Llandovery War Memorial
The Great War, 1914-1918
William Barratt, Private, 288052, Welsh Regiment. William was the Husband of Catherine Kate Payne (formerly Barratt), of 6, Abernant Rd., Cwmgorse, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. The CWGC shows that he was a native of Birmingham but Soldiers Died shows that he was born & resided in Llansadwrn. William enlisted at Llandovery into the 1/6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which landed at Havre on the 29th October, 1914. On the 5th July 1915 they transferred to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division, and on the 23rd October 1915 transferred again to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. On the 15th May 1916 the Battalion became Pioneers to the 1st Division. William was wounded during the Second Battle of Passchendaele and Died of Wounds at the Casualty Clearing Station at Dozinghem on the 11th November, 1917. He is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Arthur William Vincent Braddon, Private, 4734, Australian Imperial Force. Arthur was born in Llandovery, but had emigrated to Australia. Whilst there, he joined the Australian Militia, and had spent 8 years prior to the war fighting at New Guinea. Arthur was the Husband of Mrs. E. Braddon, Eagles Nest, Panton Hill, Victoria. His service papers show that he had deserted his wife and children in 1913 and had enlisted at Sydney, New South Wales into the 9th Battalion, Australian Infantry as a single man. The contents of Arthur's service papers are too comprehensive to put down here in detail but he was a bit of a colourful character who had been promoted and demoted for several incidents. Arthur was fighting with his Battalion, as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Australian Division, at Third Ypres, during the The Battle of the Menin Road, when he was Killed in Action on the 20th September, 1917. He was 39 years old, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
George Cooper, Private, 9133, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cooper, of 28, Tarrington, Herefordshire. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had landed at Havre on the 13th August, 1914 and were one of the first British Units in France, where they fought in the Battle of Mons. After the retreat from Mons the Division retreated South to the Marne, where the German Offensive was held, and pushed them back to the Aisne. The Division were then moved North to guard the ancient City of Ypres, and were in the midst of the Battle of Langemark, when George was Killed in Action aged 25, on the 25th October, 1914. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Edward Dale, Private, 13178, Devonshire Regiment. Edward was born in Llandovery, and enlisted at Tonyrefail into the 10th Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment, attached to the 79th Brigade 26th Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 23rd September 1915 but were soon moved again, arriving in Salonika during November that year. Here they fought in the Salonika Campaign against the combined Bulgarian and Turkish forces, and it was here on the 25th April 1917 that Edward was Killed in Action. He was 32 years old, and is remembered on the Doiran Memorial.
C. J. Davies, Chief Section Leader, G/3136, Women's Royal Naval Service. There is not much information available on Miss Davies at present, except that she Died at Home of Sickness on the 26th October, 1918 and is buried at Llandingat (St. Dingat) Churchyard. Not on Memorial.
David Richard Davies, Private, 301861, London Regiment. David was the Son of John and Margaret Davies, of 1, Victoria Crescent. Llandovery. He enlisted at London into the 1/5th Battalion (London Rifle Brigade), who had originally landed in France on the 5th November, 1914 as part of the 11th Brigade 4th Division. On the 25th October 1915 they joined 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, and on the 10th February, 1916 became part of the 169th Brigade, 56th (London) Division. The Division fought at the diversionary attack on Gommecourt then at Ginchy, Flers and Morval, where they captured Combles. They wintered on the Somme, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 before fighting in the Battle of Arras. They then moved to Ypres, where they fought at Langemarck, then at Cambrai during the Battle there in October 1917, remaining in the area for the winter. The Division were in the Arras sector when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the 21st March, 1918, and David was Killed in Action during the Kaiserschlacht, at the First Battle of Arras, on the 28th March, 1918. He was 27 years old, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
James Ernest Davies, Private, 5949, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. James was the Son of John Isaac and Anne Davies, of 2, Castle St., Llandovery, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment. Sometime later he transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, part of the 182nd Brigade 61st (2nd South Midland) Division, which had landed in France on the 21st May, 1916. The Division moved to the Flanders sector, near Fromelles, where they were to take place in a combined attack with the 4th Australian Division, as a diversion to the main attack on the Somme, but it was a slaughter, with thousands of lives lost needlessly, and James was Killed in Action on the 10th July, 1916 aged 25. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
John Davies, Private, 41925, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Owen and Jane Davies, of "Coxhead Castle," Llanddewi Brefi, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 23rd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 28th Division as Pioneers in Salonika from the 24th August, 1916. John was wounded soon after arriving at Salonika, and Died of Wounds on the 3rd October, 1916 aged 24. He is buried at Struma Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Thomas Davies, Private, 8852, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was the Son of the late William and Rachel Davies, of Castle St., Llandovery, and had seven years service in the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers prior to the war, and had served in India. On the 13th August 1914 the Battalion landed at Havre as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and moved to Mons, where they fought in the Battle of Mons. They then took part in the epic retreat South, fighting until the Germans had been stopped at the Aisne and then brought North to help in the defence of Ypres. At Ypres, the Division fought at the Battle of Langemark, where Thomas was Killed in Action, aged 39, on the 27th October, 1914. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Digby Cecil Caleb Dickinson, Second Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers. Digby was the Son of Francis and Lucy Dickinson, of Aberyskir Court, Breconshire, and the nephew of Alderman D.T.M. Jones, Llandovery. He was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, attached to 87th Brigade 29th Division. The Battalion had fought at China at the outbreak of war, and had been rushed back to England before being sent to Gallipoli, where they landed on the first day, and fought through the whole conflict there before being evacuated in January, 1916. They then moved to France, where they fought in the opening attacks of the Somme Offensive. Digby was Killed in Action aged just 20 on the 28th August, 1918 and is buried at Borre British Cemetery. His brother Francis (See Below) also fell. Not on Memorial.
Francis John Twysdale Dickinson, Captain, South Wales Borderers. Francis was the Son of Francis Digby Dickinson and Lucy Dickinson, of Aberyskir Court, Brecon and the Nephew of Alderman D.T.M. Jones, Llandovery. Francis was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, but attended the 7th Battalion which was attached to the 67th Brigade, 7th Division. Francis must have been with the 2nd Battalion on their arrival in France, as he was wounded on the Ancre in 1916, but when he returned to fitness, he was posted to Salonika with the 7th Battalion. Francis was Killed in Action in Salonika on the 17th September, 1918 aged just 21, and is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery. It must have been a terrible couple of months for his parents to lose both sons just weeks apart. Not on Memorial.
Patrick F. Dowling, Private, 34197, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Patrick was born in Kilkenny and enlisted at Aberdare into the Welsh Regiment, but later transferred into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers part of the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division. The Battalion landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915, and fought in the Ypres area, around St. Eloi and Hooge, before moving South to take part in the Somme Offensive of 1916. They fought at Arras in March, 1917, pushing the Germans back toward the Hindenburg Line, then moved to Ypres for the Battle of Third Ypres, where Patrick was wounded at the Battle of Polygon Wood. He Died of Wounds on the 27th September, 1917 and is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Daniel Morgan Evans, Private, 14878, South Wales Borderers. Daniel was born in Llandovery, the Son of William and Elizabeth Evans, later of 2, Salem Rd., Felinfoel, Llanelly and he was the Husband of Catherine Siddell (formerly Evans), of 33, Greengate St., Carnarvon. Daniel enlisted at Aberystwyth into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. On the 13th August 1914 the Battalion landed at Havre as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and moved to Mons, where they fought in the Battle of Mons. They then took part in the epic retreat South, fighting until the Germans had been stopped at the Marne and then brought North to help in the defence of Ypres. At Ypres, the Division fought at the Battles of First Ypres, and moved south to Givenchy, where Daniel was Killed in Action aged 31, on the 21st December, 1914. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue. Not on Memorial.
David John Evans, Bombardier, 43190, Royal Garrison Artillery. David was born in Llandovery, and was the Brother of Mr. W. Evans, of 23, Twyn-y-yfald Rd., Pengam, Mon. He enlisted at Caerphilly into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in their 144th Siege Battery. Not much is known of David's wartime service, but he was Killed in Action during the Advance on the Hindenburg Line, on the 9th September, 1918 and is buried at Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension.
David Rice Evans, Private, R/9439, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. David was the Son of Rees and Mary Evans, of 45, Stone St., Llandovery, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 2nd Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. At the outbreak of war the Battalion was at Blackdown, attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, and the Division moved immediately, landing at Havre on the 13th August, 1914, and took up positions around Mons. They fought on the Marne and the Aisne, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres, and then at Aubers in early 1915. They took part in the Battle of Loos in September that year, and in 1916 fought on the Somme, from the Battle of Albert in July onwards, and were on the Ancre over the Winter of 1916/17 when David was wounded. He was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Le Havre, where he Died of Wounds on the 10th January 1917 aged 32. He is buried at Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre.
Edward Delme Evans, Private 55318, Welsh Regiment. Edward was born at Llandovery, the Son of E. and Jane Evans, later of Tanyard Row, Llansantffraid, Mont. Edward enlisted at Oswestry into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was once of the first units in France as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. the Division moved immediately, landing at Havre on the 13th August, 1914, and took up positions around Mons. They fought on the Marne and the Aisne, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres, and then at Aubers in early 1915. They took part in the Battle of Loos in September that year, and in 1916 fought on the Somme, from the Battle of Albert in July onwards, and were on the Ancre over the Winter of 1916/17 and took part in the push to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917, before being posted to the Flanders Coast. They were rushed South to take part in Third Ypres, where Edward was Killed in Action on the 17th November, 1917 aged only 20. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Gwilym Daniel Evans, Private, 780, Welsh Guards. Gwilym was born at Llandingat, and enlisted at Ammanford into the newly formed 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards, which were raise by Royal Warrant of the 26th February, 1915. On the 18th August, 1915 the Battalion landed at Havre, as part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and were thrown immediately into action at the Battle of Loos. After Loos, the Division spent a period at rest in Calais, and then spent a short period at Ypres during June 1916 before moving to the Somme in September. On the Somme they fought at Flers-Courcelette, and at Morval, and they then spent the winter in the trenches around Bronfay Camp. Gwilym was Killed in Action here on the 27th December, 1916 and is buried at Bronfay Farm Military Cemetery, Bray-Sur-Somme. Not on Memorial.
Gwilym Thomas Evans, Private, 29189, South Wales Borderers. Gwilym was the Son of William Thomas and Sarah A. Evans, of The Butcher's Arms, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, and resided at Llandovery prior to the war. Gwilym enlisted at Cefn Coed into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which landed in Havre on the 25th September, 1915 as Pioneers to the 25th Division. They defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916, then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on the 3rd July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, then moved to Plougsteert, where they held the line, until taking part in the Battle of Messines in June, 1917. They fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, taking up positions around Bullecourt in reserve, and were used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive. Gwilym was Killed in Action on the 23rd March, 1918 aged just 20, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
Morris Evans, Private, 8136, Welsh Regiment. Morris was born in Llandovery, and resided at Cwmdwr Llanwrda. A pre-war regular, he enlisted at Ferndale 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, where Morris was Killed in Action during the First Battle of Ypres, on the 23rd October 1914. He is buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall).
Ivor Frost, Private, 29634, Machine Gun Corps. Ivor was the Son of William and Mary Frost, of 41, High St., Llandovery, and enlisted at Llandovery into the Welsh Regiment. In 1916 the Battalion Machine Gunners were formed into Machine Gun Companies, and so Ivor moved to the 6th Company, Machine Gun Corps, which were attached to the 2nd Division. The Division were on the Somme, fighting during The Battle of Delville Wood, when Ivor was wounded. He was brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Corbie, where he Died of Wounds on the 12th August, 1916 aged 22. Ivor is buried at La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie.
Thomas Edward Douglas Garrity, Private, 18950, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Bernard Garrity, of 13, Sutherland St., Pimlico, London, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was 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, where they fought at First Ypres, before spending the Winter in the trenches. In March, 1915 they took part in the Battle of Aubers, where Thomas was Killed in Action on the 29th March, 1915 aged just 17. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue. Not on Memorial.
Frederick Gay, Private, 201017, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was residing at Llandovery prior to the war, and enlisted at Holloway into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were part of the 114th Brigade 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. At Ypres in July, 1917 the Battle of Third Ypres was launched. Messines Ridge had been taken, and the focus now fell on the Pilckem Ridge. It was during the assault on the Pilckem Ridge that Frederick was Killed in Action, on the 31st July, 1917. He is buried in Cement House Cemetery.
William John Hendy, R/9436, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. William was the Son of Henry John Hendy, of 19, St. Anne's Avenue, Keynsham, Bristol. He enlisted at Llandovery into the 1st Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps part of the 99th Brigade, 2nd Division. The Battalion had been in Francs since landing at Rouen on the 13th August, 1914 and had fought with the Division at Mons, and the retreat to the Marne. They moved to Ypres, where they fought in First Ypres, and then at Festubert in 1915, and Loos later in the year. In 1916 they fought at the Somme, where William was Killed in Action on the 27th July, 1916 aged 21. He is buried at Serre Road Cemetery No. 2.
John Gordon Hopkins, Private, 8247, East Surrey Regiment. John was born at Llandovery and enlisted at London into the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, part of the 14th Brigade, 5th Division. The Division saw their first action at Mons on the 23rd August 1914, and fought in the retreat South to the Aisne, then moved to La Basee and then Messines, where they fought at First Ypres. John was Killed in Action at Messines on the 22nd October, 1914 and is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue.
David Thomas James, Sergeant, 4804, South Wales Borderers. David was born in Llandovery, the Son of Jabez Price James and Jane James, later of 17, Commercial St., Ystradmynach, Cardiff. He enlisted at Brecon into 'E' Company, 3rd Militia Battalion of the South Wales Borderers on the 17th September, 1894, and a month later joined their regular 1st Battalion. With these he fought during the Boer War. David remained in the army after the Boer War, and at the outbreak of the Great War he was a reservist. The 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, at the outbreak of war were part of the 3rd Brigade 1st Division,which landed at Havre on the 13th August, 1914, and took up positions around Mons. They fought on the Marne and the Aisne, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres, and then at Aubers in early 1915. They took part in the Battle of Loos in September that year and held the line for several months after. David joined the battalion at Loos early in 1916. He had not been long at the front when he was Killed in Action on the 19th May, 1916. He was 38 years old and is buried at Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay. Not on Memorial.
Evan James, Private, 11752, Welsh Regiment. Evan was born in Llandovery and enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment part of the 3rd Brigade 1st Division. The Division at Havre on the 13th August, 1914, and took up positions around Mons. They fought on the Marne and the Aisne, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres, and then at Aubers in early 1915. They took part in the Battle of Loos in September that year, and in 1916 fought on the Somme, where Evan was Killed in Action during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, on the 16th July, 1916. He is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz.
Joseph Cyril Wynne Jenkins, Private, 23353, Royal West Surrey Regiment. Joseph was the Son of the Rev. Joseph and Mary Jenkins, of Pendennis, Llandovery. He had travelled around the country with his parents, after being born at Newquay he had resided at Blaenau Ffestiniog, before enlisting at Tunbridge Wells, originally into the East Kent Regiment but later transferred into the 10th Battalion, Royal West Surrey Regiment, part of the 124th Brigade, 41st Division. Cyril was wounded during the German Spring Offensive of 1918, and brought to Etaples to the Base Hospital, where he Died of Wounds on the 9th April, 1918 aged just 20. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery.
Llewellyn John, Lance Corporal, 5276, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Llewellyn was born at Robeston Wathen, but resided at Llandovery prior to the war. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, which fought in Gallipoli and Palestine as part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division but at some time he transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, in 182nd Brigade 61st Division. The Division arrived on the Western Front during May, 1916 and were moved to Fromelles where they took part in the abortive attack on the German positions there, as part of a diversionary attack for the Somme. Llewellyn was Killed in Action at Fromelles on the 30th June, 1916 and is buried at Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue.
David John Jones, Corporal, 43393, Essex Regiment. David was born in Llandovery, the Son of John and Mary Jones, later of The Red House, Shuckburgh, Daventry, Northants. He enlisted at Leicester into the Leicester Regiment, but later transferred into the 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment, part of the 35th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 31st May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and remained there until March 1916. By June 1916 they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on the 2nd July. They fought at Pozieres and Le Transloy before being moved to the Arras area, where they fought in the March 1917 Battle of Arras, and it was at a later stage of this at the Battle of Arleux, that David was Killed in Action, aged 28, on the 29th April, 1917. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial. His brother Goronwy also fell. (See below). Not on Memorial.
David Rees Jones, Private 14574, South Lancashire Regiment. David was born at Llandovery, and enlisted at Penrhiwceiber into the 8th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, part of the 75th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division moved to France in September, 1915, and were posted to the Vimy area, until they moved to the Somme in June 1916, where they attacked near Thiepval on the 3rd July. They then attacked in the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, where David was Killed in Action on the 15th July, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Evan James Jones, Private, 39775, Welsh Regiment. Evan was born at Llanwrtyd Wells, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 3rd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a Home Service unit. Evan Died at Home of sickness on the 12th February, 1916 and is buried at Cefn Gorwydd (Gosen) Calvinist Methodist Churchyard, near Llanwrtyd Wells. Not on Memorial.
Goronwy Jones, Lance Corporal, 164708, Machine Gun Corps. Goronwy was born at Blaenos, Llandovery, the Son of John and Mary Jones, later of The Red House, Shuckburgh, Daventry, Northants. He enlisted into the 100th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, attached to the 33rd Division, and they had fought since the Somme Battles of 1916. They were at Third Ypres, and were in Flanders when the German Spring Offensive of March, 1918 hit, and fought there until the tide of war had turned, and they moved south to take part in the great offensive against the Hindenburg Line. Goronwy was wounded during the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal, and Died of Wounds aged 22, on the 1st November, 1918. He is buried at Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre. Not on Memorial. His brother David John Jones also fell (See above).
James Jones, Private, 20026, Welsh Regiment. James was the Son of Daniel and Mary Jane Jones, of 4, Towy Avenue, Llandovery. He enlisted at Ammanford along with his brother John, into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France in December, 1915 and moved to the Armentieres area where they were initiated into trench warfare. They then moved to the Somme in June, 1916, to take part in the attack on Mametz Wood, which began on 7 July 1916. The attack failed, and so 114 Brigade went in again on 10 July and were decimated. James was Killed in Action during the assault across 'Death Valley', on 10 July 1916, alongside his brother John. He was 21 years old and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
John Jones, Corporal, 20027, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Daniel and Mary Jane Jones, of 4, Towy Avenue, Llandovery. He enlisted at Ammanford along with his brother James, into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France in December, 1915 and moved to the Armentieres area where they were initiated into trench warfare. They then moved to the Somme in June, 1916, to take part in the attack on Mametz Wood, which began on 7 July 1916. The attack failed, and so 114 Brigade went in again on 10 July, and were decimated. John was Killed in Action during the assault across 'Death Valley', on the 10 July 1916, alongside his brother James. He was 24 years old and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
John C. Jones (Jack), Private, 235388, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, of 47, Stone St., Llandovery, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment. He later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers who by then were part of the 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division were rushed to the Somme in Spring 1918 to reinforce the hard pressed British Army there, after they had lost almost all of the ground taken over the previous 18 months, and helped turn the tide, and push the Germans back towards their own lines again. It was after the Germans had been driven back from Albert, toward Bapaume that John was Killed in Action, aged 30, on the 1st September, 1918 during the Second Battle of Bapaume. He is buried at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery.
Thomas Jones, Private, 15640, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was born in Llandovery, the Son of Mrs. Margaret Evans, later of 8, Challis Row, Hirwaun, Glam. He enlisted at Hirwain into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division, and the RWF joined their Division at Ypres, in the Hooge sector on the 15th October, 1915. After several months in the sector, the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battles of Albert and Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. They then fought at Delville Wood, and it was during the period after the wood was captured that Thomas was Killed in Action at Flers, on the 16th August 1916. He was 24 years old and is buried at A.I.F. Burial Ground, Flers. Not on Memorial.
Thomas Rees Jones, Private, 46326, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Llandovery, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 17th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. The Division moved to France in June, 1916, and served at Loos until August, before moving to the Somme. They fought during the Battle of the Ancre, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line where Thomas was Killed in Action on the 24th April, 1917. Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich.
William Jones, Private, 292188, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Willie was the Son of Mrs. J. Jones, of 3, Croft Cottages, Victoria St., Llandovery, and he enlisted at Llandovery into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at Pilckem and Langemarck, then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved South, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until the war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme, but William was Killed in Action here on the 26th August, 1918 aged just 21. He is buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval.
Aneurin Rhys Lewis, Gunner, 124040, Royal Garrison Artillery. Aneurin was the Son of C William Rhys Lewis, of Fronfelen, Llandovery, and enlisted at Oxford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving as Gunner in their 13th Siege Battery. Not much else is known of Aneurin, but he was Killed in Action on the opening day of the German Spring Offensive on the 21st March, 1918 aged just 20, and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery.
Thomas George Lewis, Gunner, 100593, Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas, or George as he was better known, was born in Cilfynydd. The family came to live in St. Mary Street, Whitland, and George attended Whitland Council and County Schools, before taking up a post at Lloyd's Bank in Llandovery. George was engaged to a Miss Thomas, and he enlisted at Llandovery into the Royal Garrison Artillery, being posted to their 48th Heavy Battery, part of the 3rd Brigade, R.G.A. Not much is known of where George fought except that during the spring of 1918 he was at Ypres. The German offensive of Spring 1918 had been launched on the 21st March, and they turned their attentions to Flanders a month or so later. George was Killed in Action at Ypres on the 30th May, 1915 and is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery. Some time later, his mother received a letter from a Welsh Chaplain who was attached to the Brigade- 'This is a great shock to you, and I hasten to convey to you personally, and on behalf of the battery to which your son was attached, our greatest sympathy. I understand that he was greatly respected, and that his loss will be felt by all…'
David Lloyd, Private, 438600, Canadian Expeditionary Force. David was born on the 8th November, 1881, the Son of Evan and Ruth Lloyd, of 20, Orchard St., Llandovery. He had emigrated to Canada where he worked as a Fireman, and he enlisted there on the 21st April, 1915 into the CEF. David embarked for England, and then moved to France where he joined the 52nd Battalion (North Ontario), Canadian Infantry, 9th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The Division assembled in France in December 1915, and they fought their first major at Mount Sorrel, where David was Killed in Action on the 3rd June, 1916 aged 36, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
David Lloyd, Private, 320277, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Mary Lloyd, of 16, Gernon Rd., Roman Rd., Bethnal Green, London, and he lived at Llandovery prior to the outbreak of war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. In March, 1916 the Pembroke Yeomanry sailed for Egypt as part of the 1st Mounted Division, which fought in the Palestinian Campaign. On the 2nd February, 1917 the Battalion merged with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, and were attached to the 231st Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. It was in Palestine that David was wounded during the Third Battle of Gaza. He Died of Wounds on the 7th May, 1917 aged 23, and is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery.
Walter Lovell, Private, 4337, Welsh Regiment. Walter was born at Llandyssul, and resided at Llandovery prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and he Died of Sickness at home on the 18th October, 1916. Walter is buried at Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Patrick Manning, Private, 33779, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Patrick was the Son of Michael Manning and the Husband of Hannah Manning, of Stone St., Llandovery. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the South Wales Borderers, but later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 22nd Brigade 7th Division. The Division had been in France since the outbreak of war, and had fought at First Ypres, all of the way through most of the major battles, up to the end of Third Ypres. After the Battle of Polygon Wood the Division were chosen to assist the Italian Army, and immediately embarked for there. Patrick was taken ill in Italy and brought the Hospital at Gibraltar, where he died on the 15th May, 1918 aged 51. He is buried at Gibraltar (North front) Cemetery.
John Elias Morgan, Private, 12430, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Llandovery, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who formed part of the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division were ordered to Gallipoli in June, 1915, and in July landed at Cape Helles, then moved to ANZAC Cove on the 3rd August, 1915. Here they fought at the Battles of Russell's Top and Sari Bair, and John was Killed in Action here on the 11th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
Thomas Morgan, Sergeant, 14735, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born at Llandingat, and enlisted at Brecon into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion had landed at Havre on the 13th August, 1914, as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, which moved to positions around Mons. They fought on the Marne and the Aisne, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres, and then at Aubers in early 1915. They took part in the Battle of Loos in September that year, and in 1916 fought on the Somme, from the Battle of Albert in July onwards, and were on the Ancre over the Winter of 1916/17 and took part in the push to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917, before being posted to the Flanders Coast. They were rushed South to take part in Third Ypres. It was here, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, that Thomas was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 10th November, 1917 and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Robert (Robin) Leslie Wilmott Nicholl, Private 17686, Welsh Regiment. Robert was the Son of Edward Beynon Nicholl and Annie Winifred Nicholl, of Llwyncelyn, Llandovery. He enlisted at Swansea into the 14th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France in December 1915, and moved to positions near Armentieres, where they were initiated into trench warfare. Robert was wounded here, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Calais, where he Died of Wounds on the 4th April, 1916 aged only 19. He is buried at Calais Southern Cemetery.
Wyndham Price Oxenham, Corporal, 7167, South African Infantry. Wyndham was born at Llandeilo, the Son of Charles Octavius Oxenham and Marian Oxenham, of Park Hill, Germiston, Transvaal. The family had emigrated to South Africa, where Wyndham was a full time soldier, and was posted for service into the 5th Regiment, South African Mounted Rifles on the 24th August 1914. Wyndham was soon Killed in Action though on the 25th November, 1914 during the Battle of Rooidam. He was 23 years old and is buried at Rooidam Farm Cemetery. Many thanks to Colyn Brookes of the MIBISA Archive Project for the photograph of Wyndham's Grave.
Edward John Lymington Price, Able Seaman, Z/236, Royal Naval Division. Edward was born on the 15th March, 1881, and was the brother of G. P. Price of High Pitfold Farm, Hindhead, Surrey. After 10 years service in the Mercantile Marine, Edward enlisted, as a Royal Naval Reservist, into the Royal Naval Division, on the 9th September, 1914. He was posted to 'B' Company, Nelson Battalion, which formed part of the 189th Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Division had been formed at the request of Winston Churchill, to make use of the surplus of men in the Royal Naval Reserve. They saw action during the fall of Antwerp in 1914, and were sent to the Mediterranean, to take part in the Gallipoli landings of 25th April, 1915. After landing, the Division suffered heavy casualties, but remained on the Peninsula, which is where Edward was wounded, being shot through both legs. He was transferred to the Hospital Ship Neuralia, where he Died of Wounds aged 34 on the 5th July, 1915 and was buried at sea. He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial.
Edward Arnold Price, Private 260107, Cheshire Regiment. Edward was born in Llandovery, the Son of Arthur and Wilhelmina Price, later of 281, Tarreni Terrace, Godrergraig, Swansea. He enlisted at Aberdare into the 13th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, part of the 74th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division had crossed to France during September 1915, and were moved into positions near Vimy Ridge, where they remained until June, 1916. They then moved South to Warloy, and they took part in an assault near Thiepval on the 3rd July, and remained on the Somme until moving to Ploegsteert in November, 1916. They fought during Third Ypres, at the Battle of Messines and then moved to Pilckem to take part in the assault there. Edward was Killed in Action during at Ypres, on the 10th August, 1917 aged just 19, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Edward Redding, Private, 6350, Welsh Regiment. Edward was born in London, and was a pre-war regular. He must have lived at Llandovery with his brother John (See below) at some stage prior to the outbreak of war, and when war was declared and the Army Reservists were called up, Edward rejoined at Llandeilo into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division were one of the first in France landing on the 13th August, 1914. They immediately moved to Mons and took part in the Battle of Mons, before fighting in the epic retreat South toward the Marne, where the German Offensive was held. The Welsh took part in the advance to the Aisne, and fought at the Battle of the Aisne, before being moved to Ypres, where they took part in First Ypres, the battle which held the German advance across Flanders. Edward was wounded during the Battle of Gheluveld, and Died of Wounds on the 31st October, 1914. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
John Redding, Private, 6324, Welsh Regiment. John was born in London, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 3rd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who were a Home Service unit which had formed at Cardiff on the 4th August, 1914. In June, 1916 they moved to Barry. John Died of Sickness on the 2nd January, 1916 and is buried at Bangor (Glanadda) Cemetery.
Albert Lloyd Rees, Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was the Son of John and Charlotte Rees, of Yfron, Llandovery, and he enlisted at Llandovery into the 1/6th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to the 158th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in Gallipoli on the 9th August, 1915, and fought there until being evacuated in December, after suffering heavy casualties. They then moved to the Palestinian theatre, where Albert was Killed in Action on the 6th November, 1917 during the Third Battle of Gaza. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery.
John Cyril Rees, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rees, of Vron, Llandovery and the Husband of Elizabeth Rees, of Velindre, Llandovery. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion the Welsh Regiment, which was a Home Service unit, but was attached to another unit (as yet unknown), and served at Gallipoli. John was wounded at Gallipoli, and shipped back to the Military Hospital at Alexandria, where he Died of Wounds on the 6th November, 1915 aged 24. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery.
Laurence Sinclair Rees, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Laurence was from Llandovery, the Son of Mrs. M. H. Rees, of Trehyfryd, Wexham, Slough, Bucks. He was commissioned into the 13th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11th July to clear the wood. Laurence was Killed in Action during the attack of the 10th July, 1916 aged 26, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Daniel Richards, Rifleman, R/9043, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Daniel was the Son of David and Sarah Richards, of Plasnewydd, Cilycwm, Llandovery. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, who formed part of the 42nd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division had landed at Boulogne on the 20th May, 1915 and fought at Hooge, where they were to gain the dubious honour of being the first Division to be attacked by flamethrowers. Daniel was wounded there, and returned home for treatment, but Died of Wounds suffered at Hooge on the 25th October, 1915 aged 24. He is buried at Cilycwm Baptist Chapelyard.
David Richards, Private 200912, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of John and Ann Richards, of 10, Castle St., Llandovery, and enlisted at Llandovery into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh regiment, which was part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in Gallipoli on the 9th August, 1915, and fought there until being evacuated in December, after suffering heavy casualties. They then moved to the Palestinian theatre, where David was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 9th April 1917, aged 26 and is buried at Kantara War Memorial Cemetery.
Robert Hugh Owen Roberts, Lieutenant, Australian Infantry. Robert was born at Llandovery, the Nephew of Reverend George Roberts of Rhayader. He emigrated to Australia, where he worked as a Schoolteacher, and he enlisted at Blackstone, Queensland, as a Private into the 41st Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. He embarked at Sydney on the 18th May, 1916 and arrived at Plymouth on the 20th July, and was soon promoted to Lance Corporal. On the 24th November he joined his Battalion in France, where they were part of the 11th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division. Robert was promoted to Corporal on the 10th April, 1917 but was wounded two weeks later, being shot in the jaw. After recuperating in England he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on the 1st December, and rejoined his Battalion on the 28th December. He attended a Lewis Gun Course in January, 1918, and the rejoined the Battalion again. The 3rd Australian Division was in the thick of the action for most of 1918, and it was partly due to their actions on the 8th August, 1918 that the German Offensive was finally stopped dead at the Battle of Amiens, at Villers Brettoneux. Robert was Wounded in Action and died that day aged 24. He was buried at Vaire Wood British Cemetery near Corbie, but his body was later re-interred at Villers Brettonneux Military Cemetery, Fouilloy.
Sydney Roberts, Private, 23374, Royal Fusiliers. Sydney was born at Llandovery, but had moved to Port Talbot prior to the war, which is where he enlisted into the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The Battalion landed at Havre on the 24th July, 1916 and were then attached to the 190th Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Division had just landed in France from Gallipoli, and they fought a famous action during the end of the Somme offensive at the Battle of the Ancre. They remained on the Ancre throughout the Winter of 1916/17, which is where Sydney was Killed in Action on the 8th February, 1917. He is buried at Queen's Cemetery, Bucquoy.
James Henry Slater, Private, 35905, Worcestershire Regiment. James was born at Dudley Wood, Staffordshire, and had moved to Llandovery. He enlisted at Birmingham into the 2nd Battalion, the Worcester Regiment, which was attached to the 100th Brigade, 33rd Division. The Battalion had been in France since August, 1914, and had fought in the defence of Ypres in 1914, where they helped save the City from German capture. After joining the 33rd Division in December, 1915, they fought at the Battles of the Somme, from July, 1916 onwards. They then fought at the Battle of the Scarpe and at Bullecourt, before heading to Ypres, and fighting at the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood. They were still in Flanders when the German Spring Offensive hit, and after the Germans had been halted, were brought to the St. Quentin area, where James was Killed in Action during the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal, on the 29th September, 1918. He is buried at Pigeon Ravine Cemetery, Epehy. Not on Memorial.
John E. Smith, Private, 53327, Cheshire Regiment. John was born at Northampton, and enlisted at Llandovery into the Welsh Regiment, but later transferred into the 11th Battalion, the Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to the 7th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division landed in France on the 26th September, 1915, and were posted to the Vimy area, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916, then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on the 3rd July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, then moved to Plougsteert, where they held the line, until taking part in the Battle of Messines in June, 1917. They fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, taking up positions around Bullecourt in reserve, and were used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive. They moved north to Flanders, where they fought at Estaires, Bailleul, Messines and Kemmel, and moved to the Aisne at the beginning of May to recuperate from their ordeal. John was wounded here and transported to the Base Hospital at Boulogne, where he Died on the 14th May 1918. He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
David Albert Stephens, Able Seaman, Z/825, Royal Navy. David was the Son of Thomas Stephens, of Llandovery, and the Husband of Catherine Stephens, of 1, Amberton Place, Penydaren, Merthyr Tydvil. He served in the Royal Navy aboard the Battlecruiser H.M.S. Invincible, which was the Flagship of the Third Battlecruiser Squadron. The Invincible fought at the Battle of Jutland on the 31st May, 1916, and was sank by a salvo from the SMS Lutzow, which hit 'Q' Turret of the Invincible, which caused a flash explosion which entered the magazine. The mighty explosion tore the Invincible in two, and she sank with all but six of her crew. David was one of those poor souls Killed in Action At Sea that day, aged 35, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
William Bowen Stephens, Sapper, 142158, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of William and Elizabeth Stephens, of Llangammarch Wells, Powys. He had enlisted at Llandovery into the Royal Engineers, serving with their 1/3rd Army Corps Signal Company. They served in the Mesopotamian Campaign, and William Died of Sickness in the Far East on the 27th November, 1917 aged 26. He is remembered on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Edward Stirling, Private, 22691, Welsh Regiment. Edward was living at Llandovery prior to the war, and was recalled to the colours in August, 1914, rejoining the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment at Cardiff. The Battalion landed in France on the 13th August, 1914 as part of the 3rd Brigade 1st Division, and fought at the Battle of Mons, and during the epic retreat to the Marne, where the German Advance was halted. After taking part in the Battle of the Aisne, the Division moved to Ypres, where it held the City during First Ypres and prevented its capture. After a hard winter in Flanders, the Division fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, where Edward was Killed in Action on the 9th May, 1915. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue. Not on Memorial.
Herbert Gordon Thomas, Second Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Herbert was born at Llandovery, the Son of the Rev. T. Thomas and M. A. Thomas, of The Vicarage, Abergwili. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was a Home Service Battalion. Herbert must have been seconded into another Battalion, as in July 1916 he was in France, fighting during the Battle of the Ancre, when he was Killed in Action, aged 31, on the 13th November, 1916. He is buried in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps. Not on Memorial.
William Rhys Thomas, Private, 267172, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of R. M. Thomas, of 72, High St., Llandovery. He enlisted at Llandovery into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. At Ypres in July, 1917 the Battle of Third Ypres was launched. Messines Ridge had been taken, and the focus now fell on the Pilckem Ridge, where the Division took the position from the Prussian Guards. After Third Ypres, the Division were moved to the Armentieres area, where they remained until moving to the Somme, to a position North of Albert, where they reinforced the badly depleted British forces defending the route to Amiens. William was Killed in Action during the Battle of Albert, on the 23rd April, 1918 and is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial. He was just 21 years old.
World War Two, 1939-1945
Joseph Henry (Jackie), Byard, Sergeant, 4924510, Royal Artillery. Jackie was the Son of Henry John and Catherine Byard, of Birmingham and the husband of Edith Lilian Byard, of Bourneville, Birmingham. He served in the Royal Artillery, with 4th Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery, which was part of the 5th Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division. The Brigade was dropped into Normandy on the 6th June, 1944 to support the landings on the British beaches, by landing behind Sword Beach, to secure the eastern flank. The objectives of the Division were to capture Pegasus Bridge, the bridge over the Orne River, and the destruction of the Merville Battery, as well as the consolidation of the areas around Ranville. The 4th Airlanding Battery landed in a Horsa Glider at LZ-N, and proceeded to clear the area of obstacles for the second landing force, and they settled into defensive positions. Jackie was Killed in Action the day after D-Day on the 7th June, 1944 during the frantic German counter-attacks, and is buried at Ranville War Cemetery. He was 33 years old.
Alfred John Vaughan Crane, Sergeant (Pilot), 1809343, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Alfred was the Son of Richard Henry and Edith Jane Crane, of Llandovery, and served as a Pilot in the Royal Air Force. Alfred Died in India on the 29th January, 1945 and is buried at Kirkee War Cemetery. He was just 20 years old.
David John Davies, Sergeant (W.Op/Air Gunner), 1315214, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of John and Eleanor Mary Davies, of Llandovery, and served as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner with 37 Squadron, RAF. The Squadron flew the Vickers Wellington X, based at Tortorella, where they flew in the Middle Eastern theatre, and upon the invasion of Italy, the Squadron flew missions from bases there over occupied Eastern Europe. David was killed on the 25th May, 1944 and is buried at Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. He was just 22 years old.
Ieuan Davies. Cannot Be Identified
David Ivor James Evans, Sergeant (Nav/Bomber), 1338188, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was a Navigator/ Bomber with 103 Squadron, RAF, which flew the Avro Lancaster III, based at Elsham Wolds. On the night of the 26th November, 1943, 450 aircraft took off from England bound for Berlin and Stuttgart. David's Lancaster was shot down on the outward journey, and he was killed that night, on the 26th November, 1943 and is buried at Durnbach War Cemetery.
Michael Fury. Cannot Be Identified
Kenneth Gill. Cannot Be Identified- One of four possible men.
Frederick Howard Griffiths, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Frederick was the Son of David and Marion Griffiths, of Llandovery, and he served at H.M.S. Quebec. Quebec was not a ship, but was part of the No. 1 Combined Training Centre, with the role of providing craft for training of the British Special Forces. Frederick must have been part of the forces that invaded North Africa as part of Operation Torch, and subsequently took part in the invasion of Italy, where Frederick died on the 21st June, 1944 aged 25. He is buried at Biguglia War Cemetery.
Denzil Walter Charles Groves, Sergeant, 615602, Royal Air Force. Denzil was the Son of George Samuel and Rosamond Groves of Llandovery, and the husband of Gwendaline Myra Stephenson Groves, of Kilburn, Middlesex. He was a Sergeant Pilot with 154 Squadron, RAF, which flew the Supermarine Spitfire IIA, based at Fowlmere. Denzil died on the 11th December, 1941 and is buried at Llandingat (St. Dingat) Churchyard. He was 31 years old.
William John Howell Hughes, Gunner, 890726, Royal Horse Artillery. William was the Son of William and Mary Lizzie Hughes, of Llandovery, and the husband of Lilian Eirwen Hughes, of Llandovery. He served with the 107 (The South Notts. Hussars) Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was equipped with 25 pounder field guns. They went to the Middle East in 1940, and were trapped in the siege of Tobruk with the Australian infantry. They later fought at El Alamein and were withdrawn to the UK in 1944, from where they moved to Normandy, and fought up through France, Belgium & Holland into Germany. William was killed on the 2nd June 1945 aged 30 and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
E.G. Hunt. Cannot Be Identified
Betty James, Leading Aircraftwoman, 2037244, Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Betty was the Daughter of Thomas George and Amy James, of Llandovery, and died at home on the 30th June, 1947, aged just 21. She is buried at Llandingat (St. Dingat) Churchyard.
Kenneth James. Cannot Be Identified.
Ronald James. Cannot Be Identified.
Evan Morgan Jones, Fireman, Auxiliary Fire Service. Evan was born at Llandingat, and lived at 3, Old Kent Road, Southwark. He was the Son of Mr. William Jones and Mrs, Anne Jones, of 196 New Road, Chingford, Essex, and served with the Auxiliary Fire Service, based at the Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth, in London. On the night of the 10th/11th May, happened what turned out to be one of the worst nights of the war for London. The Germans timed the raid to coincide with an exceptionally low tide on the Thames, which meant that there was little water for fire fighting. Evan was injured during the Air Raid, and died the same day at St. Thomas's Hospital on the 11th May 1941. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Lambeth Cemetery. His brother Francis also fell. Not on Memorial.
Francis Eric Jones, Sergeant, 5115623, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Francis was born at Llandingat, the Son of William Jones, and of Anne Jones, of Chingford, Essex. He served in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who landed on Normandy, at Queen Beach, a sub-division of Sword, on D-Day, 6th June, 1944. Francis was Killed in Action that first day of the landings aged 27, and is remembered on the Bayeux Memorial. His brother Evan also died as a result of the war. Not on Memorial.
Harold Bowen Jones, Warrant Officer (Air Bomber), 1324221, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Harold was the Son of David and Elizabeth Maud Jones, of Llandovery, and the husband of Winifred Olive Bowen Jones, of Ford, Buckinghamshire. He died at home on the 25th February, 1945 aged 29, and is buried at Llandingat (St. Dingat) Churchyard.
John Gwynfor Jones, Private, 4036611, Parachute Regiment. John was the Son of John and Sarah Jones, of Gwynfe, and served with the 7th Battalion, Parachute Regiment which was part of the 3rd Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, which had dropped into occupied Normandy on the night of the 5th/6th June, 1944. They served throughout the rest of the war as infantry, and took part in the advance through Northern France into Belgium, Holland and Germany, where John was killed on the 8th April, 1945 aged 28. He is buried at Becklingen War Cemetery.
Thomas John Meek, Sergeant, 4074451, South Wales Borderers. John was the Son of Thomas and Jane Meek, and the husband of Johanna Myfanwy Meek, of Llandovery. He served with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had the distinction of being the only Welsh unit to land on D-Day, as part of the 7th Armoured Division, under the Command of XXX Corps. Thomas was killed in Normandy on the 29th August, 1944 aged 37, and is buried at St. Desir War Cemetery.
J. D. Morgan. Cannot be identified.
David Robert Harding Rees, Flight Sergeant, 1337828, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was known by his middle name of Harding, and was the Son of George Penry Rees and Dorothy Wynford Rees, of Llandebie. George worked as a Signalman with the GWR at Llandovery for some years, and so the family were well known in the area. Harding served with 78 Squadron, RAF, which flew the Handley Page Halifax III, based at Breighton. 78 Squadron took part in a massed bomber raid on Berlin on the 28th January 1944, and 49 out of a total of 677 aircraft were lost. Harding's Halifax was shot down over the North Sea, probably on the return journey from the mission, and the entire crew were lost. Harding was just 22 years old, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.
Douglas Harry Search, Private, 5445316, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Douglas was the Son of Harry Samuel and Elsie Maud Mary Search, of Llandovery, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, which were with the BEF in France at the outbreak of war. They later fought at North Africa, before taking part in the invasion of Italy, where Douglas was killed on the 9th April, 1944 aged 22. He is buried at Cassino War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Roy Stephen Shellard, Warrant Officer Class II, 3955961, Welch Regiment. Roy served with the 1st Battalion, the Welch Regiment. The 1st Welch were serving in Palestine at the outbreak of war, as a peace keeping force, then were posted to the Western Desert, arriving at Mersa Matruh during November 1939. Before they had a chance to take on the Italians in North Africa, they were sent to Alexandria and when the threat to the British refuelling bases at Crete became serious, were sent to reinforce the garrison on the island. On the 14th May 1941, the German onslaught against Crete began. The island was saturation bombed by 600 Luftwaffe aircraft, softening up the British defences before the German airborne assault was launched. Waves of Junkers 52 troop carrier aircraft and gliders brought German paratroopers to the battle, and by pouring in reinforcements the Germans were virtually in control of the island within a week. The 1st Battalions' last stand in Crete came on the 28th May, when 9 German battalions overwhelmed them. Some 300 survivors reached the British naval base at Sphakia, where they were evacuated to Alexandria. Roy was Killed in Action sometime between the 24th and the 27th May, 1941, and is remembered on the Athens Memorial. He was 31 years old.
Albert Kenneth Southgate, Private 3963228, King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster). Albert was the Son of Joseph Thomas Southgate and Edith Southgate, of Llandovery; husband of Ceinwen Mary Southgate, of Llandovery. He served with the King's Own Royal Regiment, and died at home on the 17th February, 1945 aged 26. He is buried at Llandovery (Ebenezer) Baptist Chapelyard.
David G. Southgate, Private S/14697846, Royal Army Service Corps. David was the Son of William and Margaret Southgate, of Llandovery. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps, and died at home on the 23rd June, 1947. He is buried at Llandovery (Ebenezer) Baptist Chapelyard.
John Logan Stewart, Captain, 52709, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. John was the Son of Major William Edmond Stewart, D.S.O., and Mary Adela Morland Stewart, of Llandovery, and he served with the 1st Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. The KOSB were part of the 3rd Infantry Division with the BEF in France in 1940, and it was during the actual evacuation from the beaches at Dunkirk that John was Killed, aged 29, sometime between the 31st May and the 2nd June 1940. He is remembered on the Dunkirk Memorial.
Evan T. Thomas, Lance Corporal, 3525351, Manchester Regiment. Evan served with the 1st Battalion, the Manchester Regiment, who had sailed for Singapore on the 4th October, 1938, and arrived there on the 20th October. They were assigned to a beach defence role tasked with building defences on the beaches to guard against a Japanese invasion, but when the Island was invaded by the Japanese in 1942, they came over by land, not by the expected sea. After a terrible fight for Singapore, the order to surrender came on the 15th February, 1942. Evan was one of thousands of men captured by the Japanese, and forced to march to the notorious Changi Jail. On the 24th April, 1943, over 300 survivors of the Manchester's embarked on a forced march of almost 200 miles through the steamy jungle, where they were set to work on the Burma Railway. Evan died of sickness whilst a POW on the 8th August, 1945 aged 37, and is buried at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery.
Ivor Thomas. Cannot Be Identified
Leslie Thomas, Able Seaman, D/JX212822, Royal Navy. Leslie was the Son of Jonah and Annie Thomas, of Llandovery, and he served at H.M.S. Sultan, which was the Royal Naval Base at Singapore. After the fall of Singapore, many men were captured and fell into Japanese captivity. Leslie died as a POW on the 2nd March, 1945 aged 25, and is buried at Jakarta War Cemetery.
William Glynne Thomas, Lieutenant, 177759, Welch Regiment. William was the Son of William Nicholas Thomas and Lilian Thomas, of Llandovery, and served in the 1st Battalion the Welch Regiment. The Regiment had been almost wiped out during the Battle of Crete. The 1st Battalions' last stand in Crete came on the 28th May, when 9 German battalions overwhelmed them. Some 300 survivors reached the British naval base at Sphakia, where they were evacuated to Alexandria. The 1st Welch and the 1st South Wales Borderers were now up against the German Afrika Korps. On the 16th June a strong panzer attack was made on the battalion's position at Sidi Rezegh, and after a terrible time spent defending their positions, the 1st SWB were ordered to withdraw to Sollum on June 17th. The withdrawing troops ran straight into German attack-30 panzers and massed German infantry drove them into trap-14 officers and 500 other ranks were reported missing. Only 4 officers and 100 men survived. Meanwhile the 1st Welch were involved in the fierce struggle to hold Benghazi throughout January 1942, but were ordered to withdraw to the Egyptian frontier. The Welch battalions had been split into individual companies during the withdrawal, and met with vastly differing levels of success-many were wiped out by the Germans. Of the 700 odd officers and men of the 1st Welch who fought at Benghazi, only 214 survived. The survivors of the battalion were sent to Khartoum, where it refitted and was brought back up to strength, and then was sent to Palestine to train for the invasion of Italy. William was killed in Italy on the 6th December 1944 aged 24, and is buried at Bari War Cemetery.
Gwyn Williams Cannot be identified.
Thomas David Williams, Gunner, 897564, Royal Artillery. Thomas was the Son of David and Mary Anne Williams, of Llandovery. He served in the Royal Artillery, and attended. H.Q. 78th Division. The Division had been raised especially for the invasion of North Africa, and fought through Tunisia, Sicily and Italy. Thomas was killed on the 4th October, 1943 and is buried at Sangro River War Cemetery. He was 32 years old.
Jack Wiseman, Corporal, 949951, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Jack was the Son of Amos and Louise Wiseman, and the husband of Ada Margaret Wiseman, of Llandovery. He served in the RAFVR, and died in South Africa on the 9th May, 1944 aged 31. He is buried at Johannesburg (West Park) Cemetery.
