Pencader War Memorial
A modern photo of the War Memorial, plus a photo postcard showing the unveiling of the Great War Memorial at Pencader. Any additional information on the unveiling ceremony is most welcome.
The Great War, 1914-1918
Thomas Ansell, Private, 14340, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of John Ansell, of Cnwcdu, Pencader. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was formed during August, 1914 in Carmarthen. The Battalion were then attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July, 1915 sailed from Devonport for Egypt. On the 9th August, 1915 the Division had moved from Egypt, and landed on Gallipoli. They fought on Gallipoli until evacuation in December, 1915, after suffering terrible casualties, and moved to positions on the Suez Canal. In early 1917 the British were fighting in Mesopotamia, before moving into Palestine to fight the Turks, and Thomas was killed in action in Mesopotamia on the 25th January, 1917. He was just 19 years old, and is remembered on the Basra Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Benjamin Davies, Private, A/413, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Benjamin was the Son of Ben and Rachel Davies, of Neaudd Deg, Llanpumpsaint. He had enlisted at London into the 7th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, which was attached to the 41st Brigade, 14th (Light) Division, and landed at Boulogne on the 19th May, 1915. The Division moved into positions east of Ypres, and became the first British unit to be attacked by German flamethrowers during the German assault at Hooge on the 30th July, 1915. The 7th KRRC were positioned on the south side of the newly blown Hooge Crater, when at 3.15 p.m. jets of fire shot across from the German trenches towards their positions, and then a German Artillery Barrage saturated the ground. Vicious hand to hand fighting ensued, but the Germans didn’t follow up their attack, and the line stabilised again. Benjamin must have been wounded here, and evacuated home for treatment, as he is recorded as having died of wounds on the 15th October, 1915. He was 23 years old, and is buried in Llanpumsaint (Saer Calem) Baptist Chapelyard. The Pencader War Memorial incorrectly shows his date of death as the 20th October, 1915.
Evan Henry Davies, Private, 1753, Welsh Guards. Evan was born at Carmarthen, and prior to the war lived at Emlyn Villa, Pencader. He served in the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which had moved to France in August, 1915 where it became attached to the 3rd Brigade, Guards Division. The Division had a distinguished career during the Great War, fighting at the Battle of Loos, and through the Somme Offensive at the Battles of Flers-Courcelette and Morval. In 1917 they followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought later that year at Third Ypres, at the Battles of Pilckem, the Menin Road, Poelcapelle and Passchendaele, and saw the year out fighting at the Battle of Cambrai. In 1918 they were near Gouzeaucourt when the area was hit by the German Spring Offensive of March, 21st. The Guards, as indeed were all of the British Divisions in the area, were pushed back beyond Bapaume towards Albert, where the German Offensive stagnated. The war turned during the month of August, 1918 after a brilliant Australian success at Villers Brettoneux on the 8th was followed by a successful British breakthrough on the old Somme Battlefields on the 21st August, when the Battle of Albert saw the Germans pushed back beyond Bapaume in a few terrible days fighting. Evan was wounded around this time, and brought back to the Base Hospital at Rouen, where he sadly died of wounds on the 22nd September, 1918. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.
John Cynfyn Davies, Private, 55432, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of the Reverend William Jones Davies, of Blaenblodau Hall, Pencader. He enlisted at Lampeter into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Brigade landed at Havre during December 1915, and moved to positions near Armentieres. They fought through some of the hardest and most famous battles of the Great War-at Mametz Wood during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Pilckem Ridge during the battle of Passchendaele. During March 1918, the 15th Battalion was in reserve at The Laundry, Erquinghem. On the 6th March they relieved the 13th Welsh in support trenches at Houplines. Eight men were wounded by gas on the 9th March, and for the next few days the area was continually shelled and gassed by the Germans. After suffering badly here the Division was rushed south to assist with the desperate defence of Albert. The German Spring Offensive had swept across the old Somme Battlefields, and had pushed the Allies back further than ever. However, the attack burnt itself out, and for several months this resulted in a stalemate settling along the line on the Somme. John was killed in action near Albert on the 22nd April, 1918. He was 25 years old, and is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Titus Davies, Private, 11258, Welsh Regiment. Titus was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Davies, late of Glantalog, Pencader. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. They embarked at Avonmouth on the 29th June, 1915, and landed at Gallipoli on the 6th July, 1915, and were immediately thrown into Battle, with Titus being killed in action just two days after landing, on the 8th August, 1915. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial. The Pencader War Memorial shows his date of death to have wrongly been the 7th August.
Tom Davies, Private, 436795, Canadian Infantry. Tom was born on the 29th April, 1884, the Son of James and Hannah Davies, of Brynamburg, Pencader. He emigrated to Canada prior to the war, where he worked as a Miner, and he enlisted there at Edmonton on the 8th February, 1915. Tom was posted to the 49th Battalion (Edmonton) Canadian Infantry, which were attached to the 7th Canadian Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division, which formed in France during December, 1915. The Division moved to positions around Ypres, which is where Tom was killed in action on the 12th April, 1916. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Menin Road South Military Cemetery.
Evan Holmes, Private, 885, Australian Infantry. Evan was born in Conwil Elfed, the Son of Josiah and Mary Holmes. The family resided in Pencader prior to emigrating to Australia, where they lived at Bungalow, Cairns, Queensland. Evan enlisted at Cairns on the 12th March, 1915 into the 25th Battalion, Australian Infantry, which was attached to the 7th Brigade, 2nd Australian Division, and he landed on Gallipoli with his Battalion just months later. Evan was shot in the head on the 13th October, 1915 and brought to a Field Ambulance, where he died soon after that same day. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery. His brother George Henry also died. Not on Memorial.
George Henry Holmes, Private, 2899A, Australian Infantry. George was born in Pencader, the Son of Josiah and Mary Holmes. The family emigrated to Australia, where they resided at Bungalow, Cairns, Queensland, and George enlisted at Cairns on the 20th June, 1916, just eight months after his brother Evan was killed in Gallipoli. George was posted to the 52nd Battalion, which was attached to the 13th Brigade, 4th Australian Division, and he embarked at Brisbane on the 27th October, 1916 bound for England. After a spell in hospital ill, he was posted to the Western Front on the 25th June, 1917, where he joined his Battalion in the line. The 4th Australian Division were by now posted in Ypres, and were ready to take part in the Battles of Third Ypres, or Passchendaele. George was killed in action during the Battle of Passchendaele on the 18th October, 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Passchendaele New British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Daniel James, Private, 200168, Welsh Regiment. Daniel was the Son of Thomas and Mary James, of Lan Farm, Pencader. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was formed during August, 1914 in Carmarthen. The Battalion were then attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July, 1915 sailed from Devonport for Egypt. On the 9th August, 1915 the Division had moved from Egypt, and landed on Gallipoli. They fought on Gallipoli until evacuation in December, 1915, after suffering terrible casualties, and moved to positions on the Suez Canal. In early 1917 the British launched an attack into Palestine, which was occupied by the Turks, and Daniel was killed in action here at the First Battle of Gaza, on the 21st April, 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Gaza War Cemetery.
David Griffiths James, Private, 39510, South Wales Borderers. David was born in Pencader, and enlisted at Port Talbot into the Monmouth Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had begun their war in China, fighting the German Garrison at Tientsin. They returned to England, where they joined the 87th Brigade, 29th Division, and then moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 25th April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on the 11th January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15th March. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, which is where David was killed in action on the 21st October, 1916 during the Battle of the Ancre. His body was lost in the terrible conditions on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
John James, Private, 54561, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Pencader, and enlisted at Llanelli into Pembroke Yeomanry. He later transferred into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was formed at Swansea during August, 1914 and was later attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Havre during December 1915, and took up positions in the ‘Nursery Sector’ near Armentieres. In June, 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought in the Battle of Mametz Wood. The first attack went in on the 7th July, but it took a week of further, bloody, assaults to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties here, and were removed from the line, and moved north to positions around Ypres, where they remained for the next twelve months. Their next major offensive was at the Battle of Pilckem, and then the Battle of Langemarck, where John was wounded. He Died of Wounds at the Casualty Clearing Station at Dozinghem on the 13th September, 1917, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Evan Jenkins, Private, 260465, Gloucestershire Regiment. Evan was born in Pencader, the Son of Griffith and Mary Jenkins, later of Gregynog House, New Road, Pwll, Llanelly. He enlisted at Llanelli into the South Wales Borderers, and subsequently transferred into the 12th Battalion, Gloucester Regiment, which was attached to the 95th Brigade, 5th Division. The Battalion had originally landed in France on the 21st November, 1915 and had moved to the sector around St. Laurent Blangy over the winter of 1916/1917. In July, 1916 the Division moved south, and fought throughout the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of High Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and on the 5th November were moved from the line, and posted to Festubert to rebuild. In Spring, 1917 the Division fought during the Arras Offensive, during the Battles of the Vimy and the Scarpe, and after another rest period were moved north, where they fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele. Evan was wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele, and was brought to the Base Hospital at Wimereux for treatment. He sadly died of wounds here on the 2nd November, 1917 aged 29, and is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
John Jenkins, Private, 38937, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, of Nantllech, Pencader. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had landed in France in August, 1914 as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division fought at the Battle of Mons, and took part in the epic retreat to the Marne, where the German Advance was stopped in its tracks. They then followed the withdrawing Germans to the Aisne, and fought another pitched battle here, before being moved to positions east of Ypres. They famously halted the German attack towards Ypres, but at heavy cost, during First Ypres, and spent their first winter in Flanders. In 1915 the Division fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and then at the Battle of Loos. They remained around Loos throughout the winter of 1915/1916 and were due to move to the Somme in June, 1916, but John was wounded before the move, and died of wounds on the 9th June, 1916 aged just 19. He is buried at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery.
David Jones, Private, 56380, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Pencader, the Son of David and Sarah Jones, later of 6, Margam Terrace, Port Talbot, Glamorgan. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division had moved to France during July, 1915 and had seen its first action at the Battle of Loos. In July, 1916 they formed the second wave of the attack along the Albert to Bapaume Road, and captured La Boiselle, and fought throughout the Somme Offensive for the rest of 1916. In the summer of 1917 the Division fought at the Battle of Messines, and then at the Battle of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcapelle and at Passchendaele Village. At the beginning of 1918 the Division had been moved to the area north of St. Quentin, and were hit there by the German Spring Offensive of the 21st March, where the Division was hit hard during the resulting Battle of St. Quentin and the Battle of Bapaume, and were relieved and moved to positions near Messines to rebuild and rest. Unluckily for them though, the Germans switched the focus of their attack to Flanders, and David was wounded at the Battle of Messines. He died of wounds on the 16th April, 1918, aged just 18 years old, and is buried at Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
James Jones, Lance Corporal, 70342, Notts & Derby (Sherwood Foresters). James was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Jones, of Hengae, Llanllwni, Pencader. He enlisted at Warley, Essex into the Leicester Regiment, but later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. The Battalion were attached to the 18th Brigade, 6th Division at the start of the war, and had landed in France on the 10th September, 1914. They had been rushed to support the weakened BEF on the Aisne, and fought in the Battle there before being posted to positions east of Ypres. Here they took part in the Actions of Hooge, when the British blew the massive mine under the German Lines, creating the famous Hooge Crater. On the 27th October, 1915 the Battalion were moved to the 71st Brigade, but remained with the 6th Division, fighting with them during the 1916 Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and they moved to Loos in early 1917, where they fought at Hill 70. James was killed in action at Loos on the 1st July, 1917. He was 34 years old, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Jno Jones, Sapper. Is listed on the Memorial as being of Cader Vale, and died on the 14th October, 1920. There are no records that match these details, but there were several John Jones’ from the area killed during the war, none of which matched the date, and all of which resided around the eastern side of Llandyssul and Llangeler.
John Jones, Private, TR/4/12333, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Llanllwni, and enlisted at Newcastle Emlyn into the 20th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 13th Reserve Brigade. Very little is otherwise known of him, except that he Died at Home of Sickness on the 27th February, 1917 and is buried at Llanllwni (St. Luke) Churchyard. The Pencader War Memorial shows a Private John Jones of New Inn as having ‘Died from the effects of the war’ on the 3rd March, 1917. Only this man matches the description.
Thomas Lloyd Rees Jones, Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born in Pencader, the Son of Thomas Rees Jones and Mary Jones, and the Husband of Charlotte Mary Prichard Evans (formerly Jones), of Chelton Dale, Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye. He was commissioned into the South Wales Borderers, but at present his Battalion is unknown. Thomas died after the war, on the 29th September, 1919. He was 26 years old and is buried in Llanfihangel-Ar-Arth (St. Michael) Churchyard. The Pencader War Memorial incorrectly gives his date of death as the 21st September.
Edward Last, Private, 4825, Pembroke Yeomanry. Edward was the Son of Robert and Ellen Last of Pant-To, Pontyberem. Edward had served with the 2/1st Battalion, Pembroke Yeomanry, which was the Reserve (Home Service) Battalion. He died on the 15th November, 1918 aged 29 and is buried in Kempston Cemetery, Woolwich. Many thanks to Martin Edwards for the photograph.
Harry Lewis, Private, Royal Army Service Corps. Very little is known about Harry, but the War Memorial shows that he lives at Aeron Villa, Pencader and died on the 3rd October, 1921, and the Carmarthen County War Memorial shows that he served as a Private in the Royal Army Service Corps. Again, no record can presently be found of this man.
Daniel Rees, Private, 12581, Devonshire Regiment. Daniel was the Son of John and Sarah Rees, of 3, Lewis St., Pontwely, Llandyssul. He enlisted at Ferndale into the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was attached to the 20th Brigade, 7th Division, and moved to Belgium on the 6th October, 1914, landing at Zeebrugge. Due to the imminent collapse of the Zeebrugge defences, the Division were moved south, and took up positions east of Ypres. Here, they fought the advancing German Army to a standstill during First Ypres, and settled down for their first winter on the Western Front. In March, 1915 they fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, and then in May fought at Aubers Ridge. They then fought at Givenchy, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. After a hard winter near Loos, they moved to the Somme in June, 1916, and fought during the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Albert and Bazentin. They then moved towards Delville Wood, where Daniel was killed in action on the 4th September, 1916. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval. The Pencader War Memorial incorrectly shows his date of death as the 3rd September.
David Griffith Thomas, Private, 492712, London Regiment. David was born at Llanfihangel-ar-Arth, and moved to London prior to the war. He was the Husband of Elizabeth Thomas, of 11, Sea View Terrace, Lipson, Plymouth, and enlisted at Finsbury into the 5th Battalion, London Regiment. David subsequently transferred into the 2/13th Battalion (Kensington), London Regiment, which was attached to the 179th Brigade, 60th Division. After a short period in Ireland, helping to quash the rebellion, the Division moved back to England, and then to France on the 22nd June, 1916. In November, 1916 they moved to Salonika, where they fought in the Battle of Doiran, and remained there until moving to Palestine on the 2nd July, 1917. Here they fought in the Third Battle of Gaza, the Capture of Beersheba and the Capture of the Sheria Position, and went on to fight at and capture Jerusalem in December, 1917. David was wounded during the Battle of Jerusalem, and died of wounds on the 28th December, 1917. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery.
James Thomas, Gunner, 218777, Royal Garrison Artillery. James was born at Llanfihangel, the Son of Henry Thomas, of Lan Meredith, Brechfa. James enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was attached to their No. 1 Depot, on Home Service. James died of sickness on the 28th June, 1916 aged just 19, and is buried at Gwernogle Congregational Burial Ground. There is an error on the war memorial, as the date there shows 1918.
Thomas Thomas, Gunner, 171623, Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas was the Son of John and Anne Thomas, of Ysgubor, Pencader. He was residing in Burry Port prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Garrison Artillery, being posted to the Western Front with their 158th Siege Battery. Thomas was wounded during the latter stages of the Battles of Third Ypres, and died of wounds on the 10th December, 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
William Thomas, Sapper, WR/317268, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of William and Mary Thomas of Panteg, Llanllwni, and the Husband of Elizabeth Thomas, of Cross Inn Fach, Llanfihangel-ar-Arth. He served in the 263rd Railway Company, Royal Engineers, and died just after the end of the war in France on the 19th November, 1918. William was 25 years old, and is buried in Awoingt British Cemetery.
World War Two, 1939-1945
Islwyn Alban, Gunner, 1138909, Royal Artillery. Islwyn was the Son of Thomas and Mary Alban, and the husband of Elizabeth Alban, of Coedmor, Pencader. Islwyn served with the 65th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which had been in France in 1939 as part of the 44th Division of the BEF. The remnants of the 65th Field Regiment were among the thousands of British and French soldiers that were pulled off the beaches of Dunkirk during May and June, 1940. They were then sent to North Africa, and fought at the Battles of Alam Halfa and El Alamein, and were disbanded in North Africa after El Alamein. The 65th Field Regiment, RA went on to serve in Italy, during the Landings at Anzio, and Islwyn was killed in action during the Battle of Anzio on the 22nd May, 1944, during the Allied breakout of the Beach-Head. He was 29 years old, and he is buried in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio.
Tom Lewis Bowen, Lance Corporal, 2734592, Welsh Guards. Tom was the Son of John and Mary Bowen, of Pencader. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who were in France as part of the BEF in 1939. They fought during the epic withdrawal to Dunkirk, and the evacuation, and returned to France in June, 1940 as part of the Allied forces which landed after D-Day on the 26th June. The 1st Battalion landed in Normandy attached to the Guards Armoured Division, and fought through the Battle of Goodwood, where Caen was encircled and captured, into the Bocage. Tom was killed in action during the Battle of Normandy, on the 4th August, 1944. He was 26 years old, and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
David Ionawr Davies, Marine, PLY/X101160, Royal Marines. David was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Davies, of Aberbele, Pencader. He served with the 11th Battalion, Royal Marines, and he landed with them at Tobruk during Operation Daffodil. The Operation was part of Operation Agreement, which was intended to drive the Italian forces out of Tobruk, but it failed dismally, costing three ships and several hundred soldiers and Royal Marines. David was killed in action at Tobruk on the second day of the operation, on the 14th September, 1942. He was 31 years old, and is buried in Tobruk War Cemetery.
Thomas William Davies, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 2203359, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Henry and Jane Davies, of Withington, Manchester. Very little is known of Thomas at present, but he died on the 20th July, 1944 and is buried in Llanfihangel-Ar-Arth (Pencader) Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Arthur Selwyn (Dewi) Jones, Driver, 70689, Royal Army Service Corps. Arthur was the Husband of Martha Jane Jones, of Swansea. The War Memorial gives him as being from Typoeth, Pencader, and his name as Dewi, but this is the only man who fits the date. Arthur served with the Royal Army Service Corps, and was in North Africa after the outbreak of war, and was caught up in the Siege of Tobruk.Tobruk was an important Harbour, and was captured by the Allies on the 22nd January, 1941. In the meantime, Rommel had landed with his Afrika Korps, and began to drive the Allies back across North Africa. This left the vital Harbour of Tobruk isolated, and so began the epic siege. Arthur was killed in action on the 15th April, 1942 in Tobruk. He was 38 years old, and is buried in Tobruk War Cemetery.
Clifford Raymond Jones, Gunner, 986733, Royal Horse Artillery. Clifford was the Son of Daniel and Sarah Jane Jones, of Cottage Farm, New Inn. Clifford served with the 107th (The South Notts. Hussars) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. The South Notts Hussars were attached to the 5th Cavalry Brigade at the start of war. In 1940 the Brigade moved from France to Palestine, and fought in Wavell’s Offensive against the Italians. At one stage, over 5248 Italians surrendered to one gun from the South Notts. Hussars. They then moved to Tobruk, where they gained much esteem for their part in the Defence of Tobruk, along with the 9th Australian Division, and after the break out from Tobruk, they joined the 22nd Armoured Brigade. They then fought in the Battle of Knightsbridge, which lasted from the 27th May to the 6th June, 1942, and were ordered to stand and fight until the last man. Clifford was killed in action here on the 27th May, 1942 aged just 21, and is remembered on the Alamein Memorial.
Evan Gwyn Williams, Leading Aircraftman, 1339044, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Evan was the Son of David and Amy Williams, of Pencader. He served with the RAFVR in North Africa, which is where he was killed in action on the 9th May, 1943 during the final stages of the war in the Western Desert, when the Afrika Korps had been cornered in Tunisia. Evan was 24 years old, and is buried in La Reunion War Cemetery, Algeria. Not on Memorial.