Golden Grove War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918
The Honorable Eric Octavius Campbell, DSO & Bar, Lieutenant-Colonel, Seaforth Highlanders. Eric was the Youngest Son of Frederick Archibald Vaughan Campbell, 3rd Earl Cawdor and Countess Cawdor, of Golden Grove, Stackpole Elidor and Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire. He was born in 1885, and after going to Eton passed into the Army through the Militia, being gazetted to the Seaforth Highlanders on 20 December 1905. At the outbreak of the war be went to France as adjutant of the second battalion, was awarded the DSO on 18 February 1915, and was wounded at St. Julien on 25 April 1915. He was employed as brigade major from 3 January 1915 to 24 September 1916, his services being rewarded with a brevet majority on 3 June 1916. He was in hospital In France towards the end of 1918, and on return to duty in November went to the second battalion, but resumed the appointment of brigade major to 44 Infantry Brigade on 22 January 1917. Eric returned to regimental duty on 27 May 1917, and for a short time commanded the Second battalion. On 20 October 1917, he was given command of another battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, which he retained till the middle of May, 1918, when a breakdown in health, due to nearly four years active service, compelled him to go to hospital. He arrived home on 25 May, having been repeated wounded, but returned to duty immediately, as he was only bruised by a fragment of a shell. In the Gazette of 24 May 1918 he was mentioned in dispatches for the third time, and a bar to his DSO was awarded in the Gazette of 3 June 1918. Sadly Eric died of cerebral haemorrhage on 4 June 1918 in Hospital in London. He was 33 years old, and was buried in the Cawdor Plot of Stackpole Elidor Churchyard, Pembrokeshire.
David Davies, Guardsman, 2955, Welsh Guards. David was born at Bantwen Cottage, near Carmel, the son of John and Hannah Davies. He probably worked near Cardiff prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which was in France attached to 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. David would have joined the battalion at Ypres, and fought in the famous attack on Pilckem Ridge. The Guards then moved to Cambrai, where they took fought over the winter of 1917-1918, before moving to Arras. The Guards were among many British units to be hit hard here by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, and over the next few days, fought a stubborn rearguard action. David was wounded during this time, and died on 28 March 1918. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, France. David is not commemorated on any local memorials (He is possibly commemorated at Carmel, but I do not know for certain).
Alewyn Christmas Evans, Private, 320495, Welsh Regiment. Alewyn was the Son of David and Harriet Evans, of Caefadog, Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire. He had enlisted at Carmarthen into the Army, joining the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion had been formed in Egypt early in 1917 by the merger of the Pembroke & Glamorgan Yeomanry Battalions, and became part of 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. Sadly Alewyn was not long with his new battalion. He took ill with enteric fever, and died as a result on 12 May 1917. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. His brother Evan died just three months later.
Evan Evans, Lance Corporal, 25833, Lancashire Fusiliers. Evan was the elder Son of David and Harriet Evans, of Caefadog, Llanarthney, Carmarthen. He originally enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery, but was later transferred to the 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, part of 74 Brigade, 25th Division. The Division landed in France on 26 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 3 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. Evan was killed just before the division moved to Ypres from Messines, on 10 August 1917. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Evan's death was a tremendous blow to his family, as his brother Alewyn had died just three months previously.
Richard Henry Grover, Driver, 136006, Royal Field Artillery. Richard was born at Golden Grove, and was the Husband of Maggie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their 87th Battery, 2nd Brigade, part of 2nd Division. The division had been in France since the start of the war, and had fought at during the withdrawal to the Marne, and at First Ypres and Loos. In 1916 they had taken part in the Somme battles, before moving to Arras where they saw further action in 1917. Later that year they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, and it was here that Richard was killed on 23 September 1917. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France. His widow remarried after the war, becoming Maggie Evans (formerly Grover), of Fron Deg, Waterloo Road, Penygroes, Carmarthenshire. Richard is not commemorated on the Golden Grove Memorial.
Ronald Grove Jones, Private, 8524, Leicestershire Regiment. Ronald was born at Golden Grove, and resided in London prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted there into the Army, and joined the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. The battalion was in India at the outbreak of war, as part of the Garwhal Brigade, 7th (Meerut) Division, and the division was recalled to France to reinforce the stretched BEF. The division took up positions in Northern France, where they saw heavy action the following year, during the Battle of Festubert. Ronald was killed here on 15 May 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France. Ronald is not commemorated on the Golden Grove War Memorial.
Thomas Rees, Private, 44253, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born at Golden Grove. He enlisted at Chatham into the Army, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was in China at the outbreak of war, and took part fighting there against the German Garrison at Tientsin. It was then recalled to Britain, where it joined 87 Brigade, 29th Division, and took part in the Gallipoli Landings, gaining a reputation for its fighting ability. The Division moved to france during May 1915 and took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive. It then 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 this is where Thomas was killed on 16 August 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Thomas is not commemorated on the Golden Grove War Memorial.
David Thomas, Sapper, 66100, Royal Engineers. David was born at Golden Grove, the Son of Ebenezer and Hannah Thomas, later of 77, Dillwyn Street, Llanelli. David had served in the Middle East with the Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers, but was serving with 'L' Signal Battalion, Royal Engineers at the time of his death on 13 September 1919. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery, in the old section.
D. Williams, Sapper, Royal Engineers. This man cannot yet be identified.
Golden Grove War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945
John Ronald Campbell, Major, 33632, Coldstream Guards. John was the Son of Brigadier General John Vaughan Campbell, VC, CMG, DSO, and of Dorothy Campbell, of the Cawdor Family. He was the husband of Ethel Mildred Campbell, of Hadnall, Shropshire. John served as a regular Officer with the Coldstream Guards, following the family tradition, as it was the Regiment that his father won the Victoria Cross with during the Great War. (See Carmarthenshire Heroes page). After the German invasion of Poland, the British Government sent an expeditionary force to France, and with it was the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. John was a Major with the battalion, In May 1940 the Germans invaded France and Belgium, and within days John was dead. He had been killed in action on 30 May 1940 during some hard fighting, and is buried at Veurne Communal Cemetery Extension, Belgium. John was 35 years old.
Bertie Lewis, Private, 10699128, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Bertie was the Son of John Thomas Lewis and Jemima Lewis, of Golden Grove, Carmarthenshire. He had become an accountant before joining the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at the outbreak of war, and was posted to North Africa. Bertie sadly died in Algeria while on active service, the official cause of death was sleeping sickness. Bertie was 37 years old, and was buried at El Alia Cemetery, Algeria. Photos courtesy of Bev Lewis.
Llanarthney War Memorial,The Great War, 1914-1918
Ivor Thomas Charles, Private, 39247, South Wales Borderers. Ivor was born at Llanarthney, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Monmouthshire Regiment. Some time later he was transferred into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, Pioneers to the 25th Division. The Division moved to France in September 1915 and moved to the Vimy sector. They fought in every major battle thereafter and took part in some of the terrible fighting during the German Spring offensive of 1918 before being moved to the Soissons Sector. On 27 May 1918 a German attack hit them again, and during the coming days the Division was virtually annihilated. By 9 June, a decision had been taken to break up what was left of the Division to reinforce other formations. The core of the Division returned to England to rebuild, and returned to the front in September 1918, moving at first to St Riquier near Abbeville. Late in the month, it entrained for Fourth Army, coming under XIII Corps which was by now engaged in the more or less continuous and eventually victorious advance across Picardy, fighting at the Battle of Beaurevoir. They then fought during the remainder of the great offensive, at the Battle of Cambrai, the Pursuit to the Selle, the Battle of the Selle, and the Battle of the Sambre. Ivor was taken ill and died during the final offensive, and he died on 29 October 1918. He is buried at Pont-De-Nieppe Communal Cemetery, France. Ivor is not commemorated on the Llanarthney War Memorial.
George Davies, Sapper, 448501, Royal Engineers. George was born at Llannon, and resided at Llanarthney prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Engineers, and after training was posted to 90th Field Company, attached to 9th (Scottish) Division. During the summer of 1915 the Division moved to France, and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos. They then took part in the Battle of the Somme, fighting at the opening Battle of Albert, and then at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. They then fought at the Battle of Delville Wood, and the Battle of Le Transloy, and in April, 1917 were at Arras, where they fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe and the Third Battle of the Scarpe. The Division moved north to Ypres, and fought at the Battle of the Menin Road, and at the First Battle of Passchendaele, before being moved to Cambrai, and fighting at the Action of Welsh Ridge. In March, 1918 they were still in the Cambrai area, and were one of the Divisions hit there by the German Spring Offensive, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, and the First Battle of Bapaume. After suffering terrible casualties the Division were moved to Flanders to rebuild, but the Germans launched another offensive there during April, 1918, and the Division then took part in the Battles of the Lys, at the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle of Kemmel, the Second Battle of Kemmel and then during the Advance in Flanders, where they took part in the Action of Outtersteene Ridge. George was wounded during the fighting around Outtersteene, and evacuated to the hospital at St. Omer, where he died of his wounds on 1 August 1918. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France.
Thomas Davies, Lance Corporal, 68852, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Mr and Mrs Davies, of Caerllwyn, Foelgastell. He was employed at New Cross Hands Collieries prior to the war, and enlisted into the Pembroke Yeomanry. After training, Thomas was posted first to the Welsh Regiment, and then to the Royal Irish Rifles. At some time he was then re-posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and joined their 11th Battalion, which was part of 67 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 27 October 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, although the final artillery units were still coming in as late as 13 December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between 10 to 18 August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then between 13 to 14 September 1916 at the battle of Machukovo. Between 24-25 April and 8-9 May 1917 the Division fought at the battle of Doiran. Thomas was killed some weeks later, on 31 July 1918. He is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece.
David Howell Griffiths, Sapper, 6405, Australian Engineers. David was born at Llanarthney, and was the Brother of Ruth Roberts, Porthyrhyd, Llanarthney. He was a miner, and had served with the 4th Welsh prior to emigrating to Australia around 1910, after being advised to live in a better climate, due to ill health. He then lived with his sister, Mrs Ruth Roberts, at High Street, Grange, South Australia. David enlisted at Adelaide on 14 October 1915, into the Australian Engineers, and joined the 13th reinforcements to the 3rd Field Company, which was attached to the 1st Australian Division. David embarked on 20 March 1916 at Sydney aboard HMAT Armadale, and arrived at Alexandria on 24 April 1916. Within weeks he was admitted to Hospital at Abbassia, where he was discovered to be suffering from tuberculosis. On 24 June 1916 David embarked at Alexandria for Australia, after being discharged from the AIF as medically unfit. He died on 10 February 1920, aged 30, and is buried at Adelaide (West Terrace) Cemetery, Australia. David isn't commemorated locally.
Rhys Griffiths, Private, 57935, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Rhys was the Son of Owen and Sarah Griffiths, of Bron Gwendraeth, Cwm Mawr, Tumble. He had enlisted at Llanelli into the Army, and was posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. After his training, Rhys was posted to their 9th Battalion, which formed part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The division had been in France since July 1915 and had fought at Loos soon after. In 1916 they took part in the Somme Offensive, and in 1917 fought at Messines and Ypres. They suffered terrible casualties during the German Spring Offensive of 1918, and were sent to positions on the Aisne to rebuild. However they were caught up in heavy fighting again here and suffered badly. At some stage in 1918 Rhys was one of many British Soldiers to be captured by the Germans. He was sent to a Prisoner of War Camp in Germany, but died as a POW on 24 July 1918. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Niederzwehren Cemetery, Germany.
William John Hughes, Private, 26467, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llanarthney, the Son of John Hughes, later of Gorsfach, Gorslas. William resided at Llandebie prior to the war, and enlisted at Porth into the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, which 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 1 and 9 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. William was killed in action during this period, on 24 April, 1917. He is buried at Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich.
David Robert James, Private, 1490, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Voel Castell, and was a regular soldier, having originally enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment. At the outbreak of war David was either still serving, or was recalled to duty with the 2nd Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, which moved to France in August 1914 as part of 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. David was killed during the second day of the Battle of Loos, on 26 September 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.
John Jenkins, Private, 60402, Labour Corps. John was the Son of David and Anne Jenkins, of Llwynhelyg, Llanarthney. He had enlisted at Marylebone into the 34th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which was formed at Falmer in May 1916, moving to France sometime after June 1916. The battalion had been formed as a Labour Battalion, and in April 1917 became a Labour Corps Battalion. John was wounded during the German Offensive in 1918. He died of his wounds on 13 May 1918, aged 45, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. John is not named on the County War Memorial Roll.
Arthur Edward Jones, Private, 10921, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Arthur was born at Llanarthney, the Son of George and Jane Jones, later of Newbridge on Wye and then of 27, Heol Curdy, Sarn, Aberkenfig, Bridgend. He had enlisted at Hereford into the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, and was posted to their 5th Battalion, attached to 42 Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division was to see its first action during the Action of Hooge, where the Division were the first to be attacked by the German use of flamethrowers. They then fought at the Second attack on Bellewaarde. In July, 1916 they moved to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of Delville Wood, and then the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and in March, 1917 followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. May saw them at Arras, where they took part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, which is where Arthur was killed on 3 May 1917. He was 27 years old and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Arthur is not commemorated on the Llanarthney War Memorial.
David Jones, Lance Corporal, 8436, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llanarthney, and had enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment prior to the outbreak of war. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was part of 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. David was killed a month before the Battle, on 20 April 1915. He is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy.
David Jones, Private, 13131, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the son of William and Hannah Jones of Llanarthney. He enlisted at Tumble at the outbreak of war into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and was posted to their 8th Battalion, part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire, and on 13 June 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved 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, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. David was wounded here, and died as a result on 17 August 1915. He was just 19 years old and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, as he was probably buried at sea off a Hospital Ship.
Herbert Jones, Sapper, 96505, 171st Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. Herbert was the Son of John T. Jones, of Llanarthney, Carmarthen, and the Husband of Edith F. Jones, of 4, Maryland Rd., Wood Green, London. Prior to the war, he resided at Camden Town, London, enlisting there into the 171st Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. Upon arriving in France, the Company were sent to the Hill 70 and the Bluff area near Ypres, where they began one of the most terrifying campaigns of the Great War, the war underground. The tunnelers dug a network of dugouts, subways and mines around the Ypres Salient, and the men manning the trenches above grew to fear the sound of digging beneath their feet, after the explosion of several mines in the sector. Herbert was Killed in Action at Ypres, aged 31, on 2 June, 1915, quite possible underground whilst working on a mine. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres. Herbert is not commemorated on the Llanarthney War Memorial.
Idris Tudor Rees, Private, 75290, Welsh Regiment. Idris was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Rees, of Min-yr-Afon, Cross Hands. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14 July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at Pilckem and Langemarck, then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved south, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until the war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on 8 August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme after an attack which began on 21 August, with the 38th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert, and then moving east, where they fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Then the move began towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and the Division carried on with their march east, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt, and the Battle of Epehy. A short rest period ensued, during which time the Canal du Nord was breached, so opening a passage through the Hindenburg Line. The Division then fought at the Battle of Beaurevoir, and moved up towards Cambrai, capturing Villers-Outreaux. Idris was wounded during this great advance, and died of wounds on 9 October, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Beaulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy, France.
Stanley Thomas William Saunders, Private, 34121, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Stanley was the Son of Thomas Saunders of Ipswich. At some time previous to the war he had made his way to West Wales, where he lived with his wife Miriam Saunders, at Tanylan, Maesybont, Gorslas. Stanley enlisted at the outbreak of war, joining the Welsh Regiment at Tumble, and moved to Rhyl. He then transferred at Rhyl into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 76 Brigade. By the time of the Battle of the Somme, 76 Brigade was attached to 3rd Division, and it was on the Somme, during the Battle of Delville Wood, that Stanley was killed on 20 July 1916. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing.
Joseph Henry Webster, Private, 27548, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Joseph was the Son of Joseph Henry Webster, of Liverpool. He had moved to West Wales prior to the war, and lived with his wife Rachel Webster, at Curn Dancerrig, Bronwydd Arms. Joseph had originally joined the Welsh Regiment, probably the 24th Battalion, but was transferred to the 6th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion had been in France since July 1915, attached to 60 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. Joseph probably joined them in 1918, when they were reinforced after suffering heavily after the German Spring Offensive of March and April. The battalion rebuilt over the coming summer of 1918, and in October took part in the great offensive that would ultimately win the war. Joseph was badly wounded during the ensuing advance on the Hindenburg Line, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Wimille, where he died of his wounds on 10 September 1918. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.
Howell Morgan Williams, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Howel was the Son of John and Catherine Williams, of "Gwynondale," Llanarthney, and was commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, serving with the 19th Battalion, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14 July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Howell was killed in action during the build up to the Third Battle of Ypres, on 24 June, 1916. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on the Llanegwad Memorial.
Llanarthney War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945
Leslie Charles Fortey, Sapper, 2004187, Royal Engineers. Very little is known of Leslie, except that he was the Son of Thomas and Emma Fortey, of Tumble. He died on 16 December 1945 aged 28, and is buried at Llanarthney (St. David) Churchyard. Photo courtesy of Bev Lewis.
Llangathen War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918
Arthur Henry Birch, Private, 14480, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Arthur was born at Stourport, probably the son of John and Emma Birch, of Balsall Heath, Worcestershire. He lived at Abersannan, Golden Grove prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the army. Arthur was posted to the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to 8 Brigade, 3rd Division. He landed in France with the battalion on 28 September 1915, and moved to join the 3rd Division at Ypres. Arthur was killed in action during the Actions of St. Eloi Craters on 21 May 1916. He is buried at La Clytte Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Ernest Davies, Private, 53674, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was born at Llangathen, and Resided at Broadoak, Llangathen prior to the war. He originally enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry, and sometime in 1917 was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. Ernest probably fought through the Battle of Passchendaele with the Division, and was caught up in the terrible fighting on the Lys during the German advance in April 1918. Ernest was wounded during the Division's advance on the Hindenburg Line in September 1918, and died of his wounds on 16 September 1918. He is buried at Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France.
Ivor J. Davies, Private, DM2/117601, Royal Army Service Corps. Ivor was the Son of James and Margaret Davies, of 69, High Street, Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil. He resided at Cilsane Mill, Llangathen prior to the war, and served with the 14th GHQ Motor Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps. Ivor died on 12 November 1918, the day after the Armistice. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Premont British Cemetery, France.
John Gabriel Davies, Private, 45492, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Ann Davies, of Dryslwyn Castle Inn, Golden Grove, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was sent to France as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division which were one of the first Divisions in France, landing at Havre on 13 August 1914. After the retreat from Mons to the Aisne, they were moved to Ypres, and stemmed the German attack there. After a hard first winter on the Western Front, the Division fought at the Battle of Aubers in May 1915, and then at the Battle of Loos in September. In June 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and fought through the offensive, at the Battles of Albert, Bazentin and Pozieres, where John was Wounded in Action. He was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers, where he sadly Died of Wounds on 27 August 1916 aged 41. John is buried there, at Puchevillers British Cemetery.
T. Davies, Private. The memorial shows him as living at Ffosybroca, Llangathen, but he cannot be positively identified.
William Davies, Corporal, 40012, South Wales Borderers. William was born at Plasnewydd, Llangathen, and resided at Tumble before the war. He enlisted there into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but was later posted to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had recently arrived back in England from duty at Gallipoli, as part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. 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. They remained on the Somme over the winter, and it was here that William was killed on 26 February 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Pier and Face 4A of the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Benjamin Griffiths, Private, 42353, South Wales Borderers. Benjamin was the Son of Mrs. Sarah Griffiths, of Aberglasny Lodge, Llangathen. He originally enlisted at Ammanford into the Welsh Regiment, before being posted to the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which were attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France in 21 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. Benjamin was killed in action on the Ancre on 18 February 1917. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Walter Hailes, Private, 200295, Welsh Regiment. Walter resided at Wernfawr, Llangathen, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion sailed for Gallipoli in July 1915 as part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh), and saw fierce fighting at Gallipoli before being evacuated to Egypt in December 1915. In March 1917 the Division was part of the force which invaded Palestine, and it was here, during the First Battle of Gaza, that Walter was killed on 26 March 1917. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Edward Jones, Sergeant, 200808, Welsh Regiment. Edward resided at Dryslwyn Station, the son of Mr. D. Jones. He enlisted on 15 October 1912 into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial unit. He didn't serve overseas, as he was deemed to be unfit, and was discharged on 23 October 1917 as being no longer physically fit for war service. Edward died of Tuberculosis on 12 January 1918, aged 28. Edward has recently been accepted for commemoration by the CWGC (January 2012), and his name will be added to the Brookwood (1914-1918) Memorial, as his place of burial has not yet been identified.
John Lewis, Private, 53644, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of William and Mary Lewis, of Glandulais Lodge, Dryslwyn, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion had been in France since the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and saw considerable fighting during the first years of the war. John probably joined the battalion after the Somme battles in 1916. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. After spending another Winter in Flanders, they were near Estaires when the German Spring Offensive caught them, fighting through the Battles of Estaires, Hazebrouck, and Bethune before being moved South again to Arras, fighting at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant, and at the Battle of Epehy, after the tide had been turned in the favour of the Allies. The Division pushed on towards the St. Quentin Canal, and moved toward the Hindenburg Line. John was wounded here, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Rouen for treatment, but sadly died there of his wounds on 3 October 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.
Albert Pritchard, Private, 13057, Welsh Regiment. Albert was originally from Hereford, but resided at Brynhafod, Llangathen prior to the war. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which moved to France in August 1914 attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division fought 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, posted to the Dranoutre Sector. Albert was killed here on 2 April 1915, during a relatively quiet spell. He is buried at Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Thomas Rees, Private, 44253, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was the son of Mr and Mrs John Rees, of Three Compasses, Llangathen. He resided at 6, Cromwell Street, Swansea prior to the war, and enlisted at Chatham into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was in France attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. 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. Thomas was killed here on 16 August 1917, aged 32. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Harry Shooter, Private, G/29227, East Kent Regiment. Harry was the Husband of F. M. Shooter, of 14, High Street, Pleasley Hill, Mansfield, Notts. The couple had resided at Dryslwyn Uchaf, Llangathen prior to the war, and Harry had enlisted at Derby into the army. He was posted to the 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment, which was in France attached to 55 Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division had fought during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and through the Battles of Arras and Third Ypres the following year. In 1918 it fought at the Battle of St Quentin, suffering terrible casualties, and took part in the Battle of the Avre and the Actions of Villers-Bretonneux. On 8 August 1918 they formed part of the force which attacked the German positions around Villers Brettoneux, south of the Somme Valley, during the Battle of Amiens, and then took part in the Battle of Albert, which began the great push by the Allies which ended the war. Their next action was at the Battle of Bapaume, and then at the Battle of Epehy, which was during the second phase of the Battles of the Hindenburg Line. Harry was killed here on 18 September 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Unicorn Cemetery, Vendhuile, France.
William Thomas, Private, 1298, Welsh Guards. William was the Son of John and Margaret Thomas, of Penwaun, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo. He had enlisted at Kingston, Surrey into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who were raised after the Royal Warrant on 26 February 1915. After being formed, they became part of 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, and they remained here over their first winter in France, before moving to Ypres, where William was wounded. He Died of Wounds on 3 July 1917 aged 22, and is buried at Brandhoek Military Cemetery.
Frank Watts, Sergeant, 42046, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Frank was the Son of John and Mary Watts, of 82, Catherine Street, Aston, Birmingham. He resided at Broad Oak, Llangathen prior to the war, and returned to Birmingham to enlist into the 2nd Battalion, Warwickshire Regiment, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division moved to Italy in November 1917, so Frank must have transferred to another battalion. He was killed during the Battle of the Selle on 18 October 1918, aged 19, and is buried at Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, France.
William Watts, Private, 1051, Welsh Regiment. William resided at Broad Oak, Llangathen, and must have been the brother of Frank Watts. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial unit. The battalion was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and sailed for Gallipoli in July 1915. William didn't embark with the division though, as he must have been unwell at the time. He died on 13 August 1915 at Pembroke Dock, and is buried there, at Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.
Evan George Wright, Private, 5136, Welsh Regiment. Evan was born around 1896, the son of Mr. A. J. and Mrs. E. J. Wright, of Maesyrhiw, Talley, and resided at Upper Gilsanc, Llangathen prior to the war. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, with the number 5136. The Battalion formed part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and fought at Gallipoli. It was at Gallipoli, during the Attack on Scimitar Hill, that Evan was killed in action on 10 August 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
Llangathen War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945
Victor Charles Coombes, Lance Corporal, 4080534, South Wales Borderers. Victor was born at Llandilofawr in 1915, and married Emily M. Johns at Carmarthen in 1939. The couple resided at Redstone Villa, near Llandeilo, and Victor served with the South Wales Borderers during the war. He died on 14 July 1941, aged 26, and is buried at Llangathen (St. Cathen) Churchyard. Many thanks to Bev Lewis for the photograph. Victor is not commemorated on the war memorial.
Thomas John Davies, Gunner. There are three men of this name who fell during the war, none of whom having any obvious links to Llangathen.
Rhys Martin Lloyd, D.F.C., Squadron Leader, Royal Air Force. Rhys was educated at Cambridge, and was commissioned from the Cambridge University Air Squadron into the Royal Air Force on 2 August 1940, becoming a Pilot with 33 Squadron. The Squadron took part in the defence of Malta, equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire. During the course of the battle, Rhys was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the citation which was published on 28 April 1942 read; ' This officer is a confident and skilful fighter pilot. He has destroyed 2, probably destroyed 3 and damaged a further 5 hostile aircraft. He invariably presses home his attacks from the closest range'. Rhys was then posted to North Africa, where he flew a Hawker Hurricane. Rhys was lost, presumed killed, when his Hurricane was shot down by fighters west of El Alamein on 27 October 1942. He is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
William Samuel Northwood, Leading Aircraftman, 948273, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the Son of Walter and Jane Northwood, Llwynarel, and married Eileen Nicholas at Carmarthen in 1940, prior to embarking for the Middle East, where he joined 84 Squadron, Royal Air Force. As a result of the Japanese entry into the war in December 1941, 84 Squadron was moved to the Far East, reaching Sumatra in late January 1942 where it joined up with survivors of the defeat in Malaya. This combined force was soon threatened by the Japanese invasion of Sumatra and Java. At the end of February most of the ground crew were evacuated by ship back to India, with the remaining air and ground crew not far behind. William however was captured by the Japanese, and died on 9 March 1942, aged 29. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore. Many thanks to Nigel Anstey for the photograph.
