Pontyberem War Memorial
The Great War, 1914-1918
William George Aubrey, Private, 1301, Welsh Guards. William was born at Burry Port on the 16th December, 1893, the son of John Aubrey and Mary Aubrey (nee Watkins), of New Lodge, Pontyberem, and the Brother of the Rev. J. Aubrey, of Rhoslwyn Villa, Penybank, Ammanford. William worked as a Fireman at the New Dynant Colliery, but when war was declared, he enlisted at Kingston, Surrey into the Welsh Regiment. Later he transferred into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which were attached to the 3rd Brigade, Guards Division. William served with the Welsh Guards at the Battle of Loos, and fought with them on the Somme in 1916. He suffered terrible injuries from a German shell explosion at Sailly-Saillisel on the 10th December, 1916 and died the same day. William was 23 years old, and is buried at Bronfay Farm Military Cemetery, Bray Sur Somme.
Walter Bentley, Driver, 117665, Royal Field Artillery. Walter was the Son of George and Mary Jane Bentley, of 5, Gwendraeth Row, Pontyberem, and enlisted at nearby Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery, being posted to the 30th Division Ammunition Column. In November, 1915 the Division moved to France, and saw its first major action during the Somme Offensive, at the Battle of Albert, capturing Montauban. They then fought at the Battle of Le Transloy and followed up the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917, before taking part in the Arras Offensive. They then moved to Ypres, and fought at the opening of Third Ypres, at the Battle of Pilckem, where Walter was killed in action on the 13th July, 1917 aged 23. He is buried at Reninghelst New Military Cemetery.
William Richard Benyon, Private, 12972, South Wales Borderers. William was born in Llandefeilog, and enlisted at Tumble into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion were formed in August, 1914 and became part of the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. They embarked at Avonmouth on the 29th June, 1915, and landed at Gallipoli on the 6th July, 1915. They remained on Gallipoli for the duration of the campaign, until being evacuated on the 8th January, 1916. After a brief spell on the Suez Canal Defences, the Division moved to Mesopotamia on the 12th February. At the opening of 1917, the Division fought during the Battle of Kut-el-Amara, where William was killed in action on the 25th February, 1917. He is remembered on the now sadly derelict Basra Memorial.
Ernest Bowen, Private, 200043, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Son of Mrs. Mary Bowen, of Church House, Robeston Wathen, Narberth. He enlisted at Narberth into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The 15th were raised by the Carmarthenshire County Committee during October 1914. They became part of 114th Brigade, 38th Welsh Division on the 29th April 1915. The brigade landed at Havre during December 1915. They fought through some of the hardest and most famous battles of the Great War-at Mametz during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Pilckem Ridge during the battle of Passchendaele. 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 taking part in the initial defence in Flanders, the Division was rushed to the Somme, where they were positioned north of Albert, in the heart of the old 1916 Battlefields. Here they fought in the heroic defence of the lines, which prevented the German breakthrough, until the tide was turned on the 8th August, by an Australian victory at Villers-Brettoneux. The Allies now held the initiative, and quickly began pushing the Germans back toward the Hindenburg Line, and on the 18th September the Division took part in the Battle of Epehy. Ernest was killed in Action this day, aged 23. He had been attached to the 114th Trench Mortar Battery, and was at the forefront of the fighting when he was killed, and he is now buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery.
William John Davies, Lance Corporal, 235210, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of Mary Davies, of 8, Mynachlog Terrace, Pontyberem, and enlisted at Pontyberem into the Welsh Regiment. He later transferred into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 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 on the 24th April, 1918 William was killed in action at the Battle of Messines. He was 32 years old, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Henry Arthur Dobson, Private, 203210, North Staffordshire Regiment. Henry was born in Chesterton, Staffordshire, and enlisted at Newcastle, Staffs into the 1st Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment. With Staffordshire being a big coal mining area, Henry must have spent some period of his life in Pontyberem working in the nearby mines. The 1st North Staffs were in Ireland at the outbreak of war, and moved to France as part of the 17th Brigade, 6th Division, landing at St. Nazaire on the 10th September, 1914. They were rushed to the Aisne to support the hard pressed BEF, and then moved to Flanders. In June, 1915 the Division fought at Hooge, and then on the 18th October, 1915 the Battalion transferred to the 72nd Brigade, 24th Division, and joined up with them at Loos, where it had suffered during the previous month’s offensive there. July, 1916 saw the Division move south, where it fought in the Somme Offensive at Delville Wood and Guillemont. They fought during the Arras Offensive in April and May, 1917, at the Battle of Vimy, and then moved to Flanders again, fighting at the Battle of Messines, and then at Third Ypres, at the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck. The Division then moved south, to hold a section of the front north of St. Quentin, which is where they were hit by the German Spring Offensive of the 21st March, 1918 at the Battle of St. Quentin. Henry was killed in action during the terrible period of desperate fighting that followed, on the 29th March, 1918. He is buried at Premont British Cemetery.
Henry Duggan, Private, 201688, Welsh Regiment. Henry was the Son of John and Ellen Duggan, of Blaen-y-Wawr, Pontyberem. 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 Henry was killed in action here at the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917. He was 22 years old, and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.
D. Evans, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.
David Onslow Greville, 2nd Lieutenant, West Yorkshire Regiment. David was the Son of the late David and Catherine Thomas, of Glangwendraeth, Pontyates, and the adopted Son of Thomas Greville, of Maes Derwen, Pontyberem. He was commissioned into the West Yorkshire Regiment, and posted to their 16th Battalion, which were attached to the 93rd Brigade, 31st Division. The Division had originally been moved to Egypt in December, 1915 and then in March, 1916 moved to the Western Front, where they took part in the opening of the Somme Offensive, during the Attack on Serre. They suffered terrible casualties here, and were withdrawn from the line for several months to rest and rebuild, before being moved into positions at Arras, where they took part in the Battle of the Scarpe, where David was killed in action on the 3rd May, 1917. He was 24 years old, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
Evan Frederick Griffiths, Private, 356401, King’s Liverpool Regiment. Evan was the Son of Rhys Gwilym Griffiths, M.E., and Leah Griffiths, of Arfryn, Pontyberem. Evan had been educated at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and had graduated with a B.A. He enlisted at Southport, Cheshire into the 13th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, which had crossed to France in September, 1915 attached to the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. Here, the Brigade was attached to the 3rd Division, before the Battalion were moved to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, at Ypres. They took part in actions at Bellewaarde and St. Eloi before moving to the 9th Brigade, still with the 3rd Division, and moving to the Somme. Evan was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme, on the 16th August, 1916. He was 27 years old, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Rees Griffiths, Private, 63926, Royal Army Medical Corps. Rees was the Son of David and Anne Griffiths, of Meilog, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was posted to their 106th Field Ambulance, which was attached to the 35th Division. The Division moved to France early in 1916, and took up positions in French Flanders. Rees was killed in action here on the 30th May, 1916 aged 23, and is buried at St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue.
Willie Griffiths, Private, 53625, Welsh Regiment. Willie was the Son of David and Louisa Griffiths, of 24, Furnace Terrace, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were the Carmarthenshire (Service) Battalion. The 15th Battalion was raised by the Carmarthenshire County Committee during October 1914. They became part of 114th Brigade, 38th Welsh Division on the 29th April 1915. The brigade landed at Havre during December 1915. 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. Willie was wounded here, and brought to a Casualty Clearing Station at Merville, where he died of wounds on the 11th March, 1918. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery Extension.
John Hough, Gunner, 117671, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Husband of C. M. Hough, of Supply Stores, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their ‘C’ Battery, 285th Brigade. The Brigade had been formed in February, 1915 and joined the 57th Division, which moved to France in February, 1917. It served with the Division until the end of the war, and saw action at Third Ypres, and during the finals advance to victory in 1918. John was killed in action during the Battle of the Canal du Nord, on the 30th September, 1918. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Naves Communal Cemetery Extension.
William Hughes, Private, 54595, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Jeremiah and Mary Ann Hughes, of Ael-Y-Bryn, Pontyberem, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment which were the Carmarthenshire (Service) Battalion. The 15th Battalion was raised by the Carmarthenshire County Committee during October 1914. They became part of 114th Brigade, 38th Welsh Division on the 29th April 1915. The brigade 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. William was killed in action at Ypres on the 30th April, 1917, aged just 20 and is buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall).
William Hughes, Private, 33853, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llanelli, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed during August, 1914 in Cardiff and became attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and moved to France during July, 1915. They saw their first action at the Battle of Loos in September, 1915 and remained in the area for the next few months, before moving to the Somme in 1916. Here they were to take part in the follow up assault on the German front line at La Boisselle, where the giant mine crater was blown at 7.30 on the morning of the 1st July, 1916. The 19th Division were in reserve at Albert on the first day, but somehow William was killed in action on that first day of the Battle of the Somme, and his body was lost during the subsequent fighting over the area. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Richard Miles Jenkins, Private, 94253, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Richard was born at Llannon, and resided in Pontyberem when he enlisted into the Monmouth Regiment at Llanelli. He subsequently transferred to the 17th 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. On the 8th August, 1918 a gallant attack by the Australian Corps on the German lines at Villers Brettoneux seized the initiative, and later in the month the British launched an attack from Albert, which pushed the weakened Germans back across that ground which they had so successfully captured just months previously. The 38th Division fought at the Battle of Bapaume, and then beyond to the Hindenburg Line at the Battles of Havrincourt, Epehy and Beaurevoir. They then pushed towards Cambrai, which had been in German hands since 1914, and onwards towards the Selle and the Sambre. Richard was killed in action during the Battle of the Sambre, on the 4th November, 1918, just a week before the Armistice. He is buried at Englefontaine British Cemetery.
Ivor Sidney Jones, Private, 40263, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones, of Vale View, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The brigade 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, and Ivor was killed in action that day. He was just 21 years old, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
John Jones, Private, 44060, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Mrs. Sarah Jones, of Jubil Cottage, Pontyberem. He was another local boy who enlisted into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The brigade 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, and failed. The next large scale assault was on the 11th, and John was killed in action during the murderous advance across ‘Death Valley’. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
William David Jones, Wireless Operator, Mercantile Marine. William was the Son of David and Mary Jones, of 6, Bryn Terrace, Pontyberem, and served as a Wireless Operator in the Mercantile Marine, aboard the SS Cheviot Range. Cheviot Range had been built in 1914, and had served throughout the war, but was attacked by a German Submarine off the Lizard on the 21st February, 1918 and was sunk by a torpedo. William was drowned as a result. He was only 20 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
William Thomas Jones, Gunner, 171488, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was the Son of William John and Elizabeth Jones, of Paris House, Pontyberem, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Garrison Artillery. William was posted to their 195th Siege Battery, and moved to the Western Front. William was killed in action during the British offensive on the 24th September, 1918. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Windmill British Cemetery, Monchy-Le-Preux.
Thomas James Lewis, Private, 509, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Joseph and Ann Lewis, of Brynhawddgar, Mynyddcerrig, Pontyberem. 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. The next few days were chaotic, with small scale battles raging around the Peninsula, and Thomas was killed in action on the 12th August, 1915. He was 23 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
Patrick McLoughlin, Sapper, 66818, Royal Engineers. Patrick was the Son of Christopher and Margaret McLoughlin, of Main Street, Longford, Ireland, and the Husband of Hannah McLoughlin, of Cilrhedyn, Pontyberem. He enlisted into the Royal Engineers, and served with their 36th Airline Section. It is probable that the Airline Sections worked in conjunction with the Tunnelling Companies, and so Patrick was on the Somme in late 1916, where the Tunnelling Companies were driving mines under High Wood. Patrick was killed in action on the Somme on the 10th September, 1916 aged 40, and is buried at Bertrancourt Military Cemetery.
Albert Francis Merrick, Private, 18355, South Wales Borderers. Albert was born in Stroud, the Son of Francis Charles and Ellen Merrick. He moved to West Wales, and resided at Pontyberem prior to the war, and travelled to Newport to enlist into the 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division, and landed at Boulogne on the 6th September, 1915. However, they were soon on the move again, and moved to Marseilles, where they sailed on the 10th September for service in Salonika. The Division remained here for the duration of the war, and Albert was killed in action during the Battle of Doiran on the 18th September, 1918. He was 34 years old, and is buried in Doiran Military Cemetery.
Joseph Picking, Corporal, 12912, South Wales Borderers. Joseph was born in Haigh, Wigan, and was the husband of Annie Jane Picking. Annie remarried after the war, and became Annie Jane Parry, of 2, Wheel Row, Pontyberem. Joseph enlisted in Tumble into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which were attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and moved to France as part of the BEF in August, 1914. 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 moved to the Somme early in the Summer of 1916. Here they took part in the Battles of Albert and Bazentin and then at Pozieres, where Joseph was killed in action on the 27th August, 1916. He was 24 years old, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
David Henry Rees, Gunner, 59755, Royal Garrison Artillery. David was the Son of David Rees, of 10, Dunraven St., Caerau, Bridgend. He was living at Pontyberem prior to the war, and enlisted at Pentre into the Royal Garrison Artillery. David was posted to their 80th Siege Battery, and moved with them to the Western Front. David was died during the Battle of the Somme, on the 10th September, 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension.
Alun Roberts, Private, 42561, South Wales Borderers. Alun was born at Llanhir, Pontyberem, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which were attached to the 115th 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. On the 8th August, 1918 a gallant attack by the Australian Corps on the German lines at Villers Brettoneux seized the initiative, and later in the month the British launched an attack from Albert, which pushed the weakened Germans back across that ground which they had so successfully captured just months previously. The 38th Division fought at the Battle of Bapaume, and then beyond to the Hindenburg Line at the Battles of Havrincourt, Epehy and Beaurevoir. They then pushed towards Cambrai, which had been in German hands since 1914, and onwards towards the Selle, where Alun was killed in action on the 18th October, 1918. He is buried in Cross-Roads Cemetery, Fontaine-Aux-Bois.
David Daniel Roberts, Private, 13420, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was born in Pontyberem, and enlisted at Ferndale into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This was the Battalion of the famous War Poets Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves, and had landed in France on the 11th August, 1914. The Battalion saw action during most of the Battles of the Great War, and were switched from Division to Division, from the 6th to the 27th, to the 2nd, the 33rd and the 38th by the end of the war. However, during 1917 they were attached to the 19th Brigade, 33rd Division, and fought through the Somme Offensive and the Battle of Arras in Spring, 1917. They then moved to Flanders, and fought at Third Ypres, during the Battle of the Menin Road, and at the Battle of Polygon Wood, where David was killed in action on the 26th September, 1917. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Michael Scully, Private, 8263, Welsh Regiment. Michael was born in Ebbw Vale. His connections with Pontyberem are as yet unknown, but he enlisted at Aberdare into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and moved immediately to France at the outbreak of war, taking up positions around Mons in Belgium. Here they fought at the Battle of Mons, and in the epic retreat south to the Marne where the German advance was held. The Germans withdrew to the Aisne, where the BEF met them in Battle, and the 1st Division was then moved to defend Ypres. Michael was killed in action during the German attack in Flanders during First Ypres, on the 31st October, 1914. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Thomas Smith, Private, 15665, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was born in Burry Port, and resided in Pontyberem prior to the war. He enlisted at Mountain Ash into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915, and the Brigade then transferred to the 3rd Division. The Division were in Flanders at the time, and the 10th RWF saw their first action here at Bellewaarde and St. Eloi in 1916. They then moved south to the Somme, to take part in the great offensive there, and fought through the Battles of Albert, Bazentin, and Delville Wood. Thomas was killed in action on the Somme on the 16th August, 1916, and is buried at Guillemont Road Cemetery, Guillemont.
David Thomas, Private, 32295, East Lancashire Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, the Son of John and Mary Thomas, later of Garn Ffrwd, Mynydd Cerrig, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 2/1st Monmouthshire Regiment, which were attached to the 205th Brigade, 68th Division. The Division remained in the UK on Home Service for the duration of war, but David transferred to the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, which had been in France since the 22nd August, 1914 attached to the 11th Brigade, 4th Division. They had fought at Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne, and also at Messines in 1914 where they took part in the famous Christmas Truce. In 1915 they fought at Second Ypres, and in 1916 at Albert and Le Transloy during the Somme Offensive. Spring 1917 saw them at Arras, where they fought at the Battles of the Scarpe, and they then moved to Ypres, where they fought in the Battle of Polygon Wood, and at Broodseinde, where David was killed in Action on the 4th October, 1917 aged 30. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Davis John Thomas, Gunner, 161220, Royal Garrison Artillery. Davis was born in Llannon, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Garrison Artillery. He moved to the Western Front with their 2/1st Lancashire Heavy Battery, as part of the 57th Division. The Battery then transferred to the ANZAC Corps in France, and fought at Third Ypres with them in 1917. Davis was wounded during Third Ypres, and died of wounds on the 23rd August, 1917. He is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Ellis Thomas, Private, 12751, South Wales Borderers. Ellis was the Son of Thomas Thomas, of Bragdy, Pontyberem, and enlisted at Tumble into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion were formed in August, 1914 and became part of the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. They embarked at Avonmouth on the 29th June, 1915, and landed at Gallipoli on the 6th July, 1915. They remained on Gallipoli for the duration of the campaign, until being evacuated on the 8th January, 1916. Ellis was wounded on Gallipoli, during the Battle of Sari Bair, between the 6th and 10th August, and died of wounds aboard a Hospital Ship on the 15th, aged 35. He was buried at sea, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
George Thomas, Private, 497458, Labour Corps. Sadly very little is known of George, but he originally served with the 2/1st Monmouth Regiment before transferring to the Labour Corps. George died on the 28th November, 1918 and is buried at Pontyberem (St. John) Old Churchyard.
John Rees Thomas, Private, 33875, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of David and Mary Ann Thomas, of Park House, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Tumble into the South Wales Borderers, but subsequently transferred into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915, and the Brigade then transferred to the 3rd Division. The Division were in Flanders at the time, and the 10th RWF saw their first action here at Bellewaarde and St. Eloi in 1916. They then moved south to the Somme, to take part in the great offensive there, and fought through the Battles of Albert, Bazentin, and Delville Wood, and during the winter fighting on the Ancre. In April and May, 1917 the Division fought through the Arras Offensive, and then moved to Ypres, where they took part in the Battles of Third Ypres. John was killed in action during Third Ypres, at the Battle of Polygon Wood, on the 27th September, 1917. He was 26 years old, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Walter Rees Thomas, Gunner, W/5517, Royal Field Artillery. Walter was the Son of David and Mary Ann Thomas, of Park House, New Rd., Pontyberem. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 111th Battery, 24th Brigade. The Brigade was attached to the 6th Division, and had been in France since reinforcing the BEF on the Aisne in September, 1914. They had fought at Hooge, and during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and then fought at Hill 70 and at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. They were stationed near St. Quentin at the beginning of 1918, and were hit there during the German Spring Offensive of March 21st. They were then moved to Flanders, and fought during the next desperate few months there, during the Battles of Bailleul and Kemmel, and during the Advance in Flanders, before moving south again, where they fought at the Battle of Epehy. Walter was killed in action here, during the advance on the Hindenburg Line. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt.
Gwilym Walters, Private, 201393, Welsh Regiment. Gwilym was born in Llanddarog, and enlisted at Pontyberem 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 Gwilym was killed in action here, during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917. He is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.
David John Williams, Private, 200277, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of John James and Margaret Williams, of Preswylfa, Pontyberem. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which 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. David was probably taken ill in the Middle East, and returned home, where he died on the 27th January, 1917. He was just 19 years old, and is buried in Pontyates (Nazareth) Congregational Chapelyard.
John Williams, Private, 1300, Welsh Guards. John was the son of David and Mary Williams, of Mount Pleasant, Pontyberem. He enlisted in Kingston, Surrey into 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. John was killed in action here on the 24th August, 1918. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory.
World War Two, 1939-1945
Thomas Donwy Crompton, Sergeant/Pilot, 524980, Royal Air Force. Thomas was the Son of Oliver and Sarah Morgan-Crompton of Pontyberem and the husband of Eileen Margaret Crompton, of Derby. Thomas served as a Pilot with the RAF in the Far East, and was stationed at Java, at RAF Indonesia. On February 28th, 1942 the Island of Java was attacked by two Japanese forces, which had split to launch a simultaneous attack from both the east and west sides of the Island. The Senior Allied Officers surrendered Java to the Japanese on the 12th March, 1942. Thomas had been killed during the Battle of Java, on the 6th March, 1942. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Jakarta War Cemetery.
David John Davies, Private, WX8855, Australian Infantry. David was born on the 10th November, 1906, the Son of Benjamin and Mary Davies, of Pontyberem. David had emigrated to Australia prior to the war, and he enlisted there on the 23rd October, 1940, at Claremont, Western Australia, into the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion, Australian Infantry. David was taken Prisoner by the Japanese during WW2, and sadly died whilst a POW, on the 10th July, 1944 aged 37. He is buried at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. David is remembered on the Coolgardie War Memorial in Western Australia.
Idris Davies, Corporal, 3976296, Welch Regiment. Idris was the Son of David Beynon Davies and Jane Davies of Llanwrcwrt, Pontyberem, and the husband of Rachel Sarah Davies, of Cotton End, Bedfordshire. Idris served in the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Arromanches at the end of June, 1944 and fought through the Battle of Normandy, up through northern France into Belgium, and through Holland in 1944. Idris was killed in action during the Battle of s’Hertegonbosch on the 24th October, 1944. He was 32 years old, and was buried the following day at Uden War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Lyndon Morgan Evans, Leading Aircraftman, 1303024, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Lyndon was the Son of John and Alice Evans, and the husband of Janet Evans, of Pontyberem. Very little is known of Lyndon, but he died at home on the 15th October, 1944 aged 24, and is buried at Whitehaven Cemetery.
David Leslie Griffiths, Gunner, 1790054, Royal Artillery. David was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Idris Griffiths, of Pontyberem. He served with the 103rd Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was landed on Normandy on D-Day, 6th June, 1944 as part of the main invasion force. David was killed in action in Normandy on the 13th June, 1944. He was 33 years old, and is remembered on the Bayeux Memorial.
Brynley Jones, Private, 97003127, Non Combatant Corps. Brynley was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Jones, of Pontyberem. He was called up into the Army, but was a Conscienscious Objector, and so was posted to the Non Combatant Corps, which allowed people the right not to fight, but they had to serve the country by some other means. The men worked in clothing and food stores, transport, medical services, even Bomb Disposal, in fact anything not directly related to ‘material of an aggressive nature’. Brynley died at home on the 11th February, 1941, and is buried in Pontyberem (Caesalem) Congregational Chapelyard.
Reginald Saunders Lewis, Ordinary Seaman, LT/JX. 214956, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Reginald was the Son of George J. Lewis and Janet Lewis, and served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service. The R.N.P.S. were known as ‘Churchill’s Pirates’, and served aboard requisitioned trawlers and fishing boats of all kinds, carrying out duties ranging from minesweeping to spying. Reginald served on H.M.S.Elan II, which was a Diverse Class Rescue Tug which had been commissioned into Admiralty Service on July 3rd 1940. Reginald died on duty on the 22nd March, 1941. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Pwll (Holy Trinity) Churchyard.
David Daniel Roblin, (W.Op/Air Gunner), 1022509, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of William John Roblin, and Alice Roblin, of Llanelly. Very little is known of him at present, but he served as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and died on the 24th February, 1944 aged 25. He is buried at Pontyberem (Caesalem) Congregational Chapelyard.
Owen Urijah Thomas, Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner), 919279, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Owen served with 76 Squadron, RAFVR, which was a Halifax equipped Bomber Squadron, which had been formed at RAF Linton-on-Ouse on the 1st May, 1941. The Squadron flew night raids on strategic targets over France and Germany throughout the war, and on the night of the 12th August, 1944 Owen took off in his Halifax as part of a large bomber group bound for Brunswick, as part of an experiment to operate without a Pathfinder force. The aeroplane was intercepted and shot down on the journey, not far from the target, and Owen was killed in the resulting crash on the 12th August, 1944. He is buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Wilfred Havard Vaughan, Air Mechanic 2nd Class FAA/FX. 75670, Royal Navy. Wilfred was the Son of John and Annie Vaughan of Pontyberem. He served as an Air Mechanic in the Fleet Air Arm, aboard the Aircraft Carrier H.M.S. Glorious. Originally built during World War One as a Light Cruiser, H.M.S. Glorious was converted to an Aircraft Carrier in the 1920’s. When war broke out in 1939, Glorious was sent to the Mediterranean, and in April, 1940 she was recalled to the Home Fleet, along with H.M.S. Ark Royal. She took part in the evacuation of Norway in June, 1940, and was returning to Scapa Flow when she was intercepted by the German Battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. Glorious and her two escorting destroyers were vastly outclassed by the German ships, and were sunk in minutes. Wilfred was lost with the ship that day, on the 8th June, 1940. He was only 20 years old, and is remembered on the Lee-On-Solent Memorial.
Gareth Williams, Sergeant, Royal Air Force. Presently, I cannot find any record of Gareth Williams, but he could possibly be the following man-
Celt Williams, Flight Sergeant (Navigator), 1316112, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Celt was the Son of Griff and Betty Williams, of Ponthenry, and he served with 218 Squadron, RAF, which flew the Avro Lancaster III, based at RAF Chedburgh. The night of the 31st December, 1944 was a busy one for RAF Bomber Command. Raids took place on Cologne, Hanover, the Railway Yards at Vohwinkel near Solingen, Osterfeld Railway Yards and a force of German Cruisers in Oslo Fjord. Celt was killed when his Lancaster was brought down that night. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.