Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen is located five mile east of the nearest town of Ammanford and nearly twenty miles north of Swansea, and sits just over the Carmarthenshire Border, in Glamorgan. Nearby villages include Cwmgors, Brynamman, Tai'rgwaith, Glanaman and Garnant, which are in Carmarthenshire, and there is a strong link between the men of these villages who fell during both world wars, which is why Gwaun-cae-Gurwen has been added to this site. The Memorial contains the verse; ‘O Barch ac Anrhydedd i ddynion Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen a’r ardal a roddasant eu bywyd yn aberth dros rhyddid eu gwlad yn y Rhyfel Mawr 1914 – 1918’, which translates as ‘In Respect and Honour for the men of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen and the area who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their country in the Great War’.

Gwaun-cae-Gurwen War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Frederick Collins. Cannot be positively identified.

George Cook, Private, 18320, Worcestershire Regiment. George was the Son of John and Sarah Cook, of Greenfield Cottage, Garnant, and he enlisted at Pontardawe into the 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, which was attached to 78 Brigade, 26th Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on 23 September 1915 but were soon moved again, arriving in Salonika during November that year. Here they fought in the Salonika Campaign against the combined Bulgarian and Turkish forces. George was killed in action in Salonika, during the Battle of Doiran on 25 April, 1917. He was 23 years old and is remembered on the Doiran Memorial.

David Davies, Private, 25987, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llanguicke, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the 1st Glamorgan Bantam Battalion, made up of below height soldiers, and attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. The Division moved to France between 1 and 9 June 1916, and moved to the front near Loos. David had only been in France two weeks when he was killed at Loos on 19 June 1916. He is buried at Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, France.

George Henry Davies, Private, 60713, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Mrs. J. Davies, of 27, Ebenezer Street, Swansea. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the 1st Glamorgan Bantam battalion, attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Brigade. The Division moved to France in June 1916, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th 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 21 March 1918, and fought there at the Battle of St Quentin and retreating back westwards fought at the First Battle of Bapaume. George was killed in action during the desperate withdrawal on 6 April 1918. He was 20 years old, and is buried at St. Leger British Cemetery, France.

 

Llewellyn Davies, Private, 12225, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Llewellyn was born at Llanegwad, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and landed on Cape Helles in July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They fought here until being evacuated on 8 January 1916, 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, 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. Llewellyn was taken ill during the expedition into Iraq, and died there on 19 May,1916. He is buried at the now devastated Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Llewellyn is not commemorated on the GCG War Memorial, but his brother Richard is.

Richard Davies, Gunner, 77856, Royal Garrison Artillery. Richard was born in Llanegwad, the Son of Henry and Anne Davies, later of Glynaber, Twyn, Garnant. He served with the 76th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery on the Western Front. Richard was killed in action on the third day of the German Spring Offensive, at the Battle of St. Quentin, on 23 March 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Villers Brettonneux Military Cemetery, Fouilloy. His brother Llewellyn also fell, but is not named on the GCG War Memorial.

 

William James Davies, Sergeant, 52767, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Mountain Ash, and resided at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen prior to the war. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division landed on Cape Helles in July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They fought here until being evacuated on 8 January 1916, 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, 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 took part in several operations to push the Turks from Persia, under very trying conditions, of unbearable heat, William took ill and was hospitalised in India, where he died on 31 October 1918. He is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India. William is not commemorated on the GCG Memorial.

Thomas Evans. Cannot be positively identified.

Thomas Hawk, Private, 6749, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of William Hawk, of 5, St. David's Street, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, and the husband of Caroline Rees (formerly Hawk), of 22, Brook Terrace, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He was a pre-war regular, who served with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. At the outbreak of war, the 2nd Welsh rushed to France attached to 3 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 Ridge, where the 2nd Welsh withstood a desperate German attack on 26 September 1914. Thomas was killed in action that day, near Vendresse. He was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial, France.

 

David Howells, Private, 20188, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llangyfelach, and had resided at Tumble and Gwaun-cae-Gurwen prior to the war. He served as one of the original members of the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the Carmarthen Pals, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France in December 1915, and took up positions in the line near Fleurbaix, where it was initiated into trench warfare. On 9 March 1916 the Battalion was in the line at Gorre when the Germans exploded a mine under their forward positions, killing seven men, including David. David is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France. 

Tom Howells. Cannot be positively identified.

Evan James, MM, Able Seaman, Z/571, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Evan was born on 23 September 1893, and lived with his father at 71, Star Terrace, Cwmgors. He was a Collier prior to the war, and enlisted on 9 January 1915 into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, being posted to 'D' Company, Hood Battalion. The Battalion was attached to 189 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Division was then sent to Gallipoli, landing on 25 April 1915. After evacuation from Gallipoli in January 1916, the Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles in May 1916 and moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and the resulting Operations on the Ancre. Evan won the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field on 13 November 1916, but was wounded that same day, suffering a gunshot wound to his left leg. Evan died of wounds in the 13th General Hospital at Boulogne on 22 November 1916, after having his left leg amputated. He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.

 

Morgan P. James. Cannot be positively identified, although he was from Cilrhedyn, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. Some poetry was published in his honour in the 'Amman Valley Chronicle' of 24 August 1916, entitled 'Deigryn Hiraeth', which translates as 'A tear in grief'. Morgan reportedly died on 30 June 1916, but no-one of that name is recorded with the CWGC.

Tom Michael James, Private, 201101, South Wales Borderers. Tom was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Llewelyn James, and the husband of Catherine Mary James, of Star Cottage, Gough Buildings, Ystradgynlais, Powys. He served with the Brecknock Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was a Garrison battalion in India. Tom died in India on 17 October 1918, aged 34, and is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India.

David Jones. Cannot be positively identified.

Evan Jones, MM, Private, 28047, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of Mr and Mrs Evan ones of Star Villa, Rhydyfro. He served with the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the 2nd Gwent Bantam Battalion, attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late Spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France 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 40th 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. Evan was killed at Cambrai on 27 November 1917. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, France. Evan was the recipient of the Military Medal, which was noted in the Amman Valley Chronicle of 28 December 1916 as being for 'conspicuous bravery against great odds'.

 

John Parry Jones, Private, 64502, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Groes, Denbighshire, the Son of Mrs. Mary Thomas, later of the Star Inn, Cwmgorse, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He worked as a Collier at Cwmgors prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea in February 1916 into the 4th Welsh. John didn't get posted to France until 30 March 1918, and was posted to the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. On 4 October 1918 the 14th Welsh moved into the old German trenches in the Hindenburg Line. On 8 October they attacked Malincourt, which was a strongly defended German position in the Hindenburg Support line. John was shot during the attack, and brought to the 131st Field Ambulance for treatment, dying the same day. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Marcoing British Cemetery, France.

 

Rees Jones, Private, 203373, Welsh Regiment. Rees was born in Llanybydder. He enlisted at Gwaen-Cae-Gurwen into the 11th Welsh, and went with the Battalion to Salonika after several months in France. A trained machine-gunner, Rees was transferred into the 67th Battalion Machine Gun Corps. He was killed in action during the Battle of Doiran on 6 October 1918, and is buried in Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria.

 

William Jones, Gunner, W/1938, Royal Field Artillery. William was the Son of the late Evan and Ann Jones, of Morriston, and the Brother of John Jones, of 10, Aran Street, Pentremalwed, Morriston. He resided at Cwmgorse prior to the war, and enlisted at Morriston into the Royal Field Artillery, being posted to 'A' Battery, 119th Brigade, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France in December 1915, and took the line near Fleurbaix, where it trained for several months, before moving to the Somme, where it fought at Mametz Wood. The Division then fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in 1917, before moving back to Fleurbaix, and it was back there that William became ill. He died in Hospital at Wimereux on 1 October 1917, and is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Thomas Kinsey, Private, 2920, Army Cyclist Corps. Thomas was born at Herbrandston, Pembrokeshire, and resided at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but was later posted to the XVII Corps Cyclist Battalion. Thomas was killed in action during the Second Battle of Bapaume on 4 September 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

 

William Maidment, Private, 15173, South Wales Borderers. William was born in Bassaleg, near Newport. He must have resided at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen prior to the war, and enlisted at Neath into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The 1st SWB was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and William landed with them in France on 10 August 1914. 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. William was killed in action during the build up to the battle, on 17 September 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

 

Bertie Albert Charles Milham, Rifleman, S/6526, Rifle Brigade. Bertie was the Son of Sarah Milham, of 32, Barrett Road, Norbiton, Kingston, Surrey, and the Husband of Mary Ann Milham, of 22, Tonyrefel, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. He enlisted at Pontardawe into the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, which was attached to 25 Brigade, 8th Division. The 8th Division was formed during October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. The Division moved to the Western Front in November 1914, a badly-needed reinforcement to the BEF which had been all but wiped out at Ypres. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They then saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier, before moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the Battle of Albert. Bertie was killed later on, during the Battle of the Ancre on 23 October 1916. He was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.


Fred Mitchell, Private, 14355, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Fred was the Son of David and Hannah Mitchell, of Council Houses, Abernant Road, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. He enlisted at Tumble into the army, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was in France attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France in July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division 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, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines. Fred was killed here on 18 April 1918. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

Morgan Morris, Private, 1504, Australian Infantry. Morgan was born at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, the Son of Mrs Mary Smith (remarried), of Yuma Road, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. He was a coal miner prior to the war, and emigrated to Australia at the age of 20, along with his brother David, where he studied as a Mining Engineer. He resided at Raymond Street, Collie, Western Australia prior to the war, and at the outbreak of hostilities enlisted at Blackboy Hill into the 16th Battalion, Australian Infantry. The battalion moved to Egypt at the end of 1914, where it trained in preparation for a move to France. Morgan was attached to the 2nd reinforcement draft to the battalion, and embarked at Fremantle on 22 February 1915. The Australians move to France was however cancelled, and instead, the Australians were used during the landings on Gallipoli. Morgan landed with his battalion at ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He took part in some heavy fighting during his short time at war, and was killed in action on 9 May 1915. Morgan was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli.

Edward Herbert Owen, Private, 24411, Welsh Regiment. Edward was the Son of Moses and Mary Ann Owen, of 40, Wyeview Terrace, Builth Road, Breconshire. He enlisted at Cwmgorse into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Cardiff City battalion, attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France in December 1915, and was initiated into trench warfare at Fleurbaix for several months, before moving to the Somme in June 1916, and fighting at Mametz Wood. The Division then moved to Ypres, and held the line at Boesinghe for the next twelve months. Edward was killed while the 16th Welsh were working on the Canal Bank at Boesinghe on 19 June 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

Albert William Teague, Gunner, 71809, Royal Garrison Artillery. Albert was born at Ludlow, the son of William Teague, later of 4, Coelbren Road, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He enlisted at Brynamman into the Royal Garrison Artillery on 10 December 1915, and was posted to the 233rd Siege Battery, landing in France on 13 August 1916. Albert was wounded at Arras on 20 April 1917. After recovering, he rejoined his Battery, but was killed during the lead up to the Passchendaele Offensive on 21 July 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

David Thomas, Private, 129351, Canadian Infantry. David was the Son of David and Elizabeth Thomas, of "Areulfa," Garnant. He had studied for his B.A. at Cardiff University, before emigrating to Canada, where he took up a post as Teacher at Lord Nelson's School, Vancouver. David enlisted at Vancouver on 14 September 1915, and was posted to the 16th Battalion (Manitoba), Canadian Infantry, which were attached to 3 (Canadian) Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. The Division had been in France since February 1915 and had seen action at Ypres, at the Battles of Gravenstafel, and at St. Julien, where they plugged the gap left in the line left by the French Colonial Division who had been subjected to the first Gas Attack of the war. They then saw action at the Battle of Festubert, and at Givenchy before moving back to Ypres, where they captured Mount Sorrel in June 1916. The Division then moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battles of Flers-Courcelette, Thiepval and the Battle of Le Transloy, where David was killed in action on 9 October 1916 aged 26. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Vimy Memorial. His brother Michael was also killed, while serving with the Royal West Surrey Regiment.

David Samuel Thomas, Gunner, W/4393, Royal Field Artillery. David was born at Ammanford. He resided at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Welsh Divisional Royal Field Artillery. David served with 'C' Battery, 121st Brigade, RFA, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. He was wounded during the final days of the war, while the Division was fighting around the Forest of Mormal, and died of his wounds in Hospital at Rouen on 13 November 1918. David is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

 

Ernest James Thomas, Private, 7286, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was born at Swansea. He resided at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen prior to the war, before enlisting into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. At the outbreak of war the 2nd Welsh was rushed to France to join 3 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 Ridge, which is where Ernest was wounded. He died of his wounds on 16 September 1914, and is buried at Vendresse British Cemetery, France.

 

John Thomas, Private, 58427, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had been in France since December 1915, and had fought at Mametz Wood in 1916, then at Ypres in 1917. On 22 August 1918 onwards, the Division took part in the great offensive which won the war, and swept the Germans back across the old Somme battlefields to the Hindenburg Line and beyond. John was killed during the Battle of the Selle on 17 October 1918, and is buried at Cross Roads Cemetery, Fontaine-Au-Bois, France.

 

Martin Thomas, Sapper, 104510, Royal Engineers. Martin was the Son of Jesse and Mary Thomas, of Barnsley, and the husband of Margaret E. Thomas, of 1, Ebor St. Chilton Street, Cemetery Road, Barnsley. Although his connection to Pontardulais cannot be traced, he is the only Martin Thomas to have been killed during the Great War. Martin served with the 228th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 41st Division. The Division and moved to France in May 1916, concentrating near Steenwerck, where they began familiarisation with trench warfare in the areas of Ploegsteert and the Douve valley, south of Ypres. They remained here until August 1916, when they moved to the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The Division remained in the line, pushing on to Courcelette over the next few days before coming out for a rest and re-fit. They then fought at the Battle of Le Transloy, before moving to positions south of Ypres in 1917. Here they took part in the Battle of Messines. Martin was killed at Messines on 24 June 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium.

Morgan Walters, Flight Sergeant, 2478, Royal Air Force. Morgan was the Son of Thomas and Mary Anne Walters, of 6, Twynyrefail Place, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He possibly served with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, before being deemed unfit for service, and was struck off their strength in 1915. Morgan then enlisted into the Royal Air Force, and joined 'E' Reserve. He died on 30 December 1920 aged 27, and is buried at Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (Carmel) Burial Ground, Wales.

David William Watkins, Private, 37701, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the Son of John and Margaret Watkins, of Trenton, Cwmgorse. He enlisted on 10 December 1915 at Swansea into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and moved to France on 25 June 1916, being posted to the 1st Battalion, RWF. The battalion was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division, and was on the Somme by the time that David reached them. David was killed at High Wood soon after joining the 1st RWF, on 14 July 1916. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Bert Williams. Cannot be positively identified.

Evan James Williams, Guardsman, 901, Welsh Guards. Evan was the Son of John and Mary Williams, of Frondolau, Aberarth, Cardiganshire. He resided at Cwmgorse prior to the war, and enlisted at Neath into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards were formed in February 1915, and moved to France in August to join 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and moved to positions at Loos. Evan fought at Loos that year, and in 1916 fought on the Somme. In 1917 the Guards Division moved to Ypres, taking up the northernmost part of the line near Boesinghe. Evan was wounded during the build up to the Battle of Pilckem. He died of his wounds on 28 July 1917 aged 22, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

Ivor M. Williams, Private, 15428, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Ivor was the Son of Mrs. Rachel Rees, of Water Street, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He served with the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had been in France since December 1915, and had fought at Mametz Wood the following year. In 1917 it took part in the successful capture of the Pilckem Ridge, and after a winter near Armentieres was moved to positions near Albert on the Somme in March 1918. The Division remained here until 22 August 1918 when it began its epic attack across the Ancre, driving the Germans back beyond the Hindenburg Line within weeks. During the last few days of the war, the Division was involved in desperate fighting around the Forest of Mormal, and this is where Ivor was wounded. He was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Rouen for treatment, but died of his wounds there on 15 November 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

John Williams, Lance Corporal, 13194, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Aberaman. He enlisted at Ammanford at the outbreak of war, and joined the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division moved to France in July 1915, and took up positions north of Loos. Here they took part in the opening assault of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, and suffered terrible casualties. John was one of the men killed that day, and he is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert, France.

Percy Williams, Lance Corporal, 11274, Welsh Regiment. Percy was born at Cardiff on 3 June 1896, the Son of Thomas and Alice Williams, later of 59, Collren Road, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He was educated at Swansea, and drove an electrical engine at the Gwaun-cae-Gurwen Collieries prior to the war. Percy enlisted at Swansea into the Welsh Regiment on 14 August 1914, and was posted to France in February 1915 to join the 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 3 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. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert. They then fought at the Battle of Pozieres, and it was during this fighting that Percy was killed on 26 July 1916. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

 

Peter Williams, Private, 201130, Welsh Regiment. Peter was from Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was the Carmarthenshire Territorial battalion, attached to 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean in July 1915 arriving at Mudros by 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on 9 August. Here the Division was immediately thrown into action, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where it took part in the First Battle of Gaza. Peter was killed here on 26 March 1917, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

 

William Williams, Private, 13175, Hampshire Regiment. William was born at Llangattock, and resided at Cwmgorse prior to the war. He enlisted at Pontardawe into the army, and was posted to the 12th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, which was attached to 79 Brigade, 26th Division. Embarkation for France began in September 1915, and the concentration of units was completed before the end of the month. However in November 1915 the Division moved to Salonika, where it then remained. On 26 December 1915 units began to move from Lembet to Happy Valley Camp, and all units were in place there by 8 February. The Division then took part in the Battle of Horseshoe Hill, between 10-18 August 1916. On 25 April 1917 the Battle of Doiran commenced, and William was killed on the first days fighting. He is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece.

 

George Wilson, Private, 11371, Welsh Regiment. George was born at Islington, the Son of David and Jeannie Wilson. He resided at Pontardawe prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, Welsh regiment, which was the Pioneer battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire, and on 13 June 1915 the Division sailed to Alexandria. By 4 July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between 6 and 16 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 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair. George was killed here on 8 August 1915. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Frederick Worby, Private, 17985, Suffolk Regiment. Frederick was the Son of Mrs. Worby of Little Livermere, Suffolk, and the husband of Mrs. Worby, of Curatage Cottage, Caston, Attleborough, Norfolk. He lived at Cwmgorse prior to the war, and served with the 11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, which was attached to 101 Brigade, 34th Division. The Division moved to France in January 1916, and saw its first major action on the Somme, during the Battle of Albert, where it suffered very severe casualties during its part in the attack on La Boisselle. It then took part in the Battle of Bazentin, Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The following year saw them fighting at Arras, during the First & Second Battles of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. The Division then moved to Yres, and Frederick became wounded there, dying of his wounds on 15 October 1917. He was 40 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

World War Two, 1939-1945

Daniel Winston Davies, Fireman, Auxiliary Fire Service. Daniel was the Husband of Gwyneth Davies, of Glan-y-Gorse, Cwmgorse, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. Daniel served with the Auxiliary Fire Service, and died while fighting a fire at Welcome Lane, which was caused by a German Air Raid on 21 February 1941. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Old Carmel Cemetery, Gwaun Cae Gurwen.

David Gordon Davies, Sergeant, 1313560, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of David James Davies and Sarah Davies, of Gwaun-cae-Gurwen,and served with 204 Squadron, RAF. At the outbreak of war 204 squadron began patrols over the English Channel and the Western Approaches, and was equipped with a variety of amphibious aircraft. After the invasion of Norway in April 1940, the squadron moved to Shetland to patrol the North Sea. In April 1941 it moved to Iceland, and in July 1941 was sent to Gibraltar, before heading to Gambia in West Africa, where it was utilised in anti-submarine duties. David died when his aircraft was lost at sea on 29 November 1942. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Glyn Davies. Cannot be positively identified.

Kenneth Davies. Cannot be positively identified.

David Morgan Ellis, Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 1031023, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David served with 101 Squadron, RAF, which was equipped with Blenheim IVs and was involved in attacks against enemy barge concentrations in the Channel Ports. In mid-1941, 101 Squadron became part of Bomber Command's medium-bomber force with Wellingtons and flew many night sorties against Germany and Italy. These aircraft were replaced barely 18 months later by the Lancaster and became specialised in airborne radar jamming to disrupt German night-fighters interceptions. David was one of the crew members of Lancaster ED328, radio call-sign SR-S (S-Sugar) of 101 Squadron. In the photograph below, having just returned from an operational sortie over Germany, from left is 1451351 Sgt John Henry Phillips, RAF (Mid-Upper Gunner); 415104 Flight Sergeant Douglas John Tresidder, RAAF; 416601 F/Sgt Robert Clarence Naffin, RAAF (Pilot); and 1031023 Sgt David Morgan Ellis. On the night of 23/24 August 1943, Lancaster ED328 failed to return from an operational sortie over Berlin. It was later determined that ED328 had been shot down over Lanke, 20 miles north-east of Berlin, killing all seven members of the crew. All of the men are buried at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. (Photograph courtesy of the Australian War Memorial).

 

John Vernon Evans, Flight Lieutenant (Navigator), 124672, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the Son of David John and Hannah Jane Evans, of Gwaun Cae Gurwen. He had gained his B.A. at Lampeter prior to the war, and served with 109 Squadron, RAF. John served as a Navigator with the Squadron, in a De Havilland Mosquito, piloted by Alfred Payne. They took off from their base at Little Staughton on 4 March 1945, and after a successful mission crashed while landing at Brussels on the morning of 5 March 1945. John was 26 years old, and is buried next to Alfred at Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium.          

William Rufus Griffiths, Private, 3967410, Welch Regiment. William was the Son of John Sidney and Elizabeth Ann Griffiths, of Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, and served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment. The battalion was in Palestine at the outbreak of war, before taking part in the fighting in North Africa. On 16 February 1941 the 1st Welch moved to bolster the garrison on Crete, and were almost wiped out during the German Airborne invasion of the Island over the coming weeks. William was probably taken POW at Crete, and died in Greece on 30 May 1941 aged 21. He is buried at Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece.

Edgar Hopkin, Leading Aircraftman, 1381675, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Edgar was the Son of William and Rachel Hopkin, of Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, and served with the Royal Air Force. Edgar was sent to America to take part in the Commonwealth Air Training Scheme, but died in a training accident there on 20 January 1942. He was 19 years old, and is buried at New Castle (Castle View) Burial Park, Pennsylvania, USA.

Benjamin Cynddlan Jones, Flying Officer, 142452, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Benjamin was the Son of David John and Sarah Ann Jones, of Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, and served with 166 Squadron, RAF. The Squadronw as formed at at Kirmington, equipped with Wellingtons, and joined the night bombing offensive, re-equipping with Lancasters in September 1943. On 24 March 1945, 173 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitos of Nos 1, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the Harpenerweg plant at Dortmund and the Mathias Stinnes plant at Bottrop. Three Lancasters were lost on the Dortmund raid, one of whose was Benjamin's. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

David John Jones, Sergeant (Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner), 1316138, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of Charles and Blodwen Jones, and the husband of Nellie Jones, of Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. He served with 103 Squadron, RAF, which was a heavy bomber squadron, equipped with the Avro Lancaster. John was killed when his Lancaster was shot down over Germany on 25 May 1944, during a night when over a thousand bombers hit the country. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

Herbert Lewis, Fireman, Auxiliary Fire Service. Herbert was the Son of David and Margaret Lewis, of 57 Neuadd Road, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, and the husband of Annie L. Lewis, of 19 Amman Road, Brynamman. He died while fighting a fire at Castle Lane, after a German Air Raid on 21 February 1941. He was 37 years old, and is buried at Swansea.

Arthur David Michael Merretti, Leading Aircraftman (Pilot), 1107250, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Arthur was the Son of David Morgan Davies Merretti and Alice Margaret Merretti, of Cwmgorse, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. He served as a Pilot in the Royal Air Force, and was killed whilst flying Hurricane I, L1832 of No 9 SFTS, which crashed on the approach to Castle Combe on 8 July 1941. Arthur was 20 years old, and is buried at Chippenham (London Road) Cemetery, England. 

David John Atherley Watcyn Price, Flight Sergeant (Pilot), 1322377, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of David and Anne Price, of Cwmgorse, and served as a Pilot with 197 Squadron, RAF, euipped with the Hawker Typhoon IB, based at Ste Croix-sur-Mer, France. David was killed when his Typhoon was shot down on 17 August 1944, in support of the Normandy invasion. He was 23 years old, and is buried at St. Desir War Cemetery, France.

Ceirionedd Rhys, Private, 7374784, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ceirionedd was the Son of David and Ann Rhys, of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, and served with the 6th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ceirionedd served in the Far East, and died in India on 2 June 1943. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Delhi War Cemetery, India.

Howell John Rees, Private, 6026955, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Howell was the Son of Edward and Elizabeth Rees, of Cwmgorse, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment, which served in the Far East. Howell died in Burma on 15 September 1945, aged 30, and is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.

 

 

Post WW2

William Gethin Jones, Able Seaman, D097619N, Royal Navy. William was born at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen on 15 June 1949. He served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Warspite. HMS Warspite was the third of Britain's nuclear-powered submarines, and was launched on 25 September 1965 by Mary Wilson, the wife of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and entered service 18 April 1967. William was just 24 years old when he died on active service on 17 March 1974.