The War Memorials of Llandeilo are situated inside the Parish Church. I have been unable to gain entrance to photograph the Memorials, but have been kindly sent a list of the names of the men of Llandeilo who are named on the Memorials by Terry Norman, so many thanks to him for his help once again. Thanks also to Paul Evans for sending in the extra information on the Welsh Guardsmen, and the photographs of them from the Carmarthen Journal.

Llandeilo War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Alfred Arrowsmith, Private, 808, Welsh Regiment. Alfred is listed as residing in Camden Town, London, but enlisted in Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. The day after landing on the hostile shores of Gallipolli, Alfred was killed in Action. He had seen just one day of fighting, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial in Gallipolli. The memorial bears more than 21,000 names of men who were buried at sea, or whose bodies were never recovered off the battlefields of Gallipolli. Not on Memorial.

Frank Banwell, Private, 29702, South Wales Borderers. Frank was the Son of John and Susanah Banwell, of Newport, Monmouthshire. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. In February, 1915 they were converted to a Pioneer Battalion, and landed at Le Havre on the 25th September, 1915. The Division moved to a sector in front of Vimy Ridge, where they relieved a French Division, and came under heavy attack y the Germans in May, 1916 which resulted in the loss of some of the front line trenches. In June the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought throughout the Somme Offensive, before moving to Ploegsteert during the Winter, where they remained until after the Battle of Messines Ridge in June. Frank was Killed in Action at Ypres soon after the successful attack on Messines Ridge, on the 4th July, 1917. He is buried in Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Percy Frank Barnes, Private, 201692, Welsh Regiment. Percy was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Barnes, of Kings Lodge, Llandeilo, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. They remained here throughout a terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In December, 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez Canal. Their next mission was the invasion of Palestine, but by now Percy had become ill, and sadly Died of Sickness in Egypt on the 8th July, 1917 aged just 19. He is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery.

Samuel Rountree Bell, Private, 27287, Royal Field Artillery. Named on the memorial as Sidney Bell, this is the only possible man. Samuel was the Son of Robert and Florence Bell, of 8, Peckell St., West Hartlepool. He enlisted at West Hartlepool into the Royal Field Artillery, and served in their 'B' Battery, 47th Brigade, attached to the 14th (Light) Division. The Division were on the Western Front by the Spring of 1915, and were posted to positions around Hooge. Here, during July, 1915 they became the first troops to come under attack by German Flamethrowers. They fought here during the Action at Bellewaarde, and in July, 1916 moved to the Somme, where they remained for the duration of the offensive. In March, 1917 the Division followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought during the Arras Offensive at the Scarpe. The Division then moved north and fought throughout the Battles of Third Ypres, before moving south again and fighting at the Battle of Cambrai in November, 1917. Some of the Divisional Artillery must have remained at Ypres however, as Samuel was Killed in Action at Ypres on the 5th December, 1917 aged 22, and is buried at Tyne Cot Military Cemetery.

Frederick Benjamin Bowen, Private, 29628, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick was the Son of John and Mary Bowen, of Tyssil House, Llandeilo, and enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the 19th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion were formed in March, 1915 as a Bantam Battalion, and in September, 1915 were attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. They moved to France in June, 1916, and served near Loos until October, when it was moved to the Somme. The Division fought on the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter, before following the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. Their next major action was during the Battle of Cambrai, where Frederick was Killed in Action on the 24th November, 1917 aged 22. He is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

Gamaliel Bowen, Ordinary Seaman, Z/4247, Royal Navy. Gamaliel was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bowen, of Pantteg Villa, Llandeilo, and served in the Royal Navy, and he was serving at the Naval Shore establishment H.M.S. Excellent, when he died aged 23, on the 23rd January, 1918. He is buried at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Hampshire.

Stewart Rendall Bowen, Private, 14168, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Stewart was born at Llandeilo, and had enlisted at Llandeilo into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was a Training Battalion based in the UK. Stewart sadly died at home on the 14th February, 1917 and is buried at Llandeilo (Bethel) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard. Many thanks to W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

John Caleb Brick, Private, 14519, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. John was born at on the Sugar Loaf, the Son of Aaron and Margaret Brick, of Providence Place, Llanwrtyd Wells. He enlisted at Llandrindod Wells into the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. On the 28th September, 1915 the Battalion landed at Boulogne and two weeks later moved to the 3rd Division, in the 8th Brigade. The Division were at Ypres at the beginning of 1916, and the 7th KSLI saw their first major action at the Bluff and the St. Eloi craters. They moved to the Somme in June, 1916 and fought there throughout the great offensive, where John was Killed in Action during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge on the 14th July, 1916 aged 32. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

W. Parry Brown, Cannot Presently be Identified.

Thomas Buckingham, Private, 3813, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Buckingham, of 31, Tony Terrace, Llandeilo, and the Husband of Elizabeth Thorne (formerly Buckingham), of 2, Burnaby St., Splott, Cardiff. He had enlisted at Carmarthen into the 4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had formed there on the 4th August, 1914. Sadly Thomas died there aged 22 on the 11th October, 1914, and is buried at Carmarthen (St. Mary) Roman Catholic Churchyard.

Henry Chuter, Private, 10394, Welsh Regiment. Henry was born in Acton, Sussex and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. At the beginning of the war, the Battalion were garrisoned in India, but were soon recalled and arrived in Plymouth on the 22nd December, 1914. They were then attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division and landed at Havre on the 18th January, 1915, and rushed to Ypres, where they fought at Second Ypres, suffering terrible casualties. Henry was Killed in Action here on the 9th February, 1915 and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.

John Arthur Dade, Private, 15459, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Nottingham, the Son of Samuel and Annie Dade, later of Bank Cottage, Felinfoel, Llanelly. He was residing at Llandeilo when he enlisted into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was formed at Wrexham during October, 1914 as part of the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. They landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915 and were then transferred to the 3rd Division. The Division were then near Ypres, and the 10th RWF saw their first action during the German attacks on the Bluff and at St. Eloi Craters. In June, 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and took part in the Battles of Albert, Bazentin Ridge and Delville Wood before John was wounded. He was brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Corbie in the Somme Valley, where he Died of Wounds aged 23 on the 21st August, 1918. John is buried in La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie.

Clement Hugh Davies, Private, G/86328, Middlesex Regiment. Clement was born at Llandeilo, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Davies, later of 18, Eaton Crescent, Swansea. He enlisted at Swansea into the Army Service Corps, but later transferred to the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was known as the 'Football Battalion'. The Battalion were raised in London on the 12th December, 1914 and were originally attached to the 100th Brigade, 33rd Division and landed at Boulogne on the 18th November, 1915. Here they transferred to the 6th Brigade, 2nd Division, who had been badly depleted during the Battle of Loos. After spending the winter near Loos, the Division moved to the Somme, and took part in the Battles of Delville Wood and the Ancre, and followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. They then fought during the Arras Offensive, at the Battles of the Scarpe and the Battle of Arleux, and were involved later in the year at the Battle of Cambrai. Clement was Killed in Action during the Battle, on the 11th December, 1917 aged just 19. He is buried at Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.

Daniel Ivor Davies, Driver, W/3511, Royal Field Artillery. Daniel was the Son of Morgan and Rachel Davies, of Kenwyn Cottage, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. He had enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 223rd Brigade, which were attached to the Home Counties Division. Daniel Died of Sickness at home on the 13th November, 1918 aged 24, and is buried at Ffairfach (Tabernacle) Congregational Chapelyard.

Jack (John) Davies, Private, 203011, South Lancashire Regiment. Jack was the Son of Daniel and Anne Davies, of Myrtle Hill Dairy, Llanelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, and the Battalion landed at Le Havre on the 13th February, 1915, joining 7th Brigade, 3rd Division, and were then made Pioneers to the Division in December, 1915. The Division were then near Ypres, and the 1/4th South Lancs saw their first action during the German attacks on the Bluff and at St. Eloi Craters. In June, 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and took part in the Battles of Albert, Bazentin Ridge, Delville Wood and on the Ancre. In 1917 the Division fought during the Arras Offensive, and then moved North to Ypres, where they fought at the Battles of the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood. Jack was Killed in Action at Ypres on the 6th November, 1917 aged 24, and is buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery.

James Davies, Private, 204689, Canadian Infantry. James was born in Belfast on the 3rd December, 1879, the Son of John and Elizabeth Davies. The family returned to Wales, and lives at Cefntelych Lodge, Pumpsaint, Llandeilo, but James emigrated to Canada and worked there as a Farmer. He enlisted there at Saskatoon on the 7th April, 1916, and was posted to the 15th Battalion (Central Ontario), Canadian Infantry, which were part of the 3rd Canadian Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. The Division had been on the Western Front since February, 1915, and it is probable that James didn't reach there until after the 1916 Somme Offensive, where the Canadians captured Regina Trench. In April, 1917 however, he was with the Battalion, as they formed part of the attack force which were tasked with the capture of Vimy Ridge, and he also fought during the remainder of the Arras Offensive. James was Killed in Action at Arras on the 16th August, 1917 aged 38, and is remembered on the Vimy Memorial. Not on Memorial.

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 the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division which were one of the first Divisions in France, landing at Havre on the 13th 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 the 27th August, 1916 aged 41. John is buried there, at Puchevillers British Cemetery.

Oliver Cromwell Davies, Private, 38376, Welsh Regiment. Oliver was the Son of David and Harriet Davies, of Llandeil. Oliver enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had formed at Cardiff during August 1914 as part of K.1. They were then attached to 40 Brigade, 13th Western Division.  40 Brigade assembled at Salisbury Plain along with 40th Division, and then moved to Chiseldon and Cirencester in September 1914. Toward the end of February 1915, the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On 7 June 1915, orders were received for the Division to move to the Mediterranean, then by 4 July from Alexandria to Mudros-preparing for the landing on Gallipoli. That day the Division landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. From there, the Division took part in several actions, most notably The Battle of Sari Bair between 6-11 August 1915 and the Battle of Russell's Top on 7 August 1915. In January, 1916 the Division was evacuated from Gallipoli and moved to the Suez Canal Defences near Port Said, and on 12 February they moved to Mesopotamia, to attempt to relieve the Siege of Kut el Amara. Oliver Died of Sickness on this campaign, on 30 June, 1916 aged  21. He is buried in Amara War Cemetery. Oliver's father David diedaged 81 on 20 June 1917. His mother had remarried by the time the Imperial War Graves Commission began contacting relatives of the fallen, and resided at 24, Towy Terrace, Llandeilo, as Mrs Harriet Edwards.

Thomas Davies, Company Sergeant Major, 3002, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Husband of Mrs. A. Davies, of Hanover House, Latimer Rd., Llandeilo. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli, and Thomas was Killed in Action the very next day, on the 10th August, 1915 aged 43. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Thomas Morgan Davies, Private, 288053, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of John and Elizabeth Davies, of Llandeilo, and the Husband of Sarah Elizabeth Louisa James (who had remarried shortly after the war), of 5, North Bank, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Swansea into the 1/6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had been formed there in August, 1914. On the 29th October, 1914 they landed at Le Havre and moved to Lines of Communication, and on the 5th July, 1915 became attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division, and fought with them at the Battle of Loos. On the 23rd October, 1915 they moved to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and on the 15th May, 1916 became the Pioneer Battalion to the Division. The Division fought throughout the bulk of the Somme Offensive in 1916, at the Battles of Albert, Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They remained in the area over the winter, and in March, 1917 followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. The Division then moved north to the Belgian Coast to prepare for a planned offensive there, but the Battle of Third Ypres had by then ground to a halt in the mud, and so they were sent to Ypres to reinforce the British attack, fighting in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. The following Spring, the German Spring Offensive had stormed through the British lines on the Somme. They then focussed their desperate next phase on the British Lines in Flanders, and the 1st Division were caught up in the maelstrom at Estaires, and the forced retreat to Hazebrouck and Bethune. Thomas was Wounded in Action during this desperate time, and Died of Wounds on the 5th August, 1918 aged 32. He is buried at Sailly-Labourse Communal Cemetery Extension.

William Henry Davies, Company Sergeant Major, 28238, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. William was born in Edgbaston, and enlisted at Dublin into the 11th Hussars. He later transferred to the 8/9th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, which had been constituted by the merger of the 8th and 9th Battalion in France on the 24th October, 1917 following heavy casualties at Ypres. The Battalion were attached to the 48th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division, and had just taken part in the Battles of Messines and Langemarck. They moved to the Somme, and were caught up in the German Spring Offensive during the Battle of St. Quentin, where William was Killed in Action on the 23rd March, 1918. His body was lost in the terrible fighting that continued in the area over the coming months, and so he is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial.

John Victor Duffus, Private, 39125, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which at the outbreak of war were at Bordon as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division landed at Havre on the 13th August, 1914 and proceeded to positions near Mons, taking part in the great Battle there, before retreating south towards the Marne where the BEF stopped the German Advance. The Germans retreated north to the Aisne, and the BEF followed them, and another Battle was fought here before the 1st Division were sent to Flanders, where they fought at First Ypres, when the Germans attempted a sweep westward through Belgium to the Channel Coast. The BEF stopped them again, at heavy cost, laying the foundation for the shape of the Western Front for the coming 4 years. The Division remained in Flanders over the winter, and in 1915 fought at Aubers in May, and the Battle of Loos in September onwards. In June, 1916 they moved to positions on the Somme, and fought through the Somme Offensive, at Albert, Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval, where John was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 23rd September, 1916 and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Ernest Edwards, Gunner, 198073, Royal Garrison Artillery. Ernest was the Husband of Gertrude E. Edwards, of 115, Capworth St., Leyton. He served in the 19th Anti Aircraft Company of the Royal Garrison Artillery, and Died on the 26th March, 1919 aged just 19. He is buried in Chingford Mount Cemetery.

Thomas Edwards, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot Presently be Identified.

Charles Evans, Private, 6246, Welsh Regiment. Charles was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Maesteg into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was, at the beginning of the war, garrisoned in India. They were soon recalled however, and arrived in Plymouth on the 22nd December, 1914. They were then attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division and landed at Havre on the 18th January, 1915, and rushed to Ypres, where they fought at Second Ypres, suffering terrible casualties. Charles was Killed in Action during Second Ypres on the 26th March, 1915 and is buried at Dranoutre Churchyard. Not on Memorial.

David John Evans, Private, 114325, Royal Army Medical Corps. David was the Son of Benjamin and Mary Evans, of Capel Isaac, Llandeilo, and the Husband of Beatrice Mary Evans, of 91, Alfred St., Roath Park, Cardiff. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with their 10th Ambulance Train. David sadly died after the war had ended, on the 31st August, 1920 aged 39, and is buried at Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Edgar Emlyn Evans, Guardsman, 25838, Grenadier Guards. Edgar was the Son of George and Sarah Evans, of "Gwalia," Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, which had been in France with the 3rd Division since the Battle of Mons, and had fought through the retreat to the Aisne. They had fought at First Ypres, and in August 1915 were attached to the newly formed 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers and Morval during the 1916 Somme Battles, and saw much action at Third Ypres. They fought during the Battle of Cambrai and were in the area when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the 21st March, 1918. Edgar was Killed in Action during this traumatic period, on the 4th April, 1918 aged 25, and is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux.

John Evans, Private, 45037, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Llandeilo, the Son of John and Harriet Evans, later of Llethyfagwyren, Llansadumen, Llanwrda. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was which was sent to France as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division which were one of the first Divisions in France, landing at Havre on the 13th 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, Flers and Morval. They followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 and were then moved to the Flanders Coast to prepare for a planned offensive. However, by this time the Passchendaele Battles had ground to a halt in the mud, and the 1st Division were called to take part in the offensive at Ypres. They fought during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where the village was finally taken, and remained in Flanders over the winter. The following year saw the focus of the German Spring Offensive hit Flanders, and the 1st Division fought through the desperate battles of Estaires, Hazebrouck and Bethune. They then moved to the Arras sector, and fought at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant, then moved forward to fight at the Battle of Epehy. John was Killed in Action soon after, on the 25th September, 1918 aged 36. He is buried in Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension.

John Talley Evans, Lance Sergeant, 29508, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born around 1893 at Talley. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Evans, of Halfway, Talley, and he resided at Llandeilo prior to the outbreak of war. John enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, with the number 29508. The Battalion formed part of the 19th Brigade, 33rd Division, and was famous as being the Battalion in which Frank Richards, Siegfried Sassoon & Robert Graves. During the Battle of the Somme, the Division took part in the Battle of Bazentin, and it was during this Battle that John was to die of wounds on the 7th November, 1916. He is remembered on the massive Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. Not on Memorial.

Joseph Evans, Private, 9132, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Joseph was the Son of John and Margaret Evans, of Drefach, Llandeilo, and he enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which had landed at Rouen on the 11th August, 1914. On the 22nd they became attached to the 19th Brigade, which were under independent control, and fought at the Battle of Mons, and in the epic rearguard action at Solesmes and Le Cateau, and the retreat south towards the Marne. The professional soldiers of the BEF stopped the German Advance in its tracks at the Marne, and followed their withdrawal to the Aisne, where another Battle was fought. Now that the German advance toward Paris had been stopped, the 19th Brigade were attached to the 6th Division, and moved to Ypres, where they remained until the 31st May, 1915 when they were transferred to the 27th Division, and fought with them at Second Ypres. On the 19th August they were moved to the 2nd Division, and fought with them throughout the Battle of Loos. On the 25th November they moved again, to the 33rd Division, and it was during the first winter with this new Division that Joseph was wounded. He was brought to a Casualty Clearing Station at Bethune, where he Died of Wounds on the 29th January, 1916. Joseph is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Thomas Evans, Private, 2057, Royal Army Medical Corps. Thomas was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving with their 3rd Welsh Field Ambulance. The 3rd Welsh FA had been formed on the 14th August, 1914 and attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. On July, 1915 the Division sailed from Avanmouth for Egypt, and then from Egypt they landed at Gallipoli on the 9th August, 1915. It was soon after landing that Thomas was Wounded, and he was moved to a Hospital Ship where he Died of Wounds on the 15th August, 1915. Thomas was buried at sea, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial.

William Evans, Sergeant, 320117, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas and Mary Evans, later of 11, West End, Llanelly. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry, which were assembled at Tenby in August, 1914 as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade. In November, the Battalion were dismounted and moved to Egypt and landed during March, 1916, where they were absorbed into the 4th Dismounted Brigade. On the 2nd February, 1917 the Battalion were merged with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 231st Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. William fought with the Division throughout the Palestinian Campaign, at the Battles of Gaza and the capture of Jerusalem, and then in 1918 fought in the Jordan Valley, where William was Killed in Action on the 9th March, 1918 aged 24. He is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery.

Price Gibby, Corporal, 40724, Cheshire Regiment. Price was born at Dinas Cross, the son of David and Magdalen Gibby, latterly of the Royal Oak Newport. He worked and lived at Llandeilo and enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Service Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, a Bantam Battalion which formed part of the 105th Brigade, 35th Division. The Division first fought at the opening stage of the Somme Battle, then during the Battle of Passchendaele and Battles of 1918 during the German Offensive. Price was Killed in Action on the 4th July 1918 aged 21. He is buried at Westoutre British Cemetery, Belgium in Grave K. 1.

Daniel Ginn, Private, 126146, Machine Gun Corps. Daniel was the Son of William and Elizabeth Ginn, of Cefn Brisken, Llanefynydd, Golden Grove, Carmarthen, and the Husband of Elizabeth Roderick (formerly Ginn), of 32, Towy Terrace, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. Daniel enlisted at Ammanford into the Machine Gun Corps, and served with their 59th Battalion, which was attached to the 59th Division. The Division had served in Ireland since April, 1916 and in January, 1917 moved to England preparatory to a move to France in February. They then followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, and fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of the Menin Road and Polygon Wood. In November they moved south, and took part in the Battle of Cambrai, and remained in the area over the winter of 1917/18. The German Spring Offensive hit the area on the 21st March, 1918, and the Machine Gunners were the first troops hit. Daniel was Killed in Action on the 21st March, 1918 aged 23, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial.

Thomas Christopher Green, Private, 54496, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Husband of Clara Green, of Nelson Cottage, Cilgwyn, Llangadock, and he enlisted at Ammanford into the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had formed at Colwyn Bay in February, 1915 and became the Pioneer Battalion to the 38th (Welsh) Division, which landed in France during December, 1915. The Division formed moved to positions near Armentieres, where they remained until moving to the Somme, where they took part in the Battle of Mametz Wood, which commenced on the 7th July, 1916. It took over a week for the Division to capture the wood, at a great cost in lives, and they were taken out of action and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Thomas was Killed in Action at Ypres on the 24th January, 1917 aged 31, and is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery.

George Prosser Griffiths, Private, 245050, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. George was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 2/5th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which was attached to the 170th Brigade, 57th Division. The Division moved to France in February, 1917 and fought at Third Ypres, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where George was Killed in Action on the 26th October, 1917. He is buried at Cement House Cemetery.

Gwyn Arthur Griffiths, Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Gwyn was the Son of John and Elizabeth Jane Griffiths, of Typicca, Golden Grove, and had been commissioned into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. He had volunteered into the Royal Flying Corps, where he served as a Pilot with 35 Squadron, R.F.C. The Squadron had been formed on the 1st February, 1916, and moved to France in January, 1917 equipped with Armstrong Whitworth FK8s for army co-operation duties with the Cavalry Corps. Gwyn was sadly Killed in Action on the 2nd June, 1917 aged 24. He is buried in Mons-En-Chaussee Communal Cemetery.

Gwynfred Ellis Griffiths, Private, 43837, Wiltshire Regiment. Gwynfred was the Son of G. Griffiths, of Groesgoch, Pembrokeshire, and the Husband of Alicia Griffiths, of Wedgwood House, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, which was part of 7th Brigade, 3rd Division stationed at Bordon at the outbreak of war. The Division moved immediately to France and fought at the Battles of Mons, Solesmes and at Le Cateau, and then in the great retreat to the Marne, where the German Advance was halted. The Germans withdrew to the Aisne, where the BEF again met them in battle before moving North to Ypres. Here, they fought at La Bassee and at Messines and Wytschaete during First Ypres, and spent the winter in the trenches. In the Spring of 1915 the Division fought at Bellewaarde and Hooge, and on the 18th October, 1915 they transferred to the 25th Division, fighting with them at Vimy in Early 1916, before moving to the Somme. Here they fought throughout the Offensive, and at the end of October, 1916 moved to Ploegsteert. In 1917 the Division fought through Third Ypres, at Messines and Pilckem, and then moved to Givenchy then Bullecourt. They were in positions north west of Bapaume when the German Spring Offensive hit on the 21st March, 1918, and fought at the Battles of Bapaume and St. Quentin. After suffering heavy casualties, they moved to Flanders at the end of March, but were again hit by the German Offensive in Flanders. Here they fought at Estaires, Messines, Bailleul and Kemmel, then moved to the Aisne to rebuild. Again, they were hit by a German Offensive on the Chemin des Dames at the end of May, and again they held firm. On the 21st June, 1918 the Battalion moved again, to the 110th Brigade, 21st Division, and they fought with the Division at the Battle of Epehy, the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal and the Battle of Cambrai, where Gwynfred was Killed in Action on the 8th October, 1918 aged 39. This warrior had seen some of the worst fighting on the Western Front throughout the war, and now rests in the peaceful grave at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut. Not on Memorial.

 

William Hopkin Griffiths, Private, 285315, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas Saunders Griffiths, of 5, Rock Terrace, The Green, Pembroke, and the late Eda Griffiths, of Llandeilo. A Chemist by trade, he enlisted at Pembroke into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which had served in France since February, 1915 attached to the 28th Division, and had fought at Second Ypres and at the Battle of Loos. William transferred at some time to the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and had just arrived on the Western Front, serving near Armentieres, before being moved to the Somme in June, 1916, where they took part in the Battle of Mametz Wood, the initial assault of which began on the 7th July, 1916. It was over a week before the Division cleared the wood, after suffering terrible casualties, and they were sent to Ypres to rebuild. They were at Ypres, north of Boesinghe, when they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, and then the Battle of Langemarck, where William was Killed in Action on the 23rd August, 1917 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

William George Hanbury, Private, 15237, South Wales Borderers. William was born ay Llandeilo, and enlisted at Newport into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which at the outbreak of war were at Bordon as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division landed at Havre on the 13th August, 1914 and proceeded to positions near Mons, taking part in the great Battle there, before retreating south towards the Marne where the BEF stopped the German Advance. The Germans retreated north to the Aisne, and the BEF followed them, and another Battle was fought here before the 1st Division were sent to Flanders, where they fought at First Ypres, when the Germans attempted a sweep westward through Belgium to the Channel Coast. The BEF stopped them again, at heavy cost, laying the foundation for the shape of the Western Front for the coming 4 years. The Division remained in Flanders over the winter, and in 1915 fought at Aubers in May, where William was Killed in Action on the 26th May, 1915. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue. Not on Memorial.

Cyril George Harding, Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. Cyril was the Son of Mr. F. S. Harding, of Church House, Stone, Staffordshire. He served with 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was formed during the First World War at Beaulieu in Hampshire under the command of Major T Maxwell-Scott and was equipped with the DH9 single-engined biplane. In May 1918, 103 was transferred to France and for the rest of the war flew reconnaissance and day bombing operations on the Western Front. Cyril had returned home sometime before the end of the war, as he was ill. He sadly Died of Sickness on the 9th November, 1918 aged just 19, and is buried at Stone (All Saints) Churchyard.

David Harries, Private, 11822, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llandeilo and enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were formed in Cardiff in August, 1914 and became the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. The Division left for Egypt on the 13th June, 1915 and from there landed via Mudros at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from the 6th July onwards. The Division moved to ANZAC Cove on the 3rd August, and took part in the Battle of Sari Bair, where David was Killed in Action on the 8th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

David Harries, Sergeant, 267427, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. David was the Son of Thomas and Mary Harries, of Gurrey Bank, Llandeilo, and had served at the start of the war with the Welsh Regiment. At some time during the war he transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which were attached to the 182nd Brigade, 61st Division from August, 1915 onwards, and left for the Western Front on the 21st May, 1916. They saw their first action at the Battle of Fromelles on the 19th July, 1916, which was a disastrous diversion for the Somme attack, and then followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917, capturing Chaulnes and Bapaume. Later in the year the Division fought at Third Ypres in the Battle of Langemarck, then moved south, and fought in the Battle of Cambrai. In March, 1918 the Division were caught up in the German Spring Offensive, and David was Killed in Action on the second desperate day aged 33, on the 22nd March, 1918. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Daniel Harris, Lance Corporal, 5970, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Daniel was the Son of David and Mary Harries, of Plasnewydd, Manordilo, and had originally served with the Welsh Regiment. At some stage he transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which were attached to the 182nd Brigade, 61st Division from August, 1915 onwards, and left for the Western Front on the 21st May, 1916. They saw their first action at the Battle of Fromelles on the 19th July, 1916, which was a disastrous diversion for the Somme attack. Daniel was Killed in Action two days before the main attack, on the 19th July, 1916 aged 22, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

Thomas John Hughes, Lance Corporal, 13198, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was born at Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas and Anne Hughes, of Llwynon, Blaenau Rd., Llandebie. He is possibly one of three sons of William and Anne who were killed in the war, as two of the men on the Llandebie Memorial have parents of the same name, but of a different address. Thomas enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division had crossed to France during July, 1915 and saw its first action during the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle, capturing the village at heavy cost, and this is where Thomas was Killed in Action on the 3rd July, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Thomas Wentworth Hughes, Private, 4485, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. On the 10th August, 1915, the day after landing on the hostile shores of Gallipolli, Thomas was Killed in Action. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Percy Lloyd Humphreys, Captain, Welsh Regiment. There is not much information available on Percy yet, but he served with the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. He was one of the original Officers in the Battalion, which had been raised as part of the Welsh Army Corps. The Carmarthenshire Battalion fought in some of the major actions of the war. The Battalion was first raised in Swansea during October and November, 1914, by the Carmarthenshire County Committee, attached to 129th Brigade, 43rd Division, and was composed at first of men recruited from Lancashire. Recruiting in Lancashire was stopped at the end of 1914, and all subsequent recruiting was carried out in Carmarthenshire and South Wales. The preliminary training of the battalion was carried out at Rhyl.  From 28th April, 1915 the Battalion became attached to 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, part of K4. 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 nearly every section of the British line from Givenchy on the La Bassée Canal to Laventie, about six miles South of Armentières. At the end of May, 1916, the Battalion moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme, which commenced on July 1st 1916. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7th July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on the 10th, and by 14th July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. Percy had survived the carnage of Mametz, and the Division were removed from the line, and sent north to Ypres to rebuild. They were at Ypres when the Battle of Third Ypres was opened, and took part in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, where Percy was Killed in Action, on the 31st July, 1917 aged 35. He is buried at Welsh Cemetery (Caesars Nose), near Ypres.

John Hopkin James, Private, 54289, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of William and Eleanor James, of The Tregyb Arms, Ffairfach, Llandilo and the Husband of Mrs. May Morgan (formerly James), of Rose Hill, Pentregwenlais, Llandebie. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, where John was Killed in Action on the 1st August 1917. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

Joseph William Johnson, Private, 27824, Welsh Regiment. Joseph was born at Salford, the Son of Rose Ann Traynor (formerly Johnson), and the late Joseph Johnson, of 37, Pimlot St., Pendleton, Manchester. He resided at Llandeilo prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 18th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was formed at Cardiff in January, 1914 as a Bantam Battalion. In July, 1915 the Battalion was attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, and moved to France in June, 1916. Here they moved to the Somme, and fought during the Battle of the Ancre, remaining in the area over the winter of 1916/17. Joseph Died here on the 15th January, 1917 aged 30, and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte. Not on Memorial.

David Charles Jones, Private, S/1410, Rifle Brigade. David was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, later of 56, Byng Terrace, Brynhyfryd, Swansea. He enlisted at Swansea into the 12th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, which was attached to the 60th Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. The Division had completed concentrating in France by the 26th July, 1915 and took part in the Battle of Loos, attacking towards Fromelles on the 25th September, 1915. They moved to Ypres soon after, which is where David was Killed in Action on the 12th February, 1916 aged 27. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.

David George Jones, Corporal, 3693, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, the Brother of Thomas Penry Jones, of Bristol House, Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. On the 10th August, 1915, the day after landing on the hostile shores of Gallipolli, David was Killed in Action. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial.

David Thomas Jones, Private, 53640, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Builth, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. Some time later he transferred into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, which were one of the first Divisions in France, landing at Havre on the 13th 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, Flers and Morval. They followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 and were then moved to the Flanders Coast to prepare for a planned offensive. However, by this time the Passchendaele Battles had ground to a halt in the mud, and the 1st Division were called to take part in the offensive at Ypres. They fought during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where the village was finally taken, and remained in Flanders over the winter. The following year saw the focus of the German Spring Offensive hit Flanders, and the 1st Division fought through the desperate battles of Estaires, Hazebrouck and Bethune. David Died during this terrible period, on the 19th April, 1918, and he is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

Evan Jones, Private, 202746, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Cwmcain, Talog, Carmarthen. At the outbreak of war, Evan was residing in Llandeilo, and he enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion were formed at Cardiff on the 9th September, 1914 and were originally attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France in July, 1915 and saw it's first action at the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme in 1916, and attacked on the second day of the Offensive, capturing the village of La Boisselle, and remained on the Somme throughout the rest of 1916, fighting at Pozieres and the Ancre. In June, 1917 the Division fought at Third Ypres, in the Battle of Messines, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village. That winter they moved to positions north east of Bapaume to rebuild and rest, but on the 21st March, 1918 the area was hit by the desperate German Spring Offensive, which was aimed at winning the war before the full power of the American Army could be organised and brought into action. The 19th Division suffered terrible casualties, and were moved to positions near Messines, south of Ypres, but they were hit here again when the Germans switched their attack to Flanders, and Evan was Killed in Action around the time of the Battle of Bailleul, on the 16th April, 1918 aged 22. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Evan John Jones, Private, 27180, South Wales Borderers. Evan was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, later of Prospect Place, Garnant. He enlisted at Neath into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which were part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division moved to France on the 13th August, 1914 and moved to positions around Mons, where they fought in the Battle of Mons, and in the epic retreat from Mons to the Marne, where the German Offensive was stopped. The BEF then followed up the German withdrawal to the Aisne, and met them in battle again, before moving to Ypres, where they again 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. They remained in positions around Loos until late June, 1916 when they were moved to the Somme, but Evan was Killed in Action before the move, on the 9th June, 1916 aged 26. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Henry Jones, Private, 474271, Canadian Infantry. Henry was born on the 21st July, 1884 in Llangadock, the Son of William and Gwenllian Jones, later of Bank-y-Gwin, Llandeilo, and had emigrated to Canada prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Saskatoon on April 3rd, 1916 into the 72nd Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Infantry, which was part of the 12th Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. Henry would have arrived in France in time to take part in the Divisions first battle at Le Transloy, on the Somme, in October, 1916. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where the Canadians captured Regina Trench, before taking part in the Battle of the Ancre. Henry was wounded in action at the Battle of the Ancre, and Died of Wounds on the 16th November, 1916 aged 32. He is buried in Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.

John Jones, Private, 46533, Welsh Regiment. John was the son of Hannah Jones and the late Thomas Jones, Pwllau, White Square, Llandeilo. He was born around 1886. John was a Private in the 9th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, with the Service Number 46533. The 9th Welsh formed part of the 58th Brigade of the 19th (Western) Division, and they took an active part in the latter stages of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, before moving to Ypres. John was killed in action during the Battle of the Menin Road, on the 21st September, 1917. His body was lost on the muddy Flanders Battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing. Not on Memorial.

Llewellyn Jones, M.M., Lance Corporal, 202827, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Llewellyn was the Son of Timothy Jones, of Brynywawr, Penybanc, Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the Welsh Regiment. Sometime later he was transferred into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June, 1916, where they were to take part in the Somme Offensive, tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial attack went in on the 7th July, 1916, and it was over a week later that the wood was finally cleared, at a great cost in lives. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened in June, 1917. They fought at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck, where they regained the respect that was lost on the Somme, and were in Flanders in Spring, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British positions around Bapaume and St. Quentin. They were rushed to the Somme, and took up positions around Aveluy Wood and Albert, and they remained here for the next few months, desperately battling to stem the German advance. The tide of war turned on the 8th August, 1918 when a gallant Australian Victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and the Allies started pushing the Germans back over the ground they had taken so spectacularly. The Division fought at the breakout of the Battle of Albert, then at Bapaume, Havrincourt and Epehy, and then the Battles of Beaurevoir and Cambrai, where Llewellyn was Killed in Action, on the 8th October, 1918 aged 23. He is buried at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut.

Rhys Herbert Jones, Private, 269834, Notts & Derby (Sherwood Foresters). Rhys was born at Llandeilo, the Son of William Jones, later of Cwmnantmoel Farm, Brynamman. He enlisted at Mill Hill, Middlesex into the 1/5th Battalion, the Sherwood Foresters, who formed part of the 139th Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division. The Division moved to France in February, 1915 and fought at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. The Division was ordered to proceed to Egypt in December, 1915 but after arrival, were sent back to France, and moved to the Northern Somme area, where they took part in the main diversionary attack to the Somme Offensive, at Gommecourt. They suffered heavy casualties, and moved South to the Ancre Valley, where they over-wintered, before following the German retreat to the Hindeburg Line in early 1917. They then fought at Hill 70 during the Battle of Arras, and moved North to French Flanders, where they helped repel the German Offensive of Spring, 1918. Rhys was wounded during this period, and sadly Died of Wounds on the 19th April, 1918 in Flanders. He was 37 years old, and is buried at Cambrin Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Wilfred David Powell Jones, Private, SPTS/1688, Royal Fusiliers. Wilfred was the Son of Emma Sarah and the late John Jones, of 18, Woodstock Rd., Oxford. He was residing in Llandeilo when he enlisted into the 23rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which were raised in London on the 25th September, 1914. On the 26th June, 1915 they became attached to the 99th Brigade, 33rd Division, and moved to France in November, 1915. The Battalion was then transferred to the 2nd Division along with the rest of the 99th Brigade, and moved to Loos to join their new Division. They remained in positions here until July, 1916 when they moved to the Somme, where they took part in the Battles of Delville Wood, and the Battle of the Ancre. Wilfred was Wounded on the Ancre, and brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers, where he sadly Died of Wounds on the 18th November, 1916 aged 31. He is buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

 

William John Jones, Gunner, 2985, Royal Field Artillery. William was the Son of John and Letitia Jones, of Norton Bridge, Pontypridd, Glam, and the Husband of Ethel Mary Jones, of Maerdy Fach, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the Royal Field Artillery, and served in their 'B' Battery, 122nd Brigade, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June, 1916, where they were to take part in the Somme Offensive, tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial attack went in on the 7th July, 1916, and it was over a week later that the wood was finally cleared, at a great cost in lives. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened in June, 1917. They fought at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck, where they regained the respect that was lost on the Somme, and were in Flanders in Spring, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British positions around Bapaume and St. Quentin. They were rushed to the Somme, and took up positions around Aveluy Wood and Albert, and they remained here for the next few months, desperately battling to stem the German advance. The tide of war turned on the 8th August, 1918 when a gallant Australian Victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and the Allies started pushing the Germans back over the ground they had taken so spectacularly. The Division fought at the breakout of the Battle of Albert, then at Bapaume, Havrincourt and Epehy, and then the Battles of Beaurevoir and Cambrai, where William was gassed. He was brought to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he sadly Died of Wounds on the 8th November, 1918 aged 26. He is buried there, in Etaples Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

William Morgan Jones, Private, P.S.2250, Middlesex Regiment. William was born at Llandeilo, and had moved to London, residing at Shepherd's Bush, where he enlisted into the 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. The Battalion had formed in London on the 1st September, 1914, becoming attached to the 110th Brigade, 33rd Division during July, 1915. They moved to France in November, 1915, but on the 25th February, 1916 the Battalion moved to GHQ Troops. On the 25th April, 1916 they were attached to the 86th Brigade, 29th Division, which had recently moved to the Western Front from Gallipoli. The Division fought at Beaumont Hamel during the opening of the Battle of the Somme, and then in the latter stages of the Battle of Le Transloy. They then moved to Arras, and fought in the Battle of the Scarpe, where William was Killed in Action on the 14th April, 1917. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial.

Charlie Valentine Lee, Sergeant, 23111, South Wales Borderers. Charlie was the Son of Valentine Henry and Sarah Lee, of 17, New Rd., Llandeilo. He enlisted at Wrexham into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but subsequently transferred into the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to the 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June, 1916, where they were to take part in the Somme Offensive, tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial attack went in on the 7th July, 1916, and it was over a week later that the wood was finally cleared, at a great cost in lives. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where Charlie was wounded. He was brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Proven, where he Died of Wounds on the 14th October, 1916 aged 26, and is buried there, at Mendinghem Military Cemetery.

David Harries Lewis, Private, 248018, Royal Fusiliers. David was the Son of Thomas and Catherine Lewis, of 5, George Hill, Llandeilo, and the Husband of Mary Ann Lewis, of 39, Towy Terrace, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. He had originally enlisted into the 4th Welsh, but later transferred into the 2/2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which had become attached to the 86th Brigade, 29th Division in January, 1915. The Division had left Avonmouth on the 16th March, 1915 bound for Egypt, and from there had landed on Gallipoli, via Mudros, on the 25th April, 1915. They fought throughout the terrible campaign on Gallipoli until their evacuation in January, 1916, and had then moved to France, landing in Marseilles on the 28th March, 1916.  The Division fought at Beaumont Hamel during the opening of the Battle of the Somme, and then in the latter stages of the Battle of Le Transloy. They then moved to Arras, and fought in the Battles of the Scarpe during the Arras Offensive, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at the Battles of Langemarck, the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle. David was Killed in Action at Ypres, on the 26th October, 1917 aged 28, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Douglas David Raymond Lewis, Lieutenant, Durham Light Infantry. Douglas was born at Penllergaer on the 24th August, 1891, the Son of the Rev. Thomas Phillip and Jane Lewis, of Llanbedr Rectory, Crickhowell, Breconshire. Jane was the daughter of the Reverend Thomas Davies, of Glanyrafon, Llandeilo. Educated at St. David's College School in Lampeter, and at Carmarthen Grammar School, Douglas became a teacher at Hoe Grammar School, Plymouth, then at a Private School in Weymouth. He was commissioned on the 16th August, 1915, and became a Lieutenant with the 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, 151st Brigade, 50th Division. Douglas served throughout the Somme Offensive, at Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and the Battelion then moved to Arras, where they fought in the Battles of the Scarpe, where Douglas was wounded. He Died of Wounds aged 25 on the 22nd April, 1917 and is buried at Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains.

Evan Daniel Lewis, Private, 22703, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of Thomas and Elenor Lewis, of Orfe Villa, Llandeilo. He served with the 3rd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a Home Service unit, used for Garrison duties in the UK, and to supply replacements for front line units on the Western Front. Nothing is known of Evan's war service, but he Died on the 10th March, 1919 aged 33, and is buried at Esgardawe Welsh Congregational Chapelyard. Not on Memorial.

William Lewis, Private, 201247, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Thomas Lewis, of Maes Evan Fach, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was formed at Carmarthen in August, 1914, as part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division and in July 1915, the Division was shipped to Egypt, where they trained for the Gallipoli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli, and they remained there for the duration of the campaign, before being evacuated to Egypt in December, 1915. After several months spent rebuilding in Egypt, and guarding the Suez Canal, the Division moved into Palestine, where William was wounded soon after the beginning of the campaign. He Died of Wounds on the 6th March, 1917 aged 24, and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.

Herbert Dixon Lister, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Herbert was the Son of Charles and Martha Lister, of Stanley Mills Cottage, Stanley, Wakefield, Yorks.; Husband of Florence M. Lister, of Redburn Grove, Frizinghall, Bradford, Yorks. He had been commissioned into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, but served with another (unknown) Battalion on the Western front, being Killed in Action during the German Spring Offensive in Flanders on the 4th September, 1918 aged 32. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Martin Lloyd, Private, 61528, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Martin was born in Llandyfeusant, the Brother of Richard Lloyd, of Ardwyn, Cwmgwrach, Neath. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June, 1916, where they were to take part in the Somme Offensive, tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial attack went in on the 7th July, 1916, and it was over a week later that the wood was finally cleared, at a great cost in lives. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened in June, 1917. They fought at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck, where they regained the respect that was lost on the Somme, and were in Flanders in Spring, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British positions around Bapaume and St. Quentin. They were rushed to the Somme, and took up positions around Aveluy Wood and Albert, and they remained here for the next few months, desperately battling to stem the German advance. The tide of war turned on the 8th August, 1918 when a gallant Australian Victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and the Allies started pushing the Germans back over the ground they had taken so spectacularly. The Division fought at the breakout of the Battle of Albert, then moved toward Bapaume, where Martin was Killed in Action on the 28th August, 1918 aged 28. He is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval.

Walter E Lloyd, Surgeon, Royal Navy. Cannot presently be identified.

Charles Henry Locke, Lance Corporal, 11144, Welsh Regiment. Charles was born at Birmingham, and enlisted in Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was sent to France as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division which were one of the first Divisions in France, landing at Havre on the 13th 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, Charles was Killed in Action on the 25th January, 1915. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue.

George Morgan, Private, G/89642, Middlesex Regiment. George was the Son of Evan James and Emily Morgan, of 1, North Bank, Llandeilo. George enlisted at Ammanford into the 18th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which were Pioneers to the 33rd Division. The Division moved to France in November, 1915, and fought throughout the Somme Offensive the following year, at Albert and Bazentin. Spring, 1917 saw them fighting during the Arras Offensive, at the Battles of the Scarpe, and then at Bullecourt. They fought at Third Ypres later in the year, at the Menin Road and Polygon Wood, and remained south of Ypres over the winter. In Spring, 1918 they were hit by the German Offensive, and fought at the Battle of Messines, before the fighting retreat to Hazebrouck, Bailleul and Kemmel. The Division were moved south, and fought during the offensive at the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal, and after the breakthrough, at Cambrai and the Pursuit to the Selle. George was taken ill with pneumonia during the final few months of the war, and brought to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he Died of Sickness on the 31st October, 1918 aged just 19. He is buried there, at Etaples Military Cemetery.

Thomas Morgan, Lance Corporal, 8933, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Egremont, the Son of David and Charlotte Morgan, later of Crick, Rugby. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was sent to France as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division which were one of the first Divisions in France, landing at Havre on the 13th August, 1914. After the retreat from Mons to the Aisne, where Thomas was Killed in Action, aged 26, on the 14th September, 1914. He is remembered on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Thomas Owen, Private, R/11521, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Thomas was the Son of John and Mabel Owen, of Garfield House, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, formed at Winchester in August, 1914, and were attached to the 42nd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division crossed to France in May, 1915 and took up positions at Hooge, near Ypres, where they became the first troops to be attacked by Flamethrowers on the 2nd June, 1915. They then fought at Bellewaarde, and moved to the Somme in 1916, fighting at Delville Wood, and Flers-Courcelette, and Thomas was Killed in Action here on the 24th August, 1916 aged just 19. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Clive Albert Page, Private, 1679, Welsh Guards. Clive was the Son of William and Emmie Page, of 5, Church Street, Monmouth. He lived at 2, Allan Road, Llandeilo prior to the war, working in the town as a Clerk. Clive enlisted at Swansea on 15 June 1915, into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which was raised after the Royal Warrant of 26 February 1915. After being formed, the Welsh Guards became part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which formed in France in August 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, before the Guards Division moved to positions near Ypres to rebuild after the heavy losses they had suffered at Loos. Clive joined the Welsh Guards here during November 1915, and the Guards remained here over their first winter in France. Clive was wounded. He was shot in the head while the Welsh Guards were in the line in Flanders on 12 February 1916. Sadly Clive died of his wounds on 13 February 1916, aged just 18, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery.

Alfred Parsons, Private, 200923, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was the Son of George and Mary Minnie Parsons, of 18, New Rd., Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. They remained here throughout a terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In December, 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez Canal. Alfred was Killed in Action during the initial offensive into Palestine, during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917 aged just 20. He is buried in Gaza War Cemetery.

Oliver Pembridge, Gunner, 164776, Royal Field Artillery. Oliver was born in Llandeilo, the Son of William and Mary Pembridge, later of Pwllywhead Forest Coalpit, Abergavenny. He enlisted at Brecon into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 65th Howitzer Battery, attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division moved to France at the end of May, 1915 and moved to positions near Steenwerck. On the 23rd June they moved into the line at Ploegsteert, remaining there until moving to Loos on the 26th September. They then fought throughout the Battle of Loos, and remained there until their relief on the 15th November, when they moved into reserve. On the 10th December the Division took over the line near Givenchy, and then moved back to Loos. In June, 1916 the Division moved south, and took part in the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Albert, Pozieres, and Le Transloy, and moved to Arras in January, 1917. Here they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux, and were fighting at the Second Battle of the Scarpe when Oliver was Killed in Action on the 12th May, 1917 aged just 20. He is buried at Roclincourt Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

William Morris Perks, Private, 200924, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Charles Rees Perks and Elizabeth Perks, of Llandeilo, and the Husband of Blodwen E. Perks, of 1, Pleasant Villas, Glynhir, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. They remained here throughout a terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In December, 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez Canal. Early in 1917 the Division invaded Palestine, and fought through the three Battles of Gaza, and moved towards Jerusalem, where William was Killed in Action on the 3rd November, 1917 aged 23. He is buried in Beersheba War Cemetery.

Albert Walter Powell, Private, 204617, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert enlisted in Llandeilo into the 2/4th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion had formed at Wrexham in September 1914 as a home service ("Second line") unit. They moved to join the Welsh Division at Northampton on 22nd November 1914, and then moved in December 1914 to Cambridge. On the 22nd April 1915 it became attached to 203rd Brigade, 68th Division at Northampton, then moved to Bedford in July 1915, Aldeburgh in November 1916 and Henham Park (Halesworth) in May 1917. The Division finally moved to Yarmouth in October 1917, which is where Albert Died of Sicknes on the 5th July, 1917. He is buried in Springfield (Holy Trinity) Churchyard. Not on Memorial.

George Price, Private, 20593, Grenadier Guards. George was born at Caerwent. He enlisted at Newport into the Grenadier Guards, and was posted to their 2nd Battalion, which was attached to the 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Division at the outbreak of war, stationed in Chelsea, and they swiftly moved to France, and took up positions around Mons. Here, they fought at the opening Battle of the War, and in the epic retreat south through Landrecies and Villers-Cotterets to the Marne, where the German attack was halted. The Germans then withdrew north, and the BEF met them again at the Battle of the Aisne. The Division then moved north to Ypres, and fought through First Ypres, and then fought at the Battle of Festubert in November, 1914. They then spent their first winter in Flanders. On the 20th August, 1915 the Battalion transferred to the newly formed 1st Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and the Guards Division saw their first action at the Battle of Loos in September, 1915. The following year saw them move south, and they fought at the Battle of the Somme, at Flers-Courcelette and Morval, where George was wounded.He Died of Wounds on the 17th September, 1916 and is buried at Bronfay Farm Military Cemetery, Bray Sur Somme.

Philip Pritchard, Private, 19976, Welsh Regiment. Philip was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandovery, (under the false name of Philip Richards) into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion were attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June, 1916, where they were to take part in the Somme Offensive, tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial attack went in on the 7th July, 1916, and it was over a week later that the wood was finally cleared, at a great cost in lives. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened in June, 1917. They fought at the Battles of Pilckem, where Philip was Killed in Action on the 28th July, 1917. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

David Protheroe, Private, 1420, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llandeilo, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Protheroe, later of 40, Brighton Rd., Gorseinon, Swansea. He enlisted at Gorseinon into the 1/6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had been formed there in August, 1914. On the 29th October, 1914 they landed at Le Havre and moved to Lines of Communication, and on the 5th July, 1915 became attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division, then at Ypres. David was Killed in Action at Ypres on the 20th August, 1915 aged 21, and is buried at Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

William John Reed, Gunner, 239572, Royal Field Artillery. William is listed in SDGW as born at Llandeilo, the Son of Samuel William and Ellen Reed, later of Bristol, and the Husband of Mabel Frances Reed, of 3, Arley Park, Cotham, Bristol. He enlisted at Bristol into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 'D' Battery, 46th Brigade, attached to the 14th (Light) Division. The Division were on the Western Front by the Spring of 1915, and were posted to positions around Hooge. Here, during July, 1915 they became the first troops to come under attack by German Flamethrowers. They fought here during the Action at Bellewaarde, and in July, 1916 moved to the Somme, where they remained for the duration of the offensive. In March, 1917 the Division followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought during the Arras Offensive at the Scarpe. The Division then moved north and fought throughout the Battles of Third Ypres. They were stationed near St. Quentin when the German Spring Offensive hit on the 21st March, 1918, and fought at the Battles of St. Quentin and of the Avre the following month, losing where the Battery lost all of its guns. William must have been captured here, as he Died of Wounds on the 2nd April, 1918 aged 33, behind the German Lines. He is buried at Maubege-Centre Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

William Rees, Private, 53849, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Abergavenny into the Monmouth Regiment, and later transferred to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France in July, 1915 and saw it's first action at the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme in 1916, and attacked on the second day of the Offensive, capturing the village of La Boisselle, and remained on the Somme throughout the rest of 1916, fighting at Pozieres and the Ancre, where William was Killed in Action on the 15th November, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

William Simon Rees, Private, 5962, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. William was the Son of James and Hannah Rees, of 2, Railway Terrace, Ffairfach, Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred to the 2/7th Battalion, Worcester Regiment, which were attached to the 183rd Brigade, 183rd Brigade, 61st Division from August, 1915 onwards, and left for the Western Front on the 21st May, 1916. They saw their first action at the Battle of Fromelles on the 19th July, 1916. It was a disastrous diversion for the Somme attack, and William was Killed in Action that day, aged just 21. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Benjamin Aneurin Roberts, Private, 7002, South African Infantry. Benjamin was born in Llandeilo, and had emigrated to South Africa prior to the war, and he Enlisted at Transvaal into the 2nd Transvaal Scottish on the 16th October, 1914. Released from service on the 7th August, he enlisted into 4th S.A.I. Battalion on 8th August, 1915. The Battalion was part of the South African Brigade, which moved to France in April, 1916 and was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division. They were stationed at the time near Vimy, north of Arras, which is where Benjamin was sadly Killed in Action on the 24th August, 1916. He is buried in Zouave Valley Cemetery, Souchez.

George Roberts, Private, 54389, Welsh Regiment. George was living in Chelsea prior to the outbreak of war, but enlisted at Llandeilo into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had been formed in Cardiff in November, 1914 and became attached to the 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, which landed in France during December, 1915. The Division formed moved to positions near Armentieres, where they remained until moving to the Somme, where they took part in the Battle of Mametz Wood, which commenced on the 7th July, 1916. It took over a week for the Division to capture the wood, at a great cost in lives, and they were taken out of action and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they remained for almost twelve months, until the Battles of Third Ypres began, and the Division took part in the Battle of Pilckem and the Battle of Langemarck. George was Killed in Action soon after, on the 27th August, 1918. He is remembered on the  Tyne Cot Memorial. Not on Memorial.

William Henry Roberts, Private, 201652, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Gorseinon into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division and in July 1915, the Division was shipped to Egypt, where they trained for the Gallipoli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli, and they remained here, despite heavy casualties, until evacuation in December, 1915 when they returned to Egypt. The next few months were spent rebuilding and guarding the Suez Canal, and in 1916 the Division moved into Palestine. William was Killed in Action in Palestine, during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917. He is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Walter   Rochford, Driver, 3585, Royal Field Artillery. Walter was born in London, the Son of James and Elizabeth Rochford. He married prior to the war, Anne Davies, of Kenwyn Cottage, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. Walter enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 84th Brigade, who were attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division had been on the Western front since landing in Boulogne on the 25th May, 1915. They fought during the Battle of the Somme at Albert, Bazentin, Delville Wood and the Ancre, and followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. They then fought during the Arras Offensive, and then moved to Ypres, taking part in the Battles of Third Ypres. Walter was wounded during Third Ypres, and sadly Died of Wounds on the 9th October, 1917. He is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery. His Brother in law, Daniel Davies also fell in the Great War.

George Scott, Private, 3016, Welsh Regiment. George was born at Bristol, but resided at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division and in July 1915, the Division was shipped to Egypt, where they trained for the Gallipoli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli, and George was wounded soon after. He was evacuated to a Hospital Ship anchored off-shore, but sadly Died of Wounds at sea on the 14th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

John Scott, Sergeant, 3055, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of John Scott and Mrs. M. A. Scott, of 37, Victoria St., Llandovery, and the Husband of Edith Scott, of 59, Gorsddu Rd., Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, which sailed in July, 1915 for Egypt. On the 9th August the Division landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, and John was Killed in Action just two days later, on the 11th August, 1915 aged 29 during the Battle of Sari Bair. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

John Scott, Private, Labour Corps. Cannot currently be identified.

Thomas Smith, Private, 52689, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Leicester. He resided at Llandeilo prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 1/5th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli. After a terrible time at Gallipoli, the Division were evacuated in December, 1915, and moved to Egypt, where they rebuilt. In 1917 they moved into Palestine, and remained there for the duration of the war. Edgar had embarked at Marseilles aboard the HMT Transylvania. She was a defensively armed merchant cruiser that had been requisitioned by the Royal Navy, and had been used in the Mediterranean for transporting troops and supplies. It is unknown whether Thomas was rejoining the Battalion after leave, or after recovering from wounds, but sadly the Transylvania was torpedoed on 4th May 1917 by the German U-boat U63, 2½ miles South from Cape Vado, Gulf of Genoa, Italy. She sank with terrible losses that day. Thomas went down on the ship, and so is remembered on the Savona Memorial, Italy.

William Stockhall, Private, 21924, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. William was the Brother of Henry Stockhall, of Maesycastell, Cwmdu, Llandeilo.  Born at Selkirk, he had moved to Caerphilly, where he enlisted into the 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, which were attached to the 13th Brigade, 5th Division. The Division landed at Le Havre on the 15th August, 1914 and fought at the Battle of Mons, and at Le Cateau, before moving south to the Marne, where the BEF held the German advance. The Germans retreated to the Aisne, where the BEF met them in Battle again, before the 5th Division were posted to Flanders. Here, they fought at the Battles of La Bassee and Messines in 1914, and through First Ypres, and in 1915 captured Hill 60 during Second Ypres. March, 1916 saw the Division move to positions near Vimy, and they then moved south to the Somme in July, where they fought at High Wood, where William was Killed in Action on the 30th July, 1916. He was just 18 years old, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Adolphus Thomas, Private, 2591, Welsh Guards. Adolphus was the Son of Lewis and Mary Thomas, of White Lion Hotel, Llandeilo. He was the local postman at Llandeilo prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards on 9 December 1915. The Welsh Guards were raised after the Royal Warrant of 26 February 1915. After being formed, they became part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August, 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, and they then moved to Ypres to rebuild their strength after the fierce fighting there. The Guards remained here until July 1916, when the Division moved to the Somme, and fought at the Battles of Flers-Courcelette and Morval. The Guards followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. They then moved to Ypres, prior to taking part in the Battle of Third Ypres. Adolphus was wounded  by multiple shrapnel wounds while the Welsh Guards were in the line at Ypres. He died of wounds that same day, on 15 July 1917, aged 26. Adolphus is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery. His brother was also serving with the colours, in Salonika.

 

Alfred Thomas, Private, 4226, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was born in Llandilo Fawr. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and fought at Gallipoli after landing on the 9th August, 1915. It was at Gallipoli, during the Attack on Scimitar Hill, that Alfred was killed in action on the 10th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Arthur Thomas, Private, 11847, Royal Army Medical Corps. Arthur was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving with their 33rd Company, attached to the 11th (Northern) Division. On the 1st July, 1915 the Division sailed from Liverpool, and arrived at Alexandria, before moving via Mudros to Gallipoli, landing on the 7th August, 1915 at Suvla Bay. The Division fought throughout the campaign on Gallipoli, until being evacuated to Egypt on the 21st December, 1915. In July, 1916 they were moved to the Western Front, but Arthur remained in Egypt with his Company, which is where he sadly Died of Sickness on the 22nd April, 1917. He is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery.

David Thomas, Private, 32295, East Lancashire Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, the Son of John and Mary Thomas, later of Garn Ffrwd, Mynydd Cerrig, Pontyberem, Llanelly. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 2/1st Monmouthshire Regiment, which were attached to the 205th Brigade, 68th Division. The Division remained in the UK on Home Service for the duration of war, but David transferred to the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, which had been in France since the 22nd August, 1914 attached to the 11th Brigade, 4th Division. They had fought at Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne, and also at Messines in 1914 where they took part in the famous Christmas Truce. In 1915 they fought at Second Ypres, and in 1916 at Albert and Le Transloy during the Somme Offensive. Spring 1917 saw them at Arras, where they fought at the Battles of the Scarpe, and they then moved to Ypres, where they fought in the Battle of Polygon Wood, and at Broodseinde, where David was Killed in Action on the 4th October, 1917 aged 30. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Not on Memorial.

David Richard Thomas, Private, 2023, Pembroke Yeomanry. David was the Son of David and Mary Anne Thomas, and the Husband of Mary Thomas, of the White Lion, Llandeilo. He had enlisted at Llandeilo into the Pembroke Yeomanry, which were in Tenby as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade in August, 1914. Sadly, David Died on the 3rd November, 1914, aged 44, and is buried at Llandeilo Fawr (St. Teilo) Churchyard. Many thanks to W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

David William Thomas, Private, 1615, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Maesteg into the 1/6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. On the 29th October, 1914 they landed at Le Havre and moved to Lines of Communication, and on the 5th July, 1915 became attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division, and fought with them at the Battle of Loos. On the 23rd October, 1915 they moved to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and remained in the Loos Sector, where David was Killed in Action on the 1st April, 1916. He is buried at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Loos. Not on Memorial.

Herbert Pritchard Thomas, Private, 53067, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Herbert was the Son of William and Jane Thomas, of Llandeilo, and the Husband of Mabel Thomas, of 1, Standard Villa, Tre-Thomas, Bedwas, Monmouth. He enlisted at Maesteg into the 1/5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to the 158th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Suvla Bay on the 9th August, 1915 and fought there until evacuation in December, 1915 after suffering terrible casualties. They then moved to Egypt, where they reformed, and began the move into Palestine in early 1917. Herbert must have taken ill in Palestine, as he is recorded as Died at Sea on the 4th May, 1917. He is buried at Oneglia Town Cemetery, Italy.

Norman Thomas, M.M., Sergeant, R/3758, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Norman was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 11th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, who were attached to the 59th Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. The Division moved to France in June, 1915, and moved to positions near Fromelles, where they took part in a diversionary attack for the Battle of Loos on the 25th September, 1915. They fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel on the 13th June, 1916 alongside the Canadians, and then moved to the Somme, fighting at Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, before following the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. Later that year they fought at Third Ypres, at Langemarck, the Menin Road and Polygon Wood, and then moved south, where they fought in the Battle of Cambrai from November, 1917 onwards. Norman was Killed in Action at Cambrai on the 30th November, 1917 and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval. It is not known at the moment where Norman earned his Military Medal.

Oswald   Thomas,  Private, 22650, Welsh Regiment. Oswald was the Son of Mr. Francis Thomas, of Swansea, and the Husband of Adela Thomas, of 476, Upper Richmond Rd., Putney, London. He enlisted at Swansea into the 11th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was formed at Cardiff in September, 1914 and became known as the Cardiff Pals, and were attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. They crossed to France in September, 1915 , but a month later were sent to Salonika, and on the 27th October left Marseilles. The Division completed concentrating in Salonika in November, 1915, and remained in the theatre for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Horseshoe Hill, Machukovo, and the Battles of Doiran. Oswald was Killed in Action on the 29th September, 1917 aged 29, and is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery.

Thomas Rees Thomas, Private, 39304, Suffolk Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David and Elizabeth Thomas, of Pantsoar, Salem, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Lambeth into the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, which had been with the BEF in France during the Battle of Le Cateau, where they were pulled from the line after suffering terrible casualties. On the 25th October, 1914 they moved to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division and fought at the Battles of Le Bassee and Messines, and at First Ypres. They remained in Flanders throughout the winter, and took part in the Christmas Truce, and in May 1915 fought at Bellewaarde and at Hooge in June. On the 22nd October, 1915 the Battalion moved to the 76th Brigade, still with the 3rd Division, and remained in Flanders, where the following year saw them fighting at the Bluff and the St. Eloi craters. In June the Division moved south, and fought throughout the Somme Offensive, at Albert, Delville Wood and the Ancre. In March, 1917 they were at Arras, and took part in the Battles of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. Later in the year they moved north, fighting at Third Ypres in the Battles of the Menin Road and Polygon Wood, and they moved south again, where they fought at the Battle of Cambrai. The Division remained in the area after the battle, and were caught up there in the German Spring Offensive of the 21st March, 1918. Thomas was wounded at some time during the next few chaotic days of the Battle of St. Quentin, and Died of Wounds on the 14th April, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Pernes British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

William Thomas, Private, 1298, Welsh Guards. William was the Son of John and Margaret Thomas, of Penwaun, Capel Isaac, Llandeilo. He had originally enlisted into the 2/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, the local Territorial unit, but had been given special permission to enlist at Kingston, Surrey into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards on 1 May 1915. The Welsh Guards were raised after the Royal Warrant on 26 February 1915. After being formed, they became part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August 1915, and saw their first action at Loos. The Guards Division then moved to positions near Ypres to rebuild after the terrible casualties they suffered at Loos, before fighting on the Somme during the autumn of 1916. The Guards Division moved to positions north of Ypres in 1917. William was wounded soon after the move to Ypres, when the Welsh Guards were in the line near the Canal Bank at Boesinghe. He died of his wounds the following day, on 3 July 1917, aged 22, and is buried at Brandhoek Military Cemetery. His brother Enoch Thomas served with the Brecknock Battalion, South Wales Borderers.

 

William Henry Thomas, Chief Engineer, Mercantile Marine. William was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Charles and Elizabeth Ellen Thomas (nee Renkin). He served in the Mercantile Marine, aboard the SS Thracia. The Thracia was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Brittany on the 27th March, 1917 and the unfortunate William drowned aboard her that day, aged 27. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Not on Memorial.

Tom Trowill, Private, 33934, Welsh Regiment. Tom was born in Danthorpe, Yprkshire, but resided prior to the war at Llandeilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and became the Pioneer Battalion to the Division in January, 1915, prior to them moving to Gallipoli. The Division landed at Cape Helles during July, 1915 and fought on the Peninsula until being evacuated in January, 1916 to Egypt. From here, they moved to Mesopotamia, to attempt to relieve the besieged British Troops in Kut, but the expedition failed. They remained in Mesopotamia however, eventually driving out the Turks, but on the 11th August, 1917 Tom Died of Sickness here. He is buried at Basra War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Llewellyn Walters, Private, 75524, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Llewellyn was the Son of Mrs. M. Walker, of 2, Brisken Villas, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the 14th Battalion, the Welsh regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June, 1916, where they were to take part in the Somme Offensive, tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial attack went in on the 7th July, 1916, and it was over a week later that the wood was finally cleared, at a great cost in lives. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened in June, 1917. They fought at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck, where they regained the respect that was lost on the Somme, and were in Flanders in Spring, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British positions around Bapaume and St. Quentin. They were rushed to the Somme, and took up positions around Aveluy Wood and Albert, and they remained here for the next few months, desperately battling to stem the German advance. The tide of war turned on the 8th August, 1918 when a gallant Australian Victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and the Allies started pushing the Germans back over the ground they had taken so spectacularly. The Division fought at the breakout of the Battle of Albert, then at Bapaume, Havrincourt and Epehy, and then the Battles of Beaurevoir and Cambrai, before moving towards the Selle and the Sambre, where another Battle was fought. Llewellyn was Killed in Action at the Battle of the Sambre on the 21st October, 1918 aged 25, and is buried in Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau.

Edgar Frederick Watts, Sergeant, 9412, South Wales Borderers. Edgar was born in Brecon, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Watts, later of 15, Railway Terrace, Llandeilo. He had enlisted into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who had been in France since the first shots of the war were fired at Mons, as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. They had remained on the Western Front throughout the war, and had fought in almost every major Battle that had been fought along the Western Front, and at the end of the war were selected to be part of the Army of Occupation stationed at Bonn. Sadly, Edgar Died of Pneumonia in Germany on the 3rd March, 1919 aged 29. He had survived all of the bloodshed of the conflict, only to fall to illness, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery.

William Arthur Watts, Private, 88941, King's Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of Mrs. M. A. Watts, of 5, Railway Terrace, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which had landed at Le Havre on the 8th March, 1915, attached to 6th Brigade, 2nd Division, and fought with this seasoned Division at the Battle of Loos. On the 4th September the Battalion moved to the 5th Brigade, and on the 4th November , 1915 moved Divisions, transferring to the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. On the 7th January, 1916 they transferred again, to the 165th Brigade, 55th Division, and moved to the line at Guillemont on the 25th July, where they took part in the Battle of the Somme. Here they fought at the Battles of Guillemont, Ginchy, Flers-Courcelette and Morval, and had moved to Flanders by the end of the year. Here, they fought through Third Ypres, at the Battles of Pilckem and the Menin Road, and moved to Cambrai by November, where they fought during the Battle of Cambrai. They were decimated during the German counter-attacks on Cambrai, and moved to Givenchy and Festubert to recover, but were caught here when the German Offensive was focussed on Flanders, and made a name for them selves at the Battle of Estaires. William was Killed in Action here, on the 11th April, 1918 aged just 20, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

Edgar Williams, Company Quarter Master Sergeant, 200675, Welsh Regiment. Edgar was born at Llandeilo, and had enlisted at Swansea into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division and in July 1915, the Division was shipped to Egypt, where they trained for the Gallipoli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli. After a terrible time at Gallipoli, the Division were evacuated in December, 1915, and moved to Egypt, where they rebuilt. In 1917 they moved into Palestine, and remained there for the duration of the war. Edgar had embarked at Marseilles aboard the HMT Transylvania. She was a defensively armed merchant cruiser that had been requisitioned by the Royal Navy, and had been used in the Mediterranean for transporting troops and supplies. It is unknown whether Edgar was rejoining the Battalion after leave, or after recovering from wounds, but sadly the Transylvania was torpedoed on 4th May 1917 by the German U-boat U63, 2½ miles S from Cape Vado, Gulf of Genoa, Italy. She sank with terrible losses that day. Edgar went down on the ship, and so is remembered on the Savona Memorial, Italy.

Gwyn Williams, Private, 31406, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Gwyn was born in Llandeilo Fawr, the Son of John and Elizabeth Williams, later of "Brynawel", Llandeilo Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France in December, 1915, taking up positions around Armentieres, in the 'Nursery Sector' of the line. It may have been a relatively safe part of the Western Front, but the Division still suffered casualties in their time here. Gwyn was Killed in Action here on the 23rd May, 1916 aged 23, and is buried at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

John Williams, Private, 42196, Suffolk Regiment. John was born in Llandeilo. He had enlisted into the Training Reserve Battalion, and was posted from there to the 12th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, which were part of the 121st Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. After arriving in France in June, 1916, the Division moved to positions near Loos. They remained here until moving to the Somme at the end of October, and they then fought at the Battle of the Ancre. After remaining on the Somme throughout the winter of 1916/17, they followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. Later that year, they fought at the Battle of Cambrai, and helped capture Bourlon Wood. After remaining in the area for the winter, they were caught up in the Battle of St. Quentin, the German Spring Offensive, which began on the 21st March, 1918, and after suffering terrible casualties, they were pushed back past Bapaume towards the old Somme Battlefields of 1916. They were withdrawn from the line, and sent to Flanders, but were caught again when the Germans attacked here, and John was Killed in Action at the Battle of Estaires, on the 9th April, 1918. He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial.

William Griffith Williams, Private, 48411, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Evan and Kate Williams, of Llandeilo, and enlisted at Bridgend into the 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was formed at Cardiff in September, 1914 and became known as the Cardiff Pals, and were attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. They crossed to France in September, 1915 , but a month later were sent to Salonika, and on the 27th October left Marseilles. The Division completed concentrating in Salonika in November, 1915, and remained in the theatre for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Horseshoe Hill, Machukovo, and the Battles of Doiran. William sadly Died of Pneumonia in Salonika on the 19th June, 1917 aged 23, and is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria.

George W. Wilson, Corporal, 267418, Seaforth Highlanders. George was the Son of Mansel John and Emeline Elizabeth Wilson, of "Wyvern", Latimer Rd., Llandeilo, and he enlisted at Ammanford into the 6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, who were attached to the 152nd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. At the end of April, 1915 the Division crossed to France, and were moved to defend Ypres, where the Germans had attacked using Poison Gas for the first time. They fought here, at Second Ypres, until moving to Estaires on the 19th May. They then fought at the Battle of Festubert, and also at Givenchy that year, and late in June moved to positions in the Somme Valley. They remained here for over a year, and took part in several of the Somme Battles of 1916, most notably capturing Beaumont Hamel during the Battle of the Ancre. They remained near Courcelette throughout the winter of 1916/17, and then moved to Arras, where they fought in the Battles of the Scarpe, and the Capture of Rouex. In June they moved north, back to Ypres, where they fought at the Battles of Pilckem, Langemarck and the Menin Road, and were then brought into action during the Battle of Cambrai in November, 1917 onwards. They remained here until the 21st March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the area, and after suffering terrible casualties from a German Gas attack, retreated towards Bapaume. On the 1st April the badly depleted Division were relieved, and moved to Bethune to recover, but the Germans attacked here on the 9th April, during the Battle of the Lys, and George was Killed in Action the very next day, on the 10th April, 1918. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

Henry George Wilson, Private, 201822, South Staffordshire Regiment. Henry was the Son of Fred Mansel Wilson and Elizabeth Wilson, of Llandeilo, and the Husband of Mary Ada Wilson, of 38, Seddon Rd., Garston. Liverpool. He enlisted at Walsall into the 7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, which was part of 33rd Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division, and sailed from Liverpool in July, 1915 for Gallipoli. They landed at Suvla Bay on the 7th August, 1915 and fought there until evacuating on the 21st December to Egypt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Western Front, and fought on the Somme at Flers-Courcelette, and the Ancre. They moved to Ypres the following year, and fought at the Battle of Messines, then at Langemarck, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle during Third Ypres. Henry was Killed in Action in Flanders on the 21st March, 1918 aged 27. The German Offensive had not yet hit the area, and so he must have been just plain unlucky. He is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe.

Thomas Windle, Private, 8764, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Liverpool, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, who were rushed to France in August, 1914 and moved to positions near Mons. After fighting at the Battle of Mons, they took part in the epic retreat to the Marne, where the BEF stopped the German Attack in its tracks, and forced them to retreat to the Aisne, where they again engaged them in Battle. Thomas was wounded during the Battle of the Aisne, and Died of Wounds on the 15th September, 1914. He is remembered on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial. Not on Memorial.

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. Evan was residing in Llandeilo when 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 the 10th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Llandeilo War Memorial

World War Two, 1939-1945

Fritz Bernstein, Private, 13800973, Pioneer Corps. Fritz was the Son of Hans and Selma Bernstein; husband of Jean Bernstein, of Taunton, Somerset. Little is presently known of Fritz, or why he is buried in Llandeilo, but he died on the 4th August, 1942 aged 26, and is buried at Llandeilo Fawr (St. Teilo) Churchyard. Not on Memorial. Many thanks to Mr. W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

 

Jack Falkner Buckwell, Lieutenant, 292514, Royal Artillery. Jack was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Laurance, and the husband of Margaret Gwenilian Buckwell, of Llandeilo. Jack served in the 19th Battery, 25th Mountain Regiment, Royal Indian Artillery, which served in the Burma Campaign. Jack died on the 25th December, 1944 and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Jesse Clifton, Sapper, 14381971, Royal Engineers. Jesse was the Son of David and Ethel Clifton, and the husband of Irene Alice Clifton, of Rhosmain. He served with the 59th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and had fought in North Africa, before the invasions of Sicily and then Italy. On the 19th October, 1944 Allied forces reached the town of Cesena in Italy, and found that the Germans had withdrawn to a line behind the Savio River. Jesse was Killed in Action here just two days later, on the 21st October, 1944, and is buried in Cesena War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Michael Denis Collins, Leading Aircraftman, 1381769, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Michael was the Son of John and Christina Collins, of Pantglas, and served with 55 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron were already in the Mediterranean when war was declared, and flew Blenheims in the Suez region. In March, 1942 the Squadron re-equipped with the Martin A30 Baltimore IV, and flew in support of the Eighth Army in their fight against Rommel's Afrika Korps, through the Western Desert and into Italy. Michael was killed over Italy on 15 August, 1943 aged just 22, and is buried at Ranchi War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Ronald William Coole, Sapper, 3915905, Royal Engineers. Ronald was the Son of William and Doris Coole, of Llandeilo, and served with 144 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers. In 1942 the Company were operating in North Africa, from Medjez-el-Bab, during the Tunis Offensive, and then moved to Italy with the 6th Division. Their role was to pave the way for the Divisions advance through Italy, and in one such operation they built a Bailey Bridge under enemy fire, which enabled the advance of the British into the Po Valley. Ronald was killed in Italy on 30 December, 1944 aged just 21, and is buried at Faenza War Cemetery.

Bertie Daniel Crooks, Driver, T/109158, Royal Army Service Corps. Bertie was the Son of William and Catherine Crooks, of Llandeilo, and served with the B.E.F. in France at the outbreak of war, with the 3 Corps Troops Ammunition Company, Royal Army Service Corps. On 25 May, 1940, due to the overwhelming superiority of numbers of the advancing Germans, the BEF was ordered to pull back to positions around Dunkirk, to enable the evacuation of the BEF. On 27 May the evacuation from the beached began. Bertie was killed in action during the epic withdrawal to the Dunkirk Beachhead at some time between 28 May and 2 June, 1940 aged 28, and is remembered on the Dunkirk Memorial.

David Leslie Davies, Captain, EC/13395, 4th Prince of Wales' Own Gurkha Rifles. David was the Son of Albert Edward and Edith Davies, of Hampstead Garden Suburb, Middlesex, late of Rose Lawn Llandeilo. David served in the Far East with the 4th Prince of Wales' Own Gurkha Rifles, and sadly survived the rigours of the war in the Far East before taking ill with pneumonia at the end of 1945. He died of pneumonia on 19 December, 1945 aged 24, and is buried at Rawalpindi War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Elwyn Michael Davies, Sergeant, 822991, Royal Artillery. Elwyn served with 143 (The Kent Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was attached to the 49th (West Riding) Division. The Division landed in Normandy from 12 June, 1944 onwards, and fought through the Normandy Battles, north through France and Belgium into occupied Holland. The Division earned the respect of the Germans, who nicknamed them the 'Polar Bear Butchers' after their Divisional badge of the Polar Bear, and the Division fought in the liberation of Arnhem, where Elwyn was killed on 19 January 1945, aged 35. He is buried at Jonkerbos War Cemetery.

 

James Ithel Davies, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 3059401, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. James was the Son of Thomas William Stanley Davis and Margaret Jane Davis, of Llandeilo. Very little is known of him, but he served during the war with the RAFVR, and died aged 20  on 22 November, 1946. He is buried at Llandeilo Fawr (St. Teilo) Churchyard.

Harold David Evans, Fifth Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. Harold was the Son of Dudley and Mary Evans, of Llandeilo. He served in the Merchant Navy, aboard the troopship S.S. Justitia (London). The Justitia was torpedoed by a German U-Boat on 22 November, 1940, and Harold lost his life in the sinking, aged 39. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Not on Memorial.

Douglas Alexander (Sonny) Fraser, Trooper, 7955817, Royal Armoured Corps. Douglas was the Son of Douglas C. H. and Zoe Alice Fraser, of Llandeilo, and served with 'C' Squadron, 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps, who were equipped with the Sherman Firelfy, and were landed in Normandy on D-Day as part of the 33rd Armoured Brigade. The British had attacked positions near Bayeux, hoping to break through the German lines, and during the night of the 12/13 June, the 'Desert Rats' advanced through the German lines, towards Villers-Bocage. However the advance was detected by the famous SS Obersturmfuhrer Michael Wittman, and his SS Heavy Tank Battalion destroyed 53 British Armoured vehicles, thus stopping the British advance. This prompted a change in tactics by Montgomery, and it was decided to launch an operation to seize the Odon Bridgeheads to the west of Caen, and launch an offensive into the Bocage and thus take Caen itself. The codename of this plan was 'Operation Epsom', and on 26 June, 1944 Douglas went into action with his Battalion, at La Taille, north of Unchy. Douglas was killed in action the following day, when his tank was destroyed during on 27 June, 1944. He is buried at Hottot-Les-Bagues War Cemetery, and was just 20 years old. Not on Memorial.

Herbert Clifford Gray, Greaser, Merchant Navy. Herbert was the Son of James and Alice Ann Gray; husband of Florence Gray, of Llandeilo. He served as a Greaser aboard the S.S. British Premier (London), which was an Oil Tanker, that had been launched in 1922. During WW2 she was used on convoy duties to bring oil to Britain from the Persian Gulf, around the Cape of Good Hope. In December, 1940 she was part of Convoy SLS-60, and was straggling behind the main group, when she came under the attack of a German U-Boat, U-65. At 16.41 hours on 4 December, 1940 the U-65 torpedoed and sank the British Premier, which sank with 32 of her crew. One of these was the 50 year old Clifford, and so he is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Farnham Griffiths, Gunner, 1817097, Royal Artillery. Farnham was the Son of Griffith Griffiths, and of Maria Griffiths, of Llandeilo. Farnham served with 3 Battery, 6th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, who were stationed in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion, and he was taken into captivity when the Garrison at Singapore surrendered on 15 February, 1942. On 19 October, 1942 Farnham left Changi Jail with 516 other men of the Royal Artillery, and the group were taken to Ballali Island, under the command of Lt-Col. J. Bassett, R.A., 35 L.A.A. During the course of the war the men were systematically murdered by their Japanese captors, and Farnham was killed on 5 March, 1943. The men were laid to rest on the Island, which is 12 mile north of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Farnham is now remembered on the Singapore Memorial, and was just 22 years old.

 

Isaiah Helevy, Lieutenant, 235663, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Isaiah was the Son of Jacob and Esther Halevy, of Brighton, Sussex. He had graduated from Oxford with a B.A. with Honours, and had moved to Llandeilo, before being commissioned into the Royal Fusiliers, and posted to their 2nd Battalion. The 2nd Royal Fusiliers had landed at Anzio on January 22nd, 1944, and took part in the Italian Offensive, where Isaiah was killed on the 13th September, 1944 aged 23. He is buried at Gradara War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Douglas George William Humphries, Flying Officer (Navigator), 144604, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Douglas was the Son of Francis John and Frances Mabel Humphreys, of Llandeilo, and served with 7 Squadron, RAFVR which flew the Avro Lancaster III, Based at RAF Oakington. Douglas was killed when his Lancaster was shot down on a raid over Hamburg on the 24th March, 1944. He was 22 years old, and is buried in Hamburg Cemetery.

Douglas Frederick James, Lance Bombardier, 1493032, Royal Artillery. Douglas was the Son of Oscar and Jennie May James, of Llandeilo. He served with 7 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery, who were stationed in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion, and he was taken into captivity when the Garrison at Singapore surrendered on the 15th February, 1942. On the 19th October, 1942 Douglas left Changi Jail with 516 other men of the Royal Artillery, and the group were taken to Ballali Island, under the command of Lt-Col. J. Bassett, R.A., 35 L.A.A. During the course of the war the men were systematically murdered by their Japanese captors, and Douglas was killed on the 5th March, 1943. The men were laid to rest on the Island, which is 12 mile north of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Douglas is now remembered on the Singapore Memorial, and was just 24 years old.

James Walter Jones, Leading Aircraftman, 618625, Royal Air Force. James was the Son of Herbert Stanley Jones and Mary Ann Jones, of Llandeilo. Very little is known of James, except that he served during the war with the Royal Air Force, and died on the 9th April, 1944. He is buried at Ffairfach (Tabernacle) Congregational Chapelyard. Photograph courtesy of W Stuart Davies.

Hubert William Godfrey Jones-Penderell, M.C., A.F.C., Group Captain (Pilot), Royal Air Force. Hubert was born on the 7th October, 1890 at Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, later of Garth, Pontardawe, Swansea.  Hubert was commissioned into the 4th Welsh on the 17th April, 1913, and served during the Great War with them, before transferring into the Royal Flying Corps, qualifying as a Pilot in 1916. The RFC reformed and merged with the RNAS in France in 1917 to form the Royal Air Force, and Hubert then saw out the war with the RAF, gaining the Military Cross and the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour in 1917. On July 1st, 1918 he was promoted to Major, and was granted a permanent RAF Commission. He was promoted Squadron Leader in 1925, Wing Commander in 1933 and Group Captain in 1938. Hubert was Killed on Active Service on the 14th May, 1943 aged 52, and is buried at Llanguicke (St. Ciwg) Churchyard. Not on Memorial.

David Gerald Lewis, Flight Sergeant, 1337965, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of John Isaac and Laura Jane Lewis, of Llandeilo, and he served as Flight Sergeant with 622 Squadron, RAF. 622 Squadron flew the Avro Lancaster III, based at RAF Mildenhall. David was Killed in Action when his Lancaster was shot down during Bomber Commands last raid on Cologne, while over Holland on the 2nd March, 1945 and is buried in Hotton War Cemetery. He was just 21 years old.

William Maskell Meredith, Able Seaman, P/JX 259799, Royal Navy. William was the Son of George Edwin and Margaret Helen Meredith, of Ffairfach. William served aboard H.M.S. Arethusa, which was a Light Cruiser which had been built in Chatham, and launched on the 6th March, 1934. She had helped to guard the evacuation of the BEF from France in 1940, and had taken part in the hunt for the Bismark before moving to the Mediterranean in July, 1941. In November 1942 HMS Arethusa left Alexandria to form a part of the escort for a convoy to Malta. On the 18th, 450 miles from port, she was torpedoed by low flying enemy aircraft, the explosion and resulting fire took the lives of 156 men from the ship's complement of approximately 500. Arethusa was the only casualty of "Operation Stoneage" and the arrival of the 4 merchant ships of convoy MW-13 effectively marked the end of the siege of Malta. William was one of the unfortunate casualties of the explosion of the 18th November. He was 27 years old, and was buried at sea three miles off Alexandria off the H.M.S. Aldenham, who had been tasked with the removal of the dead men's remains for burial at sea. William is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

John Verdun Morris, Craftsman, 3958906, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. John was the Son of Thomas and Margaret Morris, and the husband of Eunice Mary Margaretta Morris, of Garnant, Llandeilo, and served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. John was in North Africa when he was killed on the 19th May, 1943 aged 28. He is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery.

John William Nicholas, Major, Pioneer Corps. John was the elder son of Mr. J.W. Nicholas, who was Clerk to Carmarthen County Council. John served as a J.P., and lived at Maestilo, Llandeilo. He had joined the Indian Army in 1914, and fought throughout WW1 in Egypt and Palestine. In 1924 he was invalided out of the Army with the rank of Captain, and moved into Local Government, serving as High Sheriff in 1936-37, and being a Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace, as well as serving on Carmarthen County Council. In 1939 John re-enlisted with the rank of Major, into the Pioneer Corps. He was employed by the War Office to take charge of the organisation of Pioneer Corps throughout Wales, and was then seconded to the Ministry of Food in Cardiff. John died in Hospital in London in August, 1943 after undergoing an operation, leaving his widow and 11 year old son behind.

John Walter Phillips, Corporal, 510644, Royal Air Force. John was the Son of William and Florance Phillips, and the husband of Edith Phillips, of Llandeilo. Very little is known of him, but he served with the RAF during WW2, and was captured by the Japanese, possibly at Singapore. John died on the 4th October, 1944 aged 37, during the infamous 'death march' from Sandakan to Ranau, and is buried at Labuan War Cemetery, Borneo.

Geoffrey Dilwyn Rogers, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 646328, Royal Air Force. Geoffrey was the Son of Thomas Henry and Mary Anne Rogers, of Llandeilo. Again, very little is known of Geoffrey, except that he died on the 28th January, 1940 aged just 19, and is buried at Ffairfach (Tabernacle) Congregational Chapelyard. Many thanks to W Stuart Davies for the photograph below.

David Tomkinson, Signalman, 2346404, Royal Corps Of Signals. David was the Son of Fred and Elizabeth Tomkinson, of Llandeilo, and served with the 27 Line Section, Royal Corps of Signals. David was taken Prisoner by the Japanese, and was given the POW No. 2921. Between the 29th January and the 6th February, 1945 9 groups of POW's left Sandakan POW Camp in Borneo on the 1st Sandakan 'death march'. David died along the way of Malaria, on the 2nd March, 1945 aged 25, and was buried in Paginatan Cemetery. He is now remembered on the Singapore Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Ernest Edward Varndell, Private, 14479039, General Service Corps. Ernest was the Son of George Frederick and Alice May Varndell, of Llandeilo. Very little is known of him, but he served with the General Service Corps during WW2, and died on the 25th September, 1946 aged just 18. Ernest is buried in Llandeilo Fawr (St. Teilo) Churchyard. Many thanks to W Stuart Davies for the photograph below.

Stanley Erle Williams, M.I.D., Major, 126179, Welch Regiment. Stanley was the Son of Jonah Williams, and of Sarah Williams, of Llandeilo. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment, who were in Palestine at the outbreak of War. They went on to serve in the Western Desert, then moved to Crete, where they were virtually wiped out when the Island was attacked by elite German Paratroopers in 1942. The survivors of the 1st Welch moved back to North Africa, and were again virtually annihilated when the Afrika Korps swept across North Africa. The Battalion was reinforced in 1943, and then served in Sicily, and in the Invasion of Italy, where Stanley was killed on the 18th September, 1944 aged 32. He is buried at Gradara War Cemetery.

Tom Ivor Williams, Corporal, PLY/X 983, Royal Marines. Tom was the Son of Daniel Williams, and of Ellen Williams, of Capel Isaac, and served in the Royal Marines, aboard H.M.S. Hermes. Hermes was the first purpose built Aircraft Carrier to have been launched, and moved to the South Atlantic at the outbreak of WW2. In July, 1940 she collided into another vessel, which required her to move to South Africa for repairs, and after these had been carried out, she transferred to the Indian Ocean. Hermes was stationed at Trincomalee in Ceylon in April, 1942 when a Japanese attack had forced her out of harbour. She was spotted by a Japanese aeroplane on the 9th April, and was attacked by a force of over 70 Japanese Bombers, which hit her 40 times. The Hermes sank with the loss of 307 men, and also her two Escort Destroyers were sunk during the attack. Tom was killed aboard the Hermes that day, aged 32, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Trevor Williams, Sergeant (W.Op./Obs.), 620942, Royal Air Force. Trevor was the Son of Thomas and Margaret Wlliams, of Llandeilo. He served as a Wireless Operator/ Observer with 406 Squadron, flying the Bristol Beaufighter IIF, based at RAF Acklington. Trevor died at home on the 8th January, 1942, possibly of injuries suffered in action, aged 21, and is buried at Llandeilo (Bethel) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard. Many thanks to W Stuart Davies for the photograph below.