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

Llandeilo War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

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

 

Sidney Rees Bell, Lance Corporal, 3684, Welsh Regiment. Sidney was born in 1876, the son of Rees and Ann Bell, of 3, King Street, Llandeilo. Sydney was a Tailor, and had worked at Skewen, where he married Eleanor, and the couple raised their first four children there before returning to Llandeilo in 1910, moving into 3, Brynawel Terrace. Sidney served with the 4th Welsh early in the war, later transferring into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. No more is known of Sydney's time at war, but he died at 2, Wellfield Terrace, Llandeilo due to pulmonary tuberculosis and exhaustion, which had been brought on by his war service, on 12 February 1920, aged 44. Sidney is not eligible for commemoration by the CWGC, as his death cannot be proved to be linked to his war service.

Frederick Benjamin Bowen, Private, 29628, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick was the Son of John and Mary Bowen, of Tyssil House, Llandeilo. He worked for the GWR at Ammanford prior to the war and enlisted there on 20 November 1915 into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick landed in France on 7 July 1916 and joined the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers on the Somme. Frederick served throughout the Somme offensive before being invalided home in February 1917. He returned to France on 20 September 1917, joining the 19th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion was formed in March 1915, as a Bantam Battalion, and in September 1915 became attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. They moved to France in June 1916, and served near Loos until October, when it was moved to the Somme. The Division fought on the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter, before following the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Their next major action was during the Battle of Cambrai, where Frederick was Killed in Action on 24 November 1917, aged 22. He is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

Gamaliel Bowen, Ordinary Seaman, Z/4247, Royal Navy. Gamaliel was born on 23 January 1895, the son of John and Jane Bowen, of Pantteg Villa, Llandeilo. Prior to the war he worked for the Great Western Railway, as a Checker at the Traffic Department at Pembrey. He later enlisted into the Royal Navy, and was serving at the Naval Shore establishment H.M.S. Excellent, when he died aged 23, on 23 January 1918. He is buried at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Hampshire.

 

Stewart Rendal Bowen, Private, 14168, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Stewart was the son of John and Miriam Bowen, of 4, Brisken Villa, Llandeilo. By 1911 the family had moved to 31, Maesquarre Road, Ammanford. Stewart had enlisted at Llandeilo into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Stewart had served in France from 5 September 1915 with one of the regular battalions of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers before being invalided home. He sadly died at Liverpool Military Hospital on 14 February 1917, aged 24. Stewart is buried at Llandeilo (Bethel) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard. Many thanks to W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

John Caleb Brick, Private, 14519, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. John was the Son of Aaron and Margaret Brick, of Providence Place, Llanwrtyd Wells. He worked as a colliery labourer at Ammanford prior to the war and enlisted at Llandrindod Wells into the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to 67 Brigade, 25th Division. On 28 September 1915, the Battalion landed at Boulogne and two weeks later moved to 8 Brigade, 3rd Division. The Division was at Ypres at the beginning of 1916, and the 7th KSLI saw their first major action at the Bluff and the St. Eloi craters. They moved to the Somme in June, 1916 and fought there throughout the great offensive, where John was Killed in Action during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge on 14 July 1916, aged 32. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

W. Parry Brown, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot Presently be Identified.

Thomas John Buckingham, Private, 3813, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the son of John and Elizabeth Buckingham, of 31, Towy Terrace, Llandeilo. He married Elizabeth Harries in 1913 and the couple lived at Llandeilo. Thomas had enlisted at Carmarthen into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had formed there on 4 August 1914. Thomas died in Pembrokeshire on 11 October 1914, aged 22 and is buried at Carmarthen (St. Mary) Roman Catholic Churchyard.

Henry Chuter, Private, 10394, Welsh Regiment. Henry was born in Acton, Sussex in 1891. He was an army reservist, and re-enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. At the beginning of the war, the Battalion were garrisoned in India, but were soon recalled and arrived in Plymouth on 22 December 1914. They were then attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division and landed at Havre on 18 January 1915, moving to Ypres. The Division fought at the Second Battle of Ypres, suffering terrible casualties. Henry was Killed in Action here on 9 February 1915, aged 24. Henry is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Henry is not commemorated locally.

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

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

Daniel Ivor Davies, Driver, W/3511, Royal Field Artillery. Daniel was the son of Morgan and Rachel Davies, of Kenwyn Cottage, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. He had enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Field Artillery, and served in France with the 38th (Welsh) Division from 23 December 1915. At some time in 1918 Daniel was transferred to the 223rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the Home Counties Division. Daniel Died of Sickness at home on 13 November 1918, aged 24, and is buried at Ffairfach (Tabernacle) Congregational Chapelyard. His brother in law, Walter Rochford, also fell.

John Davies, Lance Corporal, 1628, Welsh Guards. John was born at Caio, and was the adopted son of Thomas and Elizabeth Davies, of Cefn Tir Esgob, Llandilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which had been formed early in 1915 and attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. This Division has the distinction of being formed in France in August 1915. The various Guards units that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this fine formation. 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. The guards then had a spell at Ypres, holding the Canal Bank sector until the end of July 1916. John was killed here on 17 July 1916, aged 20. He is buried near Ypres, at Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

John Gabriel Davies, Private, 45492, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Ann Davies, of Dryslwyn Castle Inn, Golden Grove, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the army. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been in France since the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had fought in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before taking part in a gallant stand at First Ypres. After a hard first winter on the Western Front, the Division fought at the Battle of Aubers in May 1915, and then at the Battle of Loos in September. In June, 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and fought through the offensive, at the Battles of Albert, Bazentin and Pozieres, where John was Wounded in Action. He was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers, where he sadly Died of Wounds on 27 August 1916, aged 41. John is buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery, France.

Oliver Cromwell Davies, Private, 38376, Welsh Regiment. Oliver was the Son of David and Harriet Davies, of Llandeilo. Oliver enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had formed at Cardiff during August 1914, becoming attached to 40 Brigade, 13th Western Division. The Division sailed for the Mediterranean in June 1915, and on 4 July 1915 landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, relieving the 29th Division. From there, the Division took part in several actions, most notably The Battle of Sari Bair and the Battle of Russell's Top. In January 1916 the Division was evacuated from Gallipoli and moved to the Suez Canal Defences near Port Said, and on 12 February they moved to Mesopotamia, to attempt to relieve the Siege of Kut el Amara. Oliver Died of Sickness on this campaign, on 30 June 1916, aged 21. He is buried in Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Oliver's father David died on 20 June 1917. His mother had remarried by the time the Imperial War Graves Commission began contacting relatives of the fallen, and resided at 24, Towy Terrace, Llandeilo, as Mrs Harriet Edwards.

Thomas Davies, Company Sergeant Major, 3002, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Husband of Agnes Davies, of Hanover House, Latimer Rd., Llandeilo. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division and in July 1915, sailed to Egypt, moving to Suvla, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. The Division was plunged immediately into heavy fighting, and Thomas was Killed in Action on 10 August 1915 aged 43. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

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

W H Davies, Quartermaster Sergeant, Welsh Regiment. This man cannot presently be identified.

John Victor Duffus, Private, 39125, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Llandeilo in 1897, the son of John and Anne Duffus, and enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the Welsh Horse Yeomanry. He was posted to France, where he joined the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had been there since the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had taken part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, and had fought at First Ypres, when the Germans attempted a sweep westward through Belgium to the Channel Coast. The BEF stopped them again, at heavy cost. The Division remained in Flanders over the winter, and in 1915 fought at Aubers in May, and the Battle of Loos in September onwards. In June, 1916 they moved to positions on the Somme, and fought through the Somme Offensive, at Albert, Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval, where John was wounded. He Died of Wounds aged 18, on 23 September 1916, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. His brother Harold had died at Llandeilo in 1915, aged just 17.

William Alfred Edwards, Gunner, 161082, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was the Son of John and Rachel Edwards, of 46, Wind Street, Ammanford, and the Husband of Mary Ann Edwards, of Ynysdawelog, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and served with their 170th Siege Battery. The Battery was at Ypres during the Battles of Third Ypres, and William was killed in action there on 9 November 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.

Thomas Edwards, Private, 11821, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the son of Rees and Elizabeth Edwards, of Chapel House, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Ammanford on 19 August 1914 into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He was discharged as medically unfit soon after, and possibly died on 26 December 1918, aged 23. Thomas is not eligible for commemoration by the CWGC, as his death cannot be proved to be linked to his war service.

Charles Evans, Private, 6246, Welsh Regiment. Charles was born at Llandeilo in 1881 and was a pre war regular with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was in India at the outbreak of the war, before being recalled to Britain, and arrived in Plymouth on 22 December 1914. They were then attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division and landed at Havre on 18 January 1915, and rushed to Ypres, where they fought at Second Ypres, suffering terrible casualties. Charles was Killed in Action during Second Ypres on 26 March 1915, aged 34, and is buried at Dranoutre Churchyard. Charles is not commemorated at Llandeilo.


David John Evans, Private, 114325, Royal Army Medical Corps. David was the Son of Benjamin and Mary Evans, of Capel Isaac, Llandeilo, and the Husband of Beatrice Mary Evans, of 91, Alfred Street, Roath Park, Cardiff. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with their 10th Ambulance Train. David sadly died after the war had ended, on 31 August 1920, aged 39, and is buried at Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery.

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

John Evans, Private, 45037, Welsh Regiment. John was the son of John and Harriet Evans, of 3, South Bank Llandeilo. His parents later resided at Llethyfagwyren, Llansadumen, Llanwrda. John enlisted at Ammanford into the army and in 1916 was posted to France, joining the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been in France as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division since the outbreak of war. In June 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and fought through the offensive, at the Battles of Albert, Bazentin and Pozieres, Flers and Morval. They followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917 and were then moved to the Flanders Coast to prepare for a planned offensive. However, by this time the Passchendaele Battles had ground to a halt in the mud, and the Division was called to take part in the offensive at Ypres. They fought during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where the village was finally taken, and remained in Flanders over the winter. The following year saw the focus of the German Spring Offensive hit Flanders, and the Division fought through the desperate battles of Estaires, Hazebrouck and Bethune. They then moved to the Arras sector, and fought at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant, then moved forward to fight at the Battle of Epehy. John was Killed in Action soon after, on 25 September 1918, aged 36. He is buried in Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Joseph Evans, Private, 9132, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Joseph was the Son of John and Margaret Evans, of Drefach, Llandeilo. He had served with the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment for three years around the turn of the century before enlisting Cardiff on 23 June 1906 into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Joseph was recalled to the battalion from the Army Reserve after the outbreak of war. The battalion landed at Rouen on 11 August 1914. On 22 August they became attached to 19 Brigade, which was under independent control, and fought at the retreat from Mons to the Marne. The professional soldiers of the BEF stopped the German Advance in its tracks at the Marne, and followed their withdrawal to the Aisne, where another Battle was fought. Now that the German advance toward Paris had been stopped, 19 Brigade was attached to the 6th Division, and moved to Ypres, where it remained until 31 May 1915, when it was transferred to the 27th Division, and fought at Second Ypres. On 19 August they moved to the 2nd Division, and fought with them throughout the Battle of Loos. On 25 November they moved again, to the 33rd Division, and it was during the first winter with this new Division that Joseph was wounded on 17 January 1916. He was brought to a Casualty Clearing Station at Bethune, where he Died of Wounds on 29 January 1916, aged 30. Joseph is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France.

Thomas Evans, Private, 2057, Royal Army Medical Corps. Thomas was born at Llandeilo, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving with their 3rd Welsh Field Ambulance, which had been formed on 14 August 1914, and attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. During July 1915 the Division sailed from Avonmouth for Egypt, and then from Egypt they landed at Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. It was soon after landing that Thomas was Wounded, and he was moved to a Hospital Ship where he Died of Wounds on 15 August 1915. Thomas was buried at sea, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. He is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

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

 

 

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

 

Daniel Ginn, Private, 126146, Machine Gun Corps. Daniel was the Son of William and Elizabeth Ginn, of Cefn Brisken, Llanfynydd. He had worked as a waggoner at Cwmcerrig Farm, Talley for several years prior to the war before marrying Elizabeth Hughes, of 32, Towy Terrace, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. Daniel enlisted at Ammanford into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to the 59th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 59th Division. The Division had served in Ireland since April 1916 and in January 1917 moved to England preparatory to a move to France in February. They then followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, and fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of the Menin Road and Polygon Wood. In November they moved south, and took part in the Battle of Cambrai, and remained in the area over the winter of 1917/18. The German Spring Offensive hit the area on 21 March 1918, and the Machine Gunners were the first troops hit. Daniel was Killed in Action on 21 March 1918, aged 23, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Elizabeth married Thomas Roderick in 1919, and died in 1983. Her second husband Tom had served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in Salonika, before being invalided from the army with malaria in 1916.

Thomas Christopher Green, Private, 54496, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Husband of Clara Green, of Nelson Cottage, Cilgwyn, Llangadock. He had moved his family into the area to work at Llandeilo Limeworks. Christopher enlisted at Ammanford into the army. He was posted to the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was in France, as the Pioneer Battalion to the 38th (Welsh) Division, and had been in France since December 1915. The Division moved to positions near Armentieres, where they remained until moving to the Somme in June 1916, where they captured Mametz Wood. It took almost a week for the Division to capture the wood, at a great cost in lives, and they were taken out of action and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Christopher was Killed in Action when his battalion was working near the Yser Canal at Boesinghe on 24 January 1917, aged 31. He is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium.

George Prosser Griffiths, Private, 245050, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. George was the son of Thomas and Rachael Griffiths, of 1, Wellfield Terrace, Llandeilo. He worked as a Draper prior to the war and enlisted at Cardiff on 2 December 1915 into the army. He landed in France on 9 February 1917 with the 2/5th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which was attached to 170 Brigade, 57th Division. The Division fought at Third Ypres, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. This is where George was Killed in Action, on 26 October 1917, aged 35. He is buried at Cement House Cemetery, Belgium. Photograph of George courtesy of Damien Healey.

 

Gwynfred Ellis Griffiths, Private, 43837, Wiltshire Regiment. Gwynfred was the son of Joseph and Ann Griffiths, of The Post Office, Croesgoch, Pembrokeshire. He worked at Llandeilo prior to the war and married Alicia Davies at Llandeilo in 1908, the couple setting up home at Wedgwood House, Llandeilo. Gwyn enlisted at Ammanford into the army, and was posted to France at some time in 1916, where he joined the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, which was had been there since the outbreak of war, attached to 7 Brigade, 3rd Division. The Division had fought throughout the Somme offensive, and at the end of October 1916 moved to Ploegsteert. In 1917 the Division fought through Third Ypres, at Messines and Pilckem, and then moved to Givenchy then Bullecourt. They were in positions north west of Bapaume when the German Spring Offensive hit on 21 March 1918. After suffering heavy casualties, they moved to Flanders at the end of March, but were again hit by the German Offensive in Flanders. Here they fought at Estaires, Messines, Bailleul and Kemmel, then moved to the Aisne to rebuild. Again, they were hit by a German Offensive on the Chemin des Dames at the end of May, and again they held firm. On 21 June 1918 the Battalion moved again, to 110 Brigade, 21st Division, and they fought with the Division during the drive through the Hindenburg Line. Gwynfred was Killed in Action on 8 October 1918, aged 39. He is buried at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut, France.

 

William Hopkin Griffiths, Private, 285315, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas Saunders and Eda  Griffiths, of 45, New Road, Llandeilo. After Eda's death, the family moved to 5, Rock Terrace, The Green, Pembroke. A Chemist by trade, William enlisted at Pembroke into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which had served in France since February 1915, attached to the 28th Division, and had fought at Second Ypres and at the Battle of Loos. William transferred at some time to the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and had just arrived on the Western Front, serving near Armentieres, before being moved to the Somme in June, 1916, where they took part in the Battle of Mametz Wood, the initial assault of which began on 7 July 1916. It was almost a week before the Division cleared the wood, after suffering terrible casualties, and they were sent to Ypres to rebuild. They were at Ypres, north of Boesinghe, when they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, and then the Battle of Langemarck, where William was Killed in Action on 23 August 1917, aged just 20. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Cyril George Harding, Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. Cyril was the Son of Francis Samuel and Florence Annie Harding, of Church House, Stone, Staffordshire. His ties with Llandeilo are unclear, but Cyril served with 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was formed during the First World War at Beaulieu in Hampshire, equipped with the DH9 single-engined biplane. In May 1918, 103 Squadron was transferred to France and for the rest of the war flew reconnaissance and day bombing operations on the Western Front. Cyril had returned home sometime before the end of the war, as he was ill. He sadly Died of Sickness at Steyning in Sussex on 9 November 1918, aged just 19, and is buried at Stone (All Saints) Churchyard, Staffordshire.

Daniel Harris, Lance Corporal, 5970, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Daniel was the Son of David and Mary Harries, of Plasnewydd, Manordilo, and had enlisted at Llandeilo into the Welsh Regiment. He was later posted to the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was attached to 182 Brigade, 61st Division from August 1915 onwards, and left for the Western Front on 21 May 1916. They saw their first action at the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916, which was a disastrous diversion for the Somme attack. Daniel was Killed in Action during the attack, on 19 July 1916, aged 22, and is one of many men of the Division whose graves were never identified, and are remembered on the Loos Memorial, France. A recent discovery of mass graves at Fromelles has led to over 100 Allied soldiers being exhumed and re-buried at Pheasant Wood Cemetery, Fromelles. The identification of these bodies is ongoing. 

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

David Harries, Sergeant, 267427, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. David was the Son of Thomas and Mary Harries, of Gurrey Bank, Llandeilo, and enlisted into the Welsh Regiment. He was later transferred into the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was attached to 182 Brigade, 61st Division from August 1915 onwards, and left for the Western Front on 21 May 1916, relieving the 38th (Welsh) Division at Fromelles. They saw their first action at the Battle of Fromelles, on 19 July 1916, which was a disastrous diversion for the Somme attack, and then followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917, capturing Chaulnes and Bapaume. Later in the year the Division fought at Third Ypres in the Battle of Langemarck, then moved south, and fought in the Battle of Cambrai. In March, 1918 the Division were caught up in the German Spring Offensive, and David was Killed in Action on the second desperate day, on 22 March 1918, aged 33. He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

James Joseph Horner, Private, 2386, Welsh Guards. James was born in 1893, the Son of James and Fanny Horner, of 50, Henry St., Battersea, London. James resided at Llandeilo prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards were formed by Royal Warrant on 26 February 1915, moving to France on 17 August 1915, where it joined 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The Division 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. James was wounded at this time, and died on 13 March 1917. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France. James is not commemorated locally.


Thomas Wentworth Hughes, Private, 4485, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the son of Thomas and Jane Hughes of 9, Alan Road, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, attached to South Wales Brigade. On 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division and in July 1915 sailed for the Mediterranean, landing at Suvla, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. The Division was almost immediately thrown into a desperate attack, and over the coming days suffered terrible casualties. Thomas was killed in action on 10 August 1915, aged 41. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Percy Lloyd Humphreys, Captain, Welsh Regiment. Percy was the son of Cadwallader and Sarah Humphreys, of Tylissa, Llanfair Caerinion, Montgomeryshire. He was a Bank Clerk at Llandeilo prior to the war. Percy was one of the original officers of the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was raised as part of the Welsh Army Corps by the Carmarthenshire County Commitee. The Battalion fought in some of the major actions of the war, attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, after landing in France on 4 December 1915. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held nearly every section of the British line from Givenchy on the La Bassée Canal to Laventie, about six miles South of Armentières. At the end of May, 1916, the Battalion moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme, which commenced on 1 July 1916. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7 July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on 10 July, and by 14 July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. Percy had survived the carnage of Mametz, and the Division were removed from the line, and sent north to Ypres to rebuild. They were at Ypres when the Battle of Third Ypres was opened, and took part in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, where Percy was Killed in Action, on 31 July 1917, aged 35. He is buried at Welsh Cemetery (Caesars Nose), near Ypres.

John Hopkin James, Private, 54289, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of William and Eleanor James, of The Tregyb Arms, Ffairfach, Llandilo and the Husband of Mrs. May Morgan (formerly James), of Rose Hill, Pentregwenlais, Llandebie. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the army, and was posted to France after July 1916, where he joined the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, which had been in France since December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the Fleurbaix Sector, and then moved south to the Somme in June 1916, where they captured Mametz Wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties here, and was withdrawn, via Hebuterne, to positions north of Ypres, at Boesinghe. On 31 July 1917 the Division launched its assault on the Pilckem Ridge, and this is where John was killed in action, on 1 August 1917. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

 

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

David Charles Jones, Private, S/1410, Rifle Brigade. David was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones. The family later moved to 56, Byng Terrace, Brynhyfryd, Swansea, and David enlisted there on 3 September 1914 into the army. He landed in France on 21 July 1915 with the 12th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, which was attached to 60 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. The Division had completed concentrating in France by 26 July 1915, and took part in the Battle of Loos, attacking towards Fromelles on 25 September 1915. They moved to Ypres soon after, which is where David was Killed in Action on 12 February 1916, aged 27. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. David is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

David Thomas Jones, Private, 53640, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Builth, the son of John and Frances Jones. The family moved to the Farmers Arms, Llandeilo around the turn of the century, and David enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry. Sometime in the summer of 1916 he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and had been in France since taking part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne. After a hard first winter on the Western Front, the Division fought at the Battle of Aubers in May 1915, and then at the Battle of Loos in September. In June 1916 the Division was on the Somme, and fought throughout the offensive. They followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917 and were then moved to the Flanders Coast to prepare for a planned offensive. However, by this time the Passchendaele Battles had ground to a halt in the mud, and the Division were called to take part in the offensive at Ypres. They fought during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where the village was finally taken, and remained in Flanders over the winter. The following year saw the focus of the German Spring Offensive hit Flanders, and the Division fought through the desperate battles of Estaires, Hazebrouck and Bethune. David died during this terrible period, on 19 April 1918, aged 27. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

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

Evan John Jones, Private, 27180, South Wales Borderers. Evan was born in Llandeilo, the Son of William and Alice Jones. By 1911 the family had moved to Prospect Place, Garnant. Evan enlisted at Neath into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division moved to France on 13 August 1914, and took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne. The BEF then followed up the German withdrawal to the Aisne, and met them in battle again, before moving to Ypres, where they again stemmed the German attack there. After a hard first winter on the Western Front, the Division fought at the Battle of Aubers in May 1915, and then at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. They remained in positions around Loos until late June 1916 when they were moved to the Somme, but Evan was Killed in Action before the move, on 9 June 1916, aged 26. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. Evan is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

Llewellyn Jones, MM, Lance Corporal, 202827, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Llewellyn was the Son of Timothy and Anne Jones, of Brynywawr, Penybanc, Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the Welsh Regiment. Sometime later he was transferred into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June 1916, where they famously captured Mametz Wood. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened on 31 July 1917. They fought at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck, before being withdrawn to Armentieres for the winter. In April 1918 the Division was rushed to the Somme, and took up positions around Aveluy Wood, remaining here for the next few months. The tide of war turned on 8 August 1918, when a gallant victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and the Allies started pushing the Germans back over the ground they had taken so spectacularly. The Division launched its assault across the River Ancre on 21 August 1918, and began its drive towards the Hindenburg Line. Llewellyn was Killed in Action on 8 October 1918, aged 23. He is buried at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut, France. He was the holder of the Military Medal.

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

Tom Aneurin Jones, Gunner, 725429, Royal Field Artillery. Tom was the son of James and Anne Jones, of Graian Cottage, Bethlehem, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to C Battery, 265th Brigade, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division sailed for Gallipoli in July 1915, and fought there until December 1915 when they were withdrawn to Egypt. After twelve months in Egypt, the Division took part in the offensive into Palestine. Tom became ill, and died on 22 October 1918, aged 26. He is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Tom is not commemorated locally.

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

William John Jones, Gunner, 2985, Royal Field Artillery. William was the Son of John and Letitia Jones, of Norton Bridge, Pontypridd, Glam, and the Husband of Ethel Mary Jones, of Maerdy Fach, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the Royal Field Artillery, and served in their 'B' Battery, 122nd Brigade, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June 1916, where they captured Mametz Wood in July 1916. The badly depleted Division was then withdrawn from the Somme, and sent to Ypres, where they remained for the next year. On 31 July 1917 the Division fought at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, and the following Battle of Langemarck. In September the Division moved to Armentieres, and remained here until being moved back to the Somme in April 1918, and took up positions around Aveluy Wood. The tide of war turned on 8 August 1918, when a gallant victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and on 21 August 1918 the 38th Division crossed the River Ancre, launching its own assault. The Division fought at the breakout of the Battle of Albert, then at Bapaume, Havrincourt and Epehy, and then the Battles of Beaurevoir and Cambrai, where William was gassed. He was brought to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he sadly Died of Wounds on 8 November 1918, aged 26. He is buried there, in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. William is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

William Morgan Jones, Private, P.S.2250, Middlesex Regiment. William was the son of Daniel and Margaretta Jones. The family had lived at Llandeilo before moving to Penybryn Farm, Abergwili. William had moved to London to work as a Draper prior to 1911, and resided at Shepherd's Bush. He enlisted on 25 May 1915 into the Middlesex Regiment. William married Louisa Norman Lake while on leave, at St Stephen's Church, Hammersmith on 26 August 1915. He landed in France on 27 November 1915 with the 16th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was attached to 110 Brigade, 33rd Division. On 25 February 1916 the Battalion moved to GHQ Troops. On 25 April 1916 they were attached to 86 Brigade, 29th Division, which had recently moved to the Western Front from Gallipoli. The Division fought at Beaumont Hamel during the opening of the Battle of the Somme, and then in the latter stages of the Battle of Le Transloy. They then moved to Arras, and fought in the Battle of the Scarpe, where William was Killed in Action on 14 April 1917, aged 28. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

Charlie Valentine Lee, Sergeant, 23111, South Wales Borderers. Charlie was the Son of Valentine Henry and Sarah Lee, of 17, New Road, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Wrexham into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but subsequently transferred into the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June 1916, where they famosuly captured Mametz Wood in July 1916. The badly depleted Division was then withdrawn from the line, and sent to Ypres, and this is where Charlie was wounded. He was brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Proven, where he Died of Wounds on 14 October 1916, aged 26, and is buried there, at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

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

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

Evan Daniel Lewis, Private, 22703, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of Thomas and Elenor Lewis, of Orfe Villa, Llandeilo. He had served in France with the Welsh Regiment from September 1915 onwards, until being invalided home and posted to the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment,. The battalion was used for Garrison duties in the UK, and to supply replacements for front line units on the Western Front. Nothing is known of Evan's war service, but he died in Kent on 10 March 1919, aged 33, and is buried at Esgardawe Welsh Congregational Chapelyard.

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

Herbert Dixon Lister, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Herbert was the Son of Charles and Martha Lister, of Stanley Mills Cottage, Stanley, Wakefield, Yorks, and the Husband of Florence M. Lister, of Redburn Grove, Frizinghall, Bradford, Yorks. He had worked at Llandeilo as a Solicitor prior to the war, and wenlisted there into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Herbert was later commissioned on 27 March 1918 into another battalion of the Welsh Regiment and served on the Western front. He was killed in action during the German Spring Offensive in Flanders on 4 September 1918, aged 32. Herbert is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Martin Lloyd, Private, 61528, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Martin was the son of Henry and Rachel Lloyd, of Dinefwr Farm Yard, Llandyfeusant, and the Brother of Richard Lloyd, of Ardwyn, Cwmgwrach, Neath. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the army, and was posted to France in 1917, where he joined the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who had been on the Western Front since December 1915, attached to 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had captured Mametz Wood in July 1916, and the Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917, before being moved to positions around Armentieres. Martin probably joined the battalion here. On 21 March 1918 the German Spring Offensive swept through the British positions around Bapaume and St. Quentin, and the 38th Division was rushed to positions around Aveluy Wood, near Albert. They remained here for the next few months, until launching an attack across the River Ancre on 21 August 1918, and driving towards the Hindenburg Line. Martin was Killed in Action at Longueval on 28 August 1918, aged 28. He is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France.

Walter Everard Lloyd, Surgeon Lieutenant, Royal Navy. Walter was born on 7 December 1884, the youngest son of Dr. William Howell Lloyd and of Mrs Harriett Lloyd, of Llandeilo. He was educated at the London Hospital, taking the diplomas of M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. London in 1908. Walter joined the Royal Navy on 5 November 1909, and at the beginning of the Great War was serving at Wei Hai Wei, the British Naval China Station Base. He was invalided home towards the end of the war, and placed on the Retired List, but died at Llandeilo on 20 March 1919, aged 34. Walter is buried at Llandilo Fawr (St Teilo) Churchyard. He is not currently commemorated by the CWGC, but evidence relating to his death being caused by his military service has recently been sent to them.

Charles Henry Locke, Lance Corporal, 11144, Welsh Regiment. Charles was born at Birmingham, and enlisted in Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was sent to France as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division at the outbreak of war, landing at Havre on 13 August 1914. After the retreat from Mons to the Marne, the Division was moved to Ypres, and stemmed the German attack, during an epic defence at Gheluveld. After a hard first winter on the Western Front, Charles was Killed in Action on 25 January 1915. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.

John Marvelly, Engineman, 1734ES, Royal Naval Reserve. John was born at Llandeilo on 12 May 1860, the son of William and Elizabeth Marvelly (nee Thomas). Some years prior to the war he had moved to Milford Haven, where he worked as a fisherman, and lived with his wife, Marvelly, at 26, Dartmouth Street, Milford. John was enrolled into the Royal Naval Reserve on 21 January 1915, and trained at HMS Vivid, before being taken on as engineman aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II. John was killed when Lobelia struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. John was 57 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. John is not commemorated at Llandeilo, but on the Milford Haven Cenotaph.

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

Thomas Morgan, Lance Corporal, 8933, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Espernaint, Caio, the Son of David and Charlotte Morgan. His parents moved to Crick, Rugby, but Thomas remained in West Wales, living at Llandeilo prior to the war. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was sent to France at the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, landing at Havre on 13 August 1914. After the retreat from Mons to the Marne, the 2nd Welsh took part in a famous charge at Chivy-sur-Aisne. This is where Thomas was killed in action on 14 September 1914, aged 26. He is commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial, France. Thomas is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

 

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

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

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

Charles William Morris Perks, Private, 200924, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Charles Rees Perks and Elizabeth Perks, of Llandeilo. He married Blodwen Ethel Anthony, of 1, Pleasant Villas, Glynhir, Pontardulais while on leave in 1916. William enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division, and in July 1915, was shipped to Egypt, prior to landing at Suvla, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. They remained here throughout a terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In December, 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez Canal. Early in 1917 the Division invaded Palestine, and fought through the three Battles of Gaza, and moved towards Jerusalem, where William was Killed in Action on 3 November 1917, aged 23. He is buried in Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Many thanks to Avril Marks for the photograph.

 

Albert Walter Powell, Private, 204617, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born on 2 March 1899, the son of Harry and Sarah Jane Powell, of 2, New Vauxhall Terrace, Birmingham. He lived at Cwmaymlyn Farm, Bethlehem prior to the war and enlisted at Llandeilo on 9 February 1915 into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. His service papers show that he suffered from disciplinary problems, even while on active service in France. Albert had served in France before being found to be underage and posted to the 2/4th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers in May 1917. The battalion was attached to attached to 203 Brigade, 68th Division at Northampton, then moved to Bedford in July 1915, Aldeburgh in November 1916 and Henham Park (Halesworth) in May 1917. Albert committed suicide at Chelmsford Detention Barracks on 5 July 1917, aged just 18. He is buried in Springfield (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Chelmsford. Albert is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

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

Philip Pritchard, Private, 19976, Welsh Regiment. Philip was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandovery, (under the false name of Philip Richards) into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which became known as the Carmarthen Pals. The Battalion trained at Rhyl, before moving to France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had moved to positions around Armentieres, where they remained until moving south in June 1916, where they famously captured Mametz Wood in July 1916. The badly depleted Division was then removed from the line, and sent to Ypres, where they remained until the Passchendaele Offensive opened in June 1917. Philip was killed during the lead up to the assault on Pilckem Ridge, on 28 July 1917. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Philip is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

William Rees, Private, 53849, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, and enlisted at Abergavenny into the Monmouth Regiment, and later transferred to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France in July 1915, and saw it's first action at the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme in 1916, and attacked on the second day of the Offensive, capturing the village of La Boisselle, and remained on the Somme throughout the rest of 1916, fighting at Pozieres and the Ancre, where William was Killed in Action on 15 November 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. William is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

William Simon Rees, Private, 5962, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. William was the Son of James and Hannah Rees, of 2, Railway Terrace, Ffairfach, Llandeilo, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred to the 2/7th Battalion, Worcester Regiment, which were attached to 183 Brigade, 61st Division from August 1915 onwards, and left for the Western Front on 21 May 1916. They saw their first action at the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916. It was a disastrous diversion for the Somme attack, with the 5th Australian Division and the 61st Division forced to advance across open ground into heavy machine-gun fire. William was Killed in Action that day, aged just 21. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. He is possibly one of the men buried in the mass graves which were excavated at Fromelles several years ago.

Benjamin Aneurin Roberts, Private, 7002, South African Infantry. Benjamin was the son of Edward Aneurin and Edith Jane Roberts, of Cambrian House, Llandeilo. He had emigrated to South Africa prior to the war with his aunt and uncle, Charles Octavius Oxenham and Marian Oxenham, and he Enlisted at Transvaal into the 2nd Transvaal Scottish on 16 October 1914. Released from service on 7 August, he enlisted into 4th S.A.I. Battalion on 8 August 1915. The Battalion was part of the South African Brigade, which moved to France in April 1916 and was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division. They were stationed at the time near Vimy, north of Arras, which is where Benjamin was sadly Killed in Action on 24 August 1916, aged 18. He is buried in Zouave Valley Cemetery, Souchez. His cousin, Wyndham Oxenham, also fell.

George Roberts, Private, 54389, Welsh Regiment. George was living in Chelsea prior to the outbreak of war, but enlisted at Llandeilo into the army. He was posted to the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been formed in Cardiff in November 1914, and became attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, landing in France during December 1915. The Division moved to positions near Armentieres, where they remained until moving to the Somme, where they captured Mametz Wood during July 1916. It took almost a week for the Division to capture the wood, at a great cost in lives, and they were taken out of action and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they remained for almost twelve months, until the Battles of Third Ypres began, and the Division took part in the Battle of Pilckem and the Battle of Langemarck. George was Killed in Action soon after, on 27 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. George is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

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

 

George Edward Scott, Private, 3016, Welsh Regiment. George was born at Bristol, the son of John and Mary Ann Scott. By 1901 the family had moved to 4, Bank Buildings, Llandeilo, where George and his brothers and sisters were educated. By the outbreak of war the family had moved to 37, Victoria Street, Llandovery, and George enlisted at Llandovery into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On 17 April 1915 the battalion was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July 1915, was shipped to Egypt, preparatory to landing at Suvla, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. George was wounded soon after. He was evacuated to a Hospital Ship anchored off-shore, but sadly Died of Wounds at sea on 14 August 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. His brother John had been killed just three days earlier.

John Scott, Sergeant, 3055, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Bristol, the son of John and Mary Ann Scott. By 1901 the family had moved to 4, Bank Buildings, Llandeilo, where John and his brothers and sisters were educated. By the outbreak of war the family had moved to 37, Victoria Street, Llandovery. John married Edith Atkins, of Llandebie in 1906, and the couple set up home at 59, Gorsddu Road, Penygroes. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and sailed in July 1915 for Egypt. On 8 August 1915 the Division landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, and John was Killed in Action on 11 August 1915, aged 29, during the Battle of Sari Bair. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. His brother George died three days later.

John Scott, Private, 20102, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of George and Elizabeth Scott, of Kingswood Bristol, and the Husband of Mary Ann Scott, of 37, Victoria Street, Llandovery. He resided at Burry Port prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had been formed at Carmarthen during August 1914 and were to become part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division left for the Mediterranean during July 1915 but John remained at home, in Hospital at Aberavon, suffering from illness. He died there on 3 September 1915, aged 50, and is buried at Aberavon (St. Mary) Church Cemetery. Two of his sons also fell, George and John Scott.

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


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

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

 

Alfred Thomas, Private, 4226, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was born in Llandilo Fawr. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and sailed for Egypt in July 1915, preparatory for landing at Suvla, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. It was at Gallipoli, during the Attack on Scimitar Hill, that Alfred was killed in action on 10 August 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Arthur Thomas, Private, 11847, Royal Army Medical Corps. Arthur was the son of William and Margaret Thomas, of Towy Terrace, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. He had served during the Boer War in South Africa from 1900 to 1901. At the outbreak of the Great War, Arthur enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was posted to the 33rd Company, attached to the 11th (Northern) Division. On 1 Jul, 1915 the Division sailed from Liverpool, and arrived at Alexandria, before moving via Mudros to Gallipoli, landing on 7 August 1915 at Suvla Bay. The Division fought throughout the campaign on Gallipoli, until being evacuated to Egypt on 21 December 1915. In July 1916 they were moved to the Western Front, but Arthur remained in Egypt with his Company, which is where he sadly died of Sickness on 22 April 1917, aged 37. He is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

 

David Richard Thomas, Private, 2023, Pembroke Yeomanry. David was the Son of David and Mary Anne Thomas, and the husband of Mary Thomas, of the White Lion, Llandeilo. He had enlisted at Llandeilo into the Pembroke Yeomanry. The various squadrons of the Pembroke Yeomanry assembled for war in August 1914 attached to the South Wales Mounted Brigade. Sadly, David died just after mobilisation, on 3 November 1914, aged 44, and is buried at Llandeilo Fawr (St. Teilo) Churchyard. Many thanks to W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

Herbert Pritchard Thomas, Private, 53067, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Herbert was the Son of William and Jane Thomas, of Llandeilo, and the Husband of Mabel Thomas, of 1, Standard Villa, Tre-Thomas, Bedwas, Monmouth. He enlisted at Maesteg into the 1/5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Suvla Bay on 8 August 1915 and fought there until evacuation in December 1915 after suffering terrible casualties. They then moved to Egypt, where they reformed, and began the move into Palestine in early 1917. Herbert was aboard the Troopship HMT Transylvania when she was torpedoed in the Mediterranean on 4 May 1917, and sank. Herbert was 37 years old when he died that day. His body must have been recovered from the sea, and he is buried at Oneglia Town Cemetery, Italy.

Norman Thomas, MM, Sergeant, R/3758, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Norman was born in Llandeilo, the son of William and Mary Thomas, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 11th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, who were attached to 59 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. The Division moved to France in June 1915, and moved to positions near Fromelles, where they took part in a diversionary attack for the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. They fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel on 13 June 1916 alongside the Canadians, and then moved to the Somme, fighting at Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, before following the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later that year they fought at Third Ypres, at Langemarck, the Menin Road and Polygon Wood, and then moved south, where they fought in the Battle of Cambrai from November 1917 onwards. Norman was reported as missing during the Battle of Cambrai on 30 November 1917, and was thought to have been taken prisoner by the Germans. No trace of him was ever found. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France. It is not known at the moment where Norman earned his Military Medal.

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

Thomas Rees Thomas, Private, 39304, Suffolk Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David and Elizabeth Thomas, of Pantsoar, Salem, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Lambeth into the army and was posted to France, joining the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. The battalion had been with the BEF in France since the Battle of Le Cateau, and on 25 October 1914 they joined 8 Brigade, 3rd Division. Thomas would have joined the battalion in 1916, and fought throughout the Somme Offensive. In March 1917 the division was at Arras, and took part in the Battles of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. Later in the year they moved north, fighting at Third Ypres in the Battles of the Menin Road and Polygon Wood, and they moved south again, where they fought at the Battle of Cambrai. The Division remained in the area after the battle, and were caught up there in the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918. Thomas was wounded at some time during the next few chaotic days of the Battle of St. Quentin, and Died of Wounds on 14 April 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Pernes British Cemetery, France. Thomas is not commemorated at Llandeilo, but at Taliaris.

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

Tom Trowill, Private, 33934, Welsh Regiment. Tom was born in Danthorpe, Yorkshire, the son of John and Mary Ann Trowill, but resided prior to the war at Llandeilo. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and became the Pioneer Battalion to the Division in January 1915, prior to moving to Gallipoli. The Division landed at Cape Helles during July 1915 and fought on the Peninsula until being evacuated in January 1916 to Egypt. From here, they moved to Mesopotamia, to attempt to relieve the besieged British Troops in Kut, but the expedition failed. They remained in Mesopotamia however, eventually driving out the Turks, but on 11 August 1917, Tom died of sickness. He was 37 years old and is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Tom is not commemorated at Llandeilo.

Llewellyn Walters, Private, 75524, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Llewellyn was the son of Mary Walker, of 2, Brisken Villas, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the army, and was posted to France in the summer of 1918 to join the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been on the Western Front since December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division was at Aveluy Wood, on the Somme from April 1918, and they remained here for the next few months, desperately battling to stem the German advance. The tide of war turned on 8 August 1918, when a gallant victory at Villers-Brettoneux turned the German attacks, and the Allies started pushing the Germans back over the ground they had taken so spectacularly. The Division fought at the breakout of the Battle of Albert, then at Bapaume, Havrincourt and Epehy, and then the Battles of Beaurevoir and Cambrai, before moving towards the Selle and the Sambre, where another Battle was fought. Llewellyn was Killed in Action at the Battle of the Sambre on 21 October 1918, aged 25, and is buried in Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, France.

Edgar Frederick Watts, Sergeant, 9412, South Wales Borderers. Edgar was born in Brecon, the son of Edgar Frederick and Mary Anne Watts. At the turn of the century the family moved to 15, Railway Terrace, Llandeilo. Edgar had enlisted into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers prior to 1911. The battalion moved to France at the outbreak of war, as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division. They had remained on the Western Front throughout the war, and had fought in almost every major Battle that had been fought along the Western Front, and at the end of the war were selected to be part of the Army of Occupation stationed at Bonn. Sadly, Edgar Died of Pneumonia in Germany on 3 March 1919, aged 29. He had survived all of the bloodshed of the conflict, only to fall to illness, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. His brother William also fell. Photo courtesy of Michael Bloy.

 

William Arthur Watts, Private, 88941, King's Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of Edgar Frederick and Mary Anne Watts, of 5, Railway Terrace, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the army. Sometime in 1917 he was posted to the 7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which had been in France since March 1915, attached to 6 Brigade, 2nd Division. William probably saw his first action during Third Ypres, at the Battles of Pilckem and the Menin Road, and moved to Cambrai by November, where they fought during the Battle of Cambrai. They were decimated during the German counter-attacks on Cambrai, and moved to Givenchy and Festubert to recover, but were caught here when the German Offensive was focussed on Flanders, and made a name for them selves at the Battle of Estaires. William was Killed in Action here, on 11 April 1918, aged just 20, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. His brother Edgar also fell.

Edgar Williams, Company Quarter Master Sergeant, 200675, Welsh Regiment. Edgar was the son of Richard and Margaret Williams, of 24, New Road, Llandeilo. He enlisted at Swansea into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July 1915, was shipped to Egypt, preparatory to landing at Suvla, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915. After a terrible time at Gallipoli, the Division was evacuated in December 1915, and moved to Egypt, where they rebuilt. In 1917 they moved into Palestine, and remained there for the duration of the war. Edgar had embarked at Marseilles aboard the HMT Transylvania. She was a defensively armed merchant cruiser that had been requisitioned by the Royal Navy, and had been used in the Mediterranean for transporting troops and supplies. It is unknown whether Edgar was rejoining the Battalion after leave, or after recovering from wounds, but sadly the Transylvania was torpedoed on 4 May 1917 by the German U-boat U63 in the Gulf of Genoa, Italy. She sank with terrible losses that day. Edgar was 30 years old when he drowned that day, and is commemorated on the Savona Memorial, Italy.


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

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

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

Henry George Wilson, Private, 201822, South Staffordshire Regiment. Henry was the Son of Mansel Wilson and Elizabeth Wilson, of Wyvern, Latimer Road, Llandeilo, and the Husband of Mary Ada Wilson, of 38, Seddon Road, Garston. Liverpool. He enlisted at Walsall into the 7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, which was part of 33 Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division, and sailed from Liverpool in July 1915, for Gallipoli. They landed at Suvla Bay on 7 August 1915 and fought there until evacuating on 21 December 1915 to Egypt. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Western Front, and fought on the Somme at Flers-Courcelette, and the Ancre. They moved to Ypres the following year, and fought at the Battle of Messines, then at Langemarck, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle during Third Ypres. Henry was killed in action in Flanders on 21 March 1918, aged 27. He is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France. His brother George also fell.

Thomas Windle, Private, 8764, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Liverpool in 1885. He was working as a farm servant at Dryslwyn Fawr, Llangathen by 1901. Thomas married Esther Rees at Llandeilo in 1911, and the couple had two daughters, Mary and Netta. Thomas was a regular soldier who had enlisted at Llandeilo into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment prior to the war. At the outbreak of war the 2nd Welsh was part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division, who were rushed to France in August 1914 and moved to positions near Mons. After fighting at the Battle of Mons, they took part in the epic retreat to the Marne, where the BEF stopped the German Attack in its tracks, and forced them to retreat to the Aisne, where they again engaged them in Battle. Thomas was wounded during the Battle of the Aisne, and Died of Wounds on 15 September 1914, aged 29. He is commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Joarre Memorial, France. Thomas is not commemorated at Llandeilo, but at Cwmamman.

Llandeilo War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

Fritz Bernstein, Private, 13800973, Pioneer Corps. Fritz was born on 31 January 1916 in Germany, the Son of Hans and Selma Bernstein. He fled to England during the early years of the Nazi regime, and married Florence Jean Ward in 1939. During 1941 the couple had a son, Jack. Fritz volunteered to serve in the British Army at the outbreak of war, and due to his nationality was posted to the Pioneer Corps. He was posted to Carmarthenshire to work on coastal defences, but was bitten by a rat and contracted Weils Disease. Fritz was transferred to Newton House Hospital at Llandeilo, but died soon afterwards, on 4 August 1942. Fritz was 26 years old, and is buried at Llandeilo Fawr (St. Teilo) Churchyard. Fritz is not commemorated at Llandeilo. Many thanks to Mr. W. Stuart Davies for the photograph.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

John William Nicholas, Major, Pioneer Corps. John was the elder son of Mr. J.W. Nicholas, who was Clerk to Carmarthen County Council. John served as a J.P., and lived at Maestilo, Llandeilo. He had joined the Indian Army in 1914, and fought throughout WW1 in Egypt and Palestine. In 1924 he was invalided out of the Army with the rank of Captain, and moved into Local Government, serving as High Sheriff in 1936-37, and being a Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace, as well as serving on Carmarthen County Council. In 1939 John re-enlisted with the rank of Major, into the Pioneer Corps. He was employed by the War Office to take charge of the organisation of Pioneer Corps throughout Wales, and was then seconded to the Ministry of Food in Cardiff. John died in Hospital in London in August 1943 after undergoing an operation, leaving his widow and 11 year old son behind. No more is known of him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post World War Two

Gareth Melvyn Griffiths, Guardsman, 23929722, Welsh Guards. Gareth was born at Llandeilo on 13 March 1951, the son of John and Hannah Griffiths, and was the husband of Janice Griffiths. He joined the Welsh Guards straight from school, and had served at Cyprus and Northern Ireland prior to the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982. As a result, the British Government sent a powerful naval task force to the Islands, arriving a month later. On 8 June 1982, Gareth was with the Welsh Guards aboard their troopship, the RFA Sir Galahad, when she was hit by an Argentinian bomb and set ablaze. Gareth was one of 56 men killed during the blaze, with over 150 more badly wounded. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Armed Forces Memorial, at Alrewas, Staffordshire. He was 31 years old, and left his widow to bring up their two children alone.

Copyright © Steven John 2013