Cefneithin War Memorial
World War One, 1914-1918
Trooper George Anthony-Pembroke Imperial Yeomanry. Nothing can be found on CWGC or SDGW about this man. More investigation to be carried out.
Sapper George Davies-448501, 90th Field Company, Royal Engineers. George Davies was born in Llannon, and resided in Cross Hands. He enlisted in Ammanford into the 90th Field Company of the Royal Engineers, who were attached to the 9th Scottish Division. George was wounded sometime in July 1918, and was taken to the Military Hospital near St. Omer, where he succumbed to his wounds on the 1st August, 1918. He was buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery.
Private Daniel James-200168, 1/4th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment. Daniel was born around 1888 in Pencader, to Thomas & Mary James of Lan Farm. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd Welsh Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli & Palestine against the Turks, and it was during the 2nd Battle of Gaza that Daniel was killed in action, at the age of 29, on the 21st April, 1917. He was buried in the Gaza War Cemetery.
Private David Robert James-1490, 2nd Battalion, The Welsh Regiment. David was born in Voel Castell. He enlisted in Llanelli, joining the 2nd Battalion, The Welsh regiment, who formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division fought a desperate rearguard action down towards the Marne, where William Fuller of the 2nd Welsh won his VC. During September, 1915, the Division held the line in Northern France, where they took part in the Battle of Loos. On the 26th September, 1915, David was killed in action. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
Corporal David Jones-Welsh Regiment. Nothing can be found on CWGC or SDGW about this man. More investigation to be carried out.
Sapper Dan Mainwaring-48405, 93rd Field Company, Royal Engineers. Dan was born around 1889 in Llannon, to Daniel & Hannah Mainwaring, of Glangwili Villa, Cross Hands. He enlisted in Tumble along with his twin brother William (see below), joining the Royal Engineers, with consecutive service numbers. During 1915, Dan served with the 93rd Field Company, which was attached to the 17th Northern Division. The Division were fighting around Ypres during December 1915, when Dan was badly wounded. He was to die of his wounds on the 16th December, 1915 at the age of 26, and was laid to rest at Bedford House Cemetery.
Sapper William Mainwaring-48406, 237th Field Company, Royal Engineers. William was born around 1887 in Llannon, to Daniel & Hannah Mainwaring, of Glangwili Villa, Cross Hands. He enlisted in Tumble along with his twin Dan, into the Royal Engineers. Because of their successive service numbers, it is probable that they served together at the start of the war. Sometime after Dan’s death, William moved to the 237th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which formed part of the 40th (Bantam) Division. The Bantam Division was made of primarily of men who were originally too short to serve in the British Army, but after heavy losses in 1914/15, the minimum height limit was dropped. On the 17th July, 1918, the Division were holding the line near Ypres when William was mortally wounded. He was taken to the Military Hospital at Ljissenthoek, but died that day. He lies in the massive Ljissenthoek Military Cemetery, only 15 minutes drive away from where his brother Dan lies.
Lieutenant Francis Roderick B.A-14th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment. Francis was the son of Mr & Mrs Roderick of Cefneithin. He was commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, serving as a Lieutenant in the 14th (Swansea) Battalion, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th Welsh Division. Francis survived the Battalions massacre on the Somme, where the entire Welsh Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz Wood, but he was with the Battalion when it was ordered to Ypres. At Ypres, the 38th Welsh Division took a major role in the capture of the Pilckem Ridge, where the famous poet Hedd Wyn was killed. Francis was seriously wounded, and died on the 31st July, 1917. He lies in Bard Cottage Cemetery.
Private William Owen Thomas-29616, 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. William was born around 1892, in Blaenporth, Cardiganshire. He married Elizabeth, of Furze Hill, Cefneithin. William enlisted at Brecon into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who formed part of the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division fought at the Somme, suffering heavy casualties, and were moved to Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of Messines, which was the opening move of the Battle of Passchendaele. William was killed in action at ‘Whitesheets’ on the 7th June, 1917, and was buried in Wytschaete Military Cemetery.
Cross Hands War Memorial
The Great War, 1914-1918
David Henry Daniels, Private, 74312, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Abergwili, the Son of Mrs. Margaret Daniels, later of Clynog House, Carmarthen Road, Cross Hands. He served with the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th 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. 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 the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd 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. David was taken ill at some time during the Palestinian Campaign, and returned home for Hospital treatment. He died at home of sickness on the 2nd June, 1918 aged only 19, and is buried at Cross Hands (Tabor) Baptist Chapelyard.
George Hudson, Lance Corporal, 2613, Welsh Regiment. George was born at Athlone, County Meath, and had served during the Boer War in South Africa. Prior to the Great War, he resided at Cross Hands, and re-enlisted at Cardiff into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion were at Chakrata in India at the outbreak of war, and sailed from Karachi to Plymouth, landing on the 22nd December. They moved to Hursley Park in 84th Brigade, 28th Division, and on the 18th January, 1915 landed at Havre, and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshire’s, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on the 19th May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. George was killed in action during the Battle of Loos, on the 1st October, 1915. He was 36 years old, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.
David James Jenkins, Private, 12877, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the Son of Mrs. Emily Mary Jenkins, of Rock Terrace, Cross Hands. He had enlisted at Tumble 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, where David was killed in action on the 25th September, 1915 aged only 18. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.
Evan Jones, Welsh Regiment. Cannot be positively identified, but is probably 202746, Evan Jones, Private, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Cwmcain, Talog, Carmarthen, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division and crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, moving 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, where Evan was killed in action on the 16th April, 1918 aged 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Gomer Jones, Private, 63138, Welsh Regiment. Gomer was the Son of Mrs. Alice Daniels, of Furlong House, Cross Hands. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by the 9th of the month. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on the 27th October, 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, although the final artillery units were still coming in as late as the 13th December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between the 10th to the 18th August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then between the 13th to the 14th September 1916 at the battle of Machukovo. Between the 24th-25th April and the 8th-9th May, 1917 the Division fought at the battle of Doiran, and then on the 18th September 1918 at the Second Battle of Doiran. Gomer was killed in action that day, aged 30. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Doiran Memorial, Greece.
William Jones, Welsh Regiment. Cannot positively be identified, but is probably William David Jones, Private, 22069, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of William and Anne Jones, of "Bellmont," Victoria Road, Penygroes. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. William was killed in action here on the 13th March, 1916 aged 23, and is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy.
Dan Mainwaring, Sapper, 48405, Royal Engineers. Dan was born around 1889 in Llannon, to Daniel & Hannah Mainwaring, of Glangwili Villa, Cross Hands. He enlisted in Tumble along with his twin brother William, joining the Royal Engineers, with consecutive service numbers. During 1915, Dan served with the 93rd Field Company, which was attached to the 17th Northern Division. The Division were fighting around Ypres during December 1915, when Dan was badly wounded. He was to die of his wounds on the 16th December, 1915 at the age of 26, and was laid to rest at Bedford House Cemetery.
William Mainwaring, Sapper, 48406, Royal Engineers. William was born around 1887 in Llannon, to Daniel & Hannah Mainwaring, of Glangwili Villa, Cross Hands. He enlisted in Tumble along with his twin Dan, into the Royal Engineers. Because of their successive service numbers, it is probable that they served together at the start of the war. Sometime after Dan’s death, William moved to the 237th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which formed part of the 40th (Bantam) Division. The Bantam Division was made of primarily of men who were originally too short to serve in the British Army, but after heavy losses in 1914/15, the minimum height limit was dropped. On the 17th July, 1918, the Division were holding the line near Ypres when William was mortally wounded. He was taken to the Military Hospital at Lijssenthoek, but died that day. He lies in the massive Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
Ebenezer Thomas Morgan, Private, 47717, Labour Corps. Ebenezer was born at Cross Hands, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 21st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had formed at Colwyn Bay in July 1915 as a local reserve Battalion from depot Companies of the 14th, 15th, 16th and 19th Battalions, and from September 1915 were stationed at Kinmel. On the 1st September, 1916 they became the 61st Training Reserve Battalion at Kinmel in 13th Reserve Brigade. Ebenezer transferred at sometime to the Labour Corps. This was generally because someone was either not fit enough for front line duty, or that they had been wounded, and then deemed unfit to return. Ebenezer died in France on the 17th November, 1917 and is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt. This was about the time of the Battle of Cambrai.
John Morgan, Private, 48946, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Thomas and Hannah Morgan, of Tabor Villa, Cross Hands. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July 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 Pilckem and Langemarck, where John was killed in action on the 19th August, 1917, aged 26. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
William John Morris, Private, 26938, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Pontypridd, and prior to the war lived at Cross Hands. He enlisted at Llanelli 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. William was killed in action just a week before the opening of the Battle of Loos, on the 17th September, 1915. He is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, France.
Idris Tudor Rees, Private, 75290, Welsh Regiment. Idris was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Rees, of "Min-yr-Afon," Cross Hands. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July 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 Pilckem and Langemarck, then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved south, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until the war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme after an attack which began on the 21st August, with the 38th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert, and then moving east, where they fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Then the move began towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and the Division carried on with their march east, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt, and the Battle of Epehy. A short rest period ensued, during which time the Canal du Nord was breached, so opening a passage through the Hindenburg Line. The Division then fought at the Battle of Beaurevoir, and moved up towards Cambrai, capturing Villers-Outreaux. Idris was wounded during this great advance, and died of wounds on the 9th October, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Beaulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy, France.
Thomas Rees, Gunner, 215603, Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas was the Son of Meredith and Jane Rees, of Nantymelin, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire. He must have worked at Cross Hands prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas was attached to their 503rd Siege Battery, which was itself attached to the Third Army. During August, 1918 the Third Army were on the Somme, where the Allies were planning to launch their great offensive, which ultimately led to the winning of the war. Thomas died during the second day of the Battle of Albert, on the 22nd August, 1918 aged 23, and is buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France.
Thomas Abraham Richards, Ordinary Seaman, J/76476, Royal Navy. Thomas was born at Gorseinon on the 4th November, 1898, the Son of John and Lizzie Jane Richards, later of Myrddin House, Cross Hands. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard H.M.S. Narborough, which was an ‘M’ Class Destroyer. On the 12th January, 1918 Narborough had joined her sister ship Opal to hunt for German Destroyers. In heavy seas, and a thick snowstorm, both destroyers ran aground off the Orkneys, and sank with huge loss of life. Thomas was lost that day aboard the Narborough, aged only 19. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Not on Memorial.
Francis Roderick B.A, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Francis was the son of Mr & Mrs Roderick of Cefneithin. He was commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, serving as a Lieutenant in the 14th (Swansea) Battalion, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th Welsh Division. Francis survived the Battalions massacre on the Somme, where the entire Welsh Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz Wood, but he was with the Battalion when it was ordered to Ypres. At Ypres, the 38th Welsh Division took a major role in the capture of the Pilckem Ridge, where the famous poet Hedd Wyn was killed. Francis was seriously wounded, and died on the 31st July, 1917. He lies in Bard Cottage Cemetery.
Dan Thomas, Private, 203471, Welsh Regiment. Dan was born at Eglwysfair-Y-Churig. He is listed on SDGW as having enlisted at Llanelli, and being killed in action in Salonika on the 18th September, 1918. The MIC’s at the National Archives confirm these details, but there is no mention of him with the CWGC. But there is another man David Thomas, 203441, Welsh Regiment, who was killed in action at Salonika on the same day as Dan. He also enlisted at Llanelli, and is remembered on the Doiran Memorial, Greece. There are separate MIC cards for both men, but are they one and the same man, as only one is commemorated by the CWGC?
Gwilym Thomas, Private, 12910, Welsh Regiment. Gwilym was the Son of John and Mary Ann Thomas, of Hebron House, Cross Hands. He enlisted at Tumble into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshire’s, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on the 19th May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. Gwilym was wounded at Loos, and died of wounds on the 12th October, 1915 aged only 17. Gwilym is buried at Les Gonards Cemetery, Versailles, France. By the time of his death, the Division were moving to Marseilles to embark for service in Salonika. Gwilym must have died on the journey south with the Division.
John Calandydd Thomas, Private, 201358, Welsh Regiment. John served with the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th 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. 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 the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd 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. John was wounded during the Battle of Jerusalem, and died there just days later, on the 13th December, 1917. He is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel.
Cross Hands War Memorial
World War Two, 1939-1945
Thomas Raymond Crowther, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1414489, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Francis Edwin and Florence Eliza Crowther, of Cross Hands, and served with 57 Squadron, RAFVR who flew the Avro Lancaster I, based at RAF Scampton. On the night of the 28th August, 1943, Thomas’ Lancaster was shot down over Germany while returning from a bombing run over Nuremberg, and the entire crew were killed. Thomas was just 20 years old, and is buried at Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.
David Verdun Evans, Civilian. David was the Son of D. G. and Amelia Evans, of Terminus, Cross Hands. He worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Pembrey. The factory was built by Nobel’s Explosives, and manufactured TNT for the Ministry of Supply. On the 10th July, 1940 the factory became a target for the Luftwaffe, and was heavily bombed that day, causing many casualties. David was one of many people rushed to Llanelli Hospital, but he sadly died that same day. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Llanelli Borough Cemetery.
Ronald Jones, Stoker 1st Class, P/KX 97340, Royal Navy. Ronald was the Son of John and Mary L. Jones, of Cross Hands, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Latona. She was a minelayer, and was operating off the coast of Tobruk in the Mediterranean, when she was attacked and sunk by German Stuka Dive-Bombers on the 25th October, 1941. Ronald was killed aboard the ship that day, aged 26, and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Thomas Emrys Rees, Sergeant, 1277699, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Elizer and Elizabeth Ann Rees, of Cross Hands, and served with 156 Squadron, RAFVR, which flew the Avro Lancaster I, based at RAF Warboys. 156 Squadron were a Pathfinder Squadron, made up of the cream of the crews of RAF Bomber Command. On the night of the 23rd December, 1943 Thomas and his crew took off for a mission in their Aircraft JB711, to mark targets over Abbeville and Amiens. They were shot down on their return journey the following morning, and crashed in the Channel. Thomas was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. He had flown 14 sorties since becoming qualified.