afterwards trained as a Joiner, before marrying Letitia, daughter of David Lewis of Llanybydder. When war broke out, James enlisted into the Army, and was posted to 'A' Company, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, and 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, which is where James was wounded. He was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Etaples for treatment, but sadly died just days later, on 29 September 1915. James was just twenty years old, and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.

James Davies, Private, 204689, Canadian Infantry. James was born in Belfast on 3 December 1879, the Son of John and Elizabeth Davies. The family returned to Wales, and lives at Cefntelych Lodge, Pumpsaint, Llandeilo, but James emigrated to Canada and worked there as a Farmer. He enlisted there at Saskatoon on 7 April 1916, and was posted to the 15th Battalion (Central Ontario), Canadian Infantry, which were part of the 3rd Canadian Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. The Division had been on the Western Front since February, 1915, and it is probable that James didn't reach there until after the 1916 Somme Offensive, where the Canadians captured Regina Trench. In April 1917 however, he was with the Battalion, as they formed part of the attack force which were tasked with the capture of Vimy Ridge, and he also fought during the remainder of the Arras Offensive. James was Killed in Action at Arras on 16 August 1917, aged 38, and is remembered on the Vimy Memorial.

John Davies, Lance Corporal, 1628, Welsh Guards. John was born at Caio, and was the adopted son of Thomas and Elizabeth Davies, of Cefn Tir Esgob, Llandilo, Carmarthenshire. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which had been formed early in 1915 and attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. This Division has the distinction of being formed in France in August 1915. The various Guards units that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this fine formation. 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. For some unknown reason, John died on 17 July 1916 aged twenty, and is buried near Ypres, at Brandhoek Military Cemetery. The Welsh Guards were still on the Somme, and didn't reach Ypres until 1917, so there is a bit of a mystery here. Not on Memorial.

John Cynfyn Davies, Private, 55432, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of the Reverend William Jones Davies, of Blaenblodau Hall, Pencader. He enlisted at Lampeter into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Brigade landed at Havre during December 1915, and moved to positions near Armentieres. They fought through some of the hardest and most famous battles of the Great War-at Mametz Wood during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Pilckem Ridge during the battle of Passchendaele. During March 1918, the 16th Battalion was in reserve at The Laundry, Erquinghem. On 6 March they relieved the 13th Welsh in support trenches at Houplines. Eight men were wounded by gas on 9 March, and for the next few days the area was continually shelled and gassed by the Germans. After suffering badly here the Division was rushed south to assist with the desperate defence of Albert. The German Spring Offensive had swept across the old Somme Battlefields, and had pushed the Allies back further than ever. However, the attack burnt itself out, and for several months this resulted in a stalemate settling along the line on the Somme. John was killed in action near Albert on 22 April 1918. He was 25 years old, and is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

 

 

 

John Morgan Davies, Private, 27361, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Caio, and resided at Llanwrda prior to the war. He enlisted at Neath into the Army, and joined the 8th Battalion (Pioneers), Welsh Regiment, which was part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. John had fought at Gallipoli with the Division, before it moved to take part in a drive across Mesopotamia. John was reported as missing after a battle against the Turks on 27 April 1918. His parents received the news in the form of a letter from the Army Office at Shrewsbury, but sadly John was never found. He is recorded as being killed in action on 27 April 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial. Many thanks to Martin Davies for the photograph.

Oswyn St. Leger Davies, Lieutenant-Colonel, Manchester Regiment. Oswyn was the Son of John Morgan Davies, D.L., J.P., and Jane Elizabeth Davies, of Froodvale, Llanwrda, and he resided near Llansawel. He was in Command of the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, but transferred to be the Commanding Officer of the 8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, attached to 125 Brigade, 42nd Division. The Division had fought in Gallipoli and in Egypt, and on 27 February 1917 landed at Marseilles en route to the Western Front. The Division entered the line at Epehy then moved to Havrincourt where they remained until 8 July 1917, facing the Hindenburg Line positions in front of Cambrai. July and August saw the Division training at Albert, and in September, 1917 moved to Ypres to take part in the Battle of Third Ypres. After a series of unsuccessful attacks the Division moved to the Flanders Coast, and in November moved to Givenchy. When the German Spring Offensive of March 1918 was launched, Oswyn and his Battalion faced the onslaught at the Battle of Bapaume, and the First Battle of Arras. Oswyn was Killed in Action during the latter Battle, on 5 April 1918. He was 44 years old, and is buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France.

David Dicks, Private, 50967, Lancashire Fusiliers. David was the Son of David and Gwen Dicks, of Maescastell, Caio, and had enlisted at Cardiff into the Army, joining the 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, attached to 74 Brigade, 25th Division. The division moved to France during September 1915 and fought at Messines and Third Ypres, before being caught up in the German offensive on the Lys. The battered division then moved south to rebuild, but were unfortunately hit here again during a fresh German Offensive on the Aisne. David was killed in action here on 27 May 1915, aged just 18. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France.

Daniel Evans, Private, 37321, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Daniel was the Son of Daniel and Mary Evans, of Maesglas, Caio. He enlisted at Llandovery into the Army, and was posted to the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. The division had been one of the first in France, and the 10th RWF joined it at the end of 1915. They were then moved south to the Somme, where they were to take part in the great Battle of the Somme, and fought there at the Battle of Albert, and at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. Daniel was killed around this time, on 19 August 1916. He was twenty-two years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

 

Daniel Lewis Evans, Acting Bombardier, 28575, Royal Field Artillery. Daniel was born at Caio, and enlisted at Mardy into the Royal Field Artillery, joining 'B' Battery, 91st Brigade, attached to the 20th (Light) Division. On 26 July 1915 the Division completed concentration in the Saint-Omer area, all units having crossed to France during the preceding few days. Early trench familiarisation and training took place in the Fleurbaix area. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. Over the winter of 1915/16, the Division remained in positions south of Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel in June, alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, which is where Daniel was killed on 2 October 1916. He is buried at Guards Cemetery, Lesbouefs, France.

 

 

 

David William Evans, Private, 1270, Welsh Guards. David lived at Pantyrhedyn, Caio. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who were formed on 26 February 1915. They moved to France on 18 August 1915, as part of 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division moved to the Loos Sector, and on 25 September 1915 took part in the Battle of Loos. David was killed two days into the battle, on 27 September 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. David is listed on the County War Memorial roll as a Llanwrda man, and is also listed on the Welsh Guards roll as the same.

 

Rees Evans, Private, 37488, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Rees was born at Glanramell Park, and enlisted into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division was formed during September 1914 and landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914. The City was already falling however, and so the Division was 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, 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. The Division took part in the initial assault north of the Vermelles-Hulluch road, facing the Quarries and a series of strongpoints. Suffering badly from British cloud gas, which was not moved sufficiently by the gentle breeze, and badly cut up by German machine gun fire and artillery, the Division nonetheless seized the Quarries and only failed to penetrate the third German line due to the relative weakness of the numbers of men that got through. 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, playing a successful part in the 'dawn attack', and were also the first troops into High Wood. The Division then took part in the Battle of Delville Wood, which is probably where Rees was killed on 21 August 1916. He is buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, Authille, France.

Levi Pugh Griffiths, Private, 34025, Royal Army Medical Corps. Levi was born at Caio, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served with the 32nd Field Ambulance, attached to the 10th (Irish) Division. On 27 June 1915 the Division received orders to prepare for service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on 9 July. By the end of the month most units had assembled on Lemnos and from 6 August 1915 landed on Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, less the 29th Brigade, which went to ANZAC Cove Gallipoli. Levi was killed in action here during the Attack from Suvla on 17 August 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Benjamin Harries, Rifleman, 473290, London Regiment. Benjamin was the Son of John and Mary Harries, of Castell, Caio, and had originally enlisted at Marylebone into the 16th Battalion, London Regiment. He then transferred into the 12th Battalion (The Rangers), which was part of 168 Brigade, 56th (London) Division. The Division fought at the diversionary attack on Gommecourt then at Ginchy, Flers and Morval, where they captured Combles. They wintered on the Somme, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 before fighting in the Battle of Arras. Benjamin was killed here, during the Third Battle of the Scarpe, on 6 May 1917. He was thirty-two years old, and is buried at Tank Cemetery, Guemappe, France.

 

Benjamin Jones, Private, 79941, Canadian Infantry. Benjamin was the Son of Thomas Jones, of Gilfach Wen, Caio. He had emigrated to Canada, and answered the call of his mother country for more men, enlisting at Medicine Hat into the 31st Battalion (Alberta), Canadian Infantry. The battalion moved to the Western Front as part of 6 Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division, which had formed in May 1915. They spent a cold winter around Ploegsteert that year, and moved to the Somme during the summer of 1916, where they took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, which is where Benjamin was killed on 15 September 1916. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France.

John Lewis Jones, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of the late Dr. W. L. and Mrs. Jones, of Glyncothi, Nantgaredig, and the Cousin of Mrs. Walters and Miss Davies, Walters Hotel, Lampeter. He had been commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, and had joined the 3rd Battalion for his training. John was sent to France in 1916, and fought there for seven months with one of the Service Battalions of the Welsh Regiment, until he was gassed, and sent home for treatment. John's condition worsened and he died at Bedford House Hospital, Cardiff on 13 August 1917. John is buried at Llanegwad (St. Egwad) Churchyard, North of the Church tower. Many thanks to Bev Lewis of Swansea for her photo of Johns grave.

 

Seisyllt Hugh Lloyd, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Air Service. Seissyllt was the Son of Lt. Col. G. W. O. B. Lloyd and Mrs. Lloyd, of Brunant, Pumpsaint, and had been commissioned into the Royal Naval Air Service where he trained as a Pilot. He joined 10 Squadron RNAS in France, where he piloted a Sopwith Triplane. Seisyllt was flying over Zillebeke Lake on 14 August 1917, when he was shot down at around 16.00 by heavy anti aircraft fire, and was last seen heading west out of control. His body was never recovered, so Seisyllt is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, France.

Cameron O'Bryen Harford Methuen, Captain, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Cameron was the Son of the late Col. and Mrs. Methuen, of Llystroyddyn, Pumpsaint, Carmarthenshire. He had first served in the South African Campaign, and by the time of the outbreak of the Great War was a Captain with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire, attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division was formed during September 1914 and landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914. The City was already falling however, and so the Division was moved to Ypres, where they became the first British Division to hold the city. Cameron was killed during the First Battle of Ypres, on 20 October 1914. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Charles Moneypenny, Private, 18858, South Wales Borderers. Charles was the Son of Charles Moneypenny, of 5, Mitchell St., Old St., London, E.C.2. He must have lived at Caio prior to the war, as he enlisted at Llandovery into the Army, joining the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on 25 April 1915, taking part in some of the most terrible fighting on the Peninsula. Charles was wounded here and eventually arrived back in Britain for treatment, but sadly died on 17 September 1915. He was twenty-two years old, and is buried at Nunhead (All Saint's) Cemetery, England.

David Morgan, Private, 44408, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Caio, and enlisted at Swansea into the Army, joining the 18th Battalion (2nd Glamorgan), Welsh Regiment, part of 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late Spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France during June 1916, and moved to the front near Loos. 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. David was killed on the Somme on 30 December 1916. He is buried at Guards Cemetery, Combles.

William Morgan, Private, 33039, Essex Regiment. William was born at Llanycrwys, the Son of David and Charlotte Morgan, later of Monks Cottage, Crick, Rugby. He enlisted at Yelverton, Northants into the Northamptonshire Regiment, and later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment, attached to 88 Brigade, 29th Division. It is unknown whether William served at Gallipoli with the division, but he would have seen action with them on the Somme in 1916 before they moved to Arras, where they saw further action. The division then moved up to Ypres, and saw heavy fighting during the Battle of Third Ypres, or Passchendaele, which is where William was killed on 9 August 1917. He was twenty-eight years old, and is buried at New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Not on Memorial.

Henry Riggs, Warrant Officer. No trace of this man can be found sadly, but the War Memorial shows him as being of Llystroyddyn, Caio.

 

David Thomas, Private, 18563, South Wales Borderers. David was the Son of Isaac Thomas, of Llwynhelig, Farmers, and enlisted at Ferndale into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. Again it is not presently known if David served at Gallipoli, but he was killed in action during the opening assault of the Battle of the Somme, on 1 July 1916. Within minutes of going over the top, at Beaumont Hamel at 07.30, David was one of hundreds of South Wales Borderers cut down by machine-gun fire. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Y Ravine Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, France. His brother Johnny was killed just ten days later.

 

David Thomas (Johnny), Private, 44204, Welsh Regiment. Johnny was the Son of Mrs. Thomas of Llwynhelig, Farmers, Llanwrda. He enlisted at Swansea into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was the Carmarthenshire Battalion. The Battalion became attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and embarked for France from Folkestone on 4 December 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held nearly every section of the British line from Givenchy on the La Bassée Canal to Laventie, about six miles South of Armentières. At the end of May 1916, the Battalion moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme, which commenced on 1 July 1916. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7 July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on 10 July, and by 14 July the wood was cleared, but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. David was Killed in Action on 11 July 1916 at Mametz, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. He was just 22 years old. His brother David was killed just ten days earlier.

David Thomas, Lance Corporal, B/23540, Royal Fusiliers. David was the Son of Rees and Ann Thomas, of Gwargorof, Caio, and enlisted at Wood Green into the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of 190 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The original Royal Naval Division had fought at Gallipoli, before being re-designated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Division moved to France during 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. David was killed here on 23 April 1917. He was twenty-seven years old, and is buried at Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-En-Gohelle, France.

John Ebenezer Thomas, Private, 1071, Welsh Guards. John was from Cilycwm, and lived with his wife at Glynborthyn Shop, Caio prior to the war. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The division 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, which is where John was killed on 10 September 1916. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval. There is a memorial to John at Cilycwm Parish Church.

 

 

Rufus Haydon Thomas, Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps. Rufus was from Dolauganol, Caio, and had been commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps, where he was attached to the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, part of 21 Brigade, 7th Division. The division had fought through most of the major actions of the war, and were on the Somme early in 1918 when they were hit by the German Spring Offensive on 21 March 1918. Rufus was killed during the hectic withdrawal on 24 March 1918. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

David Williams, Private, 320254, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Thomas and Anne Williams, of Ellis Cottage, Pumpsaint, Llandilo, and he resided at Llanwrda prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry, which had formed in Tenby for Home Defence, as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade. They arrived in Egypt in March 1916, and on 2 February 1917 were disbanded, joining with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, as part of 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division first saw action during the Second Battle of Gaza, and took part in the capture of Jerusalem before being sent to the Western Front, due to the terrible casualties that had been inflicted upon the British Army by the German Spring Offensive in March, 1918, and landed at Marseilles on 7 May 1918. Here they fought in the Battle of Epehy, where David was Killed in Action on 21 September 1918 aged 32. He is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

James Williams, Private, 4350, Pembroke Yeomanry. James was the son of William and Sarah Williams, of Bryn Ranell, Caio. He had been born on 24 April 1898, and at the outbreak of the Great War joined the Pembroke Yeomanry. James was posted to the 1/1st Battalion, which was attached to the 1st Mounted Division, and the regiment moved to Norwich early in 1915. It was here that James took ill, and sadly died on 29 January 1915, aged 16. He is buried at Norwich Cemetery. His parents grave at Caio has a memorial to James, and also had his bronze memorial plaque affixed, but this has sadly been lost over the last few years.

Timothy Davies Williams, Second Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery. Timothy was the son of Reverend Charles and Harriet Williams, of Bwlchcefnserth, Caio, Carmarthenshire. He had trained as a teacher, gaining his B.A. before taking up a post as History Master at the County School, Barry, and was the Husband of Louisa Davies Williams, of Claremont House, Bridgend, Glam. Timothy was commissioned into the Army, and was posted to 248 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery in France. He was wounded during Kaiserschlacht- the German Spring Offensive, at the Battle of Bapaume, and died of wounds on 5 April 1918, aged 34. He is buried at Varennes Military Cemetery, France.

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World War Two, 1939-1945

William John George, Trooper, 7937333, Royal Armoured Corps. Very little is known of William, but he was the Son of William and Mary Anne George, of Caio, and the husband of Hannah Nora George, also of Caio. He died on 27 November 1942 at home, and is buried at Caio (St. Cynwyl) Church Cemetery. He was thirty-eight years old. Many thanks to Malcolm Ferguson-Thomas for the photograph.

 

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Llandyfeisant War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

Percy Frank Barnes, Private, 201692, Welsh Regiment. Percy was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Barnes, of Kings Lodge, Llandeilo, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division. During July 1915, the Division sailed to the Mediterranean, and on 9 August 1915, landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. They remained here throughout a terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In December 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez Canal. Their next mission was the invasion of Palestine, but by now Percy had become ill, and sadly Died of Sickness in Egypt on 8 July 1917 aged just 19. He is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

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 Llansawel War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

David Davies, Private, 43264, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Mrs. Sarah Davies, of Arddlas, Llansawel. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a reserve battalion, used as a training and feeder battalion for the 1st and 2nd Welsh. David was killed during a Machine Gun demonstration at Buttrils Camp, Penarth on 20 July 1916. He was stripping a Lewis Gun with a live round in the chamber, which went off and shot him. David was 26 years old, and his body was brought home for burial at Llansawel (Shiloh) Congregational Chapelyard.

Oswyn St. Leger Davies, Lieutenant-Colonel, Manchester Regiment. Oswyn was the Son of John Morgan Davies, D.L., J.P., and Jane Elizabeth Davies, of Froodvale, Llanwrda, and he resided near Llansawel. He was in Command of the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, but transferred to be the CO of the 8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, 125 Brigade, 42nd Division. The Division had fought in Gallipoli and in Egypt, and on 27 February 1917 landed at Marseilles en route to the Western Front. The Division entered the line at Epehy then moved to Havrincourt where they remained until 8 July, facing the Hindenburg Line positions in front of Cambrai. July and August saw the Division training at Albert, and in September 1917 moved to Ypres to take part in the Battle of Third Ypres. After a series of unsuccessful attacks the Division moved to the Flanders Coast, and in November moved to Givenchy. When the German Spring Offensive of March 1918 was launched, Oswyn and his Battalion faced the onslaught at the Battle of Bapaume, and the First Battle of Arras. Oswyn was Killed in Action during the latter Battle, on 5 April 1918. He was 44 years old, and is buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France.

Rees Evans, Private, 37488, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Rees was the Son of David and Mary Evans, of Pencnwc, Llansawel. He enlisted into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 11 December 1915, and on 4 July 1916 was posted from the Base Depot to the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had been in France since landing at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, and was 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. By the time Rees joined them on the Somme, the battalion was taking part in the Battle of Bazentin, and the Attacks on High Wood. The Division then took part in the Battle of Delville Wood, which is probably where Rees was killed on 21 August 1916. He is buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, Authille, France.

Thomas John Jones, Private, 320238, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Jones, of Tycefn, Llansawel. He originally enlisted into the Pembroke Yeomanry at Carmarthen, and sailed for Egypt with them in March 1916. After a year spent guarding the Suez Canal Defences, the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry were merged to form the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which became part of 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division took part in the move into Palestine, and fought in the Second and Third Battles of Gaza, which led to the successful capture of Jerusalem. Thomas was killed in Palestine on 6 November 1917, during the attack on the heights at Sheria. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. His gravestone contains the enscription, translated from Welsh, 'Without boastfulness after fighting, he remains with a cross above his place.' Many thanks to Avril Marks for the photograph of Thomas' grave.

 

David Lewis Thomas, Private, 282286, Lancashire Fusiliers. David was born at Llansawel, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. He was one of a batch of men from the battalion posted to the 2/7th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, who were in France attached to 197 Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancs) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front by 16 March 1917 and moved to the Flanders Coast. At the end of September 1917 they moved to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of Poelcapelle. David was killed here on 10 October 1917. He is buried at Tyne Cot Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

 

Thomas Thomas, Lance Corporal, 19768, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Llansawel, and was the Husband of Louie Thomas, of 62, Roath Court Road, Cardiff. He enlisted at Mountain Ash into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was in France attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. Thomas probably fought at the Battle of Loos with the Division from September 1915 onwards, and the following year saw the Division on the Somme. Thomas was killed during the Battle of Guillemont, on 8 September 1916. He was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Thomas is not listed on the County War Memorial roll.

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Llanycrwys War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

Private Alfred Evans, 2754, Welsh Guards. Alfred was born at Llanycrwys on 14 June 1894, the son of Jenkin and Rachel Evans, later of 14, Rock Terrace, Aberaeron. He was educated at Lampeter, and later worked as an Agricultural Labourer, before enlisting in the Welsh Guards on 18 May 1916. Alfred missed the Somme Battles of 1916, as he didn't arrive in France until December 1916, but he arrived on the Western Front in time to join the 1st Battalion at St. Quentin. He was wounded just three months after arriving at the front, on 12 March 1917, but soon rejoined the battalion, and took part in the Battle of Cambrai during November 1917. Alfred was evacuated home to the General Hospital at Denmark Hill, London after being gassed at Cambrai. He sadly died of the effects of gas poisoning on 20 April 1918 and is buried at Rhydybont Congregational Chapelyard, near Llanybydder.

Herbert Lewis, Private, 81841, Royal Army Medical Corps. Herbert was the Son of David and Anne Lewis, of Stafellwen, Llanycrwys. Herbert was studying at Carmarthen College for the Baptist Ministry prior to the war, and volunteered to serve with the Welsh Company, Royal Army Medical Corps, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division had fought at Gallipoli in 1915, then Egypt in 1916 and in Palestine in from 1917 until the armistice. Herbert was transferred to the 201st Company, Labour Corps after the cessation of hostilities, but took ill and died on 22 January 1919, aged 34. He is buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston, Greece.

 

David Walters, Second Lieutenant, Lancashire Fusiliers. David was the Son of Thomas and Jane Walters, of Llwynglas, Llanycrwys. He enlisted during August 1914, and served with 63rd Field Company Royal Engineers in France until August 1916, when he received his commission into the 15th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. The battalion was attached to 96 Brigade, 32nd Division. The Division was on the Somme, and in March 1917 followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. David was wounded at Savy Woods, near St. Quentin, and died at Hospital in Rouen on 22 May 1917 aged 28. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.

 

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