Kidwelly War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Richard John Anderson, Private, 20534, Welsh Regiment. Richard was born in Middlesex. He resided in Kidwelly prior to the war, and enlisted into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local (Carmarthen) Battalion, attached to the 114^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had moved to France during December, 1915 and moved to positions near Fleurbaix, where they were initiated into trench warfare. They remained here over their first winter on the Western Front, training in a supposedly quite sector. Richard was killed in action here on the 9^th March, 1916, and is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy. Not on Memorial.

William James Anthony, Private, 54593, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of John and Ann Anthony, of Llangadog, Kidwelly. William enlisted at Carmarthen into the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 8^th 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 21^st August, with the 38^th 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, before advancing to the Selle. William was taken ill at some time around the Hindenburg Line battles. He was brought back to a Base Hospital on the Channel coast near Boulogne for treatment, but sadly died on the 21^st October, 1918. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.

John Bidgood Godfrey Ashford, Private, 41211, Dorsetshire Regiment. John was the Son of William Samuel and Mary Jane Ashford, of Exonia Villa, Kidwelly. He had been born in Exmouth, and had enlisted at Exeter into the 6^th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, which was attached to the 50^th Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. Between the 12^th to the 17th July 1915 the Division landed in France. They spent their initial period of trench familiarisation and then holding the front lines in the southern area of the Ypres salient. Here they took part in fighting at the Bluff during February, 1916 before moving south, where they fought at the Battle of Albert, where the Division captured Fricourt at heavy cost during the opening of the Somme Offensive. They then saw action during the Battle of Arras, at the First and Second Battles of the Scarpe and the Capture of Roeux, before moving back to Ypres, and taking part in the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele. In March, 1918 the Division were on the Somme, and faced the German Spring Offensive there, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, and retreated back, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume. After a period out of the line to rest and rebuild, the Division moved to the southernmost sector of the Somme area, where they fought at the Battle of Amiens on the 8^th August, 1918, a day which saw the war swing in the favour of the Allies. The Allies then advanced on the Somme, and the Division fought at the Battle of Albert later that month, then on to the Battle of Bapaume on the 31^st August, and towards the Hindenburg Line, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt on the 12^th September and the Battle of Epehy on the 18^th September. At the beginning of October the mighty Hindenburg Line was broken, and the 17^th Division swept towards Cambrai, fighting at the Battle of Cambrai on the 8^th October, and then north-east through northern France, towards the old Battlefields of Mons & Le Cateau, during the Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle during the middle of October. John was wounded at the Selle, and sadly died of wounds on the 30^th October, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Awoingt British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Edgar James Bish, Lance Corporal, 16072, Welsh Regiment. Edgar was born in Kidwelly, the Son of Robert Andrew and Agnes Bish, of 67, Mansel St., Port Talbot. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the ‘Cardiff Pals’. The Battalion formed at Cardiff during September 1914, and moved to South Downs in 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. In December 1914 they moved to Hastings and in April 1915 to Seaford. In May 1915 they moved to Aldershot, and from there landed at Boulogne on the 6^th September, 1915. 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 10^th to the 18th August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then between the 13^th 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. Edgar was killed in action that day aged 24. He has no known grave, and so he is remembered on the Doiran Memorial, Greece. Not on Memorial.

William Bowry, Private, 57654, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born in London. At some time prior to the war he had moved to Kidwelly, and when war broke out he enlisted at Llanelli into the South Wales Borderers. Later he transferred to the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who had been in France since December, 1915 attached to the 113^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 8^th 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 21^st August, with the 38^th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert. William was killed just days into the offensive, on the 26^th August, 1918. He is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz.

David Morris Davies, Lance Corporal, 18624, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was born in Kidwelly, and resided there prior to the war. He enlisted at Llandudno into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. Very little is known of David, except that he was wounded at some time, probably at Ypres where the Division had been sent to rebuild after the carnage of Mametz Wood, and he died of wounds at home on the 7^th August, 1917. He is buried at Kidwelly (Siloam) Welsh Baptist Chapelyard.

Frank Davies, Pioneer, WR/262339, Royal Engineers. Frank was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Liverpool Regiment. He later transferred into the Royal Engineers, serving with the Railways section. The RE Railways ran the rail supply networks on the Western Front, carrying supplies, ammunition and men to and from the front line. Frank died of sickness in France on the 10^th September, 1918. He was buried at Nuits-St. Georges New Communal Cemetery.

John Davies, Private, 27239, Welsh Regiment. John was Son of John and Ann Davies, of The Bird-in-Hand, Cerney, Broughton, Denbighshire, and the Husband of Charlotte Davies, of Gwendraeth Villa, Pontantwn, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 40^th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division was formed of volunteers, under the care of the War Office, and the infantry brigades began to assemble on Salisbury Plain. 40th Brigade moved to Chiseldon and Cirencester in September 1914. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire, and 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 6^th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3^rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, which is where John was killed in action on the 8^th August, 1915 aged 43. He has no known grave and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Not on Memorial.

William Davies, Private, 7976, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of the late Elias and Mary Davies, and the Husband of Sarah Davies, of Llwyn-Teg, Pontyates. He resided in Kidwelly prior to the war, and enlisted at Merthyr into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 3^rd 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. William was killed in action at Ypres on the 29^th October, 1914. He was 28 years old, and has no known grave, and so he is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

William Howard Davies, Private,      116422, Machine Gun Corps. William was born at Llanelli. He enlisted at Pembrey into the 2^nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, but was later posted to the 21st Company, Machine Gun Corps which was attached to the 30th Division. William may have just caught up with the Division to serve in the Somme Offensive, and in March, 1917 the Division followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. It was here that they took part in the Battles of Arras, fighting at the Scarpe, before they moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at Pilckem Ridge, before moving south again to the St. Quentin sector. They were here in March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept over the area, and William was taken prisoner by the Germans. Sadly he had been wounded when he was captured, and he Died of Wounds on the 15^th October, 1918 as a POW, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery. He was 35 years old.

William Stanley Davies, Private, 25166, West Riding Regiment. William was the Son of David and Elizabeth Davies, of 57, Hillfield, Station Rd., Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Army Service Corps, but later transferred into the 10th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, which was attached to the 69^th Brigade, 23rd Division. Between the 21^st and the 26th August, 1915 the Division landed in Boulogne and proceeded to the Western Front, initially concentrating near Tilques. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Albert, where they captured Contalmaison, and then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Pozieres, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy, where they captured Le Sars. In May, 1917 they took part in the Battle of Messines, before moving further north to Ypres, and fighting at the Battle of the Menin Road, where William was wounded. He was transported back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings where he died of wounds on the 25^th September, 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Not on Memorial.

David Edmunds, Master, Mercantile Marine. David was born at Burry Port. He served in the Mercantile Marine, as Master of the SS Tangistan. David was drowned when the Tangistan was torpedoed off Scarborough on the 9^th March, 1915 by a German submarine. He was 44 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Owen Edwards, Private, 54190, Welsh Regiment. Owen was the Son of John and Mary Edwards, of "Sea View," New Street, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Kidwelly into the 16th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, attached to the 115^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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. Owen was probably wounded at Mametz, as he is recorded as having died of wounds at home on the 13^th March, 1917. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Kidwelly (St. Mary) Churchyard.

Ivor Emmanuel, Lance Corporal, 275, Welsh Guards. Ivor was born in Trimsaran, the Husband of Prudence P. Emanuel, of Brynygraig, Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Grenadier Guards, but after the formation of the Welsh Guards in February, 1915 he transferred into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. On the 18^th August, 1915 they landed at Havre, and were attached to 3rd 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 the 25^th September, 1915, and this is where Ivor was killed in action aged 23, on the 27^th September, 1915. Ivor has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

Idris Evans. Cannot presently be identified.

Oliver Evans, Lance Corporal, 42224, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Oliver was the Son of Mrs. L. Evans, of "Greyhound", Lady St., Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment, and later transferred into the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion were attached to the 113^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, which had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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, which is where Oliver was killed in action, aged 30, on the 22^nd April, 1918. He has no known grave and so is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

Alexander Gilasbey, Private, 285143, Welsh Regiment. Alexander was born in Kidwelly, and was the Husband of Kate Gilasbey, of 5, St. Mark's Place, Bath. He enlisted at Bath into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, which had been in France since December, 1915. Alexander had survived the carnage of Mametz Wood, and had moved to Ypres with the Division, where they rested and rebuilt back up to full strength in preparation for taking part in the Battles of Third Ypres. Alexander was killed in action at Ypres on the 4^th September, 1917, after the Division had fought at Pilckem and Langemarck. He was 35 years old and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium.

David Gower, Private, 13462, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 58^th 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 11^th to the 21st July 1915, and remained on the Western Front throughout the war. The Division fought at the Battle of Loos, and were still in the area when David was killed in action on the 23^rd November, 1915. He is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery, France.

David Griffiths, Private, 54198, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of John and Mary Griffiths, of Cwmffynonau, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 115^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. David had survived the fighting at Mametz Wood, and at Third Ypres, and was with the Division at Ypres when he was wounded. He was taken to the Casualty Clearing Station at Proven where he died of wounds on the 9^th February, 1917 aged 20, and is buried there, at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Not on Memorial.

David John Howells, Private, 202759, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Philip and Eleanor Howells, of Maes Gwenllian, Kidwelly. He served with the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 119^th 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 between the 1st and 9th June, 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. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40^th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Later in the year they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, playing an important role in the attack on Bourlon Wood. They remained in the area over the coming months, but were caught here by the German Spring Offensive of the 21^st March, 1918, and fought there at the Battle of St Quentin and retreating back westwards fought at the First Battle of Bapaume. Due to the terrible casualties suffered by the Division here they were sent north to Flanders to rest and rebuild, but in April the Germans launched an offensive in Flanders, and the 40^th Division were caught up in the thick of it again, fighting at the Battle of Estaires, and then at the Battle of Hazebrouck. Following losses in the defence of Hazebrouck, the Division was reduced to a training cadre. A major reorganisation took place, with battalions that had been Garrison Guard units joining and being converted to fighting units. The Division was ready for front-line action again by 18th July 1918, when they took part in the Advance in Flanders, and the Battle of Ypres, 1918. David was taken ill during the final months of the war, and was brought to the Base Hospital near Boulogne, where he died aged 32 on the 31^st December, 1918. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.

William Howells, Private, 20096, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Kidwelly, the Son of Richard and Hannah Howells, later of Arfryn House, Myrtle Hill, Ponthenry. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had moved to France during December, 1915 and took up positions in the ‘Nursery Sector’ near Armentieres. William was wounded during this period of training, and died of wounds at Bethune on the 21^st March, 1916 aged 27. He is buried there at Bethune Town Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Augustus Edward Hugh, Private, 45307, Welsh Regiment. Augustus was the Son of David James and Charlotte Hugh, of "Bay View," Station Rd., Kidwelly. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 40^th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On the 7th June, 1915, orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. 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 6^th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3^rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on the 19th December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On the 8th January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by the 31st January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On the 12th February, 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. Augustus was killed in action during the advance into Mesopotamia on the 14^th January, 1917. He was 36 years old and is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Egypt.

David Hughes, Private, 14762, South Wales Borderers. David was the Son of John and Margaret Hughes, of Kidwelly, and the Husband of Mary Emily Rise (formerly Hughes), of 20, Bryndulais Row, Seven Sisters. He enlisted at Ystradgynlais into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who had begun their war in China, where they captured the German Garrison at Tientsin. The Battalion returned to England where they joined the 87^th Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on the 25^th April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on the 11^th January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15^th March. David was killed in action soon after, on the 6^th April, 1916 aged 30. He is buried at Mesnil Ridge Cemetery, Mesnil Martinsart.

Samuel Hughes, Private, 12535, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Samuel was the Husband of Beatrice Hughes, of 14, Gwendraeth Taun, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 40^th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division had fought at Gallipoli, Egypt and Mesopotamia during the war, and were in Mesopotamia when Samuel took ill. He came home for treatment, but sadly died of sickness on the 12^th March, 1918 aged 27, and is buried at Kidwelly (St. Mary) Churchyard. Many thanks to Diane Williams for the photograph of Samuels' grave.

William Henry Hughes, Private, 35648, Machine Gun Corps. William was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Gloucestershire Regiment. He later transferred into the 5th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, who were attached to the 5th Division. The Machine Gun Corps had been formed prior to the 1916 Somme Offensive which opened on the 1^st July, 1916. The 5th Division fought on the Somme at High Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy. On the 5^th October, after suffering heavy casualties, the Division moved to Festubert, where they remained until March, 1917. They next saw action at the Battle of Arras, fighting at the Battle of Vimy in April 1917, which is where William was killed in action on the 16^th April, 1917. He is buried at Bois-Carre British Cemetery, Thelus.

William James, Private, 31684, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Eldest son of Mr & Mrs James James, formerly of Upper Mill, but later of Gwendraeth Place, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 the Battle of Pilckem, which is where William was killed in action on the 31^st July, 1917. He is buried at Dragoon Camp Cemetery, Belgium.

Sidney Morris Jenkins, Corporal, 139015, Royal Engineers. Sidney was the Son of David and Jane Jenkins, of 24, Water Street, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Engineers, and served with their 180th Tunnelling Company, which was tasked with removing unexploded charges and mines from the battlefields. Sidney was wounded during the desperate days of 1918 following the German Offensive, and died of wounds on the 23^rd July, 1918 aged 24. He is buried at Montigny Communal Cemetery, Somme.

Thomas John, Company Sergeant Major, 23554, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Kidwelly. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was raised at Cardiff in November 1914 by the Lord Mayor and Corporation. In December 1914 it moved to Colwyn Bay, in 130th Brigade, 43rd Division. The Battalion had been formed at Porthcawl in November, and on the 29^th April, 1915 the formation became the 115th Brigade, 38th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance and Thomas was severely wounded, dying soon after. His grave could not be located after the war, and so Thomas is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Not on Memorial.

David Gravelle Jones, Private, 10643, South Wales Borderers. David was born at Kidwelly, and enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion were stationed in China at the outbreak of war, and captured the German Garrison there at Tientsin, before being recalled to England. Here they joined the 87^th Brigade, 29th Division, and moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on the 25^th April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on the 11^th January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15^th March. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battle of Albert. David was killed in action on the 25^th September, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. He must have been attached to another Battalion at the time of his death, as the 2^nd SWB were still on the Somme then, and he would have been on the Thiepval Memorial otherwise. Not on Memorial.

James Richard Tudor Jones, Second Lieutenant, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. James was the Son of James and Elizabeth Tyson Jones, of Hill House, Kidwelly, and was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 94^th Brigade, 31st Division, and during December 1915 they moved to Egypt, and took part in the defence of Suez Canal. In March, 1916 they moved to France and proceeded to the Western Front, where they saw their major action at the Battle of Albert in July, 1916. The Division took part in the assault on Serre, and suffered very high casualties. It was withdrawn for several months as a result. They moved back into the line in November, 1916 and took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and then wintered on the Ancre, until moving to Arras the following year. Here they fought at the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and helped in the capture of Oppy Wood. At the beginning of 1918 the Division were in the St. Quentin sector. It was here that they were among the Divisions hit by the German Spring Offensive of the 21^st March, 1918 at the Battle of St Quentin. The Division withdrew west, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume, and then at the First Battle of Arras. After suffering terrible casualties the Division were moved to Flanders to rest, but in April the Germans launched an offensive in Flanders, and the Division were caught up in the fighting there, at the Battle of Estaires, and then at the Battle of Hazebrouck where they played a part in the Defence of Nieppe Forest. In August, 1918 the war turned in favour of the Allies, and the Division took part in the Advance in Flanders, which is where James was killed in action, aged 24, on the 23^rd July, 1918. He is buried at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, France.

Mervyn Jones, Private, 24316, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Mervyn was the Son of David and M. A. Jones, of 33, Lady St., Kidwelly, and he enlisted at Llanelli into the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion formed part of the 113^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and had moved to France during December, 1915, taking up the line near Fleurbaix. They had fought at Mametz Wood during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and had moved to Ypres, fighting at The Third Battle of Ypres in 1917. The 21^st March, 1918 saw the German Spring Offensive smash through the British lines on the Somme, and many British Battalions were virtually wiped out. The 38^th Division were sent to the Somme from their positions near Armentieres to help reinforce the lines, and moved to the Somme a few days after the offensive had begun. Mervyn was killed in action here on the 22^nd April, 1918 aged 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France. His brother Oliver was killed just 6 months earlier in Palestine. (See below).

Oliver Jones, Private, 48144, Welsh Regiment. Oliver was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. David Jones, of Kidwelly, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment. He was posted to the 24th Battalion, who had just been formed from the merger of the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry Battalions who were stationed in Palestine, and who made up part of the 231^st Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division had marched into Palestine at the beginning of 1917 and had fought two pitched Battles at Gaza that year. Oliver was killed in action during the Third Battle of Gaza on the 6^th November, 1917 aged 25, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Just 6 months later his brother Mervyn was killed on the Western Front. (See above). Many thanks to Avril Marks for the photo of Oliver's grave at Beersheba, and for the photo of Mervyn, taken at Llandudno.

Samuel Jones, Lance Corporal, 14660, South Wales Borderers. Samuel was born in Kidwelly, the Son of David and Margaret Jones, later of 21, Havelock St., Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were attached to the 58^th 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. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war. The Division fought at 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 1^st 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. After suffering terribly again, they moved south to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, and fought during the Battle of the Selle, Valenciennes, the Sambre and the Passage of the Grand Honelle. Samuel was sadly taken ill, probably with influenza, at the end of the war. He died on the 2^nd December, 1918 aged 26, and is buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No. 2, France.

Charles Wyndham Lewis, Pioneer, 129892, Royal Engineers. Charles was the Son of Mr. C. R. Lewis, of 22, Lady St., Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but was later transferred to the Royal Engineers, and served with their ‘P’ Special Company. The Special Companies were the Gas Warfare, or Chemical Warfare Specialists of the British Army, and were charged with the handling and firing of Stokes Mortars. Charles was killed in action during the Third Battle of the Scarpe on the 6^th May, 1917, and is buried at Beaulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy.

John Lewis, Stoker 2nd Class, K/50891, Royal Navy. John was the Son of Thomas and Martha Lewis, of Tynewydd, Llangendeirne, Kidwelly, and served in the Royal Navy at their Shore Establishment in Plymouth, H.M.S. Vivid. John sadly died of meningitis in Plymouth on the 21^st May, 1915 aged just 21, and is buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth. Many thanks to the Cemetery Authorities for supplying the photograph below. Not on Memorial.

William Lewis, Able Seaman, J/42916, Royal Navy. William was the Son of John and Margaret Lewis, of Mynyddygarreg, and the Husband of Catherine E. Lewis, of Nantgaredig House, Four Roads, Kidwelly. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard H.M.S. Magic, which was part of the Eleventh Destroyer Flotilla. Magic had served at the Battle of Jutland on the 31^st May, 1916. William sadly lost his life when H.M.S. Magic struck a German mine and sank on the 10^th April, 1918, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

William Henry Lewis, Private, 13848, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Cardiff, and resided at Kidwelly prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 3^rd 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. William was killed in action on the 20^th April, 1916 at Loos. He is buried nearby at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Loos. Not on Memorial.

Arthur Jesse Lippiat, Private, 18718, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Arthur was the Son of Jesse and Caroline Lippiat, of 14, Watercress Rd., Mina Rd., Ashley Vale, Bristol. He resided in Kidwelly prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France during December, 1915, taking up the line near Fleurbaix. They had fought at Mametz Wood during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and had moved to Ypres, fighting at The Third Battle of Ypres in 1917. Arthur was killed in action at Ypres on the 1^st September, 1917. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Not on Memorial.

Griffith Lloyd, Private, 307171, Lancashire Fusiliers. Griffith was born in Cileen, Flint, the Son of Pryce and Ellen Lloyd. He enlisted at Kidwelly into the 2/8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, who were attached to the 197^th Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancs.) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front by 16th 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. They then moved south to the Somme, and on the 21^st March, 1918 were hit by the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of St Quentin, and moving back west fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings, which is where Griffith was wounded. He died of wounds aged 28, on the 28^th March, 1918 and is buried at Namps-Au-Val British Cemetery, France. Not on Memorial.

William John Lowe, Driver, M2/0/8835, Royal Army Service Corps. William was the Son of the late William and Sarah Lowe. Very little is known of him, except that he served with the MT Section of the Army Service Corps as a Driver, and died at home on the 31^st March, 1919 aged 32. He is buried at Kidwelly (St. Mary) Churchyard.

Theodore Edward Miles, Private, 1339, South Staffordshire Regiment. Theodore was born in Walsall. He enlisted there into the 1/5th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, which was attached to the 137^th Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division. The Division was a formation created by the establishment of the Territorial Force in 1908. It moved to France between the 23^rd to the 28th February 1915, and saw its first action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt near Loos. The Division suffered large numbers of casualties during the attack, which was its first large-scale action. On the 23rd December, 1915 the Division was ordered to proceed to Egypt, leaving the Divisional Ammunition Column (for the 55th Division), the Divisional Train (with the 56th Division) and the Mobile Veterinary Section. Most units reached Egypt via Marseilles by the 13th January, 1916. However on the 21st January, 1916 the move of the Division was countermanded and the units were returned to France, whereupon the other units rejoined. Here the Division took part in the Attack on the Gommecourt Salient, which was a diversionary attack on the 1^st July, 1916 intended to draw attention away from the main attack on the Somme, but the Division again suffered large numbers of casualties during the attack. The Division moved to Arras to rest after Gommecourt, and it was here that Theodore was killed in action on the 6^th August, 1916. He has no known grave, and so he is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.

David John Morgan, Private, 12532, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion were attached to the 40^th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On the 7th June, 1915, orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. 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 6^th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3^rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. David was wounded at Gallipoli and transferred to a Hospital Ship waiting offshore. He sadly died of wounds aboard the ship on the 30^th October, 1915 and was buried at sea. David is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Morgan Morgan, Private, 13565, Welsh Regiment. Morgan was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion were attached to the 58^th 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 11^th to the 21st July 1915, moving to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening assault at the Battle of Loos, which is where Morgan was killed in action on the 25^th September, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

William John Morgans, Private, 53503, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Pembroke Yeomanry. He later transferred into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were attached to the 114^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 William was wounded. He died of wounds on the 11^th November, 1917 and is buried at Estaires Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

John Elias Morris, Private, 80265, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of David and Mary Morris, of "Bryn Golen," Waun-y-clyn, Trimsaran. SDGW shows that he resided at Kidwelly prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 8^th 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 21^st August, with the 38^th 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, before advancing to the Selle and onto the Sambre, where John was wounded. He died of wounds on the 10^th November, 1918 aged just 19, and is buried at Caudry British Cemetery, France. Not on Memorial.

David Henry Parry, Master, Mercantile Marine. David was born at Kidwelly, and served in the Mercantile Marine as Master of the SS Jose de Larnnaga. David was killed when the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-Boat on the 28^th April, 1917. He was 50 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Not on Memorial.

Joseph Parry, Private, 15270, Welsh Regiment. Joseph was born at Bedwellty, Tredegar, and was the Husband of Margaret Parry, of 61, Priory Street, Kidwelly. He had served in the South African War, and re-enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment in 1914. Joseph served with the Depot Battalion, who was stationed in the UK. Joseph sadly died of sickness on the 22^nd September, 1918 aged 47, and is buried at Kidwelly (St. Mary) Churchyard. Many thanks to Diane Williams for the photo below.

Frank Picot, Private, 1536, Australian Infantry. Frank was the Son of the Reverend James Picot and Annie Le Brocq Picot, of King's Road, St. Peters Port, Guernsey. He had been born at Kidwelly, but had later moved to Guernsey before emigrating to Australia, where he worked as a Farmer in Queensland. Frank enlisted at Queensland on the 14^th December, 1914 and was posted to the 15th Battalion, who were attached to the 4^th Brigade, 1st ANZAC Division. Frank was sent with the 3^rd batch of reinforcements to his Battalion, who were by then in Egypt training, and he sailed with them in April 1915 for Mudros Island, from where they landed on Gallipoli. On the 29^th May Frank suffered a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was evacuated from Gallipoli and transported to the Army Hospital in Alexandria, where he died of wounds on the 8^th June, 1916 aged 21. Frank is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery, Egypt. Not on Memorial.

George Roberts, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.

William John Roberts, Private, 35126, South Wales Borderers. William was born in Pembroke, and resided at Kidwelly prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 12th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were attached to the 119^th 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 between the 1st and 9th June, 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. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40^th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. William was killed in action on the 4^th May, 1917 in the Hindenburg Line area. He is buried at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand. Not on Memorial.

Thomas Rogers, Private, 20640, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David and Hannah Rogers, of 2, Singleton Terrace, Llansaint, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 114^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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. Thomas was killed in action here on the 30^th April, 1917 aged 26. He is buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. Not on Memorial.

William Leslie Shenton, Acting Sergeant, 18731, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born in Luton, and enlisted at Kidwelly into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 Ridge, where William was killed in action on the 31^st July, 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Alfred Stephens, Private, 63510, South Wales Borderers. Very little is known of Alfred, but he was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted there into the 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were a Home Service Battalion. Alfred died at home of sickness on the 14^th October, 1918 and is buried at Kidwelly (Siloam) Welsh Baptist Chapelyard.

James Frederick Stokes, Private, 267163, Welsh Regiment. James was born in Smethwick, and resided in Kidwelly prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were Pioneers to the 1st Division. The Battalion had been in France since landing at Havre on the 29^th October, 1914. Here they had been attached to the 28^th Division, until moving to the 1^st on the 23^rd October, 1915, and took part in the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. They then moved south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. 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. James was killed in action here on the 2^nd July, 1917 and is buried at Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Archie Styles, Private, 45031, Welsh Regiment. Archie was the Son of Charles and Emily Styles, of Old Shop, Mynydd y Garreg, Kidwelly. The family later moved to Crawley Down, Sussex, and Archie enlisted at Shoreditch into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion were attached to the 114^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and had landed in France during December 1915, spending 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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, where Archie was wounded. He died of wounds on the 4^th May, 1918 aged just 21, and is buried at Harponville Communal Cemetery, France.

Stephen Sullivan, Private, 15773, Welsh Regiment. Stephen was the Son of Margaret Sullivan, of Neath. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114^th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915, spending 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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. Stephen was killed in action at Ypres on the 30^th March, 1918. He was 24 years old and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium.

John Tucker, Private, 13406, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted there into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 58^th 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 11^th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos.  The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, which is where John was killed in action on the 25^th September, 1915. He is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert.

Edwin Vaughan, Private, 33694, South Wales Borderers. Edwin was born in Kidwelly, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were attached to the 40^th 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 6^th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3^rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on the 19th December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On the 8th January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by the 31st January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On the 12th February, 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By the 27th 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. Edwin was killed in action here during the Battle of 'The Boot' at Band-i-Adhaim on the 30^th April, 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Not on Memorial.

Albert Edward Ward, Private, 235597, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born in Kidwelly, the Son of Sarah Ann Ward, of "The Cottage", Pontardulais, and the Husband of Florence Williams (formerly Ward), of 3, Upper Lime St., Gorseinon, Swansea. He enlisted at Gorseinon into the South Wales Borderers, but later transferred into the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113^th 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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 8^th 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 21^st August, with the 38^th 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, before advancing to the Selle and onto the Sambre. Albert was killed in action at the Battle of the Sambre on the 4^th November, 1918. He was 33 years old and is buried at Englefontaine British Cemetery. A touching note at the base of Albert’s gravestone reminds us of the human cost, and says ‘From his three children.’  Not on Memorial.

Ernest Wild, Private, 108756, Machine Gun Corps. Ernest was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wild, of Angel House, Kidwelly. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Monmouth Regiment, but later transferred into the 33rd Company, Machine Gun Corps, who were attached to the 11th (Northern) Division. On the 1st July, 1915 the Division sailed from Liverpool, landing at Alexandria, before moving on to Mudros, completing concentration by the 28th July, 1915. They landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on the 7th August, 1915 and remained there until the evacuation on the 21st December, 1915, when they moved to Egypt. During July 1916 the Division landed at Marseilles, and then spent remainder of the war on the Western Front, fighting at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette during the Somme Offensive, and spending the winter on the Ancre. In June, 1917 the Division took part in the Battle of Messines, and then fought at the Battle of Langemarck during the Third Battle of Ypres. At the end of September they fought at the Battle of the Polygon Wood, then at the Battle of Broodseinde and the Battle of Poelcapelle. After the Passchendaele Offensive had been closed down, the Division remained in Flanders for the coming months. On the 21^st March, 1918 the Germans attacked the British lines on the Somme, and days later switched the attack to Flanders. Ernest was killed in action in Flanders on the 13^th April, 1918. He was 22 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

Norman Hadley Williams, Private, 3211, Welsh Guards. Norman was born in Cradley, Staffordshire. He enlisted at Kidwelly into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards were raised by Royal Warrant of 26^th February 1915 and was stationed at White City. On the 28^th April, 1915 they moved to Sandown Park and on the 4^th June to Wellington Barracks. On the 18^th August, 1915 they landed at Havre, and were attached to 3rd 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 the 25^th September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and in March, 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilckem, where Norman was killed in action on the 5^th August, 1918. He is buried at Artillery Wood Cemetery, Belgium.

Kidwelly War Memorial

World War Two, 1939-1945

Reginald Arthur Anstee, D.C.M., Sergeant, 2031345, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Reginald was the Son of Arthur and Olive May Anstee, and the husband of Ethel Annie Anstee, of Hull. He served with the 7th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, who were attached to the 53^rd (Welsh) Division. The Welsh Division had landed in Normandy after the main landings, by the 28^th June, 1944. They fought their way through Normandy, and up through Northern France, through Belgium and Holland into Northern Germany over the coming months, and fought a great Battle on the Dutch/ German border, at the Reichswald Forest. Reginald was killed in action on the 28^th March, 1945 aged 29, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany. His Distinguished Conduct Medal was posthumously Gazetted on the 10^th April, 1945.