Dafen is a Village to the East of the larger Town of Llanelli. The War Memorials for Dafen are located either side of the Lytch Gate of St Michael And All Angels Church, Bryngwyn Road, Dafen. This page serves to remember the men who gave their lives during both World Wars. I do not have a photograph of the memorial at present, so one would be most welcome.

Dafen War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

D Davies Cannot presently be identified.

Joseph Evans, Private, L/15904, Middlesex Regiment. Joseph resided at Penygaer, Dafen, and enlisted there into the Royal Hussars. He later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which had landed at Havre as L. Of C. Troops on 11 August, 1914. On 22 August, 1914 they were attached to 19 Brigade, forming at Valenciennes, and on 12 October moved with 19 Brigade, to the 6th Division. On 31 May, 1915 they again moved, to the 27th Division, and by 19 August were with the 2nd Division at Loos. Here they took part in the opening assault near Cambrin on 25 September 1915. Joseph was killed in action this day, and is buried at Cambrin Churchyard Extension, France. Photo courtesy of Mark Collins/ Llanelly Mercury.

 

 

Joseph Harries, Private, 33742, Welsh Regiment. Joseph was the brother of Josiah below, and the Son of Josiah and Mary Harries, of St. David's Cottages, Incline, Dafen, Llanelli. He enlisted there into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July 1916, capturing the village 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, where Joseph was wounded. He died of wounds on 8 June 1917, aged just 20, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Josiah Harries, Private, 5728, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Josiah was the brother of Joseph above, and the Son of Mr. J. Harries, of St. Davids Cottages, Dafen, Llanelli. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment, but later transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was part of 182 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. This Second Line Territorial Division was formed in January 1915, composed of the Home Service units of the associated First Line 48th (South Midland) Division. Men of the First Line who did not undertake the Imperial Service Obligation were transferred to these units. Early clothing and equipment for these men was haphazard to say the least. Many had to train in civilian clothes and it was only between November 1915 and March 1916 that proper equipment was received. The battalion moved to and trained in the Chelmsford area from April 1915, moving on to Salisbury Plain in January 1916. The introduction of the Military Service Act 1916 cleared the way for the Second Line units to be sent overseas, and the Division entrained for the Western Front on the 21st May 1916, moving to positions at Fromelles. The first major action in which the Division was engaged turned out to be a disaster. An attack was made on 19 July 1916 at Fromelles, a subsidiary action to the much larger battle taking place further south on the Somme. The Division suffered very heavy casualties for no significant gain and no enemy reserves were diverted from the Somme. Josiah was killed in action here on 17 July 1916, and is buried at Laventie Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, France.

William Harries, Private, 21539, South Wales Borderers. William was born in Llanelli, and resided at Dafen when he enlisted into the 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, with 115 Brigade making a frontal attack down a steep chalk bank, and across 200 yards of open farmland up an incline towards the wood. The Brigade  met with fierce resistance, and was enfiladed by German machine-gun fire, causing heavy casualties, and the survivors were withdrawn. William was killed during the first attack on the wood, on 7 July 1916. He is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, France.

M. Hughes. Cannot presently be identified.

Frank Jenkins, MM, Lance Sergeant, 12903, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frank was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jenkins, of 4, Nevill's Terrace, Dafen, and he enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July 1916, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines. Frank was wounded here, and died on 8 May 1918. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Frank is not commemorated on the Dafem Memorial.

 

Miles Richard Jenkins, Private, 94253, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Miles was born at Llannon, and resided at Pontyberem prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Army, and joined the Monmouth Regiment, with the Regimental Number 60737. Miles later transferred into the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they had captured Mametz Wood in July 1916. 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 Ridge, and the Battle of Langemarck. They then moved to Armentieres, where they remained until April 1918 when they were moved to the Somme, following the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, which had caused havoc among the British, driving them back to the old positions of 1916. The 38th Division took up positions North of Albert, where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until launching their offensive across the River Ancre on 21 August 1918, where they began to drive the Germans back across the old battlefields. The Division advanced towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and took part in 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. Miles was killed in action at the Battle of the Sambre on 4 November 1918. He is buried at Englefontaine British Cemetery, France.

Frederick John, Private, 43608, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was born in Llanelli, the Son of William and Adalide John, later of Sarnau, 3, Whitley Road, Loughor. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they had famously captured Mametz 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, which is where Frederick was killed on 27 August 1917. He was 24 years old, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. He is also remembered on the headstone of his parents grave at Box Cemetery, Llanelli.

David John Morgan, Gunner, 2187, Royal Field Artillery. David was the Son of Thomas and Hannah Morgan, of Gwynfryn, Dafen. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their D Battery, 119th Brigade, which was attached to the 24th Division. They moved to France during August 1915 and marched to positions near Loos, where they took up reserve positions for the main Battle of Loos. The Division were sent into battle on 26 September 1915 at Loos and suffered terrible casualties due to not being properly trained for battle, and were pulled from the line until the following year. In 1916 they took part in the Battle of the Somme, and fought at Delville Wood and Guillemont, before moving north of Arras in early 1917. In April and May 1917 they fought at the Battle of Vimy, alongside the Canadian Corps, and in June they moved to positions south of Ypres, where they fought during the Battle of Messines. After the successful capture of Messines Ridge, the Division moved further north, and fought at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck during Third Ypres. The Division then moved to positions north of St. Quentin over the winter of 1917/18, and were here when the German Spring Offensive was launched on 21 March 1918, defending the Village of Le Verguier, before retreating back, fighting at the Somme Crossings, the Battle of Rosieres and the Battle of the Avre. They were moved north to Flanders to rest, but were here when the Germans launched a fresh Offensive on the Lys, taking part in the Battle of Kemmel. The Division rested for s period after this, and took part in the final offensives of the war, at the Battle of Cambrai, and the Pursuit to the Selle. David was wounded here, and died soon after on 12 September 1918. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Arneke British Cemetery, France.

 

Albert Edward Morris, Sergeant, 11661, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was the Son of William E. Morris and Honora Morris, of I, North Terrace, Dafen. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. During June 1915 the Division moved to Alexandria, before landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli during July 1915, and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915, taking part in the 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 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 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 strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March 1916, 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. Albert was killed in action here on 5 April 1916, aged 28, and is remembered on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.

William Nunian, Private, 535001, London Regiment. William was the Son of John and Margaret Nunian, of 31, Swansea Road, Llanelly, and enlisted at Hamstead into the 15th Battalion (Civil Service Rifles), London Regiment. He was later posted to the 1st/12th Battalion, London Regiment (The Rangers), attached to 168 Brigade, 56th 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. They then moved to Ypres, where they fought at Langemarck. In October they moved south, and fought at the Battle of Cambrai, which is where William was killed on 27 November 1917. He was 19 years old, and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France. He is also remembered on his parents grave at Box Cemetery, Llanelli.

Cyrus Price, Private, 31167, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Cyrus was born at Felinfoel, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Garrison Artillery. He later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who by this time were on the Somme, attached to 19 Brigade, 33rd Division. Cyrus was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme, during the Attacks on High Wood, on 20 July 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Lewis Watkins, Private, 3237, Welsh Guards. Lewis was the Son of William and Emma Watkins, of 67, Trosnant, Pontypool, Monmouth. He must have resided at Dafen prior to the war, and he enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, attached to 3 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. They remained here for the winter, and in March 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem, and then at the Battle of the Menin Road, Battle of Poelcapelle and the First Battle of Passchendaele. November saw them move south again, where they took part in the Battle of Cambrai. Lewis was killed in action here on 1 December 1917, aged 34. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

William Whitehouse, Private, 15735, Worcestershire Regiment. William was born at West Bromwich, the Son of William and Sarah Ann Whitehouse. The family later moved to Havard Road, Llanelli, and he enlisted there into the 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, which was attached to 57 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Givenchy. On 25 September 1915 the Division took part in the Battle of Loos. William sadly died here soon after, on 6 August 1915. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery, France.

Daniel George Williams, Private, 12525, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Daniel was the Son of John and Margaretta Williams of Incline Row, Dafen, and the Husband of the late Jane Williams of 2 Charles Street, Trealaw. He enlisted at Tonypandy into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. During June 1915 the Division moved to Alexandria, and from 6 July 1915 landed at cape Helles, Gallipoli, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair, which is where Daniel was killed on 11 August 1915, aged 29. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Daniel is not commemorated on the Dafen Memorial.

John Williams, Private, 38530, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Burry Port, and resided at Dafen prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 12th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, and moved to France during June 1916, taking over 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 40th Division was 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. John was killed in action here on 25 November 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

Dafen War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

J. Bevan. Cannot presently be identified.

Brynmor Evans, Guardsman, 2734644, Welsh Guards. Brynmor was the Son of Isaac Evans, and of Christina Evans of Dafen, and served with the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Guards. The battalion formed in October 1941, and moved to North Africa in February 1943. Brynmor was killed during their first major engagement, at the Fondouk Gap, on 10 April 1943. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Thomas Alfred Harries, Private, 3973583, Army Air Corps. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Florance Harries, of Llanelly, and the husband of Irene Harries, of Llanelly. He served with the Army Air Corps, which was formed in 1942 from Commando personnel. Thomas could possibly have served during the Airborne offensive at Normandy on D-Day, but no details of his service are forthcoming. He died as a result of his service on 19 July 1945, aged 22, and is buried at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Colin Hawley Harris, Corporal, 319277, Royal Armoured Corps. Colin was the Son of Albert and Gladys Harris, of Llanelly, and the husband of Matilda Harris, of Dafen. He served with the 16th/5th Lancers, which was part of the Royal Armoured Corps. The Lancers were attached to the 6th Armoured Division, and fought in North Africa. Colin was killed during the Battle of the Kasserine Pass on 20 February 1943, when the 6th Armoured Division was rushing to the assistance of the beleaguered American II Corps. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

David John Jones, Private, 3962655, Welch Regiment. David was the Son of Millie Jones, of Dafen, and served with the local Territorial unit, the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment. The battalion formed part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and spent the first five years of the war on home service, spending a lot of time training in Northern Ireland. It landed in Normandy after D-Day, then took part in the break out from the Normandy Beach-head. David was killed during Operation Bluecoat on 2 July 1944. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, France.

Raymond John Jones, Leading Aircraftman, 930786, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Raymond was the Son of William Henry and Sarah Ann Jones, of Llanelly, and served with the Royal Air Force in the Western Desert. Raymond was killed in North Africa on 27 May 1944. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Dely Ibrahim War Cemetery, Algeria.

S. Jones. Cannot presently be identified.

Maldwyn Herbert Lee, Leading Aircraftman, 1316626, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Maldwyn was the Son of David and Alice Lee, and the husband of Margaret J. Lee, of Dafen. He served with the Royal Air Force at Malta. Maldwyn died, probably in an air crash into the sea, on 19 June 1944. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta.

D. Lewis. Cannot presently be identified.

Austin Cecil Lovering, Home Guard. Austin was the Son of George and Agnes Lovering, of 1 Charles Street, Marble Hall, and the husband of Marie Lovering, of Llys Gwyn, Baynelli Villas, Dafen. He served as an F.A.P. member of the Home Guard, and was injured during an air raid on 25 September 1940, at Richard Thomas' Steel Works. He died at Llanelly Hospital on 26 September 1940, aged 35, and is buried at Llanelli Borough Cemetery.

Harold John MacLean, Telegraphist, D/JX 211871, Royal Navy. Harold was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. R. MacLean, of Dafen, and served with the Royal Navy aboard HM Yacht Rosabelle. She had been purchased into the RN in September 1939 as an armed boarding vessel, and operated in the Mediterranean. Harold died when Rosabelle was sunk by the German submarine U-374 off Gibraltar on 11 December 1941. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Harry Morgan, Able Seaman, C/JX 185145, Royal Navy. Harry was the Son of Daniel and Alice Morgan, and the husband of Phyllis Doreen Morgan, of Dafen. He served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Avenger, which was an American lend-lease aircraft carrier. She was commissioned in 2 March 1942 and served with Convoy PQ 18, before participating in Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. Harry was one of 538 men who died when Avenger was sunk by the German submarine U 155, as she was heading back from Africa to the Clyde on 15 November 1942. Harry was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Hugh Vaughan Morgan, Leading Aircraftman, 1709011, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Hugh was the Son of Thomas and Jane Morgan, of Llanelly, and served with the Royal Air Force. The squadron that he served with is not recorded, but Hugh died on 20 September 1945, and is buried at Cambrai (Route Des Solesmes) Communal Cemetery, France. He was 22 years old.


Ernest Thomas Rees, MID, Sergeant (Cadet Pilot), 524559, Royal Air Force. Ernest was the Son of Ernest Graham and Lucie Rees, and the husband of Peggy Rees, of Dafen. Ernest was training as a Pilot in Zimbabwe when he was killed in an air crash on 14 May 1943. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Harare (Pioneer) Cemetery, Zimbabwe. At some time during the war Ernest was Mentioned in Despatches.

David Stanley Richards, Flight Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.), 1314457, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of William Emrys and Annie Richards, of Llanelly, and the husband of Elma Doreen Richards, of Llanelly. He served as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner with 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was equipped with the Avro Lancaster I, based at RAF Spilsby. David died when his Lancaster was shot down over Germany during a raid on the morning of 12 September 1944. He was 21 years old, and is buried alongside his fellow crewmen at Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

Mervyn John Rees Ryan, Sergeant, 1386032, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Mervyn was the Son of David Ryan, and of Esther Mary Ryan, of Llanelly, and served with the Royal Air Force. Mervyn trained as a Pilot aboard an Airspeed Oxford, at Alberta, Canada, before returning to Britain to take up a posting. Mervyn was reported as missing on 12 July 1943. It was not until May 1944 that he was reported as being believed killed on that date. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

M. Simkin. Cannot presently be identified.

J. Thomas. Cannot be positively identified.

Ronald James Thompson, Private, 14541770, The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey). Ronald was the Son of William John and Mary Ann Thompson, of Llanelly, and the husband of Catherine Hilda Thompson, of Dafen. He served with the 2/5th Battalion, Queen's Royal Regiment. Ronald fought initially during the North African campaign. The battalion then took part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Ronald was killed in Italy on 18 January 1944. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.

Leslie Williams, Gunner, 2036598, Royal Artillery. Leslie was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Williams of Dafen, and the husband of Margaret Williams, of Freckleton, Lancashire. He served with 216 Battery, 70 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery fought in India during the war, and it was there that Leslie was killed on 17 May 1943. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Kirkee War Cemetery, India.