Llandebie War Memorial

The Great War 1914-1918

Albert Edward Abrahall, Private, 266028, Welsh Regiment. Albert was the Son of George and Elizabeth Abrahall, of 185, Drummond St., Hampstead Rd., London, and was born in St. Marylebone, London. Prior to the war, he resided in Llandebie, and enlisted in Swansea under the name of Albert Hayward, into the 6^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion landed in France on the 29^th October, 1914, and moved to Lines of Communication, and on the 5^th July, 1915 became attached to the 84^th Brigade, 28^th Division. They fought at the Battle of Loos with the Division, but in October that year the Division were sent to Salonika, and so the 6^th Welsh transferred, firstly to the 3^rd Brigade, 1^st Division and then becoming Pioneers to the 1^st Division. The Division moved to the Somme, where they took part in most of the Battles there, from the opening Battle of Albert to the Battle of Morval, and in early 1917 they followed up the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. In the Summer of 1917 the Division moved to the Flanders Coast but were moved south again when the Battle of Third Ypres became bogged down. The Division attacked the village of Passchendaele on the 26^th October, and in the build up to the Battle, Albert was Killed in Action on the 24^th October, 1917 whilst the Pioneers were hard at work preparing trenches and paths for the main assault. He was 29 years old, and is buried in Essex Farm Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

 

Alfred Beynon, Private, 44156, South Wales Borderers. Alfred was born in Ammanford, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 2^nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who had been in Tientsin, China at the outbreak of war, and who had fought on Gallipoli as part of the 87^th Brigade, 29^th Division. It is probable that Alfred joined the Battalion in France, and fought with them at the Battle of the Somme, near Beaumont Hamel. They wintered on the Somme, in the Ancre Valley, where Alfred was Killed in Action on the 28^th January 1917. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

 

Ernest Thomas Dallen, Private, 442967, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Ernest was born on January 6^th, 1893 at Gloucester, the Son of E. W. and Clara Dallen, later of 185, Monument Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham. He had emigrated to Canada prior to the war, and enlisted on the 16^th May, 1915 at Vernon Camp, British Columbia, into the 7^th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. His next of kin was Mrs. C. Dallen, of Llandebie, so the family must have moved from Gloucester to Llandebie, and then back to Edgbaston after the war. The 7^th Battalion were part of the 2^nd Brigade, 1^st Canadian Division, which had been in France since February, 1915. Ernest would have arrived in France by late 1915, and would have joined the Battalion near Mount Sorrel, south of Ypres. Sadly he was Killed in Action there on the 29^th May, 1916 aged 24, and is buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground.

 

William Dallen, Corporal, 13204, Gloucestershire Regiment. William was the brother of Ernest, and the Son of E. W. and Clara Dallen, later of 185, Monument Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham. He enlisted at Gloucester into the 10^th Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment, which was part of the 1^st Brigade 1^st Division. The Battalion landed in France on the 8^th August, 1915, and joined the Division near Loos. Here they took part in the Battle of Loos, and it was during the first assault that William was Killed in Action, on the 25^th September, 1915. He is buried at St. Mary's A.D.S. Cemetery, Haisnes           .

 

Rees Daniel, Lance Sergeant, 14149, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Rees was the Son of John Daniel of Llandebie, and the Husband of Miriam Anderson (formerly Daniel), later of Gorsfach, Hendre, Pantyffynnon. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 11^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to the 67^th Brigade, 22^nd Division, and the Division moved to France in September, 1915. Their stay there was short however as they were moved to Salonika by the 5^th November, 1915, where they fought throughout the campaign there. Rees was Killed in Action during the Battle of Doiran, on the 18^th September, 1918 aged 31. He is remembered on the Doiran Memorial.

 

George Davies, Lance Corporal, 4215, Welsh Regiment. George was born in Hereford, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the 1/4^th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159^th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9^th August 1915, and George was sadly wounded soon after landing. He Died of Wounds, and was buried at Sea on the 15^th August 1915, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

 

Ivor Davies, Private, 3783, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born in Mountain Ash, and resided in Llandebie prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4^th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159^th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9^th August 1915, and George was sadly wounded days after landing. He Died of Wounds, and was buried at Sea on the 17^th August 1915, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

John Davies, Private, 19627, Royal Fusiliers. John was the Son of David and Eleanor Davies, of Llwyngarw, Llandebie. He enlisted at Swansea into the 11^th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of 54^th Brigade, 18^th Division, which landed in Boulogne on the 25^th May, 1915. They fought throughout the Battles of the Somme in 1916, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. They then fought at the Battle of the Scarpe before moving to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Pilckem. John was Killed in Action a few days after the Battle on the 10^th August, 1917. He was 31 years old, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

 

William James Davies, Lance Corporal, 48124, Kings Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of Samuel and Mary Davies, of Angel Cottage, Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the King's Liverpool Regiment, but later transferred into first the Welsh Regiment, and then the 81^st Company, Labour Corps. This was probably due to his health not being able to withstand the rigours of trench warfare. Not much is known about William's part in the war, but he died in France on the 27^th July, 1918 aged 38, and is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt.

 

William John Davies, Private, 20575, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Sarah Davies, of Plasnewydd, Capel Isaac, Llandilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114^th Brigade, 38^th (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 5^th, 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 where William was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 6^th August 1917, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

 

John Edmund Du Buisson, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of Arthur Edmund and Helen Letitia Du Buisson, of Swiftsden, Hurst Green, Sussex. He was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with their 'C' Battery, 99^th Brigade, which was attached to the 22^nd Division. The Division had concentrated in Salonika during December 1915, and fought the Bulgarian and Turkish Armies there for the remainder of the war. It was during the The Battle of Machukovo that John sadly died, aged only 18, on the 11^th October, 1916. He is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.

 

John Dunn, Private, 41077 Royal Irish Fusiliers. John was born in London, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the Dragoons. He transferred into the 9^th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, part of the 108^th Brigade 36^th (Ulster) Division, which moved to France during the first week of October, 1915. They concentrated around Flesselles, near Arras, where they were familiarised into trench warfare, then moved to Abbeville throughout the winter, to train. On the 7^th February, 1916 the Division took over the front line on the Somme between the Ancre to the Mailly-Maillet to Serre Road. They remained here, taking part in the initial assaults of the 1^st July, 1916, and were the only Division to make a successful attack, but suffered badly, and so were withdrawn on the 5^th July to rebuild. In May and June 1917 they took part in the Battle of Messines, where they again made a name for themselves, capturing Wytschaete, and then fought in the Battle of Langemarck, where John was Killed in Action on the 26^th October, 1917. He was 26 years old, and is buried in Neuville-Bourjonval British Cemetery.

 

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 2^nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, which had been in France with the 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 21^st March, 1918. Edgar was Killed in Action during this traumatic period, on the 4^th April, 1918 aged 25, and is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux.

 

William Thomas Evans, Private, SE/32591, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. William was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Evans, of Hawthorn Villa, Blaina Rd., Llandebie. He had enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, but it is not known at the moment if he served overseas with them. William Died at home, aged 24, on the 2^nd July, 1918 and is buried in Llandebie (St. Tybie) Churchyard.

Ebenezer Francis, Private, 54117, Welsh Regiment. Ebenezer was born in Llandebie, and enlisted in Swansea into the 9^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was part of the 58^th Brigade, 19^th (Western) Division, and crossed to France during July, 1915 seeing 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 fought through the Somme Battles of 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Kemmel where Ebenezer was Killed in Action on the 24^th March, 1918. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial. Not on Memorial.

 

William George, Private, 12110, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Leominster, but resoded in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the 8^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment which were part of the 40^th Brigade, 13^th (Western) Division. The Division came into existence of Army Order No. 324, issued on 21st August 1914, authorising the formation of the six new Divisions of K1. It was formed of volunteers, under the care of the War Office. The infantry brigades began to assemble on Salisbury Plain. 40th Brigade moved to Chiseldon and Cirencester in September 1914; 39th went to Basingstoke in January 1915. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire.               Sadly William died in Hampshire on the 6^th March 1915, and is buried in Tidworth Military Cemetery.

 

David John Griffiths, Private, 937, Welsh Guards. David was born at Tynycoed Cottage, Pontamman, Bettws in the Autumn of 1887, the son of John Henry Griffiths and Hannah Richards. He was the eldest of eleven children, and a first cousin of Jim Griffiths MP. David enlisted at Swansea into the 1^st Battalion, Welsh Guards. On the 18^th August 1915 the Battalion joined the 3^rd Brigade, Guards Division in France, and the Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers and Morval during the 1916 Somme Battles, and saw out the winter of 1916/17 on the Somme. David was Killed in Action on the Somme on the 8^th March 1917 and is buried in Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery. Both David's brother Rees William Griffiths and his cousin John Henry Griffiths (Shoni) came back from the War with severe injuries that later caused their early deaths.

 

Frederick Hanson, Gunner, 2807, Royal Field Artillery. Frederick was born in Shrewsbury, and had moved to Llandebie sometime after enlisting at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery. He served as a Gunner in 'D' Battery, 62^nd Brigade, which were attached to the 12^th (Eastern) Division, which had moved to France at the end of May, 1915. They moved to the Steenwerck area to familiarise into trench warfare, then took over the line at Ploegsteert. They then moved south, fighting at the Battle of Loos and fought in the action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and moved out of the area on the 26^th April, 1916. They then took part in the opening of the Somme Offensive, at the Battle of Albert, where Frederick was Killed in Action aged 29 on the 4^th July, 1916. He is buried at Bapaume Post Military Cemetery, Albert.

 

David Harries, Private, 11822, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war and enlisted at Ammanford into the 8^th Battalion the Welsh Regiment. Initially part of the 40^th Brigade, 13^th (Western) Division, the Battalion became the Divisional Pioneers, which landed at Cape Helles at the beginning of July 1915. They then moved to ANZAC Cove, where they took part in the Battle of Sari Bair, where David was Killed in Action on the 8^th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

John Harries, Private, 40951, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of John and Catherine Harries, of Oaklands, Llandebie, and resided at Llandeilo into the 13^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers part of the 113^th Brigade, 38^th (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 5^th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, and were back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive, having escaped the carnage in Flanders. John was wounded during the German attack over the Somme battlefields, and was evacuated to a casualty clearing station, where he Died of Wounds on the 6^th May, 1918 aged only 20. He is buried at Varennes Military Cemetery.

 

William Hewlett, Private, 7744, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Islington, London the Husband of Sarah Jane Hewlett, of 44, Pantyffynnon Rd., Pantyffynnon. He was a pre-war regular who re-enlisted at Llandebie into the 2^nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was one of the first units to move to France as part of the 3^rd Brigade, 1^st Division. They fought at the Battle of Mons, and took part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres, where they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where William was Killed in Action on the 31^st October 1914 aged 31. He is buried at Harlebeke New British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Haydn Lloyd Hughes, Private, 14180, Northamptonshire Regiment. Haydn was born in Llandebie, the Son of Thomas M. Hughes, later of Caerbrynfach, Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Tumble into the 3^rd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, which was a Home Service Battalion, but he sadly died at home on the 5^th October 1915 aged just 19. He is buried at Penygroes (Jerusalem) Calvinist Methodist Chapelyard. Not on Memorial.

Thomas John Hughes, Lance Corporal, 13198. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was 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 below have parents of the same name, but of a different address. Thomas enlisted at Ammanford into the 9^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 58^th Brigade, 19^th (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 3^rd July, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

 

Walter Grismond Hughes, Private, 4212, Welsh Regiment. Walter was the Son of Thomas and Anne Hughes, of Blaenau Mill, Llandebie, and the brother of William below. The brothers were probably younger brothers of Thomas above who has parents of the same name. Walter enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4^th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment in August 1914. The 1/4^th was a territorial Battalion, and it 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 53^rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipolli Campaign. On the 9^th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli, and it was just two days after that Walter was Killed in Action, aged just 21, on the 11^th August 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

 

William Hughes, Trimmer, 934705, Royal Navy. William was the Son of Thomas and Anne Hughes, of Blaenau Mill, Llandebie, and the brother of Walter above. The brothers were probably younger brothers of Thomas above who has parents of the same name. William served in the Royal Navy, as a Trimmer aboard H.M.S. Vindex, which was an early aircraft carrier, which had been converted from the SS Viking, with a flattened deck attached to the bow to allow land based aeroplanes to take off from her deck. The Vindex was based in the Mediterranean during the latter part of the war which is where William died on the 19^th March, 1919. He is buried in Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Dave Hanson.

William John Hughes, Private, 26467, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of John Hughes, of Gorsfach, Gorslas, Llanelly and resided at Llandebie prior to the war. He enlisted at Porth into the 17^th Battalion the Welsh Regiment, part of the 119^th Brigade, 40^th (Bantam) Division. The Division moved to France in early June, 1916, and served in the Loos area, before moving to the Somme late in 1916, where they took part in the Battle of the Ancre. They then followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and fought during the Battle of Cambrai, fighting at Bourlon Wood, where William was Killed in Action on the 24^th April, 1917. He is buried at Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich. Not on Memorial.

 

Henry Hutchings, Driver, 98624, Royal Field Artillery. Henry was born in Brentford, but resided prior to the war in Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving as Driver with their 71^st Brigade, attached to the 15^th (Scottish) Division. The Division landed in France during July, 1915 and saw their first action at the Battle of Loos, where Henry was sadly Killed in Action on the 26^th September 1915. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

 

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 15^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114^th Brigade, 38^th (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 5^th, 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 1^st August 1917. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.

 

David Jenkins, Private, 320385, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Cardiganshire, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. The Pembroke Yeomanry had formed in Tenby for Home Defence, as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade. They arrived in Egypt in March 1916, and on the 2^nd February, 1917 were disbanded, joining with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24^th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, as part of 231^st Brigade, 74^th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division first saw action during the Second Battle of Gaza, then fought in the more successful Third Battle of Gaza, where David was Killed in Action on the 6^th November, 1917. He is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Frederick Stansfield Johnson, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. Frederick was the Husband of Marion Roberts (Formerly Johnson) of 16, Templesheen Parade, East Sheen, Mortlake, London. His links to Llandebie are unknown as yet, but he is listed on the 1922 Carmarthen County War Memorial as being from Llandebie. Frederick served with 'C' Battery 92^nd Brigade, and was Killed in Action during the Battle of the Sambre on the 4^th November 1918 aged 26. He is buried at Cross Roads Cemetery, Fontaine-Au-Bois. Not on Memorial.

Samuel John Johnson, Gunner, 3206, Royal Field Artillery. Samuel was born in Brixham, Devon, the Son of Mr. W. G. Johnson, of 4, Bay View Place, Brixham. He resided in Llandebie prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving in their 'A' Battery, 156^th Brigade, attached to the 33^rd Division. The Division moved to France in November 1915 and fought throughout the Somme Offensive of July 1916 onwards. They fought in the Battle of Arras in 1917 and at Bullecourt, before moving North to Ypres to fight at Third Ypres. It was here, during the Battle of Polygon Wood, that Samuel was Killed in Action on the 27th September, 1917, aged 27. He is buried at The Huts Cemetery, and is also remembered on the Ammanford Memorial.

 

D. Jones, Driver, Royal Field Artillery. Cannot presently be identified.

David Emlyn Jones, Sergeant, 28178, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of Mrs. Mary Jones, of Maesteg, Glam and the Husband of Jennett Ellen Morgan (formerly Jones), of 26, Margaret Rd., Llandebie. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 1^st Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were stationed in India at the outbreak of war. They returned to England and were attached to the 84^th Brigade, 28^th Division and proceeded to France, where they fought at the Second Battle of Ypres. They then fought at the Battle of Loos, before moving to Salonika in November, 1915, where they fought there for the duration of the war. David was Killed in Action in Salonika aged 30 on the 2^nd June, 1917, and is remembered on the Doiran Memorial. Not on Memorial.

 

David John Jones, Private, 6673, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. David was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Wemant House, Ammanford Rd., Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 2/7^th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was attached to the 182^nd Brigade 61^st Division. The Division moved to France in May, 1916 and fought in Flanders at the disastrous attack on Fromelles. David was Killed in Action here 11 days before the attack on the 8^th July, 1916. He was 25 years old and is buried in Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue. The 4^th Australian Division were to attack here over open fields on the 19^th July, and were decimated. Most of the remains of the men were buried in a mass grave at V.C. Corner Cemetery.

 

Frank Jones, Private, 61311, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frank was born in Betws, the Son of David and Elizabeth Jones, later of Goronddu, Abermule, Mont. He enlisted at Welshpool into the 15th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers part of the 113^th Brigade, 38^th (Welsh) Division, which landed at Havre during December 1915. They fought through some of the hardest and most famous battles of the Great War-at Mametz during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Pilckem Ridge during the battle of Passchendaele, where Frank was Killed in Action on the 31^st July, 1917. He is buried at Artillery Wood Cemetery.

 

J. Jones, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.

James Arthur Jones, Captain, South Wales Borderers. James was the Son of the Rev. James Jones (late Vicar of Llandebie) and of Mrs. Jane Jones, of Hill Cottage, Heywood Lane, Tenby. He served in the 10^th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of the 115^th Brigade, 38^th (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 5^th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, and were back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive. After playing a leading role in pushing the Germans back in late 1918, James was Killed in Action on the 8^th October 1918 during the Battle of Cambrai. He is buried in Guizancourt Farm Cemetery, Gouy.

 

John Jones, Sergeant, 686, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. John was born at Golden Grove on the 23^rd March, 1890, the Son of Benjamin and Ann Jones, later of Llandebie. He served prior to the war in the Middlesex Regiment, but then emigrated to Canada, where he was one of the first to enlist, on the 20^th August, 1914 into the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The PPCLI sailed from Quebec on the 27^th September, 1914, and after a few days in England moved to France on the 21^st October. They moved to trenches near Ypres, at Dickebusch, attached to the 27^th Division, and fought at St. Eloi and Second Ypres, and in December, 1915 they joined the newly formed 7^th Canadian Brigade, 3^rd Canadian Division. They fought with the Division at Mount Sorrel in June 1916 before moving to the Somme, where they fought at Flers, Thiepval and Le Transloy, where John was wounded. He was brought back to the Base Hospital at Wimereux, where he Died of Wounds on the 13^th October 1916 aged 23. He is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery.

 

Benjamin Alfred Lewis, Second Lieutenant, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Benjamin was the Son of John and Mary Lewis, of "Bryn-Y-Wawr," King's Rd., Llandebie. He was commissioned into the 2^nd Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which was part of the 97^th Brigade, 32^nd Division. The Division had fought on the Somme in 1916, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line before fighting at the Battle of Arras in Spring, 1918 when the German Offensive targeted the ancient City. They fought during the Battle of Amiens, where the Germsn's were stopped on the 8^th August, and from then on took the offensive pushing back from Albert towards Bapaume and the Hindenburg Line. After the Hindenburg Line was broken, the Division crossed the Sambre, which is where Benjamin was Killed in Action on the 8^th November, 1918- just three days before the end of the war. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Avesnes-Sur-Helpe Communal Cemetery.

 

David William Lewis, M.M., Driver, 2827, Royal Field Artillery. David was born at Penrheol Llandebie on 15 July 1893, the Son of John and Jane Lewis, of Bank, Pentregwenlais, Llandebie. He was a Colliery Worker,  and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving in 'D' Battery, 64 Brigade, attached to the 12 (Eastern) Division. The Division moved to France at the end of May 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos, the Hohenzollern Redoubt and on the Somme in 1916, attacking on 2 July at Ovillers. They fought at Pozieres, and then moved to Arras, taking part in the Battles of the Scarpe. The Division remained at Arras throughout 1917, but David was wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele, and Died of Wounds at the 44th Casualty Clearing Station on 28 October 1917 aged 25. He is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery. He was the holder of the Military Medal, for gallant and distinguished service in the field.

 

Thomas Richard Lewis, Private, 37060, East Yorkshire Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Jonathan and Martha Lewis, of Winilan, Boncath, Pembrokeshire. No reference to his link with Llandebie can be found, but the 1922 CCWM shows him as being from Llandebie. Thomas enlisted at Llanelli into the Pembroke Yeomanry, but subsequently transferred into the 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. The Battalion had been in France since landing at St. Nazaire on the 10^th September, 1914, and on the 26^th November transferred into the 64^th Brigade 21^st Division. The Division fought at the Battle of Loos, and throughout the 1916 Somme Offensive before fighting at the Battle of Arras in 1917 and at Bullecourt and Third Ypres. They then moved to take part in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December, 1917, and were hit by the German Spring Offensive in March and April 1918 on the Somme. They helped repel the German Offensive, and by September were nearing the Hindenburg Line, where they fought in the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal. Thomas was Killed in Action here on the 27^th September, 1918 aged 27, and is buried in Glageon Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.

 

Thomas John Morgan, Private, 20975, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David Caleb Morgan and Louisa Morgan, of Bethel, Gorsddu Rd., Penygroes, but resided in Llandebie prior to the war. He enlisted into the 15^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114^th Brigade, 38^th (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 5^th, 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. Here they suffered terrible casualties, and Thomas was wounded during the latter stage of the Battle. He was brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Heilly, where he Died of Wounds on the 14^th July, 1916 aged just 20. He is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe. Not on Memorial.

 

Arthur Morris, Private, 17520 Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Arthur was the Son of David and Ann Morris, of Llandebie, and was a miner by trade. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1^st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which landed at Zeebrugge on the 7^th October, 1914 attached to the 22^nd Brigade, 7^th Division. Antwerp had already fallen, and so the Division moved south, being the first to occupy Ypres, and entrenched east of the ancient City, where they helped stem the German Offensive here during the Battle of First Ypres. The Division fought the advancing German army to a standstill at Ypres, and all the units suffered grievous losses. It was not until the following January/February that it was once more in a complete enough condition to be considered at full fighting strength, and it was moved into the line at Neuve Chappelle, where it fought during the Battle there. They then took part in the Battles of Aubers and Festubert, and later moved to Loos, after a spell near Bethune, and they fought at the Battle of Loos. Arthur was wounded during May 1916, and was transported to Corpie in the Somme Valley, where he Died of Wounds on the 26^th May, 1916 aged 28. He is buried there at La Neuville Communal Cemetery, Corbie.

Dennis O' Dwyer, Private, 9156, Irish Guards. Dennis was born in Limerick but resided in Llandebie prior to the war, enlisting at Ammanford into the 1^st Battalion, Irish Guards. At the outbreak of war the Irish Guards were attached to the 4^th Guards Brigade, 2^nd Division, and were among the first units in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat south towards the Marne, where the Germans were held. They helped push the Germans back north towards the Aisne, before being moved to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres. After spending the Winter of 1914/15 in Flanders, they fought at the Battle of Festubert, and moved South to Loos where they moved to the 1^st Guards Brigade Guards Division on the 20^th August 1915, fighting at the Battle of Loos, and at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. They moved south again, taking part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and it was here that Dennis was Killed in Action on the 17th September, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, and is also on the Ammanford War Memorial.

 

Edward O' Hanlon, Private, 2957, Royal Munster Fusiliers. Edward was born in Stirling, and enlisted at Falkirk into the 6^th Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. His ties with Llandebie are unknown at present but he is named on the War Memorial, and on the 1922 CCWM. The 6^th Munster's formed part of the 30^th Brigade, 10^th (Irish) Division, and landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on the 7^th August, 1915. They were withdrawn on the 29^th September, and sent via Mudros to Salonika, landing there during early October, 1915. Edward was taken ill at Salonika, and died there on the 15^th August, 1916. He is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.

 

Ivor Owen, Private, 17521, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Ivor was the Son of Herbert and Rachel Owen, of Maesycoed, Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 10^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76^th Brigade, 3^rd Division. The 10^th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27^th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area. Ivor was Killed in Action here on the 2^nd March, 1916 aged only 21, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

 

Walter Albert Pearman, Private, 203551, Norfolk Regiment. Walter was born in Marham, Norfolk, the Son of Robert and Sarah Pearman, of Thistle Hill, Hilgay, Downham Market, Norfolk. He resided at Ammanford prior to the war and enlisted into the 9^th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, his home Regiment. The Battalion formed part of the 71^st Brigade, 24^th Division, and landed at Boulogne on the 25^th May, 1915. On the 11^th October the Brigade transferred to the 6^th Division, and fought at the Battles of Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy during the Somme Offensive. In late April 1917 they were near Arras, taking part in the Battle of Arras, and were in the midst of the Battle of Hill 70 when Walter was Killed in Action , aged 25, on the 1st May 1917. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial, and is also on the Ammanford Memorial.

 

Ivor Powell, Private, 4214, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born in Llandebie and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159^th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9^th August 1915, and Ivor was Killed in Action the following day, on the 10^th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

 

Albert Quinn, Private, 12395, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born in Bristol, but resided at Llandebie prior to the war, enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the 2^nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 19^th Brigade. They had landed at Rouen on the 11^th August, 1914 and had fought at Mons and Solesmes, before retreating through Le Cateau towards the Marne, where the Germans were held. After the Battle of the Aisne the 2^nd RWF transferred to the 6^th Division, and fought with them at Hooge, before moving to the 27^th Division in May, 1915, fighting with them at Second Ypres. On the 19^th August, 1915 they transferred to the 2^nd Division, and were in the Bethune Sector over the Winter of 1915/16, holding the line through Cambrin-Cuinchy-Givenchy. Albert was Killed in Action here, on the 27^th January, 1916. He is buried at Cambrin Military Cemetery.

 

E. J. Rees, Private, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.  Cannot presently be identified- is listed as Llandebie on CROH, but is Not on Memorial.

John Rees, Corporal, 11454, Grenadier Guards. John was the Son of David and Ann Rees, of Reform Cottage, Bryncrug, Towyn, Merioneth. This is the only possible man who fits the description on the CCWM, and he enlisted at Aberystwyth into the 1^st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. He was a pre-war regular, who was with the Battalion at Warley in London at the outbreak of war. In September, 1914 they transferred to the 20^th Brigade, 7^th Division, and landed at Zeebrugge on the 6^th October to assist in the Defence of Antwerp. However, by the time they arrived, the City was falling, and so they moved to Ypres, becoming the first British troops to occupy the City. They successfully helped repel the German attacks of First Ypres, then moved south, taking part in the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, and it was here that John was Killed in Action, sometime between 10th-14^th March, 1915. He was 32 years old and is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue.

 

John David Rees, Private, 13188, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Elizabeth Rees, later of "Caehelyg", Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 10^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76^th Brigade, 3^rd Division. The 10^th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27^th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area, and in October transferred to the 3^rd Division with the Brigade. The Division fought during the Battle of the Somme in July, 1916, and John was Killed in Action during the Battle of Delville Wood on the 20^th July, 1916 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

 

William Rees, Private, 1948, Welsh Guards. William was the Son of Charles Rees, of 24, Exchange Rd., Neath, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1^st Battalion, Welsh Guards. On the 18^th August 1915 the Battalion joined the 3^rd Brigade, Guards Division in France, and the Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers-Courcelette during the 1916 Somme Battles, and this is when William was Killed in Action on the 16^th September, 1916 aged 33. He is buried in Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, which is the biggest on the Somme.

 

David Curtis Richards (served as David Curtis), Private, 17511, Royal Berkshire Regiment. David was born in Llandebie, the Son of Mr D.J. and Mrs M.A. Richards, later of Barley Mow Hotel, Market St., Llanelly. He enlisted at Lewes in Sussex into the 6^th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, who were attached to the 53^rd Brigade, 18^th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 25^th May 1915 and moved to the Somme area, where David was Killed in Action aged 25 on the 20^th October, 1915. He is buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt. Not on Memorial.

 

Emrys Roberts, Sergeant, 14342, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Emrys was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Catherine Roberts, of Tyuchaf, Penygroes, Llanelli. He enlisted at Tumble into the 11^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 67^th Brigade, 22^nd Division. The Division moved to France in September, 1915, but their stay there was short however as they were moved to Salonika by the 5^th November, 1915, where they fought throughout the campaign there. Emrys was Killed in Action at the 1918 Battle of Doiran aged 25, and is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery. His Brother Evan (see below) was also Killed. Not on Memorial.

 

Evan John Roberts, Private, 688, Welsh Guards. Evan was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Catherine Roberts, of "Tyuchaf", Penygroes, Llanelly. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1^st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which on the 18^th August 1915 the Battalion joined the 3^rd Brigade, Guards Division in France. The Division fought through the Battle of Loos, then at Flers-Courcelette and Morval during the 1916 Somme Battles, and saw out the winter of 1916/17 on the Somme, before fighting at Third Ypres and Cambrai, before meeting the German Spring Offensive of March, 1918 in the St. Quentin area. The Division fought a rearguard action back over the old Somme Battlefields, before the tide was turned in the Allies favour, after the Australian victory at Villers-Brettoneux on the 8^th August, and from then on pushed the Germans back toward the Hindenburg Line and on to victory. Evan was Killed in Action at the beginning of the offensive, during the 1918 Battle of Bapaume on the 24^th August, 1918. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory. His brother Emrys was also killed (See above). Not on Memorial.

 

John Roberts, Private, 14986, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of David and Ann Roberts, of Penygroes, Llandebie and the Husband of Lettice Roberts, of 2, Caerbyn Terrace, Llandebie. He worked as a Collier at Caerbryn Colliery prior to enlisting at Ammanford into the 10^th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76^th Brigade, 3^rd Division. The 10^th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27^th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area, and in October transferred to the 3^rd Division with the Brigade. The Division were in the Ypres area in December, 1915 when John was Killed in Action, aged 35, on the 17^th December, 1915. He is buried in Hedge Row Trench Cemetery.

 

Morley Roberts, Private, 290449,    Pembroke Yeomanry. Morley was born in Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. He died at home on the 25^th July 1917, but the whereabouts of his grave is as yet unknown, as he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Not on Memorial.

Walter Rochford, Driver, 3585, Royal Field Artillery. Walter was born in London the Son of James and Elizabeth Rochford, and the Husband of Anne Rochford (Formerly Davies), of Kenwyn Cottage, Ffairfach, Llandilo, Carmarthenshire. Walter enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and served as a Driver in their 84^th Brigade, who were attached to the 18^th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed in Boulogne on the 25^th May, 1915 and fought throughout the Somme Offensive of 1916, capturing Trones Wood, the Schwaben Redoubt and Regina Trench, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, before fighting at Arras in the Battles of the Scarpe. They then moved North to Ypres, and fought at the Battles of Pilckem, Poelcappelle and Langemarck, and it was during this time that Walter was wounded and brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Dozinghem. He Died of Wounds on the 9th October, 1917 and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery. He was the Brother in law of Daniel Davies of Llandeilo who also fell.

 

John Scott, Sergeant, 3055, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Kingswood, Gloucester, the Son of John and Mrs. M. A. Scott, later of 37, Victoria St., Llandovery, and the Husband of Edith Scott, of 59, Gorsddu Rd., Penygroes, Llanelly. He resided in Llandebie prior to the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159^th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9^th August 1915, and John was Killed in Action just two days later, on the 11^th August, 1915 aged 29. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Frederick Watcin Bernice Spary, Lance Corporal, L/15908, Middlesex Regiment. Frederick was born in Ynysybwl, the Son of Agnes M. Walton (formerly Spary), of Craigamaster, Newchurch West, Usk, Newport, Mon., and the late Egbert Arthur Spary. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 2^nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, attached to 23^rd Brigade, 8^th Division. The Division moved to the Western front in November, 1914, and saw action during the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, and at Aubers Ridge. They took part of the Action of Bois Grenier, a diversionary attack for the Battle of Loos, before moving South to prepare for the forthcoming Somme Offensive. The Battalion were at Aveluy by the 10^th May, 1916, where they carried out a raid to probe the German lines. They remained on the Somme, and took part in the latter stages of the Battle of Albert, and it was after this, probably during the Battle of Le Transloy, that Frederick was Killed in Action on the 23^rd October, 1916 aged 19. He is buried at Bancourt British Cemetery.

 

Walter Spence, Gunner, 174233, Royal Garrison Artillery. Walter was the Son of George and Elizabeth Spence, of Enderby, Leicester, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Garrison Artillery becoming a Gunner with their 179^th Siege Battery. The 179th Siege Battery embarked for the Western Front on the 8/10/1916 from Southampton to Havre. They were a 6 in Howitzer Battery, with 4 6inch BL Howitzers, and by the 20th of the month they were in position at Ypres, where they remained for several months, with all guns in action on the 22nd. Such was the severity of the action they encountered that by the end of November the Battery was down to first three, and then only two usable guns. They moved down South towards Arras, and were in that sector when it was hit by the storm of the German Spring Offensive of 21^st March, 1918, and Walter was Killed in Action soon after, on the 28^th March, 1918 aged 28. He is buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez.

 

David Thomas, Sergeant, 3807, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of William and Mary Thomas, of Pantyllyn Terrace, Llandebie, and the Husband of Annie Thomas, of 5, Dynevor Terrace, Penybank, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159^th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9^th August 1915, and David was Killed in Action the following day, on the 10^th August, 1915, aged 32. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial. Not on Memorial. 

Robert Newton Thomas, Gunner, 72135, Royal Garrison Artillery. Robert was the Son of John and Ann Thomas, of Llandebie, and the Husband of Mary Annie Thomas, of 83, Marble Hall Rd., Llanelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Garrison Artillery, becoming a Gunner in their 182^nd Siege Battery. Not much is known of the Battery, but Robert was Killed in Action on the 29^th November, 1917 during Third Ypres, and is buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery.

 

Thomas Thomas, Corporal, 2818, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was the Son of David and Sarah Thomas, of Llandebie, and enlisted at Shorncliffe into the Royal Field Artillery, becoming a Gunner with their 'D' Battery, 63rd Brigade, attached to the 12^th (Eastern) Division, which had moved to France at the end of May, 1915. They moved to the Steenwerck area to familiarise into trench warfare, then took over the line at Ploegsteert. They then moved south, fighting at the Battle of Loos and fought in the action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and moved out of the area on the 26^th April, 1916. They then took part in the opening of the Somme Offensive, at the Battle of Albert. They remained on the Somme until moving to Arras on the 19^th October, and held the line there until having a months rest at the end of December. They returned to the line at Arras, and took part in the Battle there, of the Scarpe and Arleux, and remained there until moving towards Cambrai, where they attacked on the 20^th November as part of the main Battle. In January, 1918 they relieved the 38^th (Welsh) at Fleurbaix, and when the German Offensive was launched on the Somme, where rushed South by truck to Albert, arriving on the 24^th March. After suffering heavily during the German attacks that followed, the Division had a brief spell of rest at Warloy, but moved back into the line on the 2^nd April. Thomas was Killed in Action here on the 14^th April, 1918 aged 34, and is buried at Contay British Cemetery, Contay.

 

William John Thomas, Sapper, 166942, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of Thomas and Mary Thomas, of "Arwel," Penygroes, and enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Engineers, joining their 207^th Field Company, attached to the 34^th Division. The Division moved to France in January, 1916 and fought at the Somme in 1916, where it attacked on the first day at La Boisselle. They remained there over the Winter and moved North to Arras where they fought at the Battles of the Scarpe and at Arleux. They were hit by the German Spring Offensive, and it was during the turbulent times that followed that William was Killed in Action on the 24th July 1918, aged 28. He is buried at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, and is also on the Penygroes War Memorial.

 

William Watts, Private, 1051, Welsh Regiment. William resided in Llandebie, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 4^th Battalion the Welsh Regiment. The 1/4^th Battalion had moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9^th August, 1915 as part of the 159^th Brigade 53^rd (Welsh) Division, but they had a second string Battalion at home, the 2/4^th, used for supplying reserves, and carrying out Garrison Duties at Pembroke Dock. William Died of Sickness on the 13^th August 1915 and is buried at Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery.

David Thomas Williams, Private, 7556 Australian Imperial Force. David was born in Maesyffynon House, Llandebie, the Son of Jonah Edward Williams. He had emigrated to Australia where he worked as Head Gardener at Government House, Perth, and enlisted at Perth on the 10^th June 1916 into the 51^st Battalion, Australian Infantry, as part of their 25^th Reinforcements, and embarked at Perth on the 29^th June 1917, bound for Europe. On the 25^th August, 1917 he arrived at Plymouth, and on the 27^th March 1918 joined his Battalion in the field, as part of the 13^th Brigade, 4^th Australian Division. At this time the Australian Corps were in Flanders, and the 4^th Division were rushed to the Somme to help stem the German Offensive, fighting at Hebuterne and Dernancourt. After the Offensive had stalled, a stalemate settled over the Western Front for several months. The 4^th Division fought in July at the Battle of Le Hamel, and then on the 8^th August, 1918 the Australians attacked at Villers Brettoneux, and began the push that would eventually win the war. David was Killed in Action on the 25^th April, 1918 aged 28 during the Battle of Amiens. He is buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Brettoneaux.

 

Thomas Williams, Private, 4123, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Pembroke, the Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, later of Graig, Llanfynydd, Carmarthen. He resided at Llandebie prior to the War, and enlisted at nearby Llandeilo into the 1/4^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The 1/4^th Battalion had moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9^th August, 1915 as part of the 159^th Brigade 53^rd (Welsh) Division, and fought through terrible conditions there, but Thomas was taken ill at some stage here, and brought back to the Military Hospital at Malta, where he Died of Sickness on the 7^th December 1915 aged 23. He is buried in Pieta Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Gavin Wilson, Private, 20675, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Gavin was born in Burnbank, Lancs., the Son of John Wilson, of Ayrshire and the Husband of Lucy Wilson, of 18, Grange Rd., Buxton, Derbyshire. He resided prior to the War at Llandebie, and enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the 14^th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to the 113^th Brigade, 38^th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and had been initiated into trench warfare near Armentieres, and moved to the Somme in June, 1916 preparatory to attack the formidable Mametz Wood. The first attacks went in on the 7^th July, but failed, and it wasn't until the 10^th that tha attack resumed on the wood. Gavin was Killed in Action that day, on the 10^th July, 1916 aged 35, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Not on Memorial.

---

World War Two, 1939-1945

Leo Vernon Anthony, Sergeant, 1313259, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Leo was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Anthony, and the husband of Una Anthony, of Swansea, and he served in 153 Squadron, RAF. The squadron formed on the 24th October 1941 at Ballyhalbert, from 'A' Flight of No 256 Squadron, which had moved there on the 14^th October from Squires Gate.  It operated Defiants on night fighter duties until May 1942 but in December, a Blenheim arrived for training and in January the process of converting the squadron onto Beaufighters began in ernest. The squadron continued to provide night defence of Northern Ireland until December when it moved to North Africa, where the squadron provided night cover to Allied forces as well as providing protection to convoys from a range of advanced bases. Leo was serving at one of these advanced bases at Malta when he was killed on the 23^rd June, 1943 aged 23. He is remembered on the Malta Memorial.

Francis Ashby, Sapper, 14248183, Royal Engineers. Francis was the Son of William and Margaret Ashby, and the husband of Beatrice Mary Sophia Ashby, of Llandebie. He served in 857 Quarrying Company, Royal Engineers, and died at home on the 4^th December 1942, aged 25. He is buried at Llandebie (St. Tybie) Churchyard.

Oswald Morgan Atkins, Sergeant, 1317866, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Oswald served in 100 Squadron RAF which had been stationed in Singapore at the outbreak of war, where it was decimated during the Japanese attacks. On the 15^th December, 1942 the Squadron reformed at RAF Waltham (Grimsby), and were equipped with Lancasters. On the 17^th August 1943, over 590 aircraft of RAF Bomber Command took off from bases over the UK, with the mission of bombing the V2 Rocket facility at Peenemunde. The mission was a success, but 40 aircraft were intercepted and shot down by German night-fighters on the return home, one of which contained Oswald. He was killed in action on the 18^th August, 1943 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.

Phillip Eynon Banks, Gunner, 14605545, Royal Artillery. Phillip was the Son of Henry Charles and Eveline Muriel Banks, of Llandebie, and served in the 62nd Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Phillip landed with his unit, 1st Corps, on D-Day, 6th June, 1944 on Juno beach, and as part of 1st Corp was attached to the 3rd Canadian Division. It consisted of 245 and 248 batteries with M10 self propelled 17 pounder anti-tank guns, and 246 and 247 batteries which were equipped with 17 pounder 'towed' guns, and had the bad luck to come up against the 12th SS Panzer unit (Hitler Jugend) in the region of Caen and Carpiquet airport. Phillip was killed in action not long after the landings, on the 11th June, 1944, aged only 19. He is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery.

Frederick Cave, Corporal, 3958823, Royal Fusiliers. No record can be found of F. Cave, RWF, but he is probably this man. Frederick was the Son of Frederick and Rachel Cave, and the husband of Mary Alex Cave, of Banbridge. He served in the 16th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, but died at home on the 27^th May 1941 aged 29. He is buried in Banbridge Town Cemetery.

Evan Kenneth Corcoran, Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 1837176, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Evan served in 178 Squadron which had been formed from a detachment of No 160 Squadron at Shandur on the 15^th January 1943. It was equipped with Liberators and began bombing operations immediately. Moving to Libya in March the squadron carried out missions against targets in North Africa, Italy and the Balkans as well as carrying out supply dropping mission to Northern Italy and Poland. The squadron moved to Italy in March 1944 and continued to operate from there until the end of the war. Evan must have been killed whilst on a mission over Belgrade which was then occupied by German forces, on the 6^th November, 1944 and is buried at Belgrade War Cemetery along with his crew-mates.

Benjamin Rees Davies, Fusilier, 4196914, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Benjamin was the Son of John Rees Davies and Martha Davies, of Saron, and served in the 1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battalion had suffered terribly during the German invasion of France, and the remnants were evacuated from Dunkirk. Back in the U.K., it was brought back up to strength by drafting in men from other Battalions of the R.W.F., and in 1942 they sailed to the Far East to face the Japanese invasion. After a brief stop in Cape Town they arrived in India in the Summer of 1942 and were employed in quelling the rebellion there at first. After some training in amphibious landing, the Battalion was sent to Burma, landing on Akyab Island. In March 1943 they moved to Donbaik where they had their first taste of battle against the Japanese. After suffering heavily, they managed to evade encirclement and were pulled out of Burma back to India, where they rebuilt and underwent further training. In 1944 the Japanese crossed the Chindin River in Burma, and were advancing on Imphal and Kohima. The R.W.F., as part of 6^th Brigade, 2^nd Division, were rushed to the area during April, where they met the Japanese head on, finally winning the battle, but Benjamin was Killed here on the 17^th April, 1944 aged 25, and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial.

Evan Davies, Private, 6096843, The Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey). Evan was the Son of David John and Hannah Jane Davies, of Saron, and served in the 1/7th Battalion, Queens Royal Regiment. The Battalion was part of the 131^st (Queens) Lorried Infantry Brigade, originally, part of the 44th (Home Counties) Infantry Division and after 'mobilisation' in late August 1939 it was originally stationed in and around Guildford, Surrey. It consisted of 1/5th Bn., 1/6th Bn. and 1/7th Bn. Queen's Royal Regiment. Later in 1939 hard training followed in Dorset and then the Brigade was out on standby to move to Finland, but this did not materialise. The King inspected the 44th (Home Counties) Division in February 1940 and on 2nd April the Brigade, embarked at Southampton for Cherbourg and then formed part of the BEF (British Expeditionary Force), 1940. After being evacuated at Dunkirk the brigade was reformed and used for general guard duties, until in May 1942 large drafts were received to bring it up to war establishment. Then on 24th May 1942 it embarked for the Middle East. The convoy called at Freetown where General Sir George Gifford, Queen's, who was then GOC West Africa, and arrived at Durban at the end of June. From there the ships in the Convoy sailed individually without escort to Aden and on to Egypt. There along with the rest of 44th Division, the brigade disembarked in Egypt early in July 1942. The Brigade trained east of Cairo until it joined the 8th Army in August 1942. Its first action was at the Battle of Alam Halfa. It then became permanently part of the 7th Armoured Division in October 1942 and remained with the Division until the end of the war. During the remainder of the North African campaign the Brigade occupied Tobruk on 12th November 1942 and Benghazi, 350 miles on, eleven days later. Evan was killed here on the 24^th October 1942 aged 27, and is remembered on the Alamein Memorial.                                                                 

Elwyn Arnold Davies, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 1089133, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Elwyn was the Son of Thomas and Jane Davies, of Llandebie. Not much is known of his wartime service, but he served in North Africa with the RAF, as an Aircraftman, and died there on the 25^th June, 1942 aged 21. He is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Harry Vincent Davies, Corporal, 7888678, Royal Armoured Corps. Harry served with the 141st Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (The Buffs), which was the first Regiment to be equipped with the new Churchill Crocodile flame-throwing tank, as part of the 30^th Armoured Brigade, 79^th Armoured Division. The Division was  commanded by Percy Hobart, and was equipped with a wide and strange variety of specialist tanks known as 'Hobarts Funnies'. The 30^th Brigade landed on D-Day as part of the support to the main infantry assault, and fought out of Normandy northwards through France and Belgium into Holland. After the abortive Battle of Arnhem, the British Army cleared the North-West corner of Holland, and moved East towards Germany. Harry was killed on the 21^st November, 1944 near the German border, at Sittard, and is buried at Sittard War Cemetery.

Ronald James Davies, Able Seaman, D/JX 165549, Royal Navy. Ronald was the Son of Harold and Miriam Davies, of Ammanford, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Gloucester. In September, 1939, Gloucester was flagship of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, serving in the East Indies and spent the rest of that year patrolling the Indian Ocean. In December, she was moved to Simonstown, South Africa where she was used, unsuccessfully, against German raiders. She was transferred again in May 1940, this time to the Mediterranean, where she experienced plenty of action. She was involved in Malta convoys and the Battle of Calabria on 9 July 1940. An Italian air attack on 8 July had hit the ship's bridge killing or wounding most of the bridge personnel, including the Captain, F R Garside. The second half of 1940 was spent in the eastern Mediterranean and in the Aegean. On January 11 1941, while supporting Operation Excess, Gloucester was hit by a bomb which failed to explode. In March, she was at the Battle of Matapan and, in April, performed several bombardments along the North African coast. A second bomb hit caused minor damage. Gloucester formed part of a naval force acting against German military transports to Crete, with some success. On May 22, 1941, while in the Kithera Channel, about 14 miles north of Crete, she was attacked by German Stuka dive bombers and sank, having sustained at least four heavy bomb hits and three near-misses. 723 lives were lost, with just 82 survivors. Her sinking is considered to be one of Britain's worst wartime naval disasters. Ronald went down with the ship that day, aged just 21. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

       

Daniel Isaac Evans, Private, 3960739, North Staffordshire Regiment. Daniel was the Son of David and Annie Evans, of Ammanford, and the husband of Emily Lucy Evans, of Saron. He served in the 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment, which were in France with the BEF at the outbreak of war, and were evacuated from Dunkirk after suffering heavy casualties in the retreat to the coast. After rebuilding in the UK the Battalion moved to North Africa, and fought at El Alamein in late 1942, then took part in the final campaign to drive the Axis forces from North Africa. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. Meanwhile, in the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein were withdrawing into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Daniel was killed around this time, aged 26, on the 29^th April, 1943. He is buried at Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.                      

William Alfred Farley, Leading Aircraftman, 1409468, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of Jack and Edith Farley, of Mount View, Saron, Ammanford, and the husband of Barbara. Not much is known at present of him at the moment, but he died at home on the 23^rd April, 1945 and is buried at Ammanford Cemetery.

Leonard William Fox, Corporal, 3962867, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Leonard was the Son of Thomas and Mary Fox, of Llandebie, and served in the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of the 167^th (London) Infantry Brigade, 56^th (London) Division. On the 3^rd September 1943 the Allies invaded Italy, and slowly moved North through Italy, fighting tooth and nail for every inch gained. Following the fall of Rome to the Allies in June 1944, the German retreat became ordered and successive stands were made on a series of defensive positions known as the Trasimene, Arezzo, Arno and Gothic Lines. The 56^th Division were ordered to advance along the Conca Valley to capture Conce and Montescudo, and it was during this attack on the 6^th September, 1944, aged just 21 that Leonard was Killed in Action. He is buried in Montecchio War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Dennis James Hughes, Warrant Officer, 1312982, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Dennis was the Son of James and Margaret Ann Hughes, of Saron, and flew in 514 Squadron, RAF, who were equipped with the Avro Lancaster II, based at Waterbeach. On the night of the 21^st January, 1944, Dennis took off in his Lancaster as part of a group of almost 650 bombers, bound for Magdeburg. The group was intercepted by German night fighters on the outward journey, and suffered terrible casualties. Dennis was killed that night, on the morning of the 22^nd January, 1944. He was only 22 years old and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.                   

H. Idris Hughes, Private, 3960740, Welch Regiment. Idris was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Hughes, and the husband of Margaret Melba Hughes, of Greenford, Middlesex. He served in the 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment which had been based in Agra, India at the outbreak of war. They were moved to Bombay then Bangalore in 1941, and then in February 1942 the Japanese overran Malaya and invaded Burma.The 2^nd Welch were ordered to Calcutta, on route to Rangoon, but Rangoon had also been captured by then, and they returned to Madras.  By March, 1943 they were attached to the 19^th Indian Division, as part of the famous Chindits, and from then on fought in Burma for the remainder of the war. They crossed the Sittang in early May, 1945, and it was during this period that Idris died, aged 30, on the 1^st May, 1945. He is buried in Rangoon War Cemetery.                         

Albert Henry Humphries, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 3050220, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Albert was the Son of Mrs. A. Jared, of Llandebie, and served in 547 Squadron, RAF, which flew the B-24 Liberator VI, based at St. Eval in Cornwall, as part of RAF Coastal Command. Albert died on the 19^th September, 1944 aged only 19, and is buried at Haverfordwest (City Road) Cemetery. The circumstances of his death are unknown.

I. Jenkins, Sapper, Royal Engineers. Cannot currently be identified.

David Wilfred Lewis Jones, Leading Aircraftman, 1709186, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of Alfred and Margaret Rosetta Jones, of Hafod Lon, Llandebie. Not much is known of his wartime service, but he died at home on the 25^th May 1945 aged 30, and is buried at Llandebie (St. Tybie) Churchyard.

Glyn Aneurin Jones, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 88239, Royal Navy. Glyn was the Son of David Idris and Margaret Jane Jones, of Ammanford, and served aboard the Destroyer H.M.S. Gloucester. In September, 1939, Gloucester was flagship of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, serving in the East Indies and spent the rest of that year patrolling the Indian Ocean. In December, she was moved to Simonstown, South Africa where she was used, unsuccessfully, against German raiders. She was transferred again in May 1940, this time to the Mediterranean, where she experienced plenty of action. She was involved in Malta convoys and the Battle of Calabria on 9 July 1940. An Italian air attack on 8 July had hit the ship's bridge killing or wounding most of the bridge personnel, including the Captain, F R Garside. The second half of 1940 was spent in the eastern Mediterranean and in the Aegean. On January 11 1941, while supporting Operation Excess, Gloucester was hit by a bomb which failed to explode. In March, she was at the Battle of Matapan and, in April, performed several bombardments along the North African coast. A second bomb hit caused minor damage. Gloucester formed part of a naval force acting against German military transports to Crete, with some success. On May 22, 1941, while in the Kithera Channel, about 14 miles north of Crete, she was attacked by German Stuka dive bombers and sank, having sustained at least four heavy bomb hits and three near-misses. 723 lives were lost, with just 82 survivors. Her sinking is considered to be one of Britain's worst wartime naval disasters. Glyn went down with the ship that day, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Leonard John Jones, Private, 3963805, Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regt). Leonard was the Son of Eliezer and Catherine Jones, of Llandebie, and served in the 8th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. In April, 1940 the Battalion landed in Norway as part of the attempt to aid the Norwegian defence against the Germans. The Battalion had had little training and was not fully equipped, a situation made worse when the ship carrying its vehicles and heavy equipment was sunk. The Battalion then became involved in a withdrawal through mountains and deep snow, pursued by ski troops supported by aircraft and tanks. On 27 April 1940, the isolated group arrived at Venabygd, where they became ambushed by a squad of German troops. In the fierce fighting that followed, 53 men were captured, and five of the British killed, one of whom was Leonard. He was buried in a collective grave in Venabygd Churchyard alongside his four fallen comrades, and was only 21 years old. Many thanks to Stanley Sutherland for kindly supplying the photograph below, and for the information on the fighting.

Albert Gordon Laugharne, B.A., Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Albert was the Son of Albert and Rose Laughame, and the husband of Rosamond Mair Laughame, of Ammanford. He served in the RNVR aboard H.M.S. Blackwood, which was an American Lend-Lease Destroyer that had been taken over by the Royal Navy on the 27^th March 1943. After over a year spent carring out escort duties with the Atlantic Convoys Blackwood was torpedoed by U-764 off Portland Bill on the 15^th June, 1944, and sank the next day under tow. Albert was killed in the initial torpedo strike and was 27 year old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick Le Patourel, Lance Corporal, 14387842, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Frederick was the Son of Percy and May Le Patourel, of Llandebie, and served in the 2nd Battalion, Cameronians. In 1939 the 2nd Battalion went to France with the BEF and after heavy fighting in Belgium was evacuated at Dunkirk. Later they went to the Middle East before joining Montgomery's Eighth Army for the invasion of Sicily and the battle for Italy. The Eighth Army were withdrawn from Italy and took part in the Invasion of Normandy in June, 1944, helping to push the Germans up Northwards through Northern France, Belgium and Holland into Germany. Frederick was killed here on the 21^st April, 1945 and is buried at Becklingen War Cemetery. The site of Becklingen War Cemetery was chosen for the position on a hillside overlooking Luneburg Heath, where Field-Marshal Montgomery accepted the German surrender from Admiral Doenitz on 4 May 1945. Burials were brought into the cemetery from isolated sites in the countryside, small German cemeteries and prisoner of war camps cemeteries, including the Fallingbostel cemetery, within a radius of about 80 kilometres. On the map below, the cemetery is due south of Hamburg.

William Trevor Lewis, Private, S/7604555, Royal Army Service Corps. William was the Son of Thomas and Maria Lewis, of Llandebie, and served with the Base Supply Depot, Royal Army Service Corps. He was in France with the BEF, and was trapped in the south of France with thousands of other British servicemen when Dunkirk fell to the Germans. A rescue operation was planned, and William, and an estimated 4-8,000 refugees embarked upon the troopship RMS Lancastria in theLoire River Estuary. She steamed for the safety of Britain, but was in the Bay of Biscay, when on the 17^th June, 1940 she was attacked by two Junkers 88 bombers and sank, with the seas around her a flaming mass of burning fuel-oil. There were 2,477 survivors, and the losses accounted for more than a third of the losses of the BEF in France up to that date. William's body was washed ashore, and he was buried at Pornic War Cemetery. He was 32 years old.

Arthur Ronald Morgan, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 1134212, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Arthur was the Son of David and Gwennie Ann Morgan, of Gelly Road, Llandebie. Not much is known of him, but he died at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, aged 20 on the 16^th August, 1941 and is buried at Llandebie (St. Tybie) Churchyard. Lerwick was an RAF Coastal Command Base, as well as an important harbour during World War Two, and many british servicemen and women were stationed there. Sat on Arthur's grave is a vase, with an enscription 'From his Nurse at Lerwick.'

Charles Howard Page, Plumber 3rd Class, D/MX 66337, Royal Navy. Charles was the Son of Charles and Flora Page, and the husband of Annie Maud Page, of Llandebie. He served aboard H.M.S. Charybdis, which was a Dido Class Destroyer, and was part of the Home Fleet. She transferred to the North Atlantic Command in April, 1942, and set sail for the Mediterranean, where she took part in escort duties on the Malta Convoys, and aided in the North African Campaign, and at the landings at Salerno. She returned to the Atlantic, where on the 21^st October, 1943 was ordered to intercept a German Supply ship. She was hit by two torpedoes on the 23^rd October, fired from two German torpedo boats, and sank with the loss of 462 men. Charles was one of these men, and was 33 years old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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 28^th 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.

William Peter Rees, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 1414735, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Not much is known of William, but he died on the 22^nd June, 1945 and is buried at Llandebie (St. Tybie) Churchyard.

Robert Edward Salisbury, Sergeant (W.Op/Air Gunner), 633936, Royal Air Force. Robert was the Son of Thomas and Frances Maud Salisbury, of Llandebie, and served with 58 Squadron RAF flying the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V, based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, in North Yorkshire, On the night of the 17/18^th September 1940, Robert and his crew took off in P5008, one of ten aircraft that set off from the base to join raids attacking the heavily-defended industrial area of the Ruhr, Germany. Three were attacked and hit by German nightfighters, causing them to crash in the Achterhoek, which is near the border, and P5008 was shot down by German fighter ace Paul Gildner. Robert and his crew all died in the crash that night, on the 18^th September, 1940, and are buried next to each other at Winterswijk Cemetery. Robert was just 18 years old.

Owen Dixon Thomas, Flying Officer (Pilot), 45490, Royal Air Force. Owen was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert John Thomas, and the husband of Phoebe Pamela Thomas, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. He served in 49 Squadron, RAF, which was equipped with the Handley Page Hampden medium bomber, based at RAF Scampton. in August 1940, one of the squadron's pilots, Flight Lieutenant RAB Learoyd, won the first Bomber Command VC for his part in a joint low-level attack by Nos. 49 and 83 Squadrons on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. In 1942 No.49 Squadron converted to Manchesters, then Lancasters, and it was in a Lancaster on the night of the 17^th September, 1942 that Owen took part on a bombing raid on the huge Krupp armaments factory at Essen. Owen lost his life that night, aged 29, on the 17^th September, 1940. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Stuart Randell Thomas, Private, 3967526, Welch Regiment. Stuart was the Son of Magdalene Thomas, and stepson of Daniel Davies, of Llandybie, and served in the 1st Battalion, the Welch Regiment. The 1^st 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 14^th 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 1^st Battalions' last stand in Crete came on the 28^th May, when 9 German battalions overwhelmed them. Some 300 survivors reached the British naval base at Sphakia, where they were evacuated to Alexandria. Stuart sadly didn't get this far. He is recorded as having died between the 27^th May and the 2^nd June 1941. He was 23 years old and is remembered on the Athens Memorial.

Thomas John Irlwyn Williams, Sapper, 2147820 Royal Engineers. Thomas was the Son of David James Williams and Margaret Anne Williams, of Llandebie, and served in the 210th Field Company, Royal Engineers. The 210^th Company had been with the BEF during the fall of France, and then moved to North Africa. Where they took part in the Battle of El Alamein. Thomas was killed during the battle on the 14^th November, 1944 aged just 21 and is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery.

Thomas Williams, Leading Stoker, D/KX 95228, Royal Navy. It is impossible at this time to definitely find this man, but it is probably this Thomas, who served aboard H.M.S. Lapwing. She was an Corvette that served in the Arctic Convoys, and on the 20^th March 1945 she was torpedoed whilst escorting Convoy JW65, off the Kola Inlet, Northern Russia. The "Lapwing" was torpedoed by U-968 and sunk off Northern Russia north of Murmansk at 10.58hrs and sunk some 12 minutes later. Thomas was killed aboard the ship, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Grenfell Wise, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1835939, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This is the only man that fits the details on the memorial. John was the Son of Thomas and Margaret May Wise, of Treloyhan, St. Ives, Cornwall, and was a Boy Chorister at St. Margaret's, Westminster. He served in 49 Squadron, RAF, which flew Hampdens from Scampton, Lincolnshire, and in April 1940, they helped inaugurate the RAF's sea-mining campaign. Soon afterwards it began to drop bombs as well as mines, and in August 1940, one of the squadron's pilots, Flight Lieutenant RAB Learoyd, won the first Bomber Command VC for his part in a joint low-level attack by Nos. 49 and 83 Squadrons on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. In 1942 No.49 Squadron converted to Manchesters, then Lancasters, and in October led No.5 Group's epic dusk attack on the Schneider armament and locomotive works at Le Creusot. In 1943 the squadron took part in the first "shuttle-bombing" raid (when the targets were Friedrichshafen and Spezia), and the famous raid on Peenemunde. Among the targets which it attacked during 1944 were the coastal gun battery at La Pernelle on the Normandy coast, and the V1 storage sites in the caves at St. Leu d'Esserent on the River Oise, some 30 miles north-west of Paris.On the night of the 15/16^th March, 1944 John and his crew were part of a huge raid on Stuttgart. They were shot down on the return home, on the 16^th March, 1944 and buried in a collective grave at Durnbach War Cemetery. John was just 19.

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