The Parish of Llanedy is situated on the River Loughor, near the County Border, next to Glamorgan. The towns of Hendy and Pontardulais are nearby, and men from these towns are among those listed on the 1922 published Carmarthen County War Memorial Roll as being on the Llanedy War Memorial. I have no details of the War Memorial apart from the names on the roll, and have no photographs of it, so would be grateful if someone could get the chance to send them in to the website.

Llanedy War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Idris Anthony, Private, 12897, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Idris was born at Ammanford, and enlisted there into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion was attached to 76 Brigade, 25th Division, and landed in France on 27 September 1915, with 76 Brigade moving to the 3rd Division within weeks. By the summer of 1916 the Division was on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Guillemont. Idris was killed in action here on 16 August 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Pier and Face 4A of the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Ernest William Burridge. Private, 265775, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Burridge of Crediton, Devon, and thee Husband of Lydia A. M. Burridge, of 1, Wernbwll, Hendy. He enlisted at Swansea into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a Territorial Battalion, which had been in France since October 1914, and was then attached to the 1st Division as Pioneers from October 1915. They then fought during the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt, at Loos. In 1916 the Division moved south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, and then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Ernest was wounded at Passchendaele, and died of his wounds on 27 October 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave XII. C. 4.

 

William Gordon David, Private, 36364, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the South Wales Borderers. He later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshires, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on 19 May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. William was killed at Loos on 2 October 1915. He is commemorated on Panel 77/78 of the Loos Memorial, France.

 

Arthur Thomas Davies, Able Seaman, Z/3581, Royal Navy. Arthur was the Son of John and Gwladys Davies, of Brynhyfryd House, Wernbwll Road, Hendy. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard the SS Bristol City, and was drowned when she was lost at sea on 16 December 1917. Arthur was 20 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 24 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

John Edgar Davies, Private, 15250, Connaught Rangers. John was the Son of William and Margaret Davies, of 5, Penant Terrace, Llanelly. He enlisted at Marylebone into the Wiltshire Regiment, but was later posted to the 5th Battalion, Connaught Rangers, which was attached to 197 Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancs) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front in March 1917 and moved to the Flanders Coast. At the end of September 1917 they moved to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of Poelcapelle. They then moved south to the Somme, and on 21 March 1918 were hit by the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of St Quentin, and moving back west fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and the Battle of Rosieres. After suffering very heavy casualties during the Battles of the Somme in 1918, the Division was first reduced to a training cadre and then reformed and reconstituted, before taking part in the final offensive, fighting at the Battle of Cambrai, and the Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle. John was wounded during the final days of the war, and died on 8 November 1918, aged 22. He is buried at Pont-Sur-Sambre Communal Cemetery, France, in Grave B.21.

 

Thomas Henry Davies, Private, 60663, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Jordanston, Pembrokeshire, but resided at Llanedy prior to the war. He enlisted at Cardiff, and after training was posted to Egypt to join the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been formed from the merging of the Pembroke & Glamorgan Yeomanry early in 1917. The Battalion was attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division, and took part in the advance into Palestine during 1917, fighting at the Second and Third Battles of Gaza, and taking part in the capture of Jerusalem. Thomas was killed in Palestine, during the Battle of Jaffa, on 27 December 1917. He is commemorated on Panel 30-32 of the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

 

David John Evans, Private, 220, Welsh Guards. David was the Son of David and Anne Evans, of 7, Harleyford Road, Hendy, and served with the Glamorgan Constabulary prior to the war. He then enlisted at Llanelli into the Grenadier Guards, before volunteering to serve with the newly formed Welsh Guards early in 1915. The Welsh Guards were then attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August 1915, and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. During the coming months they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and in March, 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem. David was killed here on 31 July 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave VIII. A. 2.

 

Thomas R. Evans, Private, 3263, Welsh Guards. Thomas was born at Merthyr, and enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards had been formed in March 1915, and moved to France in the summer to join 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and in March, 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem, and then at the Battle of the Menin Road. Thomas was killed at Ypres on 3 September 1917. He is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave II. H. 13.

 

Herbert Goldsby, MM, Sergeant, 12854, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Herbert was the Son of Edwin and Elizabeth Goldsby. He had been born in London, and enlisted at Tumble into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Division crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battle of Pozieres, where Herbert was killed in action on 27 July 1916. He was 28 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Herbert had won the Military Medal for Bravery, and as it was a relatively new award at that time, it must have been for the attack on Ovillers.

 

Ellison Harrop, Able Seaman, R/4170, Royal Naval Division. Ellison was born on 7 November 1892, and was the Brother of Mary Harrop, of 854 Middleton Road, Chadderton, Oldham. He joined the army on 12 December 1915, and was then posted to the 4th Reserve Battalion, before being posted to Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Hawke Battalion was in France, attached to 189 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, and Ellison joined them at the end of November 1917, just after they had fought at the Battle of Passchendaele. The RND then moved to Cambrai, where it took part in the Battle of Cambrai, and this is where Ellison was killed, during the Action of Welsh Ridge, on 31 December 1917. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on Pier and Face 1A of the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

William Hewitt, Able Seaman, R/4149, Royal Naval Division. William was born on 19 May 1889, and was the Husband of Mrs Beatrice Hewitt, of 37 Thelwall Lane, Warrington. On 7 December 1915 he joined the Army Reserve, before being posted to the 4th Reserve Battalion. He was posted to Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, on 22 November 1917, along with Ellison Harrop, and fought through the Battle of Cambrai that winter. On 22 January 1918 William was admitted to hospital suffering from trench foot, and spent some time recuperating at Bradford Hospital. On 29 April 1918 he rejoined Hawke Battalion in France, but was killed soon after, during the First Battle of Bapaume. William was 29 years old, and is buried at Mesnil Communal Cemetery Extension, France, in Grave III. C. 2.

 

Thomas Hughes, Corporal, 12226, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was born at Llanelli, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, which landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, in July 1915, and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Thomas was killed during the Battle of Sari Bair on 12 August 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Panel 77-80 of the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William Hughes, Private, 20750, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted at Ammanford at the outbreak of war into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals. The battalion trained at Rhyl until the summer of 1915 when it moved to Winchester as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In December 1915 the Division moved to France, where it took the line near Fleurbaix, where it was initiated into trench warfare. In June 1916, the Division moved to the Somme, where it captured Mametz Wood, before being posted to positions north of Ypres, where it remained until taking part in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, and the Battle of Langemarck. William was skilled here on 7 September 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Panel 93-94 of the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

David Jones, Pioneer, 159329, Royal Engineers. David was the Son of William and Mary Ann Jones, of Pantycelyn, Tycroes, Pantyffynnon. He had originally enlisted at Bangor into the Royal West Kent Regiment, but was later posted to the 5th Battalion, Special Brigade, Royal Engineers. This was one of the Special (Gas) Companies, which had been formed as a chemical warfare unit, which deployed the poison gas cylinders which were used on the Western Front. David was wounded during the Battle of the Somme, and died of his wounds on 21 August 1916, aged 22. He is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, France, in Grave III. F. 44.

 

David Thomas Jones, Able Seaman, J/50063, Royal Navy. David was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Bryndern, Penybank, Ammanford. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard HMS Anchusa, which was a special service vessel, built to look like a merchant ship. David was killed when she was torpedoed off the north coast of Ireland on 16 July 1918, and sank with the loss of 79 men. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 27 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

G. E. Jones, Seaman, Mercantile Marine. Cannot be positively identified.

Latimer Jones, Private, 2041, Welsh Guards. Latimer was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Goleufryn, Tycroes. He enlisted at Oswestry into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which had been formed during March 1915 by Royal Warrant, before moving to France, where it joined 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and it was here that Latimer was killed on 8 March 1917. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, France, in Grave II. J. 3.

 

Matthew George Jones, Trimmer, 2677ST, Royal Navy. Matthew was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, of Harddfan Harleyford Road, Hendy. He served in the Royal Navy aboard HMPMS Ascot, a Paddle Minesweeper. Matthew was killed when Ascot was torpedoed by a German U-Boat on 10 November 1918, making Ascot the last British ship to be sunk by a U-Boat in WW1. Matthew was 21 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 29 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

Richard Alum Jones, Second Lieutenant, Tank Corps. Richard was commissioned into the Tank Corps, and was in command of Tank D41 'Demon II', part of 'D' Battalion, Tank Corps. During the Battle of Cambrai, on 20 November 1917, 'D' Battalion was attacking toward Flesquieres when a shell made a direct hit on her, instantly killing all her crew. Richard was buried in Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery, France, in Grave VIII. E. 10. The fascinating fact about this is that a Tank has recently been recovered off the Flesquieres Battlefield, with a strong possibility that it is D-41, Richard's tank. Below is a photograph taken of the newly excavated tank, just before the lifting operation. (Photograph courtesy of Monsieur Yves Buffetaut). His tank is now on display in Flesquieres.

Albert Henry Malyon, Private, 14153, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born at Peckham, but lived at Llanedy prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion landed in France on 11 August 1914, and became attached to 19 Brigade, at Valenciennes. On 12 October 1914, 19 Brigade became attached to 6th Division, based at positions near Ypres. On 31 May 1915 the Brigade moved to 27th Division, then on 19 August 1915 moved to 2nd Division. The 2nd RWF then fought at the Battle of Loos, before joining 33rd Division. Albert was killed during the first week of the Somme Offensive, on 6 July 1916. He is buried at Gorre British & Indian Cemetery, France, in Grave II. A. 19.

 

Samuel Nicholas, Private, 39913, Labour Corps. Samuel was born at Llangennech, and resided at 66, Pantyffynon Road, Ammanford prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals, but was later posted to the 7th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He must have been wounded at some time, as he was again transferred, joining the 911th Area Employment Company, Labour Corps. Samuel was wounded during the German Offensive of spring 1918, and died as a result of his wounds at St. Omer on 31 May 1918. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France, in Grave V. B. 46.

 

Hordern Norris, Private. Very little is known of Hordern, but he was born in Middlesex in 1899, and was the Grandson of Joseph and Harriet Green, of 16, Gilbert Place, Llanelly. He is also commemorated on the Great Western Railway Memorial, and is listed as being based at Pantyffynon.        

George Palmer, Driver, 92455, Royal Field Artillery. George was the Son of William and Mary Palmer, of 1, Green Terrace, Hendy, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to 'B' Battery, 69th Brigade, which was attached to the 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On 7 June 1915 orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. On 13 June 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By 4 July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between 6 and 16 July 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. George was killed soon after landing, on 26 July 1915. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery, ANZAC, Gallipoli, in Grave G.13.

 

Thomas Henry Phillips, Gunner, 3187, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was born at Pontardawe, and resided at Llanedy prior to the war. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their 122nd Brigade, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14 July to totally 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 the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, and it was here that Thomas was wounded during the opening day of the Battle, on 31 July 1917. He died later that day of his wounds, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave II.H.16.

 

James Price, Trimmer, 2678ST, Royal Navy. James was the Son of John and Eleanor Price, of Harleyford Road, Hendy, and served in the Royal Navy. He was one of two local men to serve aboard the old Paddle Minesweeper HMPMS Ascot. James was killed when Ascot became the last ship to be sunk in WW1 by a U-Boat, on 10 November 1918. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 29 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

John Price, Private, 21042, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Price, of 23, West Cottage, Brockhampton, Herefordshire. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals. The battalion trained at Rhyl until the summer of 1915 when it moved to Winchester as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In December 1915 the Division moved to France, where it took the line near Fleurbaix, where it was initiated into trench warfare. In June 1916, the Division moved to the Somme, where it captured Mametz Wood, after heavy fighting, on 11 July 1916. John was killed that day, aged 17, and is commemorated on Pier and Face 7A and 10A of the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

William Owen Rees, Gunner, 4796, Royal Field Artillery. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to 'C' Battery, 122nd Brigade, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14 July to totally 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 the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, and in the following Battle of Langemarck. William was wounded at Langemarck, and died of wounds on 11 August 1917. He is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave IV. B. 48.

 

Richard Harry Sampson, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the Son of R. H. and E. L. G. H. Sampson, of Pontardulais, Carmarthenshire. He was commissioned into the 15th Welsh on 23 July 1916, joining the battalion after they had taken part in the attack on Mametz Wood, where it was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. He then fought with the battalion during the following 12 months at Ypres, and saw action at Pilckem Ridge. On 26 February 1918 he was posted to the Headquarters Staff of the 38th Division, and sadly became ill during the final weeks of the war, dying of pneumonia at the Base Hospital at Etaples on 29 October 1918, aged 27. Richard is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France, in Grave XLVIII. C. 5.

 

Frederick Terrington, DCM, Corporal, 13695, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick was the Son of Mrs. Maria Watkins, of Brynrhos Tycroes, Pantyffynon. He had enlisted at Ogmore Vale into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had originally landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, before moving to Ypres. It fought at almost every major battle on the Western Front, before being moved to the Italian Front late in 1917. During the Battle of Passchendaele, before the move to Italy, Frederick gained the honour of being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry, which was listed in the London Gazette of 28 March 1918. The citation read 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in volunteering three times to go on patrol. He drove in a small enemy covering party and accurately located two machine guns, though under heavy fire, in daylight. Later, he brought in many wounded, and though himself wounded, refused to withdraw until ordered to do so.' Sadly, just two days later, on 30 March 1918, Frederick was accidentally killed. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Padua Main Cemetery, Italy, in Grave B. 5.

David Cuthbert Thomas, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the Son of Evan and Ethelinda Thomas, of Llanedy Rectory, Pontardulais. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and after training was posted to the 1st RWF, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. By early 1916 the Division was in position at the Citadel, near Fricourt, on the Somme. On 18 March 1916, David was in charge of a working party, which was repairing wire emplacements in No Mans Land when he was shot in the throat. He walked to the First Aid Post for treatment, but began choking and died shortly afterwards. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Point 110 New Military Cemetery, Fricourt, France, in Grave D. 3. David was a close friend of the famed war poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves, and his death left Siegfried especially, very angry towards the Germans; an anger which led to his earning the Military Cross after a series of rash excursions into German territory. Robert Graves wrote a poem in memory of David, entitled 'Not Dead', and David is mentioned in several poems and biograhies written by both men, under the pseudonym of Dick Tiltwood in one.

 

 

J. Thomas, Sergeant, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.

Daniel Watkins, Able Seaman, Z/1793, Royal Navy. Daniel was the Son of John and Catherine Watkins, of Bryntirion, Tycroes, Pantyffynnon. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard the Battlecruiser HMS Black Prince, which was attached to the First Cruiser Squadron. Daniel was killed when the Black Prince exploded and sank during the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 19 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

Ivor Carlyle Williams, Private, 66193, Cheshire Regiment. Ivor had been born at Milford Haven, and was the Son of John and Eleanor Williams, later of 11, William's Street, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 9th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division 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 Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines. Ivor was wounded at Messines, and died of his wounds on 29 April 1918. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Esquelbecq Military Cemetery, France, in Grave I. B. 27.

 

William Williams, Private, 2646, Welsh Guards. William was the Son of Mr. P. R. Williams, of 22, Pierefield Place, Cardiff. He enlisted at Newport into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which was formed early in 1915, becoming attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division was formed in France in August 1915,  and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where it fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, and in March, 1917 took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem, and then at the Battle of the Menin Road, Battle of Poelcapelle and the First Battle of Passchendaele. November saw them move south again, where they took part in the Battle of Cambrai. They remained in the area over the final winter of the war, and were stationed near Gouzeaucourt when the German Spring Offensive hit the area on 21 March, 1918, at the Battle of St Quentin. The British retreated in the face of this onslaught, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume, before the Guards Division retreated west and faced the Germans at the First Battle of Arras, 1918. William was killed here on 5 April 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, France, in Grave VI. G. 23.

 

William Trevor Williams, Private, 266, Welsh Guards. William was born at Waenfawr, Caernavon, and lived at Llanedy prior to the war. He enlisted at Swansea into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which was formed early in 1915, becoming attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division was formed in France in August 1915,  and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where it fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. William was killed just before this move, while still at Ypres, on 16 July 1916. He is buried at Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave II.J.9.

 

F. G. Wood, Private. This man cannot be positively identified, as there are three men of the same name, none of whom has an obvious connection with the area.