Llandebie War Memorial
The Great War 1914-1918
Albert Edward Abrahall, Private, 266028, Welsh Regiment. Albert was the Son of George and Elizabeth Abrahall, of 185, Drummond St., Hampstead Rd., London, and was born in St. Marylebone, London. Prior to the war, he resided in Llandebie, and enlisted in Swansea under the name of Albert Hayward, into the 6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion landed in France on the 29th October, 1914, and moved to Lines of Communication, and on the 5th July, 1915 became attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. They fought at the Battle of Loos with the Division, but in October that year the Division were sent to Salonika, and so the 6th Welsh transferred, firstly to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division and then becoming Pioneers to the 1st Division. The Division moved to the Somme, where they took part in most of the Battles there, from the opening Battle of Albert to the Battle of Morval, and in early 1917 they followed up the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. In the Summer of 1917 the Division moved to the Flanders Coast but were moved south again when the Battle of Third Ypres became bogged down. The Division attacked the village of Passchendaele on the 26th October, and in the build up to the Battle, Albert was Killed in Action on the 24th October, 1917 whilst the Pioneers were hard at work preparing trenches and paths for the main assault. He was 29 years old, and is buried in Essex Farm Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Alfred Beynon, Private, 44156, South Wales Borderers. Alfred was born in Ammanford, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who had been in Tientsin, China at the outbreak of war, and who had fought on Gallipoli as part of the 87th Brigade, 29th Division. It is probable that Alfred joined the Battalion in France, and fought with them at the Battle of the Somme, near Beaumont Hamel. They wintered on the Somme, in the Ancre Valley, where Alfred was Killed in Action on the 28th January 1917. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Ernest Thomas Dallen, Private, 442967, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Ernest was born on January 6th, 1893 at Gloucester, the Son of E. W. and Clara Dallen, later of 185, Monument Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham. He had emigrated to Canada prior to the war, and enlisted on the 16th May, 1915 at Vernon Camp, British Columbia, into the 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. His next of kin was Mrs. C. Dallen, of Llandebie, so the family must have moved from Gloucester to Llandebie, and then back to Edgbaston after the war. The 7th Battalion were part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division, which had been in France since February, 1915. Ernest would have arrived in France by late 1915, and would have joined the Battalion near Mount Sorrel, south of Ypres. Sadly he was Killed in Action there on the 29th May, 1916 aged 24, and is buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground.
William Dallen, Corporal, 13204, Gloucestershire Regiment. William was the brother of Ernest, and the Son of E. W. and Clara Dallen, later of 185, Monument Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham. He enlisted at Gloucester into the 10th Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment, which was part of the 1st Brigade 1st Division. The Battalion landed in France on the 8th August, 1915, and joined the Division near Loos. Here they took part in the Battle of Loos, and it was during the first assault that William was Killed in Action, on the 25th September, 1915. He is buried at St. Mary's A.D.S. Cemetery, Haisnes .
Rees Daniel, Lance Sergeant, 14149, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Rees was the Son of John Daniel of Llandebie, and the Husband of Miriam Anderson (formerly Daniel), later of Gorsfach, Hendre, Pantyffynnon. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division, and the Division moved to France in September, 1915. Their stay there was short however as they were moved to Salonika by the 5th November, 1915, where they fought throughout the campaign there. Rees was Killed in Action during the Battle of Doiran, on the 18th September, 1918 aged 31. He is remembered on the Doiran Memorial.
George Davies, Lance Corporal, 4215, Welsh Regiment. George was born in Hereford, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and George was sadly wounded soon after landing. He Died of Wounds, and was buried at Sea on the 15th August 1915, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
Ivor Davies, Private, 3783, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born in Mountain Ash, and resided in Llandebie prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and George was sadly wounded days after landing. He Died of Wounds, and was buried at Sea on the 17th August 1915, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
John Davies, Private, 19627, Royal Fusiliers. John was the Son of David and Eleanor Davies, of Llwyngarw, Llandebie. He enlisted at Swansea into the 11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of 54th Brigade, 18th Division, which landed in Boulogne on the 25th May, 1915. They fought throughout the Battles of the Somme in 1916, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. They then fought at the Battle of the Scarpe before moving to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Pilckem. John was Killed in Action a few days after the Battle on the 10th August, 1917. He was 31 years old, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
William James Davies, Lance Corporal, 48124, Kings Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of Samuel and Mary Davies, of Angel Cottage, Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the King’s Liverpool Regiment, but later transferred into first the Welsh Regiment, and then the 81st Company, Labour Corps. This was probably due to his health not being able to withstand the rigours of trench warfare. Not much is known about William’s part in the war, but he died in France on the 27th July, 1918 aged 38, and is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt.
William John Davies, Private, 20575, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Sarah Davies, of Plasnewydd, Capel Isaac, Llandilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge where William was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 6th August 1917, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
John Edmund Du Buisson, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of Arthur Edmund and Helen Letitia Du Buisson, of Swiftsden, Hurst Green, Sussex. He was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with their ‘C’ Battery, 99th Brigade, which was attached to the 22nd Division. The Division had concentrated in Salonika during December 1915, and fought the Bulgarian and Turkish Armies there for the remainder of the war. It was during the The Battle of Machukovo that John sadly died, aged only 18, on the 11th October, 1916. He is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.
John Dunn, Private, 41077 Royal Irish Fusiliers. John was born in London, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the Dragoons. He transferred into the 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, part of the 108th Brigade 36th (Ulster) Division, which moved to France during the first week of October, 1915. They concentrated around Flesselles, near Arras, where they were familiarised into trench warfare, then moved to Abbeville throughout the winter, to train. On the 7th February, 1916 the Division took over the front line on the Somme between the Ancre to the Mailly-Maillet to Serre Road. They remained here, taking part in the initial assaults of the 1st July, 1916, and were the only Division to make a successful attack, but suffered badly, and so were withdrawn on the 5th July to rebuild. In May and June 1917 they took part in the Battle of Messines, where they again made a name for themselves, capturing Wytschaete, and then fought in the Battle of Langemarck, where John was Killed in Action on the 26th October, 1917. He was 26 years old, and is buried in Neuville-Bourjonval British Cemetery.
Edgar Emlyn Evans, Guardsman, 25838, Grenadier Guards. Edgar was the Son of George and Sarah Evans, of "Gwalia," Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, which had been in France with the 3rd Division since the Battle of Mons, and had fought through the retreat to the Aisne. They had fought at First Ypres, and in August 1915 were attached to the newly formed 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers and Morval during the 1916 Somme Battles, and saw much action at Third Ypres. They fought during the Battle of Cambrai and were in the area when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the 21st March, 1918. Edgar was Killed in Action during this traumatic period, on the 4th April, 1918 aged 25, and is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux.
William Thomas Evans, Private, SE/32591, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. William was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Evans, of Hawthorn Villa, Blaina Rd., Llandebie. He had enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, but it is not known at the moment if he served overseas with them. William Died at home, aged 24, on the 2nd July, 1918 and is buried in Llandebie (St. Tybie) Churchyard.
Ebenezer Francis, Private, 54117, Welsh Regiment. Ebenezer was born in Llandebie, and enlisted in Swansea into the 9th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was part of the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and crossed to France during July, 1915 seeing its first action during the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of 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 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, and at Kemmel where Ebenezer was Killed in Action on the 24th March, 1918. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial. Not on Memorial.
William George, Private, 12110, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Leominster, but resoded in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment which were part of the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division came into existence of Army Order No. 324, issued on 21st August 1914, authorising the formation of the six new Divisions of K1. It was formed of volunteers, under the care of the War Office. The infantry brigades began to assemble on Salisbury Plain. 40th Brigade moved to Chiseldon and Cirencester in September 1914; 39th went to Basingstoke in January 1915. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. Sadly William died in Hampshire on the 6th March 1915, and is buried in Tidworth Military Cemetery.
David John Griffiths, Private, 937, Welsh Guards. David was born at Tynycoed Cottage, Pontamman, Bettws in the Autumn of 1887, the son of John Henry Griffiths and Hannah Richards. He was the eldest of eleven children, and a first cousin of Jim Griffiths MP. David enlisted at Swansea into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. On the 18th August 1915 the Battalion joined the 3rd Brigade, Guards Division in France, and the Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers and Morval during the 1916 Somme Battles, and saw out the winter of 1916/17 on the Somme. David was Killed in Action on the Somme on the 8th March 1917 and is buried in Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery. Both David's brother Rees William Griffiths and his cousin John Henry Griffiths (Shoni) came back from the War with severe injuries that later caused their early deaths.
Frederick Hanson, Gunner, 2807, Royal Field Artillery. Frederick was born in Shrewsbury, and had moved to Llandebie sometime after enlisting at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery. He served as a Gunner in ‘D’ Battery, 62nd Brigade, which were attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division, which had moved to France at the end of May, 1915. They moved to the Steenwerck area to familiarise into trench warfare, then took over the line at Ploegsteert. They then moved south, fighting at the Battle of Loos and fought in the action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and moved out of the area on the 26th April, 1916. They then took part in the opening of the Somme Offensive, at the Battle of Albert, where Frederick was Killed in Action aged 29 on the 4th July, 1916. He is buried at Bapaume Post Military Cemetery, Albert.
David Harries, Private, 11822, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war and enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion the Welsh Regiment. Initially part of the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, the Battalion became the Divisional Pioneers, which landed at Cape Helles at the beginning of July 1915. They then moved to ANZAC Cove, where they took part in the Battle of Sari Bair, where David was Killed in Action on the 8th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
John Harries, Private, 40951, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of John and Catherine Harries, of Oaklands, Llandebie, and resided at Llandeilo into the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers part of the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, and were back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive, having escaped the carnage in Flanders. John was wounded during the German attack over the Somme battlefields, and was evacuated to a casualty clearing station, where he Died of Wounds on the 6th May, 1918 aged only 20. He is buried at Varennes Military Cemetery.
William Hewlett, Private, 7744, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Islington, London the Husband of Sarah Jane Hewlett, of 44, Pantyffynnon Rd., Pantyffynnon. He was a pre-war regular who re-enlisted at Llandebie into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was one of the first units to move to France as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. They fought at the Battle of Mons, and took part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres, where they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where William was Killed in Action on the 31st October 1914 aged 31. He is buried at Harlebeke New British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Haydn Lloyd Hughes, Private, 14180, Northamptonshire Regiment. Haydn was born in Llandebie, the Son of Thomas M. Hughes, later of Caerbrynfach, Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Tumble into the 3rd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, which was a Home Service Battalion, but he sadly died at home on the 5th October 1915 aged just 19. He is buried at Penygroes (Jerusalem) Calvinist Methodist Chapelyard. Not on Memorial.
Thomas John Hughes, Lance Corporal, 13198. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Anne Hughes, of Llwynon, Blaenau Rd., Llandebie. He is possibly one of three sons of William and Anne who were killed in the war, as two of the men below have parents of the same name, but of a different address. Thomas enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division had crossed to France during July, 1915 and saw its first action during the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle, capturing the village at heavy cost,and this is where Thomas was Killed in Action on the 3rd July, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Walter Grismond Hughes, Private, 4212, Welsh Regiment. Walter was the Son of Thomas and Anne Hughes, of Blaenau Mill, Llandebie, and the brother of William below. The brothers were probably younger brothers of Thomas above who has parents of the same name. Walter enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment in August 1914. The 1/4th was a territorial Battalion, and it formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli, and it was just two days after that Walter was Killed in Action, aged just 21, on the 11th August 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
William Hughes, Trimmer, 934705, Royal Navy. William was the Son of Thomas and Anne Hughes, of Blaenau Mill, Llandebie, and the brother of Walter above. The brothers were probably younger brothers of Thomas above who has parents of the same name. William served in the Royal Navy, as a Trimmer aboard H.M.S. Vindex, which was an early aircraft carrier, which had been converted from the SS Viking, with a flattened deck attached to the bow to allow land based aeroplanes to take off from her deck. The Vindex was based in the Mediterranean during the latter part of the war which is where William died on the 19th March, 1919. He is buried in Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Dave Hanson.
William John Hughes, Private, 26467, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of John Hughes, of Gorsfach, Gorslas, Llanelly and resided at Llandebie prior to the war. He enlisted at Porth into the 17th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, part of the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. The Division moved to France in early June, 1916, and served in the Loos area, before moving to the Somme late in 1916, where they took part in the Battle of the Ancre. They then followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and fought during the Battle of Cambrai, fighting at Bourlon Wood, where William was Killed in Action on the 24th April, 1917. He is buried at Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich. Not on Memorial.
Henry Hutchings, Driver, 98624, Royal Field Artillery. Henry was born in Brentford, but resided prior to the war in Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving as Driver with their 71st Brigade, attached to the 15th (Scottish) Division. The Division landed in France during July, 1915 and saw their first action at the Battle of Loos, where Henry was sadly Killed in Action on the 26th September 1915. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
John Hopkin James, Private, 54289, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of William and Eleanor James, of The Tregyb Arms, Ffairfach, Llandilo and the Husband of Mrs. May Morgan (formerly James), of Rose Hill, Pentregwenlais, Llandebie. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, where John was Killed in Action on the 1st August 1917. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
David Jenkins, Private, 320385, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Cardiganshire, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. The Pembroke Yeomanry had formed in Tenby for Home Defence, as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade. They arrived in Egypt in March 1916, and on the 2nd February, 1917 were disbanded, joining with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, as part of 231st Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division first saw action during the Second Battle of Gaza, then fought in the more successful Third Battle of Gaza, where David was Killed in Action on the 6th November, 1917. He is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Frederick Stansfield Johnson, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. Frederick was the Husband of Marion Roberts (Formerly Johnson) of 16, Templesheen Parade, East Sheen, Mortlake, London. His links to Llandebie are unknown as yet, but he is listed on the 1922 Carmarthen County War Memorial as being from Llandebie. Frederick served with ‘C’ Battery 92nd Brigade, and was Killed in Action during the Battle of the Sambre on the 4th November 1918 aged 26. He is buried at Cross Roads Cemetery, Fontaine-Au-Bois. Not on Memorial.
Samuel John Johnson, Gunner, 3206, Royal Field Artillery. Samuel was born in Brixham, Devon, the Son of Mr. W. G. Johnson, of 4, Bay View Place, Brixham. He resided in Llandebie prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving in their ‘A’ Battery, 156th Brigade, attached to the 33rd Division. The Division moved to France in November 1915 and fought throughout the Somme Offensive of July 1916 onwards. They fought in the Battle of Arras in 1917 and at Bullecourt, before moving North to Ypres to fight at Third Ypres. It was here, during the Battle of Polygon Wood, that Samuel was Killed in Action on the 27th September, 1917, aged 27. He is buried at The Huts Cemetery, and is also remembered on the Ammanford Memorial.
D. Jones, Driver, Royal Field Artillery. Cannot presently be identified.
David Emlyn Jones, Sergeant, 28178, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Mrs. Mary Jones, of Maesteg, Glam and the Husband of Jennett Ellen Morgan (formerly Jones), of 26, Margaret Rd., Llandebie. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were stationed in India at the outbreak of war. They returned to England and were attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division and proceeded to France, where they fought at the Second Battle of Ypres. They then fought at the Battle of Loos, before moving to Salonika in November, 1915, where they fought there for the duration of the war. David was Killed in Action in Salonika aged 30 on the 2nd June, 1917, and is remembered on the Doiran Memorial. Not on Memorial.
David John Jones, Private, 6673, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. David was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Wemant House, Ammanford Rd., Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was attached to the 182nd Brigade 61st Division. The Division moved to France in May, 1916 and fought in Flanders at the disastrous attack on Fromelles. David was Killed in Action here 11 days before the attack on the 8th July, 1916. He was 25 years old and is buried in Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue. The 4th Australian Division were to attack here over open fields on the 19th July, and were decimated. Most of the remains of the men were buried in a mass grave at V.C. Corner Cemetery.
Frank Jones, Private, 61311, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frank was born in Betws, the Son of David and Elizabeth Jones, later of Goronddu, Abermule, Mont. He enlisted at Welshpool into the 15th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers part of the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, which landed at Havre during December 1915. They fought through some of the hardest and most famous battles of the Great War-at Mametz during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Pilckem Ridge during the battle of Passchendaele, where Frank was Killed in Action on the 31st July, 1917. He is buried at Artillery Wood Cemetery.
J. Jones, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.
James Arthur Jones, Captain, South Wales Borderers. James was the Son of the Rev. James Jones (late Vicar of Llandebie) and of Mrs. Jane Jones, of Hill Cottage, Heywood Lane, Tenby. He served in the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of the 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, and were back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive. After playing a leading role in pushing the Germans back in late 1918, James was Killed in Action on the 8th October 1918 during the Battle of Cambrai. He is buried in Guizancourt Farm Cemetery, Gouy.
John Jones, Sergeant, 686, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. John was born at Golden Grove on the 23rd March, 1890, the Son of Benjamin and Ann Jones, later of Llandebie. He served prior to the war in the Middlesex Regiment, but then emigrated to Canada, where he was one of the first to enlist, on the 20th August, 1914 into the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. The PPCLI sailed from Quebec on the 27th September, 1914, and after a few days in England moved to France on the 21st October. They moved to trenches near Ypres, at Dickebusch, attached to the 27th Division, and fought at St. Eloi and Second Ypres, and in December, 1915 they joined the newly formed 7th Canadian Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. They fought with the Division at Mount Sorrel in June 1916 before moving to the Somme, where they fought at Flers, Thiepval and Le Transloy, where John was wounded. He was brought back to the Base Hospital at Wimereux, where he Died of Wounds on the 13th October 1916 aged 23. He is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery.
Benjamin Alfred Lewis, Second Lieutenant, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Benjamin was the Son of John and Mary Lewis, of "Bryn-Y-Wawr," King's Rd., Llandebie. He was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which was part of the 97th Brigade, 32nd Division. The Division had fought on the Somme in 1916, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line before fighting at the Battle of Arras in Spring, 1918 when the German Offensive targeted the ancient City. They fought during the Battle of Amiens, where the Germsn’s were stopped on the 8th August, and from then on took the offensive pushing back from Albert towards Bapaume and the Hindenburg Line. After the Hindenburg Line was broken, the Division crossed the Sambre, which is where Benjamin was Killed in Action on the 8th November, 1918- just three days before the end of the war. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Avesnes-Sur-Helpe Communal Cemetery.
David William Lewis, M.M., Driver, 2827, Royal Field Artillery. David was born at Penrheol Llandebie on the 15th July, 1893, the Son of John and Jane Lewis, of Bank, Pentregwenlais, Llandebie. He was a Colliery Worker, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving in ‘D’ Battery, 64th Brigade, attached to 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division moved to France at the end of May, 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos, the Hohenzollern Redoubt and on the Somme in 1916, attacking on the 2nd July at Ovillers. They fought at Pozieres, and then moved to Arras, taking part in the Battles of the Scarpe. The Division remained at Arras throughout 1917, but David was wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele, and Died of Wounds at the 44th Casualty Clearing Station on the 28th October, 1917 aged 25. He is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery. He was the holder of the Military Medal, for gallant and distinguished service in the field.
Thomas Richard Lewis, Private, 37060, East Yorkshire Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Jonathan and Martha Lewis, of Winilan, Boncath, Pembrokeshire. No reference to his link with Llandebie can be found, but the 1922 CCWM shows him as being from Llandebie. Thomas enlisted at Llanelli into the Pembroke Yeomanry, but subsequently transferred into the 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. The Battalion had been in France since landing at St. Nazaire on the 10th September, 1914, and on the 26th November transferred into the 64th Brigade 21st Division. The Division fought at the Battle of Loos, and throughout the 1916 Somme Offensive before fighting at the Battle of Arras in 1917 and at Bullecourt and Third Ypres. They then moved to take part in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December, 1917, and were hit by the German Spring Offensive in March and April 1918 on the Somme. They helped repel the German Offensive, and by September were nearing the Hindenburg Line, where they fought in the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal. Thomas was Killed in Action here on the 27th September, 1918 aged 27, and is buried in Glageon Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.
Thomas John Morgan, Private, 20975, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David Caleb Morgan and Louisa Morgan, of Bethel, Gorsddu Rd., Penygroes, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war. He enlisted into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. Here they suffered terrible casualties, and Thomas was wounded during the latter stage of the Battle. He was brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Heilly, where he Died of Wounds on the 14th July, 1916 aged just 20. He is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe. Not on Memorial.
Arthur Morris, Private, 17520 Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Arthur was the Son of David and Ann Morris, of Llandebie, and was a miner by trade. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which landed at Zeebrugge on the 7th October, 1914 attached to the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. Antwerp had already fallen, and so the Division moved south, being the first to occupy Ypres, and entrenched east of the ancient City, where they helped stem the German Offensive here during the Battle of First Ypres. The Division fought the advancing German army to a standstill at Ypres, and all the units suffered grievous losses. It was not until the following January/February that it was once more in a complete enough condition to be considered at full fighting strength, and it was moved into the line at Neuve Chappelle, where it fought during the Battle there. They then took part in the Battles of Aubers and Festubert, and later moved to Loos, after a spell near Bethune, and they fought at the Battle of Loos. Arthur was wounded during May 1916, and was transported to Corpie in the Somme Valley, where he Died of Wounds on the 26th May, 1916 aged 28. He is buried there at La Neuville Communal Cemetery, Corbie.
Dennis O' Dwyer, Private, 9156, Irish Guards. Dennis was born in Limerick but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards. At the outbreak of war the Irish Guards were attached to the 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Division, and were among the first units in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat south towards the Marne, where the Germans were held. They helped push the Germans back north towards the Aisne, before being moved to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres. After spending the Winter of 1914/15 in Flanders, they fought at the Battle of Festubert, and moved South to Loos where they moved to the 1st Guards Brigade Guards Division on the 20th August 1915, fighting at the Battle of Loos, and at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. They moved south again, taking part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and it was here that Dennis was Killed in Action on the 17th September, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, and is also on the Ammanford War Memorial.
Edward O' Hanlon, Private, 2957, Royal Munster Fusiliers. Edward was born in Stirling, and enlisted at Falkirk into the 6th Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. His ties with Llandebie are unknown at present but he is named on the War Memorial, and on the 1922 CCWM. The 6th Munster’s formed part of the 30th Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division, and landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on the 7th August, 1915. They were withdrawn on the 29th September, and sent via Mudros to Salonika, landing there during early October, 1915. Edward was taken ill at Salonika, and died there on the 15th August, 1916. He is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.
Ivor Owen, Private, 17521, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Ivor was the Son of Herbert and Rachel Owen, of Maesycoed, Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area. Ivor was Killed in Action here on the 2nd March, 1916 aged only 21, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Walter Albert Pearman, Private, 203551, Norfolk Regiment. Walter was born in Marham, Norfolk, the Son of Robert and Sarah Pearman, of Thistle Hill, Hilgay, Downham Market, Norfolk. He resided at Ammanford prior to the war and enlisted into the 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, his home Regiment. The Battalion formed part of the 71st Brigade, 24th Division, and landed at Boulogne on the 25th May, 1915. On the 11th October the Brigade transferred to the 6th Division, and fought at the Battles of Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy during the Somme Offensive. In late April 1917 they were near Arras, taking part in the Battle of Arras, and were in the midst of the Battle of Hill 70 when Walter was Killed in Action , aged 25, on the 1st May 1917. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial, and is also on the Ammanford Memorial.
Ivor Powell, Private, 4214, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born in Llandebie and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and Ivor was Killed in Action the following day, on the 10th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
Albert Quinn, Private, 12395, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born in Bristol, but resided at Llandebie prior to the war, enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 19th Brigade. They had landed at Rouen on the 11th August, 1914 and had fought at Mons and Solesmes, before retreating through Le Cateau towards the Marne, where the Germans were held. After the Battle of the Aisne the 2nd RWF transferred to the 6th Division, and fought with them at Hooge, before moving to the 27th Division in May, 1915, fighting with them at Second Ypres. On the 19th August, 1915 they transferred to the 2nd Division, and were in the Bethune Sector over the Winter of 1915/16, holding the line through Cambrin-Cuinchy-Givenchy. Albert was Killed in Action here, on the 27th January, 1916. He is buried at Cambrin Military Cemetery.
E. J. Rees, Private, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Cannot presently be identified- is listed as Llandebie on CROH, but is Not on Memorial.
John Rees, Corporal, 11454, Grenadier Guards. John was the Son of David and Ann Rees, of Reform Cottage, Bryncrug, Towyn, Merioneth. This is the only possible man who fits the description on the CCWM, and he enlisted at Aberystwyth into the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. He was a pre-war regular, who was with the Battalion at Warley in London at the outbreak of war. In September, 1914 they transferred to the 20th Brigade, 7th Division, and landed at Zeebrugge on the 6th October to assist in the Defence of Antwerp. However, by the time they arrived, the City was falling, and so they moved to Ypres, becoming the first British troops to occupy the City. They successfully helped repel the German attacks of First Ypres, then moved south, taking part in the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, and it was here that John was Killed in Action, sometime between 10th-14th March, 1915. He was 32 years old and is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue.
John David Rees, Private, 13188, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Elizabeth Rees, later of "Caehelyg", Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area, and in October transferred to the 3rd Division with the Brigade. The Division fought during the Battle of the Somme in July, 1916, and John was Killed in Action during the Battle of Delville Wood on the 20th July, 1916 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
William Rees, Private, 1948, Welsh Guards. William was the Son of Charles Rees, of 24, Exchange Rd., Neath, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. On the 18th August 1915 the Battalion joined the 3rd Brigade, Guards Division in France, and the Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers-Courcelette during the 1916 Somme Battles, and this is when William was Killed in Action on the 16th September, 1916 aged 33. He is buried in Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, which is the biggest on the Somme.
David Curtis Richards (served as David Curtis), Private, 17511, Royal Berkshire Regiment. David was born in Llandebie, the Son of Mr D.J. and Mrs M.A. Richards, later of Barley Mow Hotel, Market St., Llanelly. He enlisted at Lewes in Sussex into the 6th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who were attached to the 53rd Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 25th May 1915 and moved to the Somme area, where David was Killed in Action aged 25 on the 20th October, 1915. He is buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt. Not on Memorial.
Emrys Roberts, Sergeant, 14342, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Emrys was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Catherine Roberts, of Tyuchaf, Penygroes, Llanelli. He enlisted at Tumble into the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division moved to France in September, 1915, but their stay there was short however as they were moved to Salonika by the 5th November, 1915, where they fought throughout the campaign there. Emrys was Killed in Action at the 1918 Battle of Doiran aged 25, and is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery. His Brother Evan (see below) was also Killed. Not on Memorial.
Evan John Roberts, Private, 688, Welsh Guards. Evan was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Catherine Roberts, of "Tyuchaf", Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which on the 18th August 1915 the Battalion joined the 3rd Brigade, Guards Division in France. The Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers-Courcelette and Morval during the 1916 Somme Battles, and saw out the winter of 1916/17 on the Somme, before fighting at Third Ypres and Cambrai, before meeting the German Spring Offensive of March, 1918 in the St. Quentin area. The Division fought a rearguard action back over the old Somme Battlefields, before the tide was turned in the Allies favour, after the Australian victory at Villers-Brettoneux on the 8th August, and from then on pushed the Germans back toward the Hindenburg Line and on to victory. Evan was Killed in Action at the beginning of the offensive, during the 1918 Battle of Bapaume on the 24th August, 1918. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory. His brother Emrys was also killed (See above). Not on Memorial.
John Roberts, Private, 14986, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of David and Ann Roberts, of Penygroes, Llandebie and the Husband of Lettice Roberts, of 2, Caerbyn Terrace, Llandebie. He worked as a Collier at Caerbryn Colliery prior to enlisting at Ammanford into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area, and in October transferred to the 3rd Division with the Brigade. The Division were in the Ypres area in December, 1915 when John was Killed in Action, aged 35, on the 17th December, 1915. He is buried in Hedge Row Trench Cemetery.
Morley Roberts, Private, 290449, Pembroke Yeomanry. Morley was born in Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. He died at home on the 25th July 1917, but the whereabouts of his grave is as yet unknown, as he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Not on Memorial.
Walter Rochford, Driver, 3585, Royal Field Artillery. Walter was born in London the Son of James and Elizabeth Rochford, and the Husband of Anne Rochford (Formerly Davies), of Kenwyn Cottage, Ffairfach, Llandilo, Carmarthenshire. Walter enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and served as a Driver in their 84th Brigade, who were attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed in Boulogne on the 25th May, 1915 and fought throughout the Somme Offensive of 1916, capturing Trones Wood, the Schwaben Redoubt and Regina Trench, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, before fighting at Arras in the Battles of the Scarpe. They then moved North to Ypres, and fought at the Battles of Pilckem, Poelcappelle and Langemarck, and it was during this time that Walter was wounded and brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Dozinghem. He Died of Wounds on the 9th October, 1917 and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery. He was the Brother in law of Daniel Davies of Llandeilo who also fell.
John Scott, Sergeant, 3055, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Kingswood, Gloucester, the Son of John and Mrs. M. A. Scott, later of 37, Victoria St., Llandovery, and the Husband of Edith Scott, of 59, Gorsddu Rd., Penygroes, Llanelly. He resided in Llandebie prior to the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and John was Killed in Action just two days later, on the 11th August, 1915 aged 29. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Frederick Watcin Bernice Spary, Lance Corporal, L/15908, Middlesex Regiment. Frederick was born in Ynysybwl, the Son of Agnes M. Walton (formerly Spary), of Craigamaster, Newchurch West, Usk, Newport, Mon., and the late Egbert Arthur Spary. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, attached to 23rd Brigade, 8th Division. The Division moved to the Western front in November, 1914, and saw action during the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, and at Aubers Ridge. They took part of the Action of Bois Grenier, a diversionary attack for the Battle of Loos, before moving South to prepare for the forthcoming Somme Offensive. The Battalion were at Aveluy by the 10th May, 1916, where they carried out a raid to probe the German lines. They remained on the Somme, and took part in the latter stages of the Battle of Albert, and it was after this, probably during the Battle of Le Transloy, that Frederick was Killed in Action on the 23rd October, 1916 aged 19. He is buried at Bancourt British Cemetery.
Walter Spence, Gunner, 174233, Royal Garrison Artillery. Walter was the Son of George and Elizabeth Spence, of Enderby, Leicester, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Garrison Artillery becoming a Gunner with their 179th Siege Battery. The 179th Siege Battery embarked for the Western Front on the 8/10/1916 from Southampton to Havre. They were a 6 in Howitzer Battery, with 4 6inch BL Howitzers, and by the 20th of the month they were in position at Ypres, where they remained for several months, with all guns in action on the 22nd. Such was the severity of the action they encountered that by the end of November the Battery was down to first three, and then only two usable guns. They moved down South towards Arras, and were in that sector when it was hit by the storm of the German Spring Offensive of 21st March, 1918, and Walter was Killed in Action soon after, on the 28th March, 1918 aged 28. He is buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez.
David Thomas, Sergeant, 3807, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of William and Mary Thomas, of Pantyllyn Terrace, Llandebie, and the Husband of Annie Thomas, of 5, Dynevor Terrace, Penybank, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and David was Killed in Action the following day, on the 10th August, 1915, aged 32. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Robert Newton Thomas, Gunner, 72135, Royal Garrison Artillery. Robert was the Son of John and Ann Thomas, of Llandebie, and the Husband of Mary Annie Thomas, of 83, Marble Hall Rd., Llanelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Garrison Artillery, becoming a Gunner in their 182nd Siege Battery. Not much is known of the Battery, but Robert was Killed in Action on the 29th November, 1917 during Third Ypres, and is buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery.
Thomas Thomas, Corporal, 2818, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was the Son of David and Sarah Thomas, of Llandebie, and enlisted at Shorncliffe into the Royal Field Artillery, becoming a Gunner with their ‘D’ Battery, 63rd Brigade, attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division, which had moved to France at the end of May, 1915. They moved to the Steenwerck area to familiarise into trench warfare, then took over the line at Ploegsteert. They then moved south, fighting at the Battle of Loos and fought in the action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and moved out of the area on the 26th April, 1916. They then took part in the opening of the Somme Offensive, at the Battle of Albert. They remained on the Somme until moving to Arras on the 19th October, and held the line there until having a months rest at the end of December. They returned to the line at Arras, and took part in the Battle there, of the Scarpe and Arleux, and remained there until moving towards Cambrai, where they attacked on the 20th November as part of the main Battle. In January, 1918 they relieved the 38th (Welsh) at Fleurbaix, and when the German Offensive was launched on the Somme, where rushed South by truck to Albert, arriving on the 24th March. After suffering heavily during the German attacks that followed, the Division had a brief spell of rest at Warloy, but moved back into the line on the 2nd April. Thomas was Killed in Action here on the 14th April, 1918 aged 34, and is buried at Contay British Cemetery, Contay.
William John Thomas, Sapper, 166942, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of Thomas and Mary Thomas, of "Arwel," Penygroes, and enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Engineers, joining their 207th Field Company, attached to the 34th Division. The Division moved to France in January, 1916 and fought at the Somme in 1916, where it attacked on the first day at La Boisselle. They remained there over the Winter and moved North to Arras where they fought at the Battles of the Scarpe and at Arleux. They were hit by the German Spring Offensive, and it was during the turbulent times that followed that William was Killed in Action on the 24th July 1918, aged 28. He is buried at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, and is also on the Penygroes War Memorial.
William Watts, Private, 1051, Welsh Regiment. William resided in Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 4th Battalion the Welsh Regiment. The 1/4th Battalion had moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August, 1915 as part of the 159th Brigade 53rd (Welsh) Division, but they had a second string Battalion at home, the 2/4th, used for supplying reserves, and carrying out Garrison Duties at Pembroke Dock. William Died of Sickness on the 13th August 1915 and is buried at Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery.
David Thomas Williams, Private, 7556 Australian Imperial Force. David was born in Maesyffynon House, Llandebie, the Son of Jonah Edward Williams. He had emigrated to Australia where he worked as Head Gardener at Government House, Perth, and enlisted at Perth on the 10th June 1916 into the 51st Battalion, Australian Infantry, as part of their 25th Reinforcements, and embarked at Perth on the 29th June 1917, bound for Europe. On the 25th August, 1917 he arrived at Plymouth, and on the 27th March 1918 joined his Battalion in the field, as part of the 13th Brigade, 4th Australian Division. At this time the Australian Corps were in Flanders, and the 4th Division were rushed to the Somme to help stem the German Offensive, fighting at Hebuterne and Dernancourt. After the Offensive had stalled, a stalemate settled over the Western Front for several months. The 4th Division fought in July at the Battle of Le Hamel, and then on the 8th August, 1918 the Australians attacked at Villers Brettoneux, and began the push that would eventually win the war. David was Killed in Action on the 25th April, 1918 aged 28 during the Battle of Amiens. He is buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Brettoneaux.
Thomas Williams, Private, 4123, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Pembroke, the Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, later of Graig, Llanfynydd, Carmarthen. He resided at Llandebie prior to the War, and enlisted at nearby Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The 1/4th Battalion had moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August, 1915 as part of the 159th Brigade 53rd (Welsh) Division, and fought through terrible conditions there, but Thomas was taken ill at some stage here, and brought back to the Military Hospital at Malta, where he Died of Sickness on the 7th December 1915 aged 23. He is buried in Pieta Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Gavin Wilson, Private, 20675, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Gavin was born in Burnbank, Lancs., the Son of John Wilson, of Ayrshire and the Husband of Lucy Wilson, of 18, Grange Rd., Buxton, Derbyshire. He resided prior to the War at Llandebie, and enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the 14th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and had been initiated into trench warfare near Armentieres, and moved to the Somme in June, 1916 preparatory to attack the formidable Mametz Wood. The first attacks went in on the 7th July, but failed, and it wasn’t until the 10th that tha attack resumed on the wood. Gavin was Killed in Action that day, on the 10th July, 1916 aged 35, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Not on Memorial.
World War Two, 1939-1945
Leo Vernon Anthony, Sergeant, 1313259, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Leo was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Anthony, and the husband of Una Anthony, of Swansea, and he served in 153 Squadron, RAF. The squadron formed on the 24th October 1941 at Ballyhalbert, from 'A' Flight of No 256 Squadron, which had moved there on the 14th October from Squires Gate. It operated Defiants on night fighter duties until May 1942 but in December, a Blenheim arrived for training and in January the process of converting the squadron onto Beaufighters began in ernest. The squadron continued to provide night defence of Northern Ireland until December when it moved to North Africa, where the squadron provided night cover to Allied forces as well as providing protection to convoys from a range of advanced bases. Leo was serving at one of these advanced bases at Malta when he was killed on the 23rd June, 1943 aged 23. He is remembered on the Malta Memorial.
Francis Ashby, Sapper, 14248183, Royal Engineers. Francis was the Son of William and Margaret Ashby, and the husband of Beatrice Mary Sophia Ashby, of Llandebie. He served in 857 Quarrying Company, Royal Engineers, and