Llandovery College
The Great War, 1914-1918
John Richard Anthony, Captain, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of Alderman William Anthony, of The Lodge, Pwllheli, and was educated at Llandovery between 1898 and 1902. John practiced as a solicitor at Pwllheli prior to the war, and served at the outbreak of war as a Territorial in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps, and after training as a Pilot was attached to 1 Squadron. While taking part in an aerial attack against superior numbers of enemy aircraft, which it is reported that he showed supreme gallantry; it was originally reported that he had been shot down and taken prisoner. However, it was later confirmed that he had died of wounds received in this action on the 25th May, 1917. John was 33 years old, and is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Proven, Belgium.
Arthur Barker, Second Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery. Arthur was the Son of Abraham and Mary Hannah Barker, of 19, Burnett Avenue, Bradford, Yorkshire. He had been a member of staff at Llandovery College until 1917, when he joined the Royal Horse Artillery. He transferred into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to the 150th Heavy Battery. Arthur survived the war, but was sadly accidentally killed in Germany on the 20th December, 1918 whilst serving with the Army of Occupation. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany.
Herbert Clifford Bernard, Colonel, Royal Irish Rifles. Herbert was the Son of Robert Bernard, M.D., R.N., Deputy Inspector General of Hospitals and Fleets, and Sarah Augusta Clifford. He was Educated at Llandovery College and then passed through Sandhurst as Queen’s Cadet. Herbert was gazetted to the 67th (Hampshire) Regiment in 1884, and in 1885 joined the Indian Army, with whom he served in the Burmese War (1885-1891). He Commanded the 45th (Rattray's) Sikhs from 1909 to 1914, after which he retired from the Indian Army. In 1898 Herbert married Miss Ina Hogg of Melbourne, who died in 1908. At the outbreak of war, Herbert was given Command of the 10th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, 107th Brigade, 4th Division, and he was with them at the opening of the Battle of the Somme, when he was Killed in Action, aged 50, on the 1st July, 1916. He is buried at Martinsart British Cemetery. Herbert is also remembered on a Memorial in the Parish Church of St Bridget, Bridstow, Nr Ross-On-Wye, Hereford
Percy William Brace, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Percy was the Eldest son of William Brace, M.P., Under Secretary at the Home Office. He was educated at Llandovery College from 1906 to 1909, and then resided at Bryn Ivor, Abertillery prior to the war. Percy died of influenza whilst on active service at H.M.S. Pembroke, the Royal Naval Shore Establishment at Portsmouth, on the 25th October, 1918. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Newport (St. Woolos) Cemetery.
Clement Cyril Carter, Private, 23778, Worcestershire Regiment. Clement was Born at Manchester, the son of Mrs. Carter, later of Medhurst, Malvern, Worcestershire. He was educated at Llandovery College from 1899 to 1904. Clement enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion, which was attached to the 74th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division landed in France on the 26th September, 1915, and were posted to the Vimy area, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916. They then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on the 3rd July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Ploegsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June, 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and at the beginning of July 1917, Clement’s Battalion was serving 4 days in and 4 days out of the firing-line at Ypres. On 8th July, the Battalion moved to Lille Gate, at Ypres, and on the 9th July, were digging trenches at Hooge, astride the Menin Road. It was here that they came under heavy enemy shell- fire and Clement was killed. He was 29 years of age. Clement Carter has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Thomas George Clements, Private, G/50992, Royal Fusiliers. Thomas was Born at Kingston-Upon-Thames. His Guardian was Mr. Hugh Hughes, Solicitor, of Aberystwyth. Thomas was Educated at Llandovery between 1899 and 1903, and at the outbreak of War, was living at Glynpadarn. He enlisted into the Army at Aberystwyth, and joined the 22nd Battalion (Kensington), Royal Fusiliers, which was an ‘elite’ (Public Schoolboy) Battalion, attached to the 99th Brigade, 2nd Division. The Division had been on the Western Front since the outbreak of war, and Thomas’s Battalion joined them in November, 1915. The Division had just fought at the Battle of Loos, and were near the Hohenzollern Redoubt. In the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Delville Wood and the Battle of the Ancre, and the ensuing Operations on the Ancre. In March, 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and in April they fought at Arras, during the First Battle of the Scarpe, the Battle of Arleux and the Third Battle of the Scarpe. During the fighting at Arras, Thomas was severely wounded and taken prisoner. He was transported to Germany, where he died from his wounds on the 12th May 1917. He was 32 years of age, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany.
Leonard Gosse Cooper, Second Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers. Leonard was the Youngest of three sons of W. Percy Cooper, of Ambleside, Abergavenny. Educated at Llandovery between 1903 and 1910, Leonard played at forward for the School XV. Leonard had distinguished himself at Llandovery and gained a Classical Scholarship to Jesus College, Oxford, and while at Oxford he was awarded the Goldsmith’s Exhibition, and First Class Honours in Classical Moderations in 1914. The Senior Examiner at Oxford expressed the view that Leonard ought to devote himself to research in the Classics, but at the outbreak of War in 1914, he applied for a commission in the Army, and on the 29th August, 1914 Leonard Gosse Cooper was gazetted Temporary 2nd Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and on the 28th June, 1915, Leonard’s Battalion embarked for Gallipoli aboard the ‘Megantic’, intending to assemble at Mudros. However, a change in orders meant that the ship was diverted directly to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where the Battalion landed on V Beach, Helles. From V Beach they marched to Gully beach on 15th July. After a stay of 2 weeks they were sent to Anzac as part of the Left Covering Force in readiness for the August Offensive. Leonard was in charge of No.12 Platoon of ‘C’ Company, which was occupying a rough knoll at Damakjelic Bair, when on 9th August, the Turks attacked in semi-darkness. ‘C’ Company had no time to strengthen their position, and in the fighting Leonard Cooper was killed outright by Turkish gun fire. His Commanding Officer described him as “an officer of great ability and promise, who will be severely missed.” Leonard was 23 years of age, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Benjamin Jones Davies, Captain, South Wales Borderers. Benjamin was the Son of Griffith and Catherine Margaret Davies, of The Lodge, Llandyssul. Benjamin was educated at Llandovery 1900 from 1905, and after leaving Llandovery, entered St. David’s College, Lampeter, where he became Senior Scholar and graduated B.A. In 1912 Benjamin was a cadet in the Oxford University O.T.C., and in the July of that year was listed as a 2nd Lieutenant, in Reserve of Officers O.T.C. In August 1914, Benjamin Davies joined the University and Public Schools Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and on the 7th August 1914 was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. On the 12th March, 1915 Benjamin embarked for France, and on the 1st May 1915, was promoted to Captain. In September 1915, Benjamin was posted to the 2nd Battalion, S.W.B, serving at Gallipoli attached to the 87th Brigade, 29th Division. He arrived at Gallipoli on the 6th September, 1915, and his new Battalion moved to Imbros on the 22nd September. However, Benjamin’s stay with the Battalion was short lived as he fell ill, and on the 28th September 1915 he was in hospital at Alexandria. In February 1916, Benjamin had recovered, and rejoined the Battalion. In March, 1916 the Battalion was posted to France, sailing to Marseilles. On its arrival in France, the Battalion went into training at Domart. On the 1st July, 1916 the Battalion went into action at Beaumont Hamel, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Benjamin, along with a Lieutenant Ross, organised the survivors of the 1st July attack into 2 Companies, taking over 300 yards of front line trenches near Mary Redan. The Division then moved for a short period to the Ypres Salient, prior to returning to the Somme Front in October 1916, moving to positions at Grease trench near Gueudecourt, enduring freezing conditions. Here Benjamin was wounded. In April 1917 he rejoined his Battalion at Monchy- Le- Preux, near Arras. On the 19th May 1917, Benjamin was killed in action when his Company came under heavy enemy machine gun fire. The Battalion records state that he “led an advance with the utmost courage”. Benjamin was 31 years old, and as he has no known grave, is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
Charles Bernard Davies, Lieutenant, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Charles was Born at Cardiff on the 5th June, 1894, the son of Mr. D.E. Davies, of The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, Glamorgan. After his father’s death, Charles’s mother re-married, becoming Mrs Lloyd of ‘Lynsholme’, Caerphilly, Glamorgan. Charles commenced his education at Cowbridge Grammar School, and was educated at Llandovery between 1908 and 1913. He is remembered at Llandovery as being an All-round sportsman, playing both hockey and cricket for the School from 1910 to 1913. On leaving Llandovery, Charles played cricket for St Fagan’s, Cardiff and even played one game for Glamorgan which at that time was a Minor Counties side. He also played rugby for both Swansea R.F.C. and Cardiff R.F.C., where it was recorded that he was a useful three-quarter. His last season for Cardiff R.F.C. was the 1913/14 season. (Charles’s elder brother, Elvan Davies of Aberavon, played rugby for Wales.) It was also unofficially announced in 1914 that Charles had taken all B.N.C. Sprinting Records. Charles had entered Cambridge University in 1913, where he continued playing rugby. It was said that had he not volunteered for the Army in 1914, he was tipped to win a Blue. He joined the Royal Dublin Fusiliers in 1914 and was commissioned on the 26th August, 1915 into the 3rd Battalion, which was the Reserve Battalion. Charles was then attached to another Battalion of the Regiment, and during the Summer of 1916, he was in France preparing for the Battle of the Somme, which commenced on the 1st July, 1916. On the night of the 8th June, 1916, Charles led a bombing party when, according to a Private Dunne, who was the only survivor of the raid, and who himself was to die from his wounds two days later, it came under heavy enemy fire. Search parties were sent out to look for Charles and his men, and it was learned that Charles had been taken prisoner. He died in captivity on the 9th June, 1916, aged just 22. Charles was initially buried by the Germans in Miraumont German Cemetery, but his grave was later destroyed by shellfire. Subsequently, he was commemorated on the German Cemetery Memorial at Queen’s Cemetery, Bucquoy, just beyond Serre, France.
Edwin George Ernest Davies, Able Seaman, Z/1516, Royal Naval Division. Edwin was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Davies, of The Avenue, Merthyr Tydfil. Edwin commenced his education at Merthyr County School before being educated at Llandovery from 1901 to 1904. On leaving Llandovery, Edwin entered University College Cardiff to study Medicine. However, ill health forced him to abandon his medical studies, and he then entered St. David’s College, Lampeter, where he attained a B.A. degree in History. Later, in 1913, he entered Keble College, Oxford, where he was awarded a B.A. degree in Theology. He later became a curate at Southwark, London. While at Oxford, Edwin boxed at featherweight and was said to be one of the best at his weight at Keble College. He was later instrumental in establishing a flourishing Boxing Club in the East End of London. In 1914, Edwin Davies was ordained curate at Builth Wells, and later that year he enlisted, joining the Royal Naval Division. He was posted to ‘D’ Company, Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division, which had been formed from the Public Schools Battalion, R.N.V.R. In the May of 1915, Edwin’s Battalion sailed for Gallipoli, arriving at Cape Helles on the 27th May, where they fought as Infantry on the Peninsula throughout the remainder of the year. Because of the evacuation at Anzac, the Turks were able to release the bulk of their artillery to shell the Allied troops at Helles. Edwin was one of between 60 and 70 of his Battalion to be killed and wounded during the ensuing Turkish bombardments on the 27th December, 1915. He was 29 years old, and as he has no known grave, is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Ernest Frank Davies, Second Lieutenant, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. Ernest was the Third son of Mr. J. Davies, of Glen View, Clytha Park, Newport. Educated at Llandovery from 1901 to 1905, Ernest was Commissioned into the D.C.L.I. on the 21st August 1915, and posted to the 9th (Reserve) Battalion in the U.K. In July, 1916 Ernest was posted to his Regiment’s 7th Battalion in Flanders, which had been in action in the Ypres Salient and had suffered many Casualties. The Battalion was attached to the 61st Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On the 21st August 1916, Ernest’s Battalion moved from Belgium to the Somme, taking up a position around Guillemont. On the 24th August 1916, a party of 30 Officers visited the front line area, attracting the unwelcomed attention of the German artillery, which bombarded the Trenches with heavy shell-fire, killing Ernest and another officer of his Battalion. Ernest was 28 years old, and is buried at Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Montauban.
Ernest Wilberforce Davies, Private, 49278, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ernest was the Son of Thomas Rhys Davies and Margaret Davies, of Compton House, Vaughan Street, Llanelli. Educated at Llandovery from 1909 to 1912, Ernest entered St. David’s College, Lampeter, where he was studying at the time when he volunteered for military service, enlisting into the Royal Army Medical Corps at Llanelli. Ernest sailed for the Mediterranean on the 13th June, 1915, and landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, in early August, in preparation for the attack on Sari Bair. His Field Ambulance Unit established a Dressing Station at the crossroads near Aghyl Dere, and in the battle which followed, Ernest Davies died of wounds on 13th August, 1915. He was 23 years old, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on a Special Memorial at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Gallipoli.
Ralph Llewellyn John Davies, Second Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. Ralph was the Son of Llewellyn and Winifred Davies of The Firs, Rhayader, Radnor. Educated at Llandovery from 1911 to 1917, Ralph joined the Royal Air Force, and was posted to 89 Squadron, which was a Training Squadron, based at RAF Netherchurch, Wiltshire. Ralph Davies was killed in a training accident on the 5th May, 1918 at Netherchurch. He was just 18 years old, and is buried in the churchyard of St. Winifred’s Church, Llansantffraid, Cwmdauddwr, Powys.
Thomas David Davies, Private, 2622, Royal Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Henry B. Davies and Frances A. Davies, of 12, Commercial Street, Nantymoel, Glamorgan. Educated at Llandovery from 1907 to 1914, and later at Keble College Oxford, in 1914 Thomas relinquished his studies at Oxford to volunteer for the Army, enlisting at Cardiff in November, 1915 into the 21st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. In early 1916 Thomas was wounded and invalided home, but in the Summer of 1916, he returned to France, joining the 20th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers on the Somme. The Battalion was attached to the 19th Brigade, 33rd Division. In July 1916, the 20th Battalion was almost wiped out in the Battle of High Wood. It was in this Battle that Thomas Davies was killed on the 23rd July, 1916. He was 21 years of age, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Thomas John Carlyle Davies, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of John Benjamin and Agnes Esther Davies, formerly of the London and Provincial Bank, of Main Street, Pembroke. Educated at Llandovery from 1911 to 1914, Thomas was the College Captain of Rugby. On leaving Llandovery, Thomas entered Clare College, Cambridge, but left prematurely on the Declaration of War, to enlist, attending Officer-Cadet Training at R.M.A. Sandhurst. Thomas was then commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, and in 1915 he was posted to the Regiment’s 1st. Battalion, serving on the Western Front attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. During September 1915, the Battalion took part in preparatory attacks along the Hohenzollern Redoubt, prior to a General Offensive to be launched between Hulloch and Hill 70 on the 1st October, 1915, during the Battle of Loos. An attack by 1st Welsh was thwarted when it ran out of bombs and became cut off. Thomas was severely wounded in this action and died from his wounds on the 2nd October, 1915 aged just 20. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.
William Davies, Captain, South Wales Borderers. William was the Son of David William Davies and Margaret Davies, of Cwmneol House, Cwmaman, Aberdare. He was the husband of Mercy Mary Davies, 244 Newport Road, Cardiff. Educated at Llandovery from 1902 to 1906, he was notable at rugby and cricket. On leaving Llandovery, William studied at University College, Cardiff, and St. Bartholomew’s hospital, London, where he was at the outbreak of the war in 1914. In August 1914, William volunteered for service in the University and Public Schools Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, and in 1915 he was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on the 25th April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on the 11th January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15th March. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the Spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcapelle, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December, 1917 before moving back to Flanders early in 1918. The German Spring Offensive hit the British on the Somme on the 21st March, 1918, and hit in Flanders just weeks later, on the 9th April, 1918. William was a Captain by now. On the 11th April 1918, during the Battle of Lys; a German attack from Estaires to Givenchy, inflicted heavy casualties on 2nd. S.W.B. Captain Davies was one of three Officers of the Battalion to survive this action, and consequently became the Senior Officer, commanding the remaining men of the Battalion. A further attack on the Battalion’s position on the following day caused further losses; William being one of these. It is recorded that William was killed in action on the 12th April, 1918, aged 29. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
Noel Everard Evans, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. Noel was the Son of the Rev. E. J. and Violet Everard Evans, of Whinside, Hindhead, Surrey; formerly of St Trilo’s Vicarage, Colwyn Bay, North Vales, where Reverend Evans was Vicar of Llandrillo yn Rhos, in the diocese of St. Asaph. Noel was also the grandson of Morgan Evans, late Prebendary of St David’s Cathedral, and the late Colonel Everard, who was one of the survivors of the Charge at Balaclava in the Crimean War. Noel commenced his education at Rhos Preparatory School before entering Llandovery College in 1913. He remained there until 1917, and while at Llandovery, Noel made a name for himself as an excellent sportsman. He played at wing three-quarter for the First XV, and scored seven tries against Christ College, Brecon in The Annual encounter in 1916, when Llandovery beat Brecon 56 points to nil, He is Described in the School Journal as “having plenty of pace and a good swerve” and that “he was safe with his hands”. It has been said that had Noel survived the Great War, he would have undoubtedly have played International Rugby for Wales. He was also a brilliant athlete. In 1917, he created a School Athletics Record by Winning the Steeplechase, the Mile, the half-Mile, the Quarter-Mile, High Jump and Putting the Weight. And if that was not enough, he came second in the 100 Yards ‘dash’ and Long jump! After leaving Llandovery, Noel entered Jesus College, Oxford. He left Oxford to enlist in the Army and was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery in the Autumn of 1918, joining their 121st Battery, 27th Brigade, attached to the 5th Division. Noel was sadly wounded in action soon after moving to the Front, on the 8th November, 1918, during the Battle of the Sambre. He was evacuated to a Military Hospital at Rouen, where he died of wounds on Armistice Day, the 11th November, 1918 aged just 19. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.
Rhys Trevor Evans, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Rhys was the Son of Tom and Mary Ann Evans of St.Ilid, 54, Suffolk Place, Porthcawl, originally of ‘Dyffryn house’, Cwmtillery, Monmouthshire. Rhys was educated at Llandovery from 1909 to 1910, and was commissioned into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers around 1915/16. Rhys was posted to the 4th Battalion (Denbighshire), which was attached to the 47th (2nd London) Division, as Pioneers. The Division were on the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Le Transloy, where they captured Eaucourt l'Abbe. They took part in Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. Early in 1917 the Division moved north to Belgium, and took part in the Battle of Messines. They were moved to Ypres, and the Pioneers were constructing a tram-line from Hell-Fire Corner to the Menin Road, on the 1st September, 1917 when they came under enemy shell-fire. Rhys was killed in action during the barrage. He was just 21 years old, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Oswald Henry Feilden, Captain, Leicestershire Regiment. Oswald was the Son of Lt.-Col. Robert and Emily Jane Feilden, of Lane End, Hartney, Spilsby, Lincs. He was born at Borth, Cardiganshire and had been educated at Llandovery College from 1898 to 1900, before taking his degree at Aberystwyth. Oswald joined the Leicestershire Territorial’s in 1911, and was commissioned into the 5th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment on the 15th January, 1912. The Division had served in Ireland and had been involved in the Easter uprising, before being sent to the Western Front, where they landed in France on the 24th February, 1917, attached to the 177th Brigade, 59th Division. They fought during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and then moved to Ypres. After training around the Vormezeele area in Flanders in early September 1917, Captain Feilden’s Battalion moved to St. Jean near Ypres, to prepare for a major attack which was timed to take place on the 26th September. At 05.50 hours on the 26th September 1917, the 2/5th Leicester’s, attacked hill 37, taking all its objectives. Captain Feilden was severely wounded in this action and died from his wounds on 29th September 1917, while at No. 46 Casualty Clearing Station, Proven, Belgium. Oswald is buried there, at Mendinghem Military Cemetery. He was 30 years old.
Eric Murray Forster, Second Lieutenant, Essex Regiment. Eric was the Son of James Young Forster, J.P., of Ravensworth, Sutton, Surrey. Educated at Llandovery from 1911 to 1912, Eric continued his education at Malvern College, where he was a member of the School O.T.C. After leaving school, Eric entered the Government Agricultural College at Cedars, Natal, and in 1915 he was farming in Rhodesia. In 1916 Eric Forster returned to Britain to enlist, and spent 4 months in an Officers Training unit, before being commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment in October 1916. In January 1917, Eric embarked for France, where he joined the Royal Flying Corps. Sadly Eric was killed in action in France on the 3rd May, 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Athies Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Gilbert Bryan Francis, Private, 2138, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Gilbert was born at Llandygwydd Vicarage on the 17th Oct. 1886, the Son of Rev. David Francis, Llandygwydd, and the Husband of Amy Francis, of Northampton. He was educated at Llandovery College from 1898 to 1904, and emigrated on the 4th December, 1912, becoming a Farmer and residing at the home of H. Nelson, Konini, Pahiatua, New Zealand. Gilbert enlisted on the 15th February, 1915, into the 5th (Wellington) Rifles, NZEF, and in June 1915 was posted to the Dardanelles. On the 15th August, 1915, Gilbert joined the 17th Battalion, (B Company) 5th Wellingtons on Gallipoli as a ‘replacement’ after the Battalion’s heavy casualties suffered at Chunak Bair. On the 3rd September, 1915 Gilbert was struck down with fever and admitted to No.16 Casualty Clearing Station on the Peninsula. From Gallipoli he was transferred to Mudros, and later embarked for Malta on the Hospital Ship ‘Neuralia’. By the 4th October, 1915 Gilbert’s health had deteriorated. Gilbert died of enteric fever at St. George's Military Hospital aged 29, on the 13th November, 1915. He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery.
Henry Percy Bright Gough, M.C. & Bar, Major, Welsh Regiment. Harry was the Son of Frederick George and Sarah Ann Gough, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire; Husband of Martha Reid Gough (nee Fullerton). They had 2 children, and the family home was at ‘The Firs’, Gowerton, Swansea. Henry was educated at Llandovery between 1894 and 1900, and it was ironically recorded in the School Journal when he injured his knee playing rugby, “Dulce et Decorum”. In 1900, Henry was awarded a Science Exhibition at Cambridge, where he was a success academically and at sport. He played hockey for his College, (Sidney Sussex) and rugby for Cambridge Welsh, and graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in 1902 and a First Class Science Tripos in 1903. On leaving Cambridge he continued playing rugby, at half-back both for Llanelli and Vale of Lune, Lancaster. At the outbreak of war, Henry was Science Master at Oakham Grammar School, but left to enlist in the 14th (Swansea) Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. In 1915 Henry was commissioned and posted to the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment and in 1916 he was promoted to Captain, at the time of the Battalion’s departure for France. The Battalion joined the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, 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. On the 24th April, there was a mile long advance at Villers Plouich, where a position was consolidated. This was the top of a spur, which the Battalion named Rhondda Hill; but this was later officially re-designated Welsh Ridge. This established the line from which the attack on the Hindenburg Line was to be launched. Henry distinguished himself in a successful action, south of La Vacquerie on the 18th/ 19th May, when a trench raid resulted in the capture of an enemy machine-gun and two unwounded prisoners, at no loss of life to his own men. For his part in the operation, Henry was awarded the Military Cross. His citation read “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done splendid work when in charge of parties recovering mines. He was also instrumental in rescuing eight men from a demolished cellar. This work was accomplished under heavy fire, and occupied several hours”. During the autumn of 1917, Henry’s Battalion was in support of 12th S.W.B. and 19th R.W.F. in the attempt to capture the stronghold of Bourlon Wood, during the Battle of Cambrai. His Battalion suffered Heavy casualties, losing 17 officers and 301 other ranks. Henry, who now held the rank of Major, found himself in command of the Battalion, in the absence of Lt. Colonel Anderson, who had been wounded. He was awarded a Bar to his M.C. for his actions here, however, by this time the 17th Battalion had virtually ceased to exist. The Division were caught up in heavy fighting during the spring of 1918, during the German Offensive on the Lys, and were in positions near Mont De Cats, near Ypres. Henry was sent to command a section of the East Surrey Regiment, which was defending a support trench system running north to south through Strazeelle. Here on the 22nd April, 1918 Henry was severely wounded, and died at the 62nd London Casualty Clearing Station that day. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Arneke British Cemetery, France.
George Owen Green, Captain, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Mr. & Mrs. James G. Green of ‘Panteg’, Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, and the Grandson of Alderman George Green, Mining Engineer. George’s Brother, Mr R.K. Green was a notable rugby forward, who served in the Royal Field Artillery during the war. Educated at Llandovery College from 1889 to 1895, he had married a Miss Bevan and they went to British Columbia, where George worked as an Engineer in the Gold Mines. He also went to Canada to inspect mining property. George also held Mining appointments as far afield as Russia and South America. They returned to Aberystwyth, where George was prominent in many local societies, including the golf club and St. David’s Lodge of Freemasons. Sadly Mrs Green died in childbirth soon after arriving back home. At the end of 1914, George applied for a commission in the Army, and was duly commissioned into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which part of 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, which landed at Havre in July, 1915. George was in charge of a working party near Laventie, when he was killed by a German Sniper on the 23rd August, 1915 and is buried at Rue-Du-Bacquerot No. 1 Military Cemetery, Laventie. He was 36 years old.
William Key Griffith, Second Lieutenant, London Regiment. William was born on the 28th December, 1892, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Griffiths, of Glanfrwdwyllt, Port Talbot. Educated at Llandovery during 1909, after leaving School, William went to Buenos Aires in a commercial capacity, from where he returned in 1915. William volunteered and underwent training in the Inns of Court Training Corps before being commissioned into the 2/12th London Regiment (The Rangers), which was attached to the 168th Brigade, 56th (London) Division. William served for a while in France, but was invalided home suffering from trench fever. On recovery, he returned to the front, but was sadly killed in action on the 26th September, 1917 during the Battle of Polygon Wood. He was 24 years old, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Nicholas Griffiths, Second Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers. Nicholas was the Fourth son of David and Sarah Griffiths, of 9, Windsor Road, Barry, formerly of ‘Penybryn’, Bailey St., Brynmawr, Breconshire. Nicholas was one of seven brothers who served in the Great War, and was educated at Llandovery from 1905 to 1911. On leaving Llandovery, Nicholas entered University College, Cardiff, where he Captained the College XV and was described as “a capable student and an ardent athlete”. At the outbreak of War in 1914, Nicholas was a Theological student at St Michael’s Theological College, Cardiff. In May 1915, he enlisted in the University and Public Schools Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and was commissioned into the South Wales Borderers. On the 3rd September, 1915 Nicholas embarked for France with the 7th Battalion, which was attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division took part in the Battle of Loos, and less than 3 weeks after moving to the Front, Nicholas was gassed, and invalided home. In February 1916, he returned to the front, and joined the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, at Neuville St Vaast, and in May 1916, he was appointed Adjutant of the Battalion. In June 1916, the Battalion were ordered to Aveluy Wood, to prepare the ground for the July Offensive on the Somme, and on the night of the 10th July, while in the vicinity of Ovillers, Nicholas and eleven of his men were killed, after they had come under heavy enemy shell-fire while digging assembly trenches. Nicholas was 25 years old, and is buried at Bapaume Post Military Cemetery, Albert.
David George Harries, Private, 203, Canadian Infantry. David was born on the 10th August, 1880, the son of Rees and Ann Harries, of Bolgoed, Pontardulais. Educated at Llandovery from 1895 to 1901, David played cricket for the School 1st Xl, and rugby for the 2nd XV, at centre. After leaving School David emigrated to Canada where he became a farmer, and served in the Queen’s Royal Scots. On the 14th December, 1914 he enlisted in the Saskatchewan Light Horse at Winnipeg, but died of disease there on the 17th January, 1915 aged 34. David is buried in the Winnipeg (Brookside Cemetery) Manitoba, Canada.
John Francis Howells, Surgeon Lieutenant, Royal Navy. John was the Son of Dr. J. Howells, of 18, Northampton Place, Swansea, Formerly of ‘Pleasant View’, Trimsaran, and was the husband of Dora Gwendoline Howells (nee Miles), of The Pines, Penylan, Cardiff. They were married at St. Isan’s Church, Llanishen, Cardiff, in the August of 1918. Educated at Llandovery from 1906 until 1911, and afterwards at University College Cardiff, in 1917, John obtained M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. (London). John joined the Royal Navy as a Temporary Surgeon in 1917, serving in the North Sea on H.M. Sloop ‘Crocus’, and also serving in the Mediterranean. He also served at the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham before being attached to the 19th Field Ambulance, which was in France with the 33rd Division. John sadly died of pneumonia in France on the 6th November 1918, aged 26, and is buried at Awoingt British Cemetery, France.
Hubert Darrell Hughes, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Hugh was the youngest Son of Reverend Llewellyn R. Hughes, of Llandudno, who was Chaplain to the Forces at Conway Camp. Educated at Llandovery College from 1911-1914, he was Sub-Editor of the School Journal in 1914. Hugh had been a soloist in the Choir of Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno. At the outbreak of war, Hugh enlisted in the Army, and entered R.M.A. Sandhurst, where he passed out with Distinction. He was commissioned on the 14th July, 1915 when only 17 years of age, and was gazetted in July, 1915 into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Hugh attended the 8th Battalion, 40th Brigade, 13th Division, and they landed at Anzac Beach on the 4th August 1915. They were evacuated in January, 1916 to Egypt, and they then fought in Mesopotamia. It was during the Battle of Kut on the 14th January, 1917 that Hugh was killed in action when an attempt was being made to clear the Khudeira Bend. He was 19 years old, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.
Frank Ungoed Humphreys, Lance Corporal, 313097, Gordon Highlanders. Frank was born at Berwick, Scotland, the son of J.R. Humphreys, of Llwyn Hall, Llwynhendy, Llanelli. Frank was educated at Llandovery from 1913 to 1914, and his brothers, William Leslie Humphreys and Trefor Ungoed Humphreys were also pupils at the School. Frank enlisted at London into the 7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, which was attached to the 153rd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. The Division were in France by early May 1915, and was hurried to the defence of Ypres. The enemy had attacked on the 22nd April 1915, using poison gas for the first time. All available reserves were deployed to stop the Germans taking advantage of the initial surprise. The Division remained in action until moved to the area of Estaires on the River Lys, on the 19th May. They then fought at the Battle of Festubert, and took part in an unsuccessful attack near Givenchy (the Second Action of Givenchy) on the 15th June, 1915, and shortly afterwards moved south to the area north of the River Somme. They relieved a French Division near Hamel, and subsequently took part in several of the engagements that are now considered to comprise the Battle of the Somme 1916, particularly at High Wood in late July 1916. They captured the enemy strong hold of Beaumont-Hamel on the 13th November 1916, taking more than 2000 prisoners. There is now a Divisional memorial at Beaumont-Hamel. During December and January in the bitter winter of 1916-17, the Division remained on the Somme in the area of Courcelette, and saw their next major action in the opening days of the offensive at Arras, as part of the opening attack, the First Battle of the Scarpe. They then fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe before being brought out of the line to rest. They re-entered the line on the 15th April, and eight days later took part in an attack near Roeux, which they captured before moving north to Ypres. Here they took part in the opening assault of the Third Battle of Ypres, on the 31st July, 1917, at the Battle of Pilckem. They advanced on Langemarck before being relieved. They then took part in the Battle of the Menin Road before being moved south, where they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, attacking in the area of Cantaing and Flesquieres. The Division remained in the area until the 21st March, 1918 when the enemy launched a huge and overwhelming attack on the fronts of Fifth and Third Armies, the Division being in the latter, near Flesquieres. Here they took part in the Battle of St Quentin, and the First Battle of Bapaume before being relieved, and moved to Bethune to rest. Unfortunately, the enemy opened a second phase of his offensive, now called the Battle of the Lys, on the 9th April 1918 and the Highland Division moved into defensive positions behind Richebourg Saint Vaast, where it played a key part in beating off incessant attacks, during the Battle of Estaires. At the beginning of May, the Division moved to Oppy near Arras, where it stayed until the 11th July in a relatively quiet spell, however, when a third huge enemy attack opened in the area held by the thinly-stretched French Army south west of Rheims, the Division were sent south to assist. They saw several days of very heavy fighting, which is now officially known as The Battle of the Tardenois. Fighting took place in the valley of the Ardre, at Marfaux and Mont de Bligny. Frank was killed in action on the 30th July, 1918 during the re-taking of the village of Marfaux, about 11 miles from Rheims. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Marfaux British Cemetery, France.
John Alan Humphreys, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of Lt.-Col. and Mrs. C. E. Humphreys, of Mounteinion, Llanfair, Montgomeryshire. John’s father was Divisional Sanitary Officer of the Welsh Division, and County Medical Officer for Montgomeryshire. John was educated at Llandovery College from 1912-1916, and is quoted in the 1915 School Journal as being a Prefect, and playing at forward for the School XV. He enlisted at Llandovery in 1916 as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery, and was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with the ‘C’ Battery (Cardiganshire), 64th Army Field Artillery. John went to the front in June, 1916 and the following year he was at Ypres when the Battle of Third Ypres was launched. John was Killed in Action on the 31st August 1917 aged just 19 and is buried at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No. 3. His Commanding Officer wrote to his father- “He was a brave, capable and cool-headed lad. His coolness and courage on several trying occasions had given us proof that he would become a most valuable officer. Although he was not with us long, I saw enough of him to realise what a loss we had sustained.”
David Jones Capenhurst Jenkins, Sergeant, 12863, Canadian Infantry. David was the fourth son of the Reverend John Jenkins, and Florence Jenkins, of Wellfield, Llantwit Vardre, Pontypridd. David was educated at Llandovery from 1904 to 1911, where he played rugby at outside-half. After leaving Llandovery, David entered Downing College, Cambridge, where he played rugby for Downing College, and also London Welsh. Upon leaving Cambridge, David became a farmer in Canada. In 1914 David enlisted in the Army at Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He became a Trooper in the 16th Light Horse before transferring to ‘B’ Company 5th. Infantry Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment on the 3rd September, 1914. In early 1915, David embarked for France with the 1st. Canadian Contingent. Here, the 5th Battalion became part of the 2nd Canadian Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. The Canadian Corps took over the area from St. Eloi to the north of Hooge in early April 1916, and they were in action there until the 19th April. Here there were constant attacks by both sides in an area cratered by mines and deep in mud. It was during this period, on the 9th April, 1916 that David was killed in action. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Zillebeke, Belgium. Prior to his death, David had served for 15 months as a despatch runner, and was described by one of his officers thus, “he was the most fearless, painstaking and cool man I have ever had under my command”. Two of David’s brothers, L/Cpl Morgan Jones Jenkins, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and 2nd. Lt. Richard Jenkins, Manchester Regiment, were also killed in the Great War.
Ernest Stanley Jenkins, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Eldest son of the late Evan Jenkins, Bookseller and Newsagent, and Mrs. Agnes Jenkins, of Brynawel, Mountain Ash. Ernest was educated at Llandovery from 1908 until 1910. After leaving Llandovery, Ernest entered Oxford University, where he continued his studies after graduation, with the intention of entering the Church, but in 1915 Ernest enlisted in the Army and was commissioned in 1916 into the Welsh Regiment. In April 1917, Ernest left for France, joining the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, on the 3rd May. The Battalion was attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. However, he was soon hospitalized with trench fever. On Recovery, he returned to the line, joining his Battalion in the fighting for Bourlon Wood during November 1917, during the Battle of Cambrai. On the night of the 22nd/23rd November 1917, 40th Division relieved the 62nd Division at Bourlon Wood, and B, C, and D Companies of 18th Welsh, were ordered to clear the northern portion of the Wood, while A Company was allocated carrying duties. There was fierce attack and counter-attack as the line was won, lost and then re-established; and on the night of the 23rd November there was heavy enemy shelling causing a number of casualties. At 09.00 hours on the 24th November, 1917 the Germans advanced against the British positions, and in the ensuing fighting 18th Welsh lost 6 Officers killed, one of whom was Ernest Jenkins. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Anneux British Cemetery, France.
John Ernest Jenkins, Captain, South Wales Borderers. John was the Second son of Councillor John Jenkins and Mrs. E. Jenkins, of the Brickworks, Merthyr Tydfil. John was married with one child and lived at 29, Lancaster Villas, Merthyr Tydfil. John was educated at Llandovery in 1891, and on leaving Llandovery, John entered his family’s Brick and Tile manufacturing Business. He was well known in local business and sporting circles, and rode with and The Gelligaer Hunt. John’s military career began with the South Glamorgan Yeomanry, in which he reached the rank of Sergeant Major prior to the outbreak of War in 1914, and he took part in a number of local military tournaments. When War was declared, John recruited 250 local men into a Local Defence Force, and volunteered for Overseas Service. His Company was attached to the Welsh Regiment at Port Talbot for 12 months, on Garrison Duty. John was gazetted Captain and Posted to Rhyl for training, before leaving for France with the 12th Bn. South Wales Borderers in June 1916 as part of the 40th (Bantam) Division. The Division took over positions in the line near Loos, where they remained until moving to the Somme later that year, where they fought at the Battle of the Ancre. They spent their first winter in the trenches of 1916/17 on the Somme, and followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. On the 20th April, 1917 the Battalion were at Gouzeaucourt, and remained in the Line around La Vacquerie and Gonnelieu for 6 months, until they were relieved on the 11th October. In November 1917, the Battalion was sent to Bourlon Wood to take part in the Battle of Cambrai where the 40th Division were to hold a line from the Village of Anneux to a point in front of the Sugar Factory. During the two days from the 23rd to 25th of November, the 40th Division lost 172 officers and more than 4,000 men. On the 25th November, 1917 John was wounded in the chest during the British advance which was crossing the main German line in a sunken road running from east to west. John died from his wounds at a Casualty Clearing Station that same day. He was 40 years old, and is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, France.
Goldbourne Hayward Jennings, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Goldbourne was the Son of the Rev. Richard Jennings, of Gyffylliog Rectory, Ruthin, Denbighshire, and the late Louise Trevitt Jennings. He was educated at Llandovery between 1908 and 1914, where he was a Prefect, and played rugby for The School XV. Goldbourne was commissioned into the 20th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers on the 25th September, 1915 and on the 5th July, 1916 joined the 10th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Franvillers, on the Somme. The Battalion was attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division, and marched to Carnoy on the 13th July, to take part in the attack on Bazentin Ridge on the Somme. He was wounded during the attacks on Lonely Trench and Talus-Bois Trenches during the period of l7th/l9th July, 1916 and was subsequently killed in Action on 18th August 1916 at Carnoy. Goldbourne was 19 years old, and as he has no known grave, he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Glynne Thomas Jones, Cadet, Royal Flying Corps. Glynne was the Son of John Thomas Jones and Mrs. Edith Jones, of 52, Greenfield Terrace, Abercynon. Glynne was educated at Llandovery between 1913 and 1917, and played rugby for the School XV for two Seasons, being described as “a young forward who should make a good hooker”. He also won 1st Prize in the School High Jump. After leaving Llandovery, Glynne worked on the Staff of Dr. Walford, the Medical Officer for Cardiff, until he was old enough to join the Royal Flying Corps. Glynne had just finished his training as a Cadet when he collapsed, and after a Double operation for appendicitis, he died at St. John’s Military hospital, Hastings, on the 19th March 1918. He was 18 years old, and is buried at St Gwynno’s Churchyard, Llanwonno, Glamorgan.
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. James was educated at Llandovery from 1903 to 1907, and was an Engineer by profession. In 1915 James was commissioned into the South Wales Borderers, and posted to the 10th Battalion, which was attached to 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 James was Mentioned in Dispatches for his bravery and good work here. The Division was back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive. By October 1918, James had been appointed Temporary Captain, serving with D Company, 10th S.W.B., which was participating in the final push against the German Army. After crossing the flooded meadows of the Ancre, to a position above Thiepval and moving cast across the old Somme Battlefield, the Battalion was positioned near Gouzecourt. On the 8th October 1918, the Battalion was attacking south of Villers Outreaux near Le Cateau, in an attempt to take Villers Farm and join up with the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Although they were successful in reaching their objective, James, who was leading his Company, was killed when it came under heavy machine-gun fire. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Guizancourt Farm Cemetery, Gouy, France.
John Ivor Jones, Private, 14142, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of David Jones, of St. Carlos, Richmond Road, Cardiff. Educated at Cardiff High School and Monkton House School, Cardiff, John was at Llandovery from 1900 to 1901. Ivor, as he is better known, enlisted at Cardiff into the 11th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was known as the ‘Cardiff Pals’, and was attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by the 9th of the month. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on the 27th October, 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, and they took over the front line, south west of Lake Doiran from the French. The Cardiff Pals remained in this area, overlooked by strongly fortified hills, until they participated in their first action during September 1916. This involved mounting raids against enemy positions on the Piton Des Mitrailleuses and Dorsale hills. On the 13th and 14th of September 1916, the Cardiff Pals were heavily counterattacked, and it was during this fighting on the 14th September 1916, that Ivor Jones was killed while attempting to bring in wounded men from the previous day’s fighting. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Salonika. His three brothers also attended Llandovery College, and one of them, Stanley Ewart Jones was taken prisoner in 1917 and spent the rest of the war in a prisoner of war camp in Germany.
John Sydney A. Jones, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of Mr. Harvey Jones of Bristol, and the Husband of Lillian Mary Jones, of 5, Dryden Chambers, 119 Oxford Street, London. John was educated at Llandovery in 1902, and after leaving Llandovery, John was employed by W.D. & H.O. Wills, the Tobacconists, of Bristol. He was organist at The Holy Nativity Church, Knowle, Bristol and also deputy organist at Bath Abbey. John had been commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to the 189th Army Brigade, attached to the 41st Division. The Division was at Ypres during the summer of 1917, preparing to take part in the coming Battle of Passchendaele, when John took ill. He sadly died of pneumonia at No. 37 Casualty Clearing Station, Godewaerswelde, Belgium, on the 27th August 1917. John was 32 years old, and is buried at Godewaerswelde Cemetery, Belgium.
Llewellyn Price Jones, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Llewellyn was the Second Son of William Price Jones and Gertrude Jones, of The Parade, Barry. He was educated at Llandovery from 1908 until 1910. Llewellyn enlisted into the Army in October 1916, and was commissioned on the 26th April, 1917 into the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Llewellyn was then posted to the 9th Welsh, which was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. By September 1917, Llewellyn was at the Front. The Division was at Ypres, and Llewellyn took part in an attack from the Ypres- Comines Canal to the railway north of Langemarck. The Conditions were atrocious with heavy clinging mud preventing the troops from keeping apace with the artillery barrage which had been deliberately accelerated, to keep them clear of any enemy counter-barrage. However, thus exposed, the attack came under heavy enemy machine-gun fire which resulted in heavy Casualties. Llewellyn was killed in action here, at the Battle of the Menin Road, on the 20th September 1917. He was 24 years old, and has no known grave, and so is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Stanley Ewart Jones, Major, East Yorkshire Regiment. Stanley was born on the 8th March 1881, the son of the late Mr. David Jones of 21 Richmond Road, Cardiff. He was educated at Llandovery during 1894. Stanley enlisted in the East Yorkshire Regiment, and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, and posted to the 10th Battalion during 1915. The 10th Battalion East York’s were termed the ‘Hull Commercials’, as the majority of its members were working in commerce in clerical and management positions. It was raised by Lord Nunburnholme, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, and over half of its original members received commissions after training. After a period on Salisbury Plain, the Battalion was attached to the 92nd Brigade, 31st Division, and posted to Port Said on the 15th December, 1915 to man the Suez Canal Defences. March 1916 saw the Battalion in France, taking over the trenches at Auchonvillers on the Somme. After taking part in the attack on Serre on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, on the 1st July 1916, the Battalion held the trenches for a week; remaining around the Somme area for the remainder of the year and the early months of 1917, when they moved to Arras. Orders were received for the Battalion to take the Berg Goben Trench. The Attack sent in without artillery support, and came under heavy enemy machine-gun fire, not only from the Objective but from Rossignol Wood as well. Stanley was now a Captain, and was badly wounded in this action. He was reported killed on the 6th March, 1917. Stanley had been in fact taken prisoner on 27th February, 1917, and as a P.O.W. He was sent to Switzerland on 24th March 1918, and afterwards repatriated to U.K. on 27th December 1918. Stanley’s name is among the Old Llandoverians listed in the School Roll of Honour which appeared in the School Journal Mid 1919 Edition, and hence his name is inserted on the School Great War Plaque in the College Chapel. His brother John Ivor Jones was killed in action at Salonika on 14th September 1916, while serving with the 11th Bn. Welsh Regiment (Cardiff Pals).
Wilfred David Powell Jones, Private, SPTS/1688, Royal Fusiliers. Wilfred was born at Llandeilo, the Son of John and Emma Sarah Jones, later of 18, Woodstock Road, Oxford. The family resided at Llandovery at the turn of the Century, and Wilfred was educated at Llandovery from 1896 to 1904, where he played cricket for the School Xl in 1903, and was described as “a fair slow bowler and hard hitting bat”. Wilfred enlisted at Hornchurch, giving his address as Oxford, into the 23rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The Battalion was the first of the two ‘Sportsmen’s’ Battalions’ which was instituted by Mrs E. Cunliffe-Owen, and “raised for the upper and middle classes only”. Mrs Cunliffe-Owen also specified that the men should be less than 45 years of age, physically fit and able to shoot and ride! The Battalion landed at Boulogne on the 17th November, 1915 and joined the 99th Brigade, 2nd Division. The Division was still at Loos, and by July, 1916 had moved to the Somme. On the 27th July 1916, Wilfred’s Battalion was engaged in the fighting at Delville Wood, followed by action at Hebuterne in August. The Battalion remained in this area of the front throughout the autumn of 1916. In November 1916, Wilfred took part in the Battle of the Ancre and was severely wounded near Bertrancourt. He died from his wounds at a Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers, France, on the 8th November 1916. Wilfred was 31 years old, and buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery, France.
Ivor Norman Jones-Parry, Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery. Ivor was the Son of Thomas and Selina Alfreda Jones-Parry, of 5, Hillcrest Rd., Acton, London, formerly of Bank House, Amlwch, Anglesey, and the National Provincial Bank, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Ivor was educated at Llandovery from 1906 until 1909, and at the outbreak of war he was a Second Lieutenant in No. 2 Company, Pembrokeshire Territorial’s. He was commissioned into the Royal Garrison Artillery on the 12th August 1915, and moved to France late in 1916, serving with the 171st Siege Battery. Ivor was killed in action during the Battle of Arras, on the 12th May 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, France.
Charles William Wykeham King, Company Sergeant Major, 760032, London Regiment (Artists Rifles). Charles was born in Wykeham, Fareham, London. He was the husband of Ida L. Lane, of 80, Shrewsbury Road, New Southgate, London. Charles had been educated at Llandovery from 1895 to 1901, and was then resident at the Vicarage in Laugharne. He married Ida before moving to London. Charles served as a Company Sergeant Major in the 28th Battalion (Artists Rifles), the London Regiment. His service number was 76003. The Artists Rifles were formed in London during August 1914, the 1st/28th Battalion being an Officer Training Corps, stationed in November 1915 in France. They absorbed the 2nd /28th Battalion and by March 1916 were at Hare Hall, Romford. In 1917 the Battalion was reformed and in June became part of the 190th Brigade, 63rd Royal Naval Division. The first major Front Line battle faced by the Artists Rifles was to be the Second Battle of Passchendaele (Third Ypres). An account of the Artists Rifles part in the battle states; ‘Immediately the attack started the forward troops came under intense MG fire from an almost unseen enemy, who were cunningly posted in carefully chosen tactical positions, having taken refuge in the pill-boxes during our intense bombardment… The ground to be traversed was nothing but a deep sea of mud and undoubtedly many men were drowned in those mud-filled shell holes, particularly those who were already wounded. Further, the mud clogged up rifles and Lewis guns in the first few minutes of the attack, and rendered them entirely useless. Consequently it was not long before the attack was brought to a complete standstill.’ The Artists Rifles had gone into the attack 470 men strong and suffered 350 casualties, of whom 170 were dead. Few had known graves after being lost in the mud, and their names appear on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the missing. Charles was killed in action by German Artillery Fire just before that fateful attack on Passchendaele Ridge, on the 28th October 1917. He is buried in Tyne Cot cemetery, Passchendaele, in Grave XXV.F.9. Charles had been awarded the Bronze Medal for Valour by the Italian Government (London Gazette 26th May 1917). His British medal entitlements were the British war and Victory medals. He was also entitled to the 1914 Star, as he entered the French theatre of war on the 26th October 1914 with the British Expeditionary Force, but for some reason it was never issued.
Cyril William Victor Lewis, Lieutenant, Middlesex Regiment. Cyril was the Son of William Henry and Rachel Lewis, of York House, Llanelli. Cyril started his schooling at the National School, Llanelli, before receiving his education at Llandovery from 1906 until 1912. While at Llandovery he won a Scholarship to St. John’s College, Oxford, and it was there, while a student, that he volunteered for the Army in 1914. He was commissioned into the Middlesex Regiment, and served in France with the 1st Battalion, which was attached to the 98th Brigade, 33rd Division, for 18 months before being wounded. In September 1917 he took a draft of men to Ireland, and on his return visited Llanelli before setting off for Chatham. On the 3rd October, 1917 Cyril was killed during a firing practice when a faulty cartridge back-fired, breaking the bolt of his rifle and piercing his neck. He was 24 years old, and was buried with full military honours at Llanelli Church Cemetery on the 8th October 1917. Cyril had two brothers, namely Lieutenants C.J.B. Lewis and W.R. Lewis both of whom served with the Welsh Regiment in France.
Hugh Cecil Lewis, Private, 63175, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Hugh was the Son of Mr and Mrs John Lewis, of Brynshaffre Villa, Llangennech, Llanelli. Hugh was educated at Llandovery between 1909 and 1912 and on leaving School Hugh worked for his father and his uncle in the family timber Business, Lewis Bros., Llangennech. Hugh enlisted at Cardiff into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and at the beginning of 1917, Hugh joined his Battalion, and was sent to train at Affringues in August 1917. The Division was set to take part in the Battle of Passchendaele, and in September 1917, his Battalion took part in the Battle of Menin Road, warding off a German counter-attack despite heavy shelling near Hessian Wood. Sadly Hugh was wounded in the head, and was brought to a French Military Hospital, where he died of wounds on the 8th October, 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul,
John Nicholas Lewis, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Mrs. Mary Lewis, of Ffynonau, Llanwrtyd Wells, Breconshire. John was educated at Llandovery from 1903 until 1905. He enlisted into the Army in 1914, and was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and on the 4th August, 1915 sailed from Lemnos, arriving at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli on the 6th August, 1915. From Anzac they marched to Chailak Dere, where, with the 7th Gloucester’s, they were in support of the New Zealanders of the Wellington Regiment and the Auckland Mounted Rifles. On the 8th August, 1915 an attempt was made to capture the heights at Chunak Bair, and some men of the 8th Welsh were among the handful of troops who reached and held the peak for a few hours. However, the Battalion was cut to pieces while crossing Apex Ridge. John was in charge of a platoon of Bomb throwers who charged the crest and succeeded in reaching the other side. They came under fire from Hill Q, which should have been cleared, and John was hit in the arms, chest and leg by rifle and machine gun fire. He fell into a gully, and his servant ran to help him, but found him severely wounded. While being bandaged, he asked for a match to light his cigarette, and handed his pocket watch to his corporal for safe keeping. When asked if there was anything else that could be done for him, he is reported to have said “No, lads, I am done for, but go on lads, and do your duty, for there is one above who will take care of us”. Some days later, Lt Wynne Jones took out a party of stretcher bearers to see if they could find John, but they were unable to reach the gully due to heavy Turkish fire, and his body was never recovered. He was 22 years old, and as he has no known grave, is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
William Arthur Lloyd-Jones, Private, 42173, East Yorkshire Regiment. William was the Son of the Rev. Robert and Margaret Jones, of Heneglwys Rectory, Llangefni, Anglesey. William was educated at Llandovery from 1912 until 1915. William enlisted at Bangor into the 1/4th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. The 4th Battalion was attached to the 150th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division, and arrived in France in April 1915, moving north to participate in the fighting at St. Julien, during Second Ypres. The Battalion sustained heavy casualties here when counter-attacking a German position. During the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. After spending a winter on the Somme, they moved north to Arras, where they took part in the Arras Offensive of April, 1917, and fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe, capturing the Wancourt Ridge. They then fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, before being sent north again to Ypres. Here they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele, and remained here for the winter. During March, 1918 they were stationed near St. Quentin, and were hit here by the German Spring Offensive of the 21st March, 1918 during the Battle of St Quentin. They took part in a gallant rearguard action during the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and then at the Battle of Rosieres. After suffering terrible casualties, the Division moved north to Flanders to rest and rebuild, but in April the Germans launched an attack in Flanders, around the Lys, and the Division took part in the Battle of Estaires, and the Battle of Hazebrouck. Following a most trying time on the Somme and Lys battlefields, the Division was withdrawn and sent to IX Corps, then on the Aisne, believed to be a much quieter area. This was unfortunately not the case, as the Division was hit hard by a surprise enemy attack, and fought at the Battle of the Aisne, 1918. William was taken prisoner here, and died in a Prisoner of War camp in Germany on the 15th September, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Niederzwehren Cemetery, Cassel, Germany.
Clifford Andrew Loveluck, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Clifford was the Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Loveluck, Central Pharmacy, Aberavon, Glamorgan, and Grandson of Mr. John Davies, Llanwrda House, Llanwrda. Clifford was educated at Llandovery from 1908 until 1910, and on leaving Llandovery Clifford became a Dental student at Guy’s Hospital, London. Clifford was commissioned into the 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and sailed from Devonport on the ‘S.S. Caledonia’ for Gallipoli on the 19th July, 1915. He took part in the landing at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, on the 9th August, 1915. Between August and November 1915, there were so many casualties from disease as well as action, that a ‘composite’ Battalion had to he formed, drawn from the 5th and 6th Battalions R.W.F. On the 11th December, 1915 they were withdrawn from Gallipoli and sent to Egypt, where they were deployed on defence of the Suez Canal. In July 1918, Clifford was attached to the 26th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and despatched to the Western Front, where the Battalion formed part of the 176th Brigade, 59th Division. The Division took over a sector on 25 July 1918 and came under the command of Third Army. On the 21st August, 1918 an offensive was launched by the British on the Somme, and the Division took part in the Battle of Albert, where they took part in an attack near Ablainzeville. This was a puny affair in comparison with the Somme fighting in 1916, for the 59th Division captured a number of enemy positions with very little loss and the enemy did not counter-attack. Two days later, it held the British front line as three Divisions from the same Corps launched the next blow, across the valley of the River Sc