The Parish of Llanedy is situated on the River Loughor, near the County Border, next to Glamorgan. The men commemorated below are named on the Llanedy War Memorial, but I have also included those who are shown as being Llanedy men on the 1922 published Carmarthen County War Memorial Roll. Many thanks to Nigel Richards for kindly sending in photographs of the Memorial at Llanedy, which is located at St. Edith's Churchyard.

Llanedy War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

 

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

 

William Robert Bridges, Second Lieutenant, Bedfordshire Regiment. William was born at Llanedy on 30 July 1894, the son of Philip and Mary Bridges (nee Williams), the daughter of Reverend Roger Williams, Rector of Llanedy. The family moved to Holm Place, Stonehouse, Gloucester, at some time after 1911, and William was educated at Shrewsbury School. After the outbreak of war he enlisted into the 19th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and served in France until 14 January 1915. William was commissioned in August 1916 as Second Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, which was in France attached to 190 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. William saw heavy fighting at Beaumont Hamel during the winter of 1916, and was wounded there on 13 November, before returning home to recover. Early in 1917, he rejoined his battalion at Arras, where he was badly wounded during the assault on Gavrelle on 23 April 1917. William was brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Aubigny, where he died of his wounds that day. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France. William is not commemorated locally.

 

Ernest William Burridge. Private, 265775, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Burridge of Crediton, Devon, and thee Husband of Lydia A. M. Burridge, of 1, Wernbwll, Hendy. He enlisted at Swansea into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a Territorial Battalion, which had been in France since October 1914, and was then attached to the 1st Division as Pioneers from October 1915. They then fought during the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt, at Loos. In 1916 the Division moved south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, and then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the FlandersCoast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Ernest was wounded at Passchendaele, and died of his wounds on 27 October 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Ernest is not commemorated on the War Memorial, but is named on the County Roll.

 

William Gordon David, Private, 36364, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted there into the South Wales Borderers. He later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshires, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on 19 May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. William was killed at Loos on 2 October 1915. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. William is not commemorated on the War Memorial, but is named on the County Roll.

 

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

 

John Edgar Davies, Private, 15250, Connaught Rangers. John was the Son of William and Margaret Davies, of 5, Penant Terrace, Llanelly. He enlisted at Marylebone into the Wiltshire Regiment, but was later posted to the 5th Battalion, Connaught Rangers, which was attached to 197 Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancs) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front in March 1917 and moved to the Flanders Coast. At the end of September 1917 they moved to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of Poelcapelle. They then moved south to the Somme, and on 21 March 1918 were hit by the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of St Quentin, and moving back west fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and the Battle of Rosieres. After suffering very heavy casualties during the Battles of the Somme in 1918, the Division was first reduced to a training cadre and then reformed and reconstituted, before taking part in the final offensive, fighting at the Battle of Cambrai, and the Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle. John was wounded during the final days of the war, and died on 8 November 1918, aged 22. He is buried at Pont-Sur-Sambre Communal Cemetery, France. John is not named on the War Memorial, but is named on the County Roll.

 

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

 

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

 

Trevor Lewis Evans, Trooper, 3412, Household Cavalry. Trevor was born at Hendy, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Life Guards, Household Cavalry. On 7 October 1914 they landed at Zeebrugge attached to the 3rd Cavalry Division. Other than in the first two weeks when it was used in the traditional cavalry, for mobile reconnaissance, it fought most of the war as a dismounted force, and saw action at First Ypres, Second Ypres, Loos and Arras. For most of the time, it took its turn in holding various sections of the front, while remaining prepared to exploit breakthroughs in battle, but opportunities for fighting rarely presented themselves. Trevor was killed near the Hindenburg Line on 7 February 1918. He was buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, France.

 

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

 

 

Joseph Harrop Griffiths, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Joseph was the Son of David Harrop-Griffiths and Charlotte Harrop-Griffiths, of Brondeg, Pontardulais, and served in the Mercantile Marine aboard the SS Daybreak, a West Hartlepool registered ship. Daybreak was on voyage carrying a cargo of Maize on 24 December 1917 when she was sunk by a torpedo which had been fired without warning by a German submarine, near South Rock Lightship, Strangford Lough, Co Down. The entire crew were lost. Joseph was 23 years old, and is commemorated alongside his shipmates on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Griffith Elphin Jones, Cadet, Mercantile Marine. Griffith was born in 1901, and lived at Capel Newydd, Hendy, Pontarddulais. He joined the Mercantile Marine as a Cadet, and served aboard the Elder-Dempster Line Steamship RMS Burutu. On 3 October 1918, Burutu was sailing through St. George's Channel, on voyage from Lagos, W. Africa to Liverpool with a general cargo, and tin ingots. In poor conditions, she was struck midships by the Glasgow registered S.S. City of Calcutta, and sunk in minutes with the loss of 150 lives. Griffith died in the sinking of Burutu, but for some reason is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

William Hordern Norris, Private. Very little is known of Hordern, but he was born in Middlesex in 1899, and was the Grandson of Joseph and Harriet Green, of 16, Gilbert Place, Llanelly, who he was residing with by 1901. He is also commemorated on the Great Western Railway Memorial, and is listed as being based in the Engineering Department at Pantyffynon. He possibly died in West Ham in 1920.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 


W. J. Thomas, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.

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

 

Ivor Carlyle Williams, Private, 66193, Cheshire Regiment. Ivor had been born at Milford Haven, and was the Son of John and Eleanor Williams, later of 11, William's Street, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 9th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines. Ivor was wounded at Messines, and died of his wounds on 29 April 1918. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Esquelbecq Military Cemetery, France. Ivor is not commemorated on the War Memorial, but is named on the County Roll.

 

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

 

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

 

Edwin Frank Wood, Private, 67459, Cheshire Regiment. Edwin was the Son of Mrs. Mary Isabella Wood, of 41, Charles St. Neyland, He had worked in the mines at Pantyffynon early in the war, living at 27, Mill Terrace, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the army on 11 July 1917. Edwin was posted to the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment in April 1918. The battalion was attached to 75 Brigade, 25th Division, and had recently moved Ploegsteert. On 9 April 1918 the Germans launched an offensive on the Lys, and the Division was caught up in the terrible fighting here, at the Battles of Estaires, Bailleul, Messines and Kemmel. On 9 May the Division moved to Fismes, 20 miles SE of Soissons in the Champagne, to give it a chance to rest and rebuild again. However, on 26 May they took up positions south of the Aisne, to guard against a predicted German Offensive. On 27 May the attack hit them, and during the coming days the Division was virtually annihilated. Edwin was captured during this period, and was sent to a Prisoner of War Camp in Poland. Sadly he became ill and died there of meningitis on 4 November 1918 and is now buried at Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. He was just 19 years old. Many thanks to Peter Bennett for the photograph.

 

World War Two, 1939-1945

Phillip Allen, Private, 6851884, Middlesex Regiment. Phillip was the Son of Abirthar and Selina Allen, of Tycroes. He served with the 2/7th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was became the Divisional Machine-Gun Battalion to the 46th (North Midland) Division, before moving to North Africa, where it joined the 1st Division. The Division took part in the invasion of Sicily, and it was there that Phillip was killed on 20 July 1943, aged 31. Phillip is buried at Catania War Cemetery, Sicily.

 

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

 

R. Davies, Seaman. This man cannot presently be identified.

Vincent Howell Davies, Fusilier, 4198779, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Vincent was the Son of Stephen and Sarah Davies, and served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. In 1942 the Battalion sailed for the Far East, and arrived in India at the end of May 1942. They fought during the campaign in Burma against the Japanese, which is where Vincent was killed, during the Battle of Kohima, on 6th May 1944. He was 26 years old, and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial, Burma.

Roger Owen Francis, Sergeant (Wireless Op/ Air Gunner), 982893, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Roger was born early in 1921, the son of John and Elizabeth Francis (nee Rogers), of Llanedy.  Roger served with 9 Squadron, RAFVR, which was a bomber squadron, equipped with the Vickers Wellington. At 22.05 hrs on the night of 10/11 April 1942, Roger took off aboard Wellington X3702 from RAF Honington, to bomb Essen, Germany. Soon after crossing into Germany, the aircraft was shot down and crashed at Himmelgeist on the east bank of the Rhine. All of the crew were killed, including Roger, who was 21 years old. The crew were buried side by side at Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

Selwyn Griffiths, Petty Officer, D/JX 128350, Royal Navy. Selwyn was the Son of Taliesin and Maud Griffiths of Pontardulais, and the husband of Doreen Griffiths, of Perranporth, Cornwall. He served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Gloucester, which was a Town Class Cruiser, launched in 1937. She saw service in the Indian Ocean and around South Africa early in the war, before moving to the Mediterranean. Selwyn was killed when HMS Gloucester was sunk off Crete during the ill fated defence of the Island on 22 May 1941. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Over 700 men died in the loss of Gloucester.

Kenneth Gwyn Hanham, Ordinary Seaman, Merchant Navy. Kenneth was the Husband of C. A. Hanham, of Glanamman, and served in the Merchant Navy aboard the SS Sourabaya, a Jersey registered converted whaling ship. She left New York on 18 October 1942, with a cargo of fuel oil, war stores, and 87 passengers, in Convoy HX-212. On 27 October 1942, South-East of Cape Farewell, U-436 fired a spread of three torpedoes into the convoy of which the third torpedo hit the Sourabaya sinking her. Kenneth died that day. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. He was the holder of the King's Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Gareth Alwyn Harries, Private, 14179344, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Gareth was the Son of William D. Harries and Sarah E. Harries, of Tycroes, and served with the 5th Ordnance Base Depot, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which was based in North Africa. Gareth was too young to serve during World War Two, but was serving in Egypt when he died on 19 March 1947. He was 18 years old, and is buried at Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

David Rees Douglas Jenkins, Private, 14201507, Gordon Highlanders. David was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Jenkins, of Pantyffynnon, and served with the 1st Battalion, (The London Scottish), Gordon Highlanders. The Battalion were in France at the outbreak of war, and held St. Valery-en-Caux in an effort to buy time for the remainder of the BEF to be evacuated from Dunkirk. The entire Battalion was captured after the surrender of France, and a new 1st Battalion was raised in Scotland, and sent to the Middle East, landing at Tripoli. David was either wounded or taken ill in North Africa, as he was brought to Mosul in Iraq for treatment. He died there on 3 March 1943, aged just 21, and is buried at Mosul War Cemetery.

Hilton Jones, Flight Sergeant, 965692, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Hilton was the Son of Mabel Jones, of Pontardulais, and he served with 220 Squadron, RAF.  The Squadron flew with Coastal Command, equipped with the Hudson. In April 1941 the squadron as a whole moved to Wick in Scotland, where it continued to operate on anti shipping duties over Norwegian waters. Hilton was killed on 19 October 1941 when his Hudson did not return from a flight to Norway. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Leonard Jones, Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1837130, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Leonard was the Son of Samuel and Bessie Jones, of Tycroes, and served with 149 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a heavy bomber unit, based at RAF Methswold, and equipped with the Avro Lancaster III. Leonard was killed on 5 June 1945, probably during a mission to drop food. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Lille Southern Cemetery, France.

 

Richard James Mitchell, Lance Serjeant, 2734611, Royal Artillery. Richard was the Son of Mary Mitchell, and the husband of Edith Gwendoline Mitchell, of Pontardulais. He served with 312 Battery, 90 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Richard served in North Africa, and took part in the invasion of Sicily and Italy in 1943-4. He was 25 years old when he was killed at Anzio on 12 February 1944, and is buried at Anzio War Cemetery, Italy.

John Morgan, Private, 3915890, South Wales Borderers. John lived at Iscoed Road, Hendy, Pontardulais. He served with the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was raised in July 1940. The battalion sailed for Bombay in October 1942, and trained in India until March 1943, before moving to Calcutta. It was then posted to Burma, where it took part in a hard fought campaign against the Japanese, and the 6th SWB gained fame for their part in the capture of the Mayu Tunnels. In February 1945 the Battalion crossed the Irrawaddy, and took possession of Myitson, where three bridgeheads were developed. In the following days the Japanese launched a series of heavy attacks on the possession, but the SWB clung on. John was killed at Myitson on 16 February 1945. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Lewis Winston Palmer, Leading Aircraftman, 1250436, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Lewis was the Son of William and Mary Palmer. Very little can presently be found of his wartime service, but Lewis died at Bridgend on 26 December 1944, aged 37, and is buried at Llanedy (St. Edith) Churchyard. Many thanks to Bev Lewis for the photograph.

 

Benjamin Raymond Waters, Trooper, 7901572, Royal Armoured Corps. Benjamin served with the 3rd Kings Own Hussars, which was an armoured unit, attached to the Royal Armoured Corps. After the fall of France, the 3rd Hussars moved to North Africa, but in 1941 'B' Squadron was sent to Singapore as reinforcements, before being diverted to Java after the surrender of Singapore. Benjamin was captured by the Japanese in Java, and was transported to Japan for labour. Benjamin died in Japan as a POW on 18 December 1942. He was cremated by the Japanese, so today is commemorated at Yokohama Cremation Memorial, Japan.

 

Johnny Waters, Marine, PLY/X 101624, Royal Marines. Johnny was the Son of Lewis and Sarah Ann Waters, and the husband of Jenny Waters, and served in the Royal Marines. He was posted to HMS Charybdis, which was a Dido Class Light Cruiser, launched in 1940. She had a busy career, serving in the Malta Convoys, at North Africa in 1942, Salerno in 1943, the Atlantic in 1943, then the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay during 1943. On 23 October 1943 she was heading a small force, which was tasked with the sinking of the German supply ship Munsterland, when she was sunk by a German Torpedo boat. Jonny was killed in the sinking. He was 29 years old, and was buried at St. Brieuc Western Communal Cemetery, France, after his body washed ashore.