This small area of West Wales is proud to have been the birthplace of several of the most famous heroes of the Great War. Laugharne gave birth to William Fuller, who was the first Welshman to win the Victoria Cross in the conflict; Felinfoel was the birthplace of Ivor Rees, who won the Victoria Cross at Passchendaele; Llanelli of Lieutenant Cecil Phillips, of the 1/4th Welsh, who was recommended for conspicuous gallantry at Gallipoli, and received the Military Cross, and St. Clears gave birth to Ira 'Taffy' Jones, the highly decorated and highest scoring Welsh fighter ace of the Great War.

This is of course not an exhaustive list, as more men are being discovered regularly. These men, and others of the County, will be remembered on this page as further information is found, and will be regularly added to the page.

Military Awards for Bravery

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration which is, or has been, awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories. It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and civilians under military command. It is usually presented to the recipient, or their next of kin, by the British monarch during an investiture held at Buckingham Palace, or by the Governor-General for awards made by other Commonwealth countries. It is the joint highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom with the George Cross, which is the equivalent honour for valour not in the face of the enemy.

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was instituted on 6 September 1886 by Queen Victoria in a Royal Warrant published in the London Gazette on 9 November. The first awards were dated 25 November 1886. It is typically awarded to officers ranked Major (or its equivalent) or higher, but the honour has sometimes been awarded to especially valorous junior officers. 8,981 DSOs were awarded during World War I, each award being announced in the London Gazette. The order was established for rewarding individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war.

The Military Cross (MC) was instituted in 1914 for commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below and for Warrant Officers for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank."

The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean War, to recognise gallantry within the other ranks. The medal was the other ranks' equivalent of the Distinguished Service Order when awarded for bravery to commissioned officers, although it ranked well below that order in precedence. Many holders of the DCM were originally recommended for the VC, but had their recommendations downgraded.

The Military Medal (MM) was established on 25 March 1916. It was the other ranks' equivalent to the Military Cross, which was awarded to commissioned officers and Warrant Officers (although WOs could also be awarded the MM), although it took precedence below that decoration as well as the Distinguished Conduct Medal, also awarded to non-commissioned members of the Army. Recipients of the Military Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "MM".

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) was first instituted for the British Army in 1845. To be awarded the MSM, an individual must have "good, faithful, valuable and meritorious service, with conduct judged to be irreproachable throughout". Other ranks must have at least twenty years service, must already hold a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and for the Army and the Royal Air Force must have reached the equivalent rank of sergeant. Officers of any service can also be considered for the medal immediately after being commissioned, provided they meet the other criteria, but not later.

THE VICTORIA CROSS

Lieutenant-General Sir James Hills-Johnes, Bengal Horse Artillery. Gazetted 24 April 1858.

Sir James Hills was born on 20 August 1833, the son of James Hills, of Neechindipore, Bengal, India, and Charlotte, daughter of Angelo Savi. He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy and Addiscombe, before gaining a commission into the Bengal Artillery in 1853. James fought during several battles in India under Lord Roberts, gaining a name for his bravery in over thirty separate actions. During the Siege of Delhi, James was employed on a picket in command of two artillery guns, when he received an order to advance under escort of 80 cavalrymen. The column was surprised by a large force of the enemy, and James was left alone in front of his un-limbered guns, when the cavalry veered off. Without a thought to his own safety, James charged alone into the crowded enemy troops, firing his revolver into the mass, but was knocked down by horsemen, and slashed with a sabre from behind. James was rescued by a Captain Tombs, and for this gallant action, both men were awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the guns. The London Gazette entry for the awards stated; 'On 9th July 1857, at the Siege of Delhi, India, Second Lieutenant Hills most gallantly defended the position assigned to him when attacked by enemy cavalry. Single-handed he charged the head of the enemy's column and fought fiercely: continuing on foot after he and his horse had been ridden down. He was about to be killed with his own sword which one of the enemy had wrested from him, when his senior officer (H Tombs. Reg. No. 1218) saw what was happening and twice in a short space of time came to a rescue of his subaltern.' James later fought at the Siege of Lucknow, again alongside Lord Roberts, and saw action in the Abyssynian and Afghanistan campaigns, earning himself several awards and mentions in despatches, including the C.B. and K.C.B. After a long career, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant-General, after marrying Charlotte Johnes, the daughter of John Johnes, of the Dolaucothi Estate, and assumed the surname of Hills-Johnes. James set up home with his new wife at Dolaucothi where he lived for the rest of his life, taking up a post as Honorary Colonel of the 4th Welsh, and playing an important part in recruitment in Carmarthenshire during the Great War. James died aged 85, on 3 January 1919 and is buried in Caio Churchyard. His medals, the Victoria Cross, Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Bath ( GCB ), Indian Mutiny Medal (1857-58 ) with 2 clasps: "Delhi" - "Lucknow", Abyssinian War Medal ( 1867-68 ), India General Service Medal (1854-95 ) with 1 clasp: "Looshai", and his Afghanistan Medal ( 1878-80 ) with 2 clasps: "Kabul" - "Charasia" are on display at the Museum of the Royal Artillery, Woolwich.

Lieutenant Henry James Raby, Royal Navy. Gazetted 24 February 1857. 

Henry was born on 26 September, 1827 at Boulogne, France, and was the son of the son of Arthur Turnour Raby, of Llanelli. He was educated at Sherborne School, before entering the Royal Navy in 1842 when he joined HMS Monarch. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1850, and served aboard HMS Wasp on the West Coast of Africa until 1854 when the Crimean War began, and was sent to the Black Sea, where he fought in the trenches. It was as second-in-command of a ladder party on the Attack on the Redan, that he won his Victoria Cross. His citation read; 'After the assault on Sebastopol on 18th June 1855, a soldier of the 57th Regiment, who had been shot in both legs, was seen calling for assistance. Commander Raby and two other men, Captain of the Forecastle John Taylor and Boatswain's Mate Henry Curtis, climbed over the breastwork, all three then proceeding the 70 yards across the open space, all the time under continuous heavy fire from the enemy, making their way towards the salient angle of the Redan. They succeeded in getting the wounded man to a place of safety, all the time under the imminent risk of losing their own lives.' Henry was the first person ever to receive the Victoria Cross at an Investiture on Hyde Park on 26 June 1857, when he was presented with the award by Queen Victoria. He was also made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). He also held the Legion d'Honneur of France, the Order of Medjidie, the Crimean, Sardinian and Turkish Medals with Clasps for Sebastopol and Inkerman. His medals are on display at the Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth. Henry eventually retired from the Royal Navy as Rear Admiral, and died on 13 February 1907 at his home, 8, Clarence Parade, Southsea, Hampshire. There are memorials on his grave at Highland Road Cemetery, Portsmouth, Hampshire and in the Town Hall, Llanelli.

Bombardier Jacob Thomas, Bengal Artillery. Gazetted on 24 December, 1858.

Jacob was born in 1833 at Llanwinio, Carmarthenshire. He enlisted into the Army, and was serving in India with the Bengal Artillery, when he won his Victoria Cross. The citation for his award read; 'At Lucknow, India, on the 27th September, 1857, when the party, to which Bombardier Thomas was attached, was returning to the Residency, after a sortie, the Bombardier, under extremely considerable difficulty, brought in, on his back, a wounded soldier of the Madras Fusiliers, thus saving him from falling into the hands of the rebels.' Jacob died in Darjeeling, India on 3 March 1911, and is buried in an unmarked grave at Bandel Churchyard, Hooghly, Darjeeling, India. His medals are in the custody of the Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich.

Lance Corporal William Charles Fuller, 433, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Gazetted 23 November 1914.

 

William was born in Newbridge Road, Laugharne on 24 March 1884, the son of William and Mary Fuller of Laugharne. As happened a lot at the time, William and Mary moved with their young family to Swansea, where William senior worked in Swansea Docks. William joined the Army in 1902, serving in the Boer War with the Welsh Regiment. He was recalled from the Reserve in August 1914, and went to France with the 2nd Welsh, where he won his Victoria Cross for saving Captain Mark Haggard who had fallen wounded during an attack on Chivy Ridge. William carried him a distance estimated at 100 yards to a ridge where he managed to dress the officer's wounds. Capt Haggard asked William to fetch his rifle from where he'd fell, as he didn't want the enemy to get it, and William managed to do this. With the help of two others, they managed to get Haggard to the safety of a barn that was being used as a First-Aid dressing station. William remained with Haggard until he died, his last words  being 'Stick it, Welch.' After Haggard died, William attended to two other officers who had also been brought to the barn wounded. (Lt. the Hon Fitzroy Somerset and Lt. Richards.) The barn came under heavy fire and the wounded men and officers were evacuated. Later it was raised to the ground with shell-fire. On 29 October William was wounded whilst dressing the wounds of Private Tagge, a fellow soldier. Shrapnel entered his right side, twelve inches in up to his shoulder blade and came to rest on his right lung. After being evacuated from Ypres, he was sent to the United Kingdom, to Swansea Hospital where they operated, removing the shrapnel. The London Gazette Citation of 23 November 1914 read: 'For conspicuous gallantry on 14th September 1914 near Chivy on the Aisne, by advancing about 100 yards to pick up Captain Haggard, who was mortally wounded, and carrying him back to cover under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire.' William was given a home posting, after his recovery, as a recruiting Sergeant in Wales for the duration of the Great War. He was awarded the Royal Humane Society for Lifesaving after the war, for attempting to save a child from drowning at Mumbles, and during WW2 he served in the Swansea Home Guard. After his death, aged 90, on 29 December 1974, William Fuller was buried in Oystermouth Cemetery, Mumbles.

Major John Vaughan Campbell VC CMG DSO, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Gazetted 26 October 1916.

 

John Vaughan Campbell was born in London on 31 October 1876, the son of Captain Ronald Campbell, brother of Earl Cawdor. Captain Ronald Campbell, was killed in the Zulu Wars in 1879 whilst committing an act of gallantry that would have almost certainly won him the Victoria Cross if posthumous awards had then been allowed. John was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards on 5 September 1896, following his father's military tradition, and served in the Boer War where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and was Mentioned in Dispatches twice. He went to France with the 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards after the outbreak of the Great War, and he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the Battle of the Somme, at Ginchy on 15 September 1916. The Citation for his Victoria Cross, listed in the London Gazette of 26 October 1916, read; 'For most conspicuous bravery and leading in an attack. Seeing that the first waves of his battalion had been decimated by machine gun and rifle fire he took personal command of the third line, rallied his men with the utmost gallantry, and led them against the enemy machine guns, capturing the guns and killing the personnel. Later in the day, after consultation with other unit commanders, he again rallied the survivors of this battalion, and at a critical moment led them through a very hostile fire barrage against the objective. He was on of the first to enter the enemy trench. His personal gallantry and initiative at a very critical moment turned the fortunes of the day and enabled his division to press on and capture objectives of the highest tactical importance.' John was later promoted to Brevet Colonel and Aide de Camp to The King in June 1919. John was the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the Regiment between 1923 and 1927, and he retired on 31 October 1933. He was a member of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms from 1934 to 1944, and during the Second World War he commanded the 8th Battalion, Gloucestershire Home Guard until his death on 22 May 1944. His only son, Captain J R Campbell was killed whilst serving with the Regiment in France in 1940.

Ivor Rees (Reg. No. 1032). Sergeant, 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. Gazetted 14 September 1917.

 

Ivor was born on 18 October 1893 at Felinfoel, near Llanelli. He enlisted into the 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 115 Brigade, 38th Welsh Division. He survived the terrible fighting at Mametz Wood, and moved with the Division to Ypres, where they took up positions on the Canal Bank, near Boesinghe. At Ypres, the 38th (Welsh) Division was tasked with the capture of the Pilckem Ridge-a heavily fortified German defensive line. The award of the Victoria Cross to Ivor Rees was Gazetted on 14 September 1917, and read; 'At Pilckem, Belgium, on 31st July 1917, an enemy machine gun inflicted many casualties when it opened fire at close range. Sergeant Rees, leading his platoon, gradually worked his way round the right flank, by making short rushes, to the rear of the gun position. At 20 yards from the machine gun, Sergeant Rees rushed forward towards it, shooting one of the crew, and bayoneting the other. He bombed a large concrete emplacement, killing five of the enemy and taking 30 prisoners, including two officers and capturing a machine gun, undamaged.' In the Second World War, Ivor served as a Sergeant-Major in the Home Guard. He died on 12 March 1967 at Llanelli, where he was buried, and is remembered on Memorials in Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral and at Llanelli Town Hall, Carmarthenshire.

AWARDS TO OTHER EXCEPTIONAL MEN

James Ira Thomas 'Taffy' Jones, Captain, Royal Flying Corps.

Ira Jones was born on 18 April 1896 at Woolstone, Llanddowror. He was a plucky character, joining the Territorials, the 4th Welsh, in 1913. At the outbreak of war in 1914, Ira was in London-studying Wireless and Cable Telegraphy. He waited for the call to arms, but it never came, and so-feeling very frustrated-he decided to join the fledgling Royal Flying Corps. It was now June 1915. After training at Farnborough, Ira was posted to No. 10 Squadron at Netheravon. He was commissioned in August 1917, and after a stint as an air gunner/ observer, was sent to England to commence Pilot Training, before being posted to the famous 74 Squadron, led by 'Mick' Mannock, and it was with them that he earned his impressive array of medals. Ira won the Military Medal in September 1916, by rescuing five wounded gunners, whilst he was working as groundcrew. Next Ira was awarded The Russian Order of St. George's Cross, in January 1917, after receiving several commendations for bravery. His Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) (London Gazette dated 3 August, 1918) was awarded for "In eleven days this officer attacked and destroyed six enemy aeroplanes, displaying great courage, skill and initiative." Next came the Military Cross (MC), then a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), floowed by the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). Ira Jones finished the war with 37 confirmed victories, being the highest scoring Welsh Pilot of the war, and became the joint 17th highest scoring Allied Fighter Pilot, scoring more kills than aces such as the great Leutnant Karl Allmenroder of Germany, and the great English Pilot, Captain Albert Ball V.C. He went on to fly again on operational flights in 1939 (without authorisation!), when the German Blitzkrieg swept through France. He was transferred to ground duties, taking command of R.A.F. Tern Hill in Shropshire. He died after a fall at Aberaeron on 30 August 1960, and is buried at Sarnau Chapel, near Bancyfelin, Carmarthen. Ira is remembered by an impressive memorial in St. Clears, next to the Town War Memorial, which he had the honour of unveiling.

Captain Parcell Rees Bowen, MC, DFC & Bar, Welsh Regiment & Royal Air Force. (Abergwili)

Parcell was a true hero. His full story is told on the Abergwili page of this site, but his awards are listed here. Parcell's first award was the Military Cross. Parcell then transferred into the Royal Air Force on 10 January, 1918, becoming an Observer. He gained his decoration of the Distinguished Flying Cross during the air war in Egypt. After the Armistice on 11 November 1918, Parcell served in Salonika and Mesopotamia, before being placed on the unemployed list. Again though, Parcell wanted more adventure, and so he volunteered for further service with the R.A.F. in their private war in North Russia, fighting for the White Russians. On 17 July 1919 Parcell arrived at Archangel, where he met his old compatriot from Carmarthen, Ira Taffy Jones. In Ira Jones's book, 'An Airfighter's Scrapbook', Ira writes glowing reports of Parcell, being glad to see another Welsh Warrior in his Squadron. A long passage from the book tells of an incident that earned Parcell a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross. In short, Parcell and his Pilot were carrying out a bombing mission when they came across a superior force of Russian Aeroplanes. Being the men they were, they agreed to attack the Russians, who dispersed in chaos when these two madmen plunged into their midst. The Russians took flight, but one fired a burst of rounds at the British pair, and Parcell and his Pilot were hit. The Pilot fainted at the controls of the aeroplane, and Parcell only had one good arm, but he leaned over his colleague and piloted the aeroplane back nearly 100 miles to base. This brave episode resulted in the award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross for Parcell. Parcell was sent home wounded, and again placed on the Unemployed List, so volunteered for a Commission into the Lithuanian Army, with whom he served until July, 1920 when he accepted a Government Post. This post was Top Secret, and involved him going undercover in Dublin, at the time when the troubles were at a peak. Due to the secrecy of the work being carried out in Ireland, nothing much is known about the operations Parcell was engaged in. On 27 October 1920, his lifeless body was found lying face-down in Herrion Street, Dublin. Parcell had been lodging with a fellow Officer at 28, Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, and the two had spent the afternoon watching a football match at Donnybrook. After the match, Parcell could not be found, until he was discovered at Merrion Street. His body was brought back to Carmarthen, where Parcell was buried with full military honours in Abergwili Churchyard. Just weeks later, on 'Bloody Sunday', 21 November 1920, 14 British Agents were murdered in Dublin by the I.R.A., led by Michael Collins. The British Army reprised the killings by storming into a Gaelic Football match at Croke Park in Dublin, and fired into the crowd to avenge their murdered colleagues, inflicting many casualties, and 14 men and children dead. Later that night, three IRA prisoners suspiciously died in captivity in Dublin Castle, and the situation swiftly escalated. The Irish Public quickly turned against the Crown, and Peace negotiations ensued, resulting in a truce being declared on 11 July 1921.

OTHER AWARDS TO CARMARTHENSHIRE MEN (AND WOMEN)

AWARDED THE K.C.B. (KNIGHTS COMMANDER OF THE BATH)

Major-General William Samuel Anthony, C.M.G., Director-General, Army Veterinary Services, The War Office. (Kidwelly). William had served during the Great War with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and after the Armistice was promoted to the War Office. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for his services, which was published in the London Gazette of 31 December 1929.

Lieutenant-Colonel John Lynn Thomas, C.B., C.M.G., F.R.C.S., Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llandyssul). John was made a Knight Commander of the Bath for his wartime service, the award of which was published in the London Gazette of 31 December 1918.

AWARDED THE C.M.G. (ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE)

Major William Samuel Anthony, Director-General, Army Veterinary Services, The War Office. (Kidwelly). William had served during the Great War with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and after the Armistice was promoted to the War Office. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his services, which was published in the London Gazette of 1 January 1930.

Major John Vaughan Campbell, VC, DSO, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. (Golden Grove). John's amazing collection of awards was added to when he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, which was published in the London gazette of 28 December 1917. The citation read; 'The KING has been graciously pleased to give directions for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for services rendered in connection with Military Operations in the Field. Dated 1st Jan. 1918.'

Major John Lynn Thomas, C.B., F.R.C.S., Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llandyssul). John was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his wartime service, the award of which was published in the London Gazette of 23 January 1917.

AWARDED THE O.B.E./ M.B.E. (ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)

Miss Agneta Annie Justina Stepney Gulston, Honorary County Secretary, British Red Cross. (Derwydd). Agneta was awarded the M.B.E. (Civilian) for her work with the Carmarthenshire Branch of the Red Cross. The award was published in the London Gazette of 28 February 1919.

Ida Jane Richards, Royal Ordnance Factory, Pembrey. (Kidwelly). Ida was awarded the O.B.E. for her work at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Pembrey. The date of the award has not yet been traced, but it was mentioned in a local newspaper during the Great War.

AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER;

The Honorable Eric Octavius Campbell, DSO & Bar, Lieutenant-Colonel, 8th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. (Golden Grove). Eric's first award was awarded in the London Gazette of 23 March 1915. He gained a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order in 1918, and was also Mentioned in Despatched twice. Sadly Eric had been invalided home, and died on 4 June, 1918. He is buried at Stackpole Elidor Churchyard, in the Cawdor plot.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Brynmor Chiles-Evans, DSO, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Royal Army Medical Corps. (Burry Port). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 3 June 1916. There is no citation. He was killed on 23 April, 1917, and is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France.

Major Arthur Rowland Davies, MC, 226th Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). Arthur's award was listed in the London Gazette of 2 December 1918, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an advance. He made a reconnaissance of the forward roads under constant shell fire and made them fit for the volume of traffic which followed up the successful advance. He also entered villages as soon as captured to reconnoitre the water supply. He rendered very valuable service.'

Lieutenant-Colonel Delme William Campbell Davies-Evans, 2/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. (Llanfynydd). Delme had originally been commissioned into the Pembroke Yeomanry. He rose to the command of the 2/8th Worcester Regiment during the war, and was honoured for his services with the DSO, in the King's Birthday Honours list, which was announced on the London Gazette of 30 May 1919.

Major Ivor Thomas Evans, M.C., 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llanwrda). Ivor was born on 3 November 1891, and enlisted in August 1914 into the Public Schools Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment. Ivor was commissioned into the South Wales Borderers in June 1916, and posted to the 5th Battalion in France. His award of the DSO was gazetted on 22 March 1918, and read;'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in the attack with great determination under very heavy machine gun fire. Though twice severely wounded, he consolidated and held the captured position. Afterwards he went personally to report on the situation under heavy fire, though suffering greatly from his wounds. His fearlessness and devotion to duty were beyond all praise.'

Major John Francis, DSO, Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). John was the son of John Francis, of Myrtle Hill, Carmarthen, and was a principal partner with John Francis & Sons, Carmarthen. He served with the Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers throughout their campaign on Gallipoli, and also in Egypt and Palestine, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and Mentioned in Despatches during his time at war.

Captain Henry Alexander Augustus Francis Harman, South Staffordshire Regiment (attached Gold Coast Regiment). (Bettws). Henry's award of the D.S.O. was published in the King's Birthday Honours list, and was gazetted on 1 June 1916

Major William Lyttleton Lawrence, DSO, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 8 December 1914, and read; 'For gallantry and ability in repelling the enemy on 26th September.' William was killed during the Battle of Gheluveld, on 31 October 1914. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Squadron Leader James Ira Thomas Jones, M.C., M.M. 74 Squadron, Royal Air Force. (St. Clears). Ira's award of the DSO was published in the London Gazette of 2 November 1918, and read; "Since joining his present Brigade in May last this officer has destroyed twenty-eight enemy machines. He combines skilful tactics and marksmanship with high courage. While engaged on wireless interception duty he followed a patrol of nine Fokker biplanes, and succeeded in joining their formation unobserved. After a while two Fokkers left the formation to attack one of our artillery observation machines. Following them, Captain Jones engaged the higher of the two, which fell on its companion, and both machines fell interlocked in flames."

Captain Rowland Simpson Lewis, DSO, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Laugharne). Rowland's award was listed in the London Gazette of 31 May 1918. There is no citation, as the award was in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Austin Nevill, Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). Richard's award of the DSO was published in the London Gazette of 28 December 1917. There is no citation, as the award was published in the New Years Honours list.

Lieutenant-Colonel John Edward Powell, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Carreg Cennan). John was the Youngest son of Thomas and Mrs Powell, of Carreg Cennan, Llandeilo. He served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was awarded the DSO in the London Gazette of 22 June 1917. There is no citation.

Major Morris Ernald Richardson, 26th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. (Llandeilo). Morris was the son of Colonel John Crow Richardson, of Glanbrydan Park, Llandeilo. He was gazetted Lieutenant into the Carmarthen Royal Garrison Artillery on 24 February 1900, and was later former Commander of the 3rd Glamorgan Volunteer Rifles. He took command of the 26th Northumberland Fusiliers during the Great War. His award of the DSO was gazetted in August 1916, and read;'For conspicuous gallantry and determination near Hooge. For conspicuous gallantry in action. When he had received three wounds in the attack he refused to go Back till he had given orders to his successor. He remained two hours in a dangerous spot, and then walked back to Brigade Hd.-Qrs. and personally reported the situation.'

Harold St George Schomberg, Lieutenant-Colonel, 1/6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. (Carmarthen). Harold was born on 24 August 1886. He was commissioned in The East Surrey Regiment from Militia on 8 July 1908 and joined the 1st Battalion. He served with the 1st Battalion in France and was wounded in September 1914 and on 30 October 1914. He served with the 1/6th Gloucestershire Regiment in Italy from 1917 to 1919, and was awarded the DSO while in command of 1/6th Gloucester's. He was Mentioned in Despatches four times and awarded the Italian Al Valore Militare. He retired as a Brigadier-General in 1939.

Lieutenant Gilbert France Watson, 1/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Abergwili). Gilbert was transferred from the Welsh Royal Engineers to another unit in France, and gained his award of the DSO at Hooge. The citation in the London Gazette of 7 December 1915 read;'For conspicuous gallantry and determination near Hooge. On the night of 24th-25th September, 1915, he made an excellent reconnaissance of the enemy's wire, and on the 25th crawled out with two men, and successfully cut it before the assault. During the assault, with a party of 12 sappers and 25 infantry, he dug 80 yards of a communication trench in two hours under very heavy fire, by which nearly threequarters of his men became casualties. He then reported for instructions, and took the remains of his party into the captured positions in order to consolidate them. When retirement was ordered he got back to our original trenches with one sergeant, who was killed almost at once, and three or four men, and, finding the trenches unoccupied, he collected about 25 men of the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and held on until relieved by another battalion after dark. Second Lieutenant Watson set a fine example of bravery and devotion to duty.'

Major James Wightman, DSO, MC, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. (Carmarthen). James was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, which was announced in the London Gazette of 31 May 1918. By the time of the German Spring Offensives of 1918, James was a Major, and he was killed during the Battle of St. Quentin on 9 April 1918. He is buried at Picquigny British Cemetery, France.

AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS

Lieutenant David Brynmor Anthony, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Kidwelly). David's award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 23 November 1917, and read;'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, leading his men forward under very heavy fire and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Taking two men with him, he attacked a "pill-box," killing two men himself and capturing a machine gun and three prisoners. He carried back a wounded Serjeant under heavy fire.'David gained a second award of the Military Cross later in the war, after being promoted Captain. The citation which was gazetted on 13 September 1918, read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in directing and leading a raid. When seen by the enemy he at once gave word to charge, and led the way over the wire himself, killing two of the enemy. He did three daylight patrols, in two of which he fought and beat off ten or fifteen of the enemy, and gained the necessary information. He has shown the greatest courage and skill.'

Captain Parcell Rees Bowen, 5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Abergwili). Parcell's award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 16 August 1917, and read; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great gallantry and skill in handling his guns under very trying conditions, and behaving with great resource and initiative in outflanking a house used as divisional headquarters and compelling the inmates to surrender."

Lieutenant Thomas Llewellyn Bowen, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Pontardulais). Thomas was born at Llanelli in 1895, the son of Ebenezer Bowen, of Pontardulais. He served in East Africa with the South African Horse Artillery, before being commissioned into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and then served in France where he was awarded the Military Cross. The award was gazetted on 14 August 1917, and read;'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion. A magazine was set alight by heavy shell-fire and he went alone to the position and succeeded in extinguishing the fire with wet earth, thereby saving a large quantity of ammunition.'

Captain Harold Septimus Burn, 436th Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). Harold's award was gazetted on 31 December 1918, in the New Years Honours List; 'For services rendered in connection with Military Operations in Egypt'. There was no citation.

Captain Hallowell Carew, 4th Battalion, Tank Corps. (Ferryside). Hallowell's award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 7 January 1918, and read; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally led his section of tanks on foot to their objective under very heavy shelling and intense machine-gun fire. He displayed admirable coolness and courage, going from tank to tank and helping them out of difficulties, and it was entirely due to his total disregard for personal danger that they were able to reach the infantry when the latter were held up. Before the action he carried out several good reconnaissances under heavy shell fire." He served after the war, becoming a member of the notorious 'Cairo Gang', and worked undercover against the IRA in Ireland, escaping assassination during Bloody Sunday by having just moved home.

Captain John Cook, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached 1/4th Welsh. (Pembrey). John's award was gazetted on 19 August 1917, and read;'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. he went out under heavy shell fire, attending to the wounded, and carrying them to cover, and setting a fine example of fearlessness and devotion.' His son, John Alastair Cook, gained the Military Cross during the fall of France in 1940.

Temporary Major Arthur Rowland Davies, 226th Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). Arthur's award was published in the New Years Honours list in the London Gazette of 1 January 1918. He was later awarded the Distinguished Service Order also.

Captain David Guy Davies, MC, 10th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. (Llanelli). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 November 1916, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. On three occasions he went forward into our own barrage, and brought back some of his men who had pushed too far forward. Later, he re-organised his company to complete their task.' He was killed not long after, during the German retreat to Hindenburg Line, on 4 April 1917, and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery.

Captain Evan Davies, 14th Bttalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Henllan). Evan's award was for Distinguished Service in the Field, at Mametz Wood. The award was gazetted on 29 December 1916 in the New Years Honours List.

Lieutenant Harold Alban Davies, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Talley). Harold's award was published in the London Gazettte of 24 August 1917. No citation was published, but the header in the Gazette read; 'His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned Rewards for Distinguished Service in the Field in Mesopotamia, Dated 3rd June, 1917.'

Captain Otto Hanbury Davies, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Carmarthen). Otto's award was gazetted on 29 December 1916, in the New Years Honours List.

Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Evans, MC, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). Arthur was the Mr and Mrs David Evans, of 22, Bridge Street, Carmarthen. He was in command of the military railways, telegrams and telephones in Palestine, and was awarded the Military Cross for his work there. He was also awarded the Order of the Serbian White Eagle, and was Mentioned in Despatches three times.

Chaplain Geoffrey Maynard Evans, MC, Royal Army Chaplains Department. (Carmarthen). Geoffrey's award was listed in the London Gazette of 1 June 1917. There was no citation, as it was awarded in the Birthday Honours list. Sadly on 11 August 1917 he was killed by a shell at Westhoek Ridge, Ypres, and was buried at Bellewaarde Cemetery. His grave was later moved into Divisional Collecting Post Cemetery.

Major Ivor Thomas Evans, 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llanwrda). Ivor's award was published in the Kings Birthday Honours List of 3 June 1916. He was later to gain a second award of the Military Cross, the citation of which was gazetted on 16 September 1918, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a company. He showed marked ability in organising and collecting stragglers in the front line and placing them in the best possible positions. It was entirely due to his gallantry and skill that after inflicting heavy losses on the enemy he was able to withdraw his men with comparatively few losses.'He also gained the Distinguished Service Order, while attached to the Welsh Regiment later in the war.

Lieutenant John Evans, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). John was one of the original officers of the 15th Welsh, and was awarded his Military Cross for his gallantry at Mametz Wood. The award was published in the London Gazette of 25 August 1916, and read; "For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He held on to a portion of a wood with great determination- for several hours till relieved by another regiment."

Major John Kenrick Lloyd Fitzwilliams, BA, MC, Royal Field Artillery. (Newcastle Emlyn). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 November 1916, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. During the attack and capture of an enemy position he observed the fire of his battery from the infantry front line, often under heavy shell fire. Throughout the day he sent back most accurate and .valuable information. He has proved himself a gallant and capable battery commander.' John was killed in action on 30 August, 1918 during the Advance on the Hindenburg Line . He was 33 years old, and is buried at Vis-En-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt. John was also the holder of the Order of St Stanislaus, 2nd Class (Russia).

Captain Ernest Emrys Isaac, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Carmarthen). Ernest's award was published in the London Gazette of 20 October 1916, and read; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations. He tended the wounded in a very exposed position for 12 hours, some of them being wounded and one actually killed by shell-fire in his aid-post. At one time he had worked unceasingly for 35 hours without food, drink or rest, having divided up his food and water among those of the wounded who most needed it." He later gained a Bar to his MC, which was published in the London Gazette of 17 April 1917, the citation reading; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked continuously under very heavy fire and was responsible for the successful evacuation of the wounded. He set a splendid example of courage and determination throughout the operations."

Major Henry Percy Bright Gough, MC & Bar, 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Harry's first Military Cross was listed in the London Gazette of 24 July 1917, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done splendid work when in charge of parties recovering mines. He was also instrumental in rescuing eight men from a demolished cellar. This work was accomplished under heavy fire, and occupied several hours.'  He was awarded a Bar to his MC for his actions at Bourlon Wood, the citation, dated 1 February 1918, read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in the most gallant manner, and was largely responsible for the success of the operations. He set a splendid example to his men.' Henry was seriously wounded on 22 April 1918 at Strazeele, and died at the 62nd London Casualty Clearing Station that day. He is buried at Arneke British Cemetery, France.

Captain James Ira Thomas Jones, M.M. 74 Squadron, Royal Air Force. (St. Clears). Ira's award of the MC was published in the London Gazette of 16 September 1918, and read; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, one of an offensive patrol, engaged and shot down in flames a two-seater, which fell to earth. Ten days later, on offensive patrol, he shot down a Hannover two-seater, which crashed. The next day, when patrolling, he pursued, overtook and shot down an Albatross two-seater. During the same flight he met a Halberstadt two-seater and killed the observer, who either jumped or fell overboard, but had to break off as his ammunition was finished. The next day he shot a balloon down in flames. Three days later he got a good burst with both guns on a Pfalz scout, both wings coming off. He has driven two others down out of control."

Lieutenant Malcolm Meredith Lewis, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Malcolm's award was published in the New Years Honours List of 1 January 1917, and was'For Distinguished Service in the Field.'He gained a second award later in the war, the citation of which was gazetted on 13 September 1918, and read;'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his battalion was ordered to withdraw, he, on his own initiative, formed his company into a rearguard, and under heavy machine-gun and high explosive barrage maintained his position for a considerable time. The initiative and gallantry he displayed undoubtedly enabled many others to withdraw in time, and were a magnificent example to the men under his command.'

Captain Audley Mervyn Owen John Lloyd, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Dryslwyn). Audley lived at Court Henry, Dryslwyn, and was awarded the Military Cross during the war. The details of the award have not been identified yet.

Captain David Lloyd Popkin Morgan, MC, 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llandovery College). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 2 July 1918, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a gap occurred in the line after the capture of an enemy position he made repeated journeys over a fire-swept zone carrying information and keeping in close touch with the situation. By his initiative and coolness he was largely responsible for driving back an enemy counter-attack.' In February 1918, David's Company was given the honour of guarding the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem. Sadly, David was killed soon after, when his Battalion was ordered into a night attack on a hill at Selwad on 9 March, 1918. He is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery.

Lieutenant Thomas Charles Nicholas, South Lancashire Regiment. (Llandeilo). Thomas was attached to the Machine Gun Corps when he was taken prisoner by the Germans. The award of his Military Cross was announced in the Carmarthen Journal shortly after his capture, but has not yet been traced in the London Gazette.

Lieutenant Augustus Charles Owen, MC, 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. (Llandovery College). Augustus' award was listed in the London Gazette of 16th September 1918, and read;  "At a critical moment, he held his position with a small party of men against an enemy attack delivered after a heavy bombardment. By his fine example of courage and determination, he enabled the line in that part of the field to be restored".  Augustus was killed in action on the Somme just a few months after, on 6 August 1918. He is buried at St. Amand British Cemetery, east of Doullens, France.

Lieutenant Robert Lloyd Peel, MC., Royal Field Artillery. (Taliaris). Robert's award was listed in the London Gazette of 19 December 1916, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He and a serjeant rescued several wounded men from a burning gun-pit, and thereby saved many lives. Later, he continued to extinguish the fire, and prevented an explosion of ammunition.' Robert died of wounds sustained at Ypres on 3 September, 1917. He lies in Bard Cottage Cemetery, near Ypres.

Lieutenant Cecil Phillips, MC and Bar, 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Cecil's award was listed in the London Gazette of 13 September 1915, and read; 'For great gallantry in going out almost 70 yards under heavy shrapnel and rifle fire, and assisted by an N.C.O. bringing in a wounded officer to the covering of a trench, and again returning and bringing in 3 other wounded soldiers.' The wounded officer was Captain Shenston of the Essex Regiment. This brave and selfless act also resulted in Cecil's deed being written into the book 'Deeds That Thrilled The Empire'. Cecil also gained a further award of the Military cross later in the war.

Captain Rees Frederick Phillips, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. (Glanamman). Rees' award was listed in the London Gazette of 20 October 1916, and was for the Somme. It read; 'For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He organised and directed carrying parties under heavy shell fire, and helped to bring back a badly wounded man.' He survived the war, becoming a Major, but his son David was killed in Italy during the Second World War.

Lieutenant Harry Lawson Pickard, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Harry's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 February 1919, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty during an operation near the Bois de Biez on September 30th, 1918. During the attack he led his platoon with great dash, and though early wounded he continued at duty and remained in charge of the outpost line until his company was relieved 18 hours later. His fine conduct had an inspiring effect on his men.'  Harry was killed on 20 October 1918 during the Battle of the Selle, and is buried at St. Aubert British Cemetery, France.

Gwynedd William Llewellyn Pritchard, Captain, 20th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. (Carmarthen). Gwynedd's award was listed in the London Gazette of 7 March 1919, and read; 'On 8th October, 1918, during the advance on Sonia Farm, he displayed great gallantry and initiative in handling his company. Troops on the right having lost direction and a gap resulting, he made good first Bronx Farm and later .Foal Copse, the latter being strongly held by machine-guns, which would undoubtedly have held up the main advance on the left when it came to be proceeded with. He personally led his company in the attack on Foal Copse.' Gwynedd was sadly killed in action soon after arriving back in France, during the Battle of the Selle on 23 October, 1918. He is buried at Pommereuil British Cemetery, France.

Lieutenant John Hywel Richards, MC, 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Carmarthen). John's award was listed in the in the London Gazette of 8 January 1918, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a convoy. He went forward during a hostile counter-attack and reconnoitred the ground to find the best route for the animals through both the barrage and shell-holes, under heavy shell fire, through which he then led them without hesitation, sustaining only a few casualties. He successfully delivered the stores and ammunition which were urgently required. He has on several occasions shown remarkable initiative and great gallantry during similar journeys.' John was mortally wounded during the German Spring Offensive on the Lys, and died of wounds on 19 April 1918. He is buried at Aire Communal Cemetery, France.

Lieutenant Rhys Ivor Thomas, MC, 1st Battalion, Connaught Rangers. (Carmarthen). Rhys was awarded the Military Cross in the London Gazette of 29 September 1914. He was one of the first men to have ever gained this new award. Sadly he was killed during the Battle of the Aisne on 14 September 1914, and is buried at Vailly British Cemetery.

Second Lieutenant John David Vaughan, MC, 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Burry Port). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 9 January 1917; 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out a daring reconnaissance with great courage and determination, obtaining most valuable information.' He was later wounded at Ypres, and died of wounds on 18 March 1917. He is buried at Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium.

Major James Wightman, DSO, MC, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. (Carmarthen). James's award of the Military Cross was listed in the London Gazette of 24 November 1916, and read; 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a bombing party with great courage and determination, and repulsed the enemy. He acted as leading thrower, and threw bombs continuously for two hours. He has previously done fine work.' By the time of the German Spring Offensive of 1918, James was a Major, and he was killed during the Battle of St. Quentin on 9 April 1918, aged 25. James is buried at Picquigny British Cemetery, France. James was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order, which was announced in the London Gazette of 31 May 1918.

Second Lieutenant William James Williams, MC, 16th Battalion, Royal W elsh Fusiliers. (Llandovery College). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 8 January 1918, and read; "rallied his men and kept them well in hand under heavy fire, showing a splendid example of steadfastness to his men throughout." William was sadly killed in action at Armentières prior to the posting of the notice, on 19 September 1917, and is buried in Erquinghem Lys Churchyard Extension.

Lieutenant William John Williams, MC, 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 1 January 1919. There was no citation, as it was in the New Years Honours List, but the award was for Salonika. William was born 12 June 1882 and joined the Welsh Regiment on 24 July 1916 having firstly been in 3rd Batt The Queens Royal West Surrey Reg. He enlisted in London on 18 Feb 1915 as a private. He was in London at the outbreak of war. On 22 August 1915 he was discharged from the Queens Regiment on receiving his commission.   He was in Salonica for most of the war. He gives his address as Rhandir, Gowerton which is his father John Williams' address. They moved to Gowerton from Llanelli just before 1900. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards for distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in Salonika. Dated 1st January, 1919.

AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

Signaller Archibald John Preece, Z/1587, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Minesweeping. (Llandovery). Archibald's award was published in the London Gazette of 29 June 1917, and read; 'The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Distinguished Service Order and for the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to the undermentioned officers in recognition of their services in Mine-sweeping operations between the 1st July, 1916, and the 31st March, 1917.' He was just 19 years old when the King presented him with his award at Buckingham Palace.

AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

8959 Sergeant Arthur Adams, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Laugharne). For conspicuous gallantry when leading his platoon to the attack. He also rallied men of another unit who were retiring. (21.06.16).

15560 Corporal Thomas Adams, Royal Fusiliers. (Laugharne). The citation has not yet been traced, but the award was gazetted on 19.10.1917.

265012 Sergeant James William Bond, MM, 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Pontardulais). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of the brigade ammunition and water dump for four days; in the open and under almost incessant shell fire, though a portion of the stores was destroyed, he nevertheless met all heavy demands on the dump, and carried out the receipt and issue of stores methodically. (28.03.18)

112196, Serjeant William S. Boswell, Royal Engineers. (Formerly 2nd Welsh) (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This N.C.O., who has been eight times wounded during the present war, has repeatedly distinguished himself by his remarkable courage and coolness under heavy fire, and has at all times set a very fine example to the men of his section. (18.10.18).

94515 Sergeant William H. Brown, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli).William's award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was mentioned in a wartime edition of the Llanelly Mercury, but has not yet been identified in the London Gazette

355819, Sergeant Evan P. Davies, 25th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Newcastle Emlyn). He has shown great gallantry and devotion to duty as Pioneer Serjeant, and his coolness under fire and in the line has been a fine example to all, with the result that his work has always been of the greatest value to the battalion. He has also done very fine work in training the battalion Pioneers. Further, his resource and energy have been invaluable in providing shelter and comfort for the men when in the line. (3.9. 19)

320156 Private John Davies 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). For conspicuous gallantry in the advance on Orchard Post on 18th September 1918. With total disregard of personal safety he advanced and captured an enemy post, consisting of an officer and thirty men, who with three machine guns were holding up the advance. By his splendid action the line was materially aided in moving forward to its objective. (10.1.20)

31216 Pte. John T. Edwards, Devonshire Regiment. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When his platoon was out of touch with the left he went out three times under very heavy machine-gun and rifle fire to get touch, which he eventually did. The information obtained by him enabled his platoon to maintain their position. Later he went forward under heavy fire and brought in a wounded non-commissioned officer. Throughout the day he took command of his section and showed the finest qualities of leadership. (12.11.18)

112388, Corporal Frederick Eldridge, 64th Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). On the night of 16th/17th October, 1918, at the River Lys at Cuerne. He was in charge of a detachment detailed to bridge the river prior to an attack. In view of particularly heavy enemy opposition, the task was rendered extremely difficult, but owing to the fearless example he set his men, and to his perfect control of them under very trying conditions, the task was completed. (28.11.19).

15991, Sergeant Evan A. Enoch, 39th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. (Carmarthen).During the operations of September and October, 1918, east and west of Armentieres, he showed great coolness and resource under fire. In the rapid and constant advance of units he maintained the communications under his charge. It was largely due to his work that communications were maintained during a critical period, and the ordered mobility of the machine guns with the advanced infantry was possible. (09.03.20)

1601, Quartermaster Serjeant Benjamin Evans, Welsh Regiment. (Llanllawddog). Benjamin was born at Llanllawddog around 1867, the son of Margaret Morris (Mother) 93 Priory Street, Carmarthen. He worked as a Collier prior to attesting at Cardiff on 18 October 1886 into the Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was to serve for a total of 21 years, and during his time, served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment in the Boer War in South Africa from 4 November 1899 to 8 August 1904. Ben was wounded at Paardeburg on 18 February 1900, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for South Africa, which was announced in the London Gazette of 27 September 1901. Discharged from the 1st Welsh at Bordon on 17 October 1907, aged 40 years and 10 months, giving his address as being 189, Parrock Street, Gravesend, Kent. In addition to the DCM, Ben was also awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal, with clasps; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeburg; Driefontein; Johannesburg; Diamond Hill and Belfast, and the King's South Africa Medal, with clasps; South Africa 1901; South Africa 1902, and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Many thanks to Mark Collins for the details.

171743, Gunner D. Evans, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an intense high-explosive and gas bombardment, this gunner refused to leave his gun, and continued to serve it as long as he was able, although wounded in the leg and arm. (18.10.18).

320159 Sergeant David L. Evans 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Ammanford). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the whole of a Lewis gun team became casualties, he fetched in the gun and spare parts under heavy fire organised a team, and got the gun into action again with great success. He showed splendid initiative and determination. (28.3.18)

13183 Private William Evans, MM. 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llangannock, Carmarthen). For conspicuous gallantry during the attack from east of the Ancre to high Wood on 23rd-28th August 1918. He gave valuable assistance to his officer by keeping touch with all companies and reporting continually on the situation. While locating a company which had pushed forward he came across a complete enemy machine-gun crew. He killed one and captured the remainder, together with the gun. Next day, though wounded, he remained with his battalion and continued at his post throughout the whole of the operation he showed splendid courage and devotion to duty. (16.1.19)

26814 Private Charles Gibbard 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Kidwelly). For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. When his platoon was heavily fired on by an enemy machine gun during an advance, he at once attacked the gun with bombs and captured it with nine of the crew. His prompt and determined action undoubtedly saved many casualties. (15.11.18)

265726 Serjeant David Griffiths 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llandebie). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went forward with runners to the assistance of a wire party under heavy shell fire. While returning the officer was wounded. Serjeant Griffiths dressed his wounds under continuous shell fire, and carried him to a dressing station a mile off. His behaviour was splendid. (3.9.18)

29403, Private David Idwal Griffiths, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llangain). For conspicuous gallantry and determined courage at Outersteene on 18th August 1918. When his platoon was held up by heavy machine gun fire, he and another man crept forward and rushed the post, capturing two machine guns, killing three enemy and taking five prisoners. After the objective was reached, these two worked forward and captured a sniper who was causing casualties during consolidation. (10.1.20) Sadly just weeks after this, David was wounded at Ypres. He died of his wounds on the 3rd October, 1918 aged just 20 and is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.

79886, Sapper John Thomas Howells, 172nd Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. (Pontardulais). For conspicuous gallantry. With a squad of five men, after twenty-two hours' work under very dangerous conditions, he rescued two men who had been buried in a gallery through the explosion of enemy mine. (25.07.16) John was killed later in the war.

6146, Corporal John Hughes, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as senior N.C.O. bearer since the commencement of the campaign. His great courage and powers of leadership and his brilliant work have been of the very greatest value throughout. (16.04.18).

  

1728, Corporal William James, MM, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment. (Pontyberem).For conspicuous gallantry in action. On several occasions he carried messages under very heavy fire, and led forward men who had lost their leaders. He set a splendid example of courage and coolness throughout. (26.01.17). William was later killed in action on 4 April 1918 and is commemorated on the Poziéres Memorial. He was also the holder of the Military Medal.

71778 Gunner William Jenkins, 87th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Llandebie). For good service as battery despatch rider. He had a very great sense of duty, and it was only through his courage and disregard for danger that his despatches have been delivered. On two occasions his motor-cycle had been smashed by shell fire under him. (02.09.19).

20155, Sergeant William Thomas John, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). On 20th October 1918, his platoon commander was killed whilst swimming the Selle. He at once took command, and on emerging from the river re-organised his platoon under heavy machine-gun fire, and led them forward, capturing a machine gun and crew, and turning the gun on the enemy. He then pushed forward again and captured two small enemy trench howitzers. He showed gallant leadership and did excellent work. (2/1/19). William was killed during the final battles around the Forest of Mormal, on 2 November 1918, and is buried at Forest Communal Cemetery.

25660, Corporal David Jones, 1st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. (Pencader). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was sent forward to fill a gap, in charge of two guns, and kept his guns in action with the greatest coolness for over two hours, keeping the enemy off until the gap was closed by infantry reinforcements. He did fine service. (30.08.18).

54621 Private John Llewellyn Jones, 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanddeusant). On 4th November l9l8, during the attack on Mormal Forest, the platoon to which he belonged was held up by the fire of three enemy machine guns. He stood up under heavy fire, and started to bomb one of the posts. As he rose his rifle was shattered in his hand by a bul1et and his ammunition pouch was also struck and became ignited. He threw off the blazing equipment and continued to throw bombs. He was successful in silencing the gun, but was badly wounded in so doing. His most gallant action enabled the platoon to advance and deal with the two remaining guns. (2.12.19)

16960 Corporal Thomas I. Jones, 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Henllan). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack, when his officer was wounded, this NCO took charge of the platoon, and, capturing a machine gun that was holding up the advance, led the men on and gained the objective. On another occasion, when in charge of a section, he received the surrender of a party of the enemy whom he had isolated in a shell-hole. Some of those who had given themselves up began afterwards to throw bombs, but Serjeant Jones promptly dispatched several of them and saved the section from heavy casualties, he then took charge of half the company and arranged his posts with great ability, and was largely instrumental in defeating an enemy counter-attack the next morning. Throughout the operation he showed great coolness and presence of mind. (3.9. 18)

14043 Staff Sergeant Farrier Richard Keenan, 4th Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Richard's award was published in the London Gazette of 16 February 1915. His citation is yet to be traced.

86350 Corporal David Edward Lewis, 170 Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. (Meidrim). For conspicuous gallantry in accompanying an officer into the enemy's trenches. They found an enemy mine shaft, exploded the galleries and blew in the entrance with a charge. (14.4.16). David was killed in action at Loos on 26 September 1917 and is buried at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

448002, Company Serjeant Major Thomas Lloyd, 436th (Welsh) Field Company, Royal Engineers, T.F. (Llanelli).  (EGYPT) For gallantry in action, conspicuous good work, untiring energy, and high ability as company serjeant-major. He has always rendered valuable services. (2/9/19).

14582 Sergeant William Archibald Morris, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. By his fine leadership a sap was held against hostile attacks. Though wounded he remained throwing bombs for two hours. He has displayed great bravery on other occasions. (22.9.16). William was wounded during the German Offensive on the Lys, and was brought back to the UK for treatment at the 1st Southern General Military Hospital, Birmingham. He sadly died of wounds there on 2 May 1918, and is buried at Carmarthen (St. David) Churchyard.

9563 Sergeant James Northey, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Burry Port). For conspicuous gallantry when he went out four times over the front parapet under heavy rifle fire at about 150 yards range and successfully brought in four wounded men. (11.3.16). James was wounded on the Somme, and brought back to the Army Hospital at Merthyr, where he died of wounds on 8 October, 1916. He is buried at Merthyr Tydfil (Beech Grove) Cemetery.

448089, Serjeant William Oldham, Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli).For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He did excellent work in positions exposed to the enemy's fire, and set a splendid example to his men. (15.02.18).

200780 Sergeant James Alexander Orman, 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). For conspicuous gallantry on 9th August 1915, near Anzac, when, although wounded early in the day, he remained with his Company until dark, displaying great courage and resource. (24/3/18). James was killed in action during Operations in the Jordan Valley, on 9 March, 1918. He is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel.

19994 Company Sergeant Major William G. Probert, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llangennech). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. For eighteen months this warrant officer has carried out his duties as company serjeant-major in a most able and conscientious manner, and frequently shown himself cool and courageous. (21/10/18)

85913, Corporal Thomas Rainford, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli).Thomas' award was gazetted on 29 December 1916, but his citation has not yet been found.

G/1147, Company Sergeant Major W.N. Reed, 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment. (Carmarthen). For conspicuously gallant conduct and devotion to duty during operations, 18th-25th September, 1918, near Ronssoy. He was buried by shell fire, and though badly shaken continued to carry on. On the 19th September he greatly assisted his company commander in reorganising the company, and later in the day voluntarily led forward a patrol towards the enemy positions, and was successful in finding out much valuable information, which he reported. His unfailing cheerfulness and courage throughout was of the highest value. (2.12.19). He was also the holder of the Military Medal.

12859, Sergeant Evan Rees, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. When the enemy had broken through on both flanks, this NCO advanced his Lewis gun and carried on firing with great effect. He checked the enemy's advance on both sides and enabled his company to withdraw intact to the next line of defence. He did very fine work. (3.10.13)

320408 Sergeant Sydney Rees, 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attended 231st Light Trench Mortar Battery. (Kidwelly). On 19th September 1918, near Ronssoy, he collected all available men, and, by repeated journeys, kept up the supply of ammunition, thereby enabling the guns to put out of action an enemy machine gun which was holding up the advance. Two days later, in charge of a section, he got his guns into position under heavy shell fire. (11.3.20)

14146, Serjeant Owen Roberts, 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Saron, Carmarthen). During an attack on 06.00 on the morning of September 18, 1918. After reaching their objective he collected about 30 men and led them against an enemy counterattack. By his prompt action the counter-attack was dispersed with severe loss to the enemy and 20 prisoners captured, thus enabling the captured trenches to be held. Throughout the following day he showed the utmost gallantry and disregard for danger. (10.1.20). Owen was also the holder of the French Croix-de-Guerre.

14226 Private Percy E. Roberts, 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried a wounded man over a very exposed and rocky spur for a distance of 300 yards under a very heavy shell and rifle fire. (24.11.16). The Llanelli Guardian published a story of Percy's award, together with the photograph below;

 

1690, Sergeant William Oliver Stephens, 18th Battalion, London Regiment. (Llandeilo). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 January 1916, but no citation has yet been found.

108267, Corporal Frederick James Taylor, Royal Engineers. (Llandebie). Fred's award was mentioned in an edition of the Carmarthen Journal. Neither the date of Gazette, nor the citation, have yet been identified.

13695 Corporal Frederick Terrington, 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Tycroes). 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 machineguns, though under heavy fire, in daylight. Later, he brought in many wounded, and though himself wounded, refused to withdraw until ordered to do so. (26.3.18) He was accidentally killed while stationed on the Italian Front on 30 March 1918 and is buried at Padua Main Cemetery, Italy.

20485 Lance Corporal Moses Thomas, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry in action. When his entire section was wiped out by concentrated shrapnel and machine-gun fire he continued alone to fire his Lewis gun and covered the withdrawal of his company. Later, during an attack, he killed sixteen of the enemy, firing his Lewis gun from the hip, thereby capturing two machine guns. He showed splendid courage and determination. (5.12.18)

56945 Private Thomas R. Wild, 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Kidwelly). For conspicuous gallantry and initiative during an attack. Seeing an enemy machine gun causing heavy casualties, this man, who was a company runner, collected a few men and rushed the gun, capturing it and killing the team. Later he bayoneted two enemy snipers who were causing casualties to his company crossing a canal. He showed splendid courage and dash. (5.12.18)

200685 Company Sergeant Major Henry Williams, 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an advance. On reaching the enemy's position he collected a party of men, consolidated the position with great ability. He set a fine example of courage and coolness on this and many other occasions. (18.2.18)

320121 Sergeant William Williams, 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Nantgaredig). For gallant and able leadership on 7th September 1918, during the advance from Templeux la Fosse. When his company suffered heavy casualties from enemy barrage he reorganised two platoons, pushed on and obtained his objective. But for his initiative the line would have been held up. (11.3.20)

1055, Company Sergeant Major William H Williams, 1/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen).William's award was published in the New Years Honours List of 31 December 1918.

AWARDED THE MILITARY MEDAL

332986, Corporal Cyril Laugharne Allen, King's Liverpool Regiment. (Laugharne). Cyril's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 January 1917.

42842 Gunner Benjamin Atkins, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Benjamin's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 16 August 1917. He later gained a Bar to his MM, which was listed in the London Gazette of 21 October 1918.

320256 Pte. William Beynon, 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Whitland).  William's award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 19 March 1918.

20417 Private William J. Bellows, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Williams award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 4 December 1915, one of the earliest awards to the Welsh Regiment. He was Discharged Class Z on 24 February 1919.

45950 Richard Bevan, Corporal, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Burry Port). Richard award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 12 June 1918. Richard was killed in action on the 15th September, 1918. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

265012, Lance Sergeant James William Bond, 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Pontardulais). James' award was published in the London Gazette of 8 December 1916. He was also the holder of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

16671 Private Griffith Bowen, 8th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llanelli). Griffith's award of the Military Medal was for Salonika, and was gazetted on 11 March 1919.

2623 Serjeant L. Brooking, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Serjeant Brooking's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 23 February 1918.

21051 Company Quartermaster Sergeant Howard V. Burnhill, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Howard's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 16 November 1916, and was for Mametz Wood.

3238. Bombardier Albert Chester, B/121st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Albert's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919.

4947 Sergeant William Coleman, 62nd Company, Machine Gun Corps. (Llanelli). William was awarded the Military Medal early in the war. He was later killed in action at the Battle of Albert, on 13 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

18123 Guardsman Thomas Coonan, 4th Battalion, Guards Machine Gun Regiment. (Llanelli). Thomas' award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 10 October 1916. He was killed in action on 7 May 1918 and is buried at Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery, Fonquevillers, France.

12094 Sergeant John William Crump, 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. (Garnant). John's award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 5 January 1917. John was killed in action at the Battle of Langemarck on 16 August, 1917, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

W/1210 Lance Bombardier John Daniels, Royal Field Artillery. (Pontyberem). John's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 29 August 1918.

2004678 Private David J. Davies, 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Henllan). David's award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 29 March 1919. He was Discharged Class E on 8 March 1919.

49311, Lance Corporal Edgar Davies, Royal Engineers. (Pontardulais). Edgar's award was published in the London Gazette of 1 February 1918.

355819 Serjeant Evan P. Davies, 25th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Newcastle Emlyn). Evan had previously served with the Welsh Horse Yeomanry, before it was merged with the Montgomery Yeomanry in Egypt, forming the 25th RWF. His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 31 December 1918, and was probably for the Third Battle of Gaza.

14222 Private Howell John Davies, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Howell's award was listed in the London Gazette of 13 May 1919. Howell was wounded during the last weeks of the war, and died on 4 October 1918. He is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France.

4020 Guardsman James Thomas Davies, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. (Llanwrda). James was awarded the Military Medal during the war. He was wounded during the Battle of the Sambre, and Died of Wounds on 7 November, 1918. James is buried at Villers-Pol Communal Cemetery Extension.

Deal/3477/S Lance Corporal James Davies, R.M. Medical Unit, Royal Marines. (Llanelli). James' award was listed in the 16 February 1917. He survived the war, but sadly died of Influenza and Pneumonia on 20 November 1918.

200770 Serjeant John Evan Davies, 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Abergwili). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 16 July 1918. His medals are held at the Carmarthen County Museum, Abergwili.

14895 Private Jonny C. Davies, 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Nantgaredig). Jonny's award was listed in the London Gazette of 18 June 1917. He was wounded during the Battle of Doiran, and died of his wounds on 25 September, 1918. Jonny lies in Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston.

41531, Sergeant Joshua James Davies, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Burry Port/ Newcastle Emlyn). Joshua's award was published in the London Gazette of 2 June 1916, and was for his bravery during the collecting and treatment of wounded during fighting at International Trench, Ypres. He was from Cilrhedyn, near Newcastle Emlyn, and worked as a Railway Engine Driver at Burry Port.

25666, Corporal Leonard Arthur Davies, 1st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. (Ferryside). Leonard's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 March 1919.

Engineering Lieutenant Commander Levi Rees Davies, Royal Naval Division. (Laugharne). An edition of the Welshman carried a report that Levi had gained the Military Medal. Presently neither Levi's records, nor the award of the Military Medal to him have been traced.

216, Guardsman Reggie Davies, Welsh Guards. (Llanelli). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 24 January 1919

20501 Lance Corporal Richard J. Davies, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Richard's award was listed in the London Gazette of 2 November 1917, and was for the Pilckem Ridge. He was Discharged Class Z on 28 February 1919.

20732 Private Thomas Haydn Davies, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Ammanford). Thomas' award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 December 1916, so was probably for Mametz Wood. He was killed in action at Ypres on 30 January, 1917 at Ypres, and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium.

Gunner Thomas Davies, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Carmarthen). Thomas' details cannot yet be traced, but the Welshman Newspaper reported as his being given the Freedom of the Borough of Carmarthen, in April 1919. The article stated that on May 8, 1918 was wounded in the right thigh by a gas shell and was taken to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station. On 31st May, 1918, while recuperating from the wounds at the 1st ACCS, he volunteered to give a quantity of blood to save a dying comrade. The quantity given was 1 1/2 pints. He was awarded the Military Medal for this.

Sapper Tim J. Davies, Royal Engineers. (Whitland). Tim was the Son of Mr & Mrs Rees Lewis, of Park Villa, Whitland. He was reported in The Welshman for having won the Military Medal in 1917. No further details have yet been traced.

Sapper Tom Davies, Royal Engineers. (Llandyssul). A report in the Carmarthen Journal carried the news of Tom's award of the Military Medal while attached to the Scottish Division. Presently he has not been identified.

5540 Private William Davies, 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanybydder). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 6 July 1917. William was killed in action during the Battle of the Scarpe, on 21 May 1917. William's body was lost, and he is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the Missing.

77659, Private William Job Davies, 1/3rd Highland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Pencader). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 10 December 1918.

29785, Private William James Davies, 10th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. (Llanelli). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 13 May 1919.

448421 Sapper Albert Dawson, Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). Albert's award was published in the London Gazette of 19 March 1918, and was probably for the Third Battle of Gaza.

200454 Sergeant Brinley John Delaney, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Brinkley's award was listed in the London Gazette of 12 December 1917. He was later commissioned into the commissioned into South Wales Borderers on 28 May 1918.

1802, Lance Corporal Joseph Emanuel, Welsh Guards. (Llanelli). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 24 January 1919

15991 Sergeant Evan A. Enoch, 39th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. (Carmarthen). Evan's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 30 May 1919.

Private Daniel Evans, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Talley). Daniel's award was noted in The Welshman. The details have not yet been traced.

1256 Gunner David Evans, X/47th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Carmarthen). David's award was listed in the London Gazette on 2 June 1916. He sadly died soon after, on 18 September 1916, and was buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen.

20662, Corporal Dewi A. Evans, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Henllan). Dewi was awarded the Military Medal whilsts attached to a Trench Mortar Battery, probably at Mametz Wood. The award was published in the London Gazette of 16 November 1916.

48845, Sergeant Edward Idris Evans, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Kidwelly). Edward's award was published in the London Gazette of 14 December 1917, and was probably for Third Ypres.

13534 Private Edward Idris Evans, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Kidwelly). Edward was born in Kidwelly in 1890, and was a Collier. He was awarded the Military Medal for Passchendaele, the award of which was listed in the London Gazette of 17 December 1917.

1570, Corporal Henry Evans, 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). Henry's award was published in the London Gazette of 8 December 1916, and was for; 'holding a mine head and repulsing three German attacks, When the officer in charge was wounded, he took command of the party and held the position against great odds.'

13485 Corporal John Evans, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Brynamman). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 10 September 1918. He was sadly killed in action on before it was listed, on 29 April 1918, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

W/1649 Driver P. M. Evans, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Driver Evans' first award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 25 September 1917. He was awarded a Bar to his Military Medal within weeks, during Third Ypres, which was published in the London Gazette of 2 November 1917.

13183 Lance Corporal William Evans, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llangunnoch (sic), Carmarthen). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 13 March 1918.

59840 Private William G. Francis, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Ponthenry). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 17 June 1919.

12854 Sergeant Herbert Goldsby, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Tumble). Herbert's award was listed in the London Gazette of 22 August 1916. Sadly Herbert was killed in action soon after his award, at the Battle of Pozieres on 27 July 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

13277 Corporal Tom Griffin, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Ammanford). Tom's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 16 August 1917. It was probably for Messines Ridge.

58292, Private Archibald Griffiths, 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Pontardulais). Archibald's award was published in the London Gazette of 17 June 1919.

64097, Private Evan Griffiths, Machine Gun Corps. (Cross Hands). Evan's award was published in the London Gazette of 16 October 1917.

15260 Sergeant John Griffiths, 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanarthney). John's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 13 March 1919, and was for Salonika.

98695 Bombardier Thomas David Edgar Griffiths, D/57th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Thomas's award of the Military Medal was for Salonika, and was gazetted on 11 March 1919.

20206 William H. Griffiths, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 May 1919.

202931, Corporal William John Griffiths, South Lancashire Regiment. (Kidwelly). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 4 October 1918.

12315, Corporal William Hales, 7th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. (Llanelli). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 22 July 1919.

49843 Spr. David Harries, Royal Engineers. (Whitland). David was the son of James Harries, of 26, St. Mary's Street, Whitland, and was the first Whitland man to win the Military Medal during the war. The award was listed in the London Gazette of 29 August 1918.

381933, Private Lewin Harris, 25th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment. (Llandeilo). Lewin's award was published in the London Gazette of 13 June 1919.

9125, Sergeant Edward Harrison, Royal Berkshire Regiment. (Carmarthen). Edward's award was published in the London Gazette of 17 July 1917. He was shot in the back during an attack, but struggled to carry a wounded comrade back some 100 yards to safety, under heavy German fire.

94520, Bombardier Edward Horgan, B/187th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Edward's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 March 1919.

97899, Driver Thomas James Howells, B/71st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Thomas's award was published in the London Gazette of 7 February 1919.

Private W. Howells. (Llandeilo). A note in an edition of the Carmarthen Journal announced the award of the Military Medal to Private Howells, but he has not presently been identified.

W/5175, Driver William John Howells, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanarthney). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 14 November 1916, and was for Mametz Wood.

371057 Bombardier James Hurley, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Carmarthen). James's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 25 September 1917.

448045 Sapper David J. James, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). David's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 15 March 1918.

17700, Sergeant James James, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Cross Hands). James' award was published in the London Gazette of 9 December 1916. 

12903 Lance Sergeant Frank Jenkins, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Dafen). Frank's award was listed in the London Gazette of 10 September 1918. Frank was wounded in Flanders, probably during the action which saw him winning the Military Medal, and he died on 8 May, 1918. He is buried at Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.

871225, Sergeant Major James Jenkins, Canadian Railway Troops. (Meidrim). James was born at Talog on 26 July 1880, the son of Mrs. A. Jones, later of Wolfscastle Inn, Llanfyrnach. He was working in Canada as a shell maker before the war, but enlisted at Winnepeg in February 1916, joining the Canadian Railway Company, earning the Military Medal in France.

13107 Private William G. Jenkins, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llanelli). William's first award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 16 November 1916, and was probably for the Somme. William's second award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 23 February 1918, earning him a Bar to his first award.

200468 Lance Corporal David John Jeremy, 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 19 March 1918. He was later Discharged Class E on 6 February 1919.

22074 Corporal Mechanic David J. Jones, Royal Air Force. (Carmarthen). David's award was published in the London Gazette of 7 February 1919.

52475 Lance Corporal David W. Jones, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). Lance Corporal Jones' award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 December 1917.

2627, Guardsman Edward Lewis Jones, Welsh Guards. (Carmarthen). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 17 June 1919.

200239 Corporal Gwilym Jones, 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Gwilym's award was listed in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919.   

50092 Private James Jones, Welsh Regiment. (Beulah). James' award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 7 October 1918.

Aircraftman James Ira Thomas Jones, 10 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. (St. Clears). Ira gained his Military Medal for the gallant rescue of five wounded gunners when their base in France was being bombed by German aircraft in September 1916. He went on to become a pilot, and be the highest scoring Welsh fighter ace of all time.

28952 Private John E. Jones, Welsh Regiment. (Llandebie). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 12 December 1917, and was probably for the Pilckem Ridge.

126410 Sapper John Samuel Jones, No. 2 Light Railway Signal Company, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). John's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 11 March 1919.

202827 Lance Corporal Llewellyn Jones, 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llandeilo). Llewellyn's award was listed in the London Gazette of 7 February 1919. He had been Killed in Action at the Battle of the Selle, on 8 October, 1918, and is buried at Bois-Des-Angles British Cemetery, Crevecouer-Sur-L'Escaut.

Private T. Jones, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llanelli). Private Jones is listed in the 1922 published Carmarthen County War Memorial Roll as being the holder of the Military Medal. No more can be traced of him at present.

24330 Private Thomas Albert Jones, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Dafen). Thomas's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 13 May 1919.

235604, Corporal Thomas Lewis Jones, 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Thomas's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 7 February 1919.            

13367 Private Trevor Jones, 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Trevor's award was listed in the London Gazette of 16 February 1917. He was killed at the Battle of Ypres on 31 July 1917, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

53638 Private William Jones, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Golden Grove). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 May 1919.

40083 Private William Thomas Jones, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Carmarthen). Tom's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 December 1917.

26291, Lance Corporal Robert Kenyon, Lancashire Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Robert's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 June 1918

20161 Private Christopher Thomas Lewis, 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Pembrey). Christopher's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 22 July 1919.

2827 Driver David William Lewis, 'D' Battery, 67 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llandebie). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 25 January 1918. He was wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele, and Died of Wounds on 28 October 1917. He is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery.

2661, Guardsman James Lewis, Welsh Guards. (Henllan). James was awarded the Military Medal for the Pilckem Ridge. It was listed in the London Gazette of 16 November 1917.

48773, Sergeant William John Lewis, 129th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Tumble). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 7 February 1919.

13724 Private Stephen Lister, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llanelli). Stephen's award was listed in the London Gazette of 6 July 1917. He was later wounded at Ypres, and died on 3 February 1918. He is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery.

40055 Private William Llewellyn, 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Carmarthen). William's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 22 July 1919.

14887 Lance Corporal David Lloyd, 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Burry Port). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 13 March 1918 and was for Bourlon Wood. He was Discharged Class Z on 31 January 1919.

41142, Private George Marsh, Worcestershire Regiment. (Laugharne). George's award was published in the London Gazette of 16 October 1917.

112644 Bombardier Gilbert Marshall, 'D' Battery, 77 Army Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Gilbert's award was listed in the London Gazette of 21 January 1919. He had sadly been killed prior to this, during the advance on the Hindenburg Line, on 2 September 1918, and is buried in Vis-En-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt.

20462 Private William Martin, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919. Sadly he had been killed during the fighting at Morval on 30 August 1918 and is buried at Morval British Cemetery.

263, Guardsman Henry James Matthews, Welsh Guards. (Burry Port). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 17 June 1919.

77790 Private Daniel Thomas Morgan, 142nd Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Carmarthen). Daniel's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 21 January 1919.

56549 Lance Corporal John Howell Morgan, 159 Company, Machine Gun Corps. (St. Clears). John's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 15 March 1918, when his address was given as Pontypridd. He survived the war, and died in 1963 at St. Helier, Jersey.

24382 Driver Richard Morgan, Royal Field Artillery. (Llandyssul). Richard's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 29 March 1918.

14735 Sergeant Thomas Morgan, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llandingat). Thomas' award was listed in the London Gazette of 8 December 1916. He was wounded during the Second Battle of Passchendaele, and died on 10 November 1917. Thomas is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

WZ/155 Able Seaman A. Reggie Morris, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. (Laugharne). Reggie's award was listed in the London Gazette of 28 January 1918. It was awarded for bravery while carrying despatches under fire, and was for the Battle of Passchendaele.

77982, Sergeant John George Morris, Royal Flying Corps. John had served with the 15th Welsh before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps. The award of his Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 14 September 1917.

448051 Serjeant Grismond L. Nicholas, Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). Grismond's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 19 March 1918.

34100 Private Gwilym D. Nicholas, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Bynea). Gwilym's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 23 July 1919.

13432 Serjeant Sidney Phillips, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Llanelli). Sidney's award was published in the London Gazette of 2 November 1917, and was probably for the Battle of Messines Ridge.

1422, Lance Corporal William Phillips, 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (St. Clears). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 8 December 1916, for rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy German fire.

73308 Private John Edward Price, 28th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. (Laugharne). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 21 September 1916. He was later commissioned into the Royal Air Force, and survived the war.

16341, Private James Prout, 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Ammanford). James' award was published in the London Gazette of 10 November 1916, and was for Gallantry on the Somme.

117038 Sergeant George Edward Radford, 331 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. (Llanelli). George's award was listed in the London Gazette of 21 January 1919. He had sadly been killed during the advance on the Hindenburg Line on 22 September 1918, and is buried at La Chapelette British & Indian Cemetery, Peronne.  

G/1147 Company Serjeant Major W. N. Reed, 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment. (Carmarthen). C.S.M. Reed was already the holder of the Military Medal when he gained the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The date of the award of his MM has not yet been traced.

448085, Corporal Evan Henry Rees, 436th Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Kidwelly). Evan was the second son of Mr. and Mrs John Rees, of Castle Stores, Kidwelly. His award was published in the London Gazette of 15 March 1918, and was for gallantry and devotion to duty in Palestine.

 

Horace V. Rees, Private, 34473, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). Horace's award was listed in the London Gazette of 3 June 1916, and was for Loos. He was later posted to the 12th Welsh.

R33710, Private James Rees, King's Royal Rifle Corps. (Llanelli). James' award was published in the London Gazette of 11 January 1918.

368097 Private Philip I. Rees, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Garnant). Philip's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 11 January 1918.

20182 Private Thomas J. Rees, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llandebie). Thomas' award was listed in the London Gazette of 28 September, 1917 and was probably for the Pilckem Ridge. He was Discharged on 17 January 1919.

6636 Private William Every Rees, 10th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llanelli). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919. He served throughout the war attached to the 4th Division.

S/9312, Private Frederick Reynolds, Seaforth Highlanders. (Carmarthen). Frederick's award was published in the London Gazette of 25 June 1918.

Private Frederick A. Richards. (Laugharne). A note in an edition of the Carmarthen Journal stated that Frederick, the son of Mr & Mrs G. Richards of Laugharne, had been awarded the Military Medal. He was later wounded by gas in April 1918 and taken POW. Neither Frederick or the award have yet been identified, but he may have served with the 15th Welsh.

Stoker William Richards, Royal Navy. (Laugharne). A note in an edition of the Carmarthen Journal stated that William, the son of Mr & Mrs T. Richards of Laugharne, had been awarded the Military Medal. Neither William or the award have yet been identified.

20419 Sergeant John H. Richardson, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919. He was also awarded the Croix-de-Guerre.

3725, Private Ernest Hiram Roberts, Duke of Lancasters Own Yeomanry. (Ammanford). Ernest's award was noted in an edition of the Carmarthen Journal, but has not yet been traced. He was later commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers.

14146, Sergeant Owen Roberts, 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Saron). Owen's award was published in the London Gazette of 18 July 1919.

W/404, Gunner William Thomas Rogers, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). William's award was published in the London Gazette of 30 October 1917.

80455 Sergeant Joseph Rose, 'D' Battery, 63rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Joseph's award was listed in the London Gazette of 16 October 1917. He was later killed during the Battle of Cambrai on 1 December 1917 and is buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension.

15585 Sergeant Allen Maxwell Ruston, 7th Battalion, Northumberland Regiment. (Carmarthen). Allen's award was listed in the London Gazette of 2 June 1916. He was later commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, and was killed with them at the First Battle of Kemmel, on 23 April 1918. He is buried at Mont-Bernanchon British Cemetery, Gonnehem.

3866, Sergeant Arthur Scott, Royal West Kent Regiment. (Llanelli). Arthur's award was published in the London Gazette of 10 September 1918.

48197, Private David Alcwyn Thomas, 130th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Penygroes). David's award was published in the London Gazette of 7 February 1919.

Deal/3461 (S) Corporal D. J. Thomas, Corporal, Royal Naval Division. (Ponthenry). Corporal Thomas had worked in the colliery at Ponthenry prior to the war, and enlisted with nine friends into the Medical Unit of the Royal Naval Division. His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 23 February 1918, and was for carrying wounded men to cover under shell fire, during Third Ypres.

46143 Private David Lewis Thomas, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llandebie). David's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 13 June 1919.

200268, Private Elvet Thomas, 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Pontyberem). Elvet's award was published in the London Gazette of 17 July 1917, and was probably for the First Battle of Gaza.

20974 Serjeant Fred Thomas, 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Johnstown, Carm.). Fred's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 22 July 1919.

1276, Guardsman Gwilym Thomas, Welsh Guards. (Llanelli). Gwilym's award was listed in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919.

2943 Driver John J. Thomas, 38th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery. (Llannon). John's award was listed in the London Gazette of 25 May 1917. He was later wounded at Armentières and died on 30 March 1918. John is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

R/3758 Sergeant Norman Thomas, 11th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. (Llandilo). Norman's award was listed in the London Gazette of 16 October 1917. He was Killed in Action at Cambrai on 30 November, 1917 and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

168189, Gunner Robert B. Thomas, Royal Field Artillery. (Llandeilo). Robert's award was published in the London Gazette of 9 April 1918.

3208, Guardsman William John Thomas, Welsh Guards (Kidwelly). Williams award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 May 1919.

48201 Sapper William John Thomas, 131st Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llandebie). William's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 18 July 1919.

54557 Private David J. Treharne, 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 17 June 1919.

260373, Private Merlin Rees Watts, Gloucestershire Regiment. (Laugharne). Merlin's award was published in the London Gazette of 13 November 1918. He had previously served with the Monmouth Regiment.

200329, Private Vernon Lloyd Wilkins, 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Kidwelly). Vernon's award was published in the London Gazette of 17 July 1917.

12753 Private David Daniel Williams, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. (Pontardulais). David was one of several men from Pontardulais who served with the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 23 February 1918, and was probably awarded for Third Ypres. Daniel was killed during the German Spring offensive on 25 March 1918, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

18429 Private David W. Williams, 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Kidwelly). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 18 October 1917, and was probably for the Pilckem Ridge. He also gained a Bar to his Military Medal, which was listed in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919, and was also the holder of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

235821 Private Edward Williams, 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Manordilo). Edward's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 22 July 1919.

Corporal Edward John Williams, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). Edward's award of the Military Medal was printed in The Welshman after the Armistice. He was given the Freedom of the Borough of Carmarthen, in April 1919, and was awarded the Military Medal for; "On the 12th November, 1917, at Kawalfe, Beersheba, Palestine, for carrying in wounded under heavy fire."

195965, Pioneer Evan S. Williams, Royal Engineers. (Kidwelly). Evan's award was published in the London Gazette of 10 September 1918.

Sergeant Evan Williams. (Llanwrda). Evan's award was noted in an edition of the Carmarthen Journal, but cannot presently be identified. The award was for Salonika.

794, Lance Corporal Griffith Trevor Williams, Welsh Guards, (Carmarthen). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 24 January 1919.

20663 Sergeant John Williams, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919.

12911 Sergeant John R. Williams, South Wales Borderers. (Pontyberem). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 9 April 1918.

13676 Private Myrddin Williams, Welsh Regiment. (Ammanford). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 25 April 1918.

54311, Private Robert E. Williams, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Penygroes). Robert's award was published in the London Gazette of 11 December 1917.

126930, Lance Corporal W. H. Williams, 1/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). This man's award was published in the London Gazette of 12 July 1918.

14682 Private William Henry Williams, 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. (Llanelli). William's award was listed in the London Gazette of 19 February 1917. He had sadly been earlier killed in action at the Battle of Pozieres on 30 July 1916, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

448534, Sapper Sidney Harold Wilson, Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). Sidney's award was published in the London gazette of 28 March 1919.

63131 Private David John Yeo, 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Carmarthen). David's award was listed in the London Gazette of 14 May 1919. Sadly he was dead by then, being killed at the Battle of the Sambre on 4 November 1918 while serving with the 9th Welsh. He is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

40599, Corporal James Young, Royal Field Artillery. (Hendy). James's award was published in the London Gazette of 23 January 1918, so was probably for Third Ypres.

AWARDED THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

M2/018624, Corporal Daniel William Bowen, 23rd Division HQ, Royal Army Service Corps. (Carmarthen). Daniel's award of the Meritorious Service Medal was published in the London Gazette of 31 December 1918.

200803, Company Sergeant Major Richard Bowgett, 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). Richard's award was published in the London Gazette of 21 February 1919.

3589, Company Sergeant Major James Joseph Burns, Welsh Regiment. (Llanelli). James' award was published in the London Gazette of 21 February 1919.

256221 Sapper Victor James Cole, Railways Division, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). Victor's award of the MSM was published in the London Gazette of 14 June 1918. He had previously served with the Pembroke Yeomanry. He died of gunshot wounds on 27 September 1918, and is buried at Box Cemetery, Llanelli.

1090, Private Joseph Burlington Hughes, 4th Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps. (Laugharne). Joseph's award was published in the London Gazette of 3 June 1919. He was an Australian, who married Miss Thomas, of Sunnyhill, Laugharne during the war. The award was; 'For gallantry and devotion to duty for the period 17th September to November 11th 1918. During the operations carried out on 17th to 19th September 1918 near LE VERGUIER and JEANCOURT by 4th Australian Division, this N.C.O, with the temporary rank of Staff-Sergeant was in charge of a nursing tent subdivision during which time some 500 casualties were treated with great thoroughness and expedition. This was largely due to the good organisation and example of cheerfulness and industry set by this N.C.O., as at this time there was considerable shell fire in the near vicinity of the Dressing Station. This N.C.O. has at all times shown the greatest gallantry, cheerfulness and efficiency in carrying out his duties and has served continuously with 4th Australian Field Ambulance since its formation. I consider him most deserving of special recognition.'

 

61792 Regimental Serjeant Major Isaac Jones, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Attended South Lancashire Regiment). (Ammanford). Isaac served at Mametz Wood with the 15th Welsh before being recalled to Britain to help train a new Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment. He was awarded his Meritorious Service Medal for his work with new recruits in the King's Birthday Honours List of 3 June 1919.

320108 Quartermaster Sergeant John Lewis Jones, 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llandeilo). John's award was listed in the Peace Gazette of 18 January 1919. He was also the holder of the Territorial Force War Medal.

2904 Quarter Master Serjeant Richard J. Owen, Royal Engineers. (Carmarthen). His award was listed in the London Gazette of 12 December, 1919.

71025, Sapper George J. Perrin, No. 3 L.R.S. Company, Royal Engineers. (Llanelli). George's award was published in the London Gazette of 17 January 1919.

12222, Corporal Dudley Ellison Taylor, 2nd Dragoon Guards. (Carmarthen). Dudley was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the Gazette of 14 June 1918 for valuable services in France. He died of sickness on 10 November 1918 and is buried at Carmarthen Cemetery.

S4/109581, Staff Sergeant Sigebert Frederick G John Thompson, Special Purchase Department, Royal Army Service Corps. (Carmarthen). Sigebert's award was published in the London Gazette of 17 January 1919.

FOREIGN AWARDS

32562 Private Richard Davies, MM, 11th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment (Pencader, Carmarthen). Was awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre, which was Gazetted 24 October 1919.

Lieutenant Thomas Lewis Ebsworth, 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Pendine). Thomas was awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre during his time at war.

15260 Sergeant J. Griffiths, 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. (Llanarthney). Was awarded the Greek Military Cross in the London Gazette of 21 July 1919.

1975 Private Hugh Llewellyn Jones, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llanelli). Hugh was awarded the White Eagle of Serbia, for distinguished conduct at Gallipoli.

Lieutenant James Ira Thomas Jones, 74 Squadron, Royal Air Force. (St. Clears). Ira's award of the Russian Order of St. George was published in the London Gazette of  January 1917.

20988 Private William Jones, 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Ammanford). William was awarded Belgian Croix-de-Guerre in the London Gazette of 12 July 1918.

14043 Farrier Staff Sergeant Richard Keenan, 8th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Llanelli). Richard was born in Llanelli in 1879. He landed in France on 19 August 1914, and during his time at war was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was actually awarded the Russian Cross of St. George, after being Mentioned in Sir John French's Despatches in the London Gazette of 16 February 1915. The Llanelli Guardian of that date printed a write up of him, and also the portrait photo shown below.

275683 Battery Sergeant Major George Martin-de-Bartolome. (Ammanford).  George's award of the French Croix-de-Guerre was published in the London Gazette of 16 August 1918.

14146, Serjeant Owen Roberts, 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. (Saron, Carmarthen). Croix de Guerre (France) 18 July 1919. Owen was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

3532 Private John William Stephenson, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Porthyrhyd). John was awarded the Croix-de-Guerre (France) for rescuing a wounded airman under heavy fire on the Somme. He was later killed on 10 August 1917, and is buried at La Gorgue Communal Cemetery, France.

43201 Private William John Thomas, 131st Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (Llandebie). William was awarded the Croix de Guerre (France) in the London Gazette of 18 July 1919.

WORLD WAR TWO AWARDS

MEMBER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (M.B.E.)

138831 Major William Lewis Bell, Gloucester Regiment. (Carmarthen). William was awarded the M.B.E. in the London Gazette of 19 June 1945.

Miss Agneta Annie Justina Stepney Gulston, Honorary County Secretary, Carmarthenshire Branch, British Red Cross Society (Carmarthenshire). Agneta was awarded the M.B.E. for her services during the Great War. The award was published in the London Gazette of 28 February 1919.

35510 Colonel John Gwynne Morgan, Royal Army Medical Corps. (Llandeilo). John's award of the M.B.E. was published in the London Gazette of 23 November 1943.

Lieutenant John Rees Richards, 1st (Carmarthenshire) Battalion, Home Guard. (Ysprad, Carmarthen). Lieutenant Richards was awarded the M.B.E. (Military) in the London Gazette of 18 November 1941 for the following brave act; "On 16th July 1941, at Ystrad Bombing Range, Carmarthen, an accident occurred under the following circumstances. A volunteer of the Home Guard, after receiving theoretical instruction, was practising the throwing of a live Mills bomb. After he had removed the retaining pin, the bomb slipped from his hand and rolled some little distance away. The bombing instructor, Lieutenant Richards, an old soldier whose right arm was shot off in the Great War, ran to the bomb-the fuse of which by that time would have been burning for three or more seconds, picked up the bomb and threw it to a place of safety. One volunteer was injured, but had not Lieutenant Richards acted quickly with great presence of mind, many casualties would have been incurred."

William Charles Thomas, Captain, 146193, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. (Carmarthen). William's award of the M.B.E. was published in the London Gazette of 11 December 1945.

Reverend William David Conwyl Williams, 65491, Chaplain to the Forces, Fourth Class, Royal Army Chaplain's Department (Laugharne). William's award of the M.B.E. was published in the London Gazette of 16 February 1943.

William Daniel Williams, DL, Colonel, Home Guard. (Carmarthen). William's award of the M.B.E. was published in the London Gazette of 12 December 1944. He served with the Carmarthen Sector Home Guard.

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (B.E.M.)

Sidney James Dodd, Gunner, Royal Artillery, 14298419. (Llangadock). Gazetted June 1945. 'In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.'

Elwyn George Rhydderch, Driver, Royal Army Service Corps, 7/172814. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 4 July 1941.

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (D.C.M.)

Emrys Davies, Sergeant, Welsh Guards, 2737357. (Trawsmawr, Carmarthen). Gazetted 21 August 1945.

Leonard Lewis, Corporal, Lincolnshire Regiment, 3961349. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 26 June 1945.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (D.S.M.)

Enoch Davies, Stoker Petty Officer, Royal Navy, D/KX76292. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 6 July 1945.

MILITARY CROSS (M.C.)

Lieutenant John Alistair Cook, 88th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. (Pembrey). John followed in his father's footsteps by winning the Military cross. His citation, published in the London Gazette of 27 August 1940, read; 'For conspicuous gallantry, initiative and leadership. On 28 May 1940, near Bergues, this Officer was ordered to take his Troop and occupy Anti-Tank positions South of Bergues to prevent the enemy A.F.Vs from crossing the railway. On arrival at his rendezvous enemy Infantry were found to be already close up to the front and flank of the position. 2nd Lieutenant Cook at once put one gun into action while the remaining three were ordered back to a rear position. 2nd Lieutenant Cook took command of this gun and when it was no longer possible to maintain it in action, covered the retirement of its detachment with a Bren Gun. he then proceeded to the rear of the position where two guns were in action and took charge there, maintaining fire on the advancing enemy until ordered by his Battery Commander to withdraw. Having seen his detachment to safety he then destroyed the remaining guns himself. Throughout the action the coolness and personal disregard for danger shown by this Officer had a very marked effect in his Troop enabling it to inflict considerable casualties on the enemy.'

David Hugh Davies, Major, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, 77603. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 19 December 1944.

Edgeworth Horace Williams, M.B., Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps, 136806. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 22 May 1945.

MILITARY MEDAL (M.M.)

Ernest Edward Duckfield, Sergeant, Royal Army Service Corps, T7/163136. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 22 August 1944.

David Talfryn Evans, Corporal, Royal Welch Fusiliers, 14200791. (Ammanford). Gazetted 27 February 1945.

Gwyn Evans, Corporal, Welch Regiment, 3961346. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 27 February 1945.

Frederick John Ham, Lance Corporal, North Irish Horse, 7045676. (Burry Port). Gazetted 5 December 1944.

Edward Hurley, Sergeant, Royal Engineers, 2094584. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 4 April 1944.

Douglas James, Private, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, 3961215. (Llanelli). Gazetted 5 December 1944.

Edwin John, Sergeant, Welch Regiment, 3963476. (Burry Port). Gazetted 27 February 1945.    

Trevor Isaac Jones, Sergeant, Welch Regiment, 3970378. (Alltwalis, Carmarthen). Gazetted 19 December 1944. Since Killed in Action.

Hermas Llewellyn, Lance Corporal, Royal Engineers, 2136378. (Garnant). Gazetted 9 March 1943.

William Oliver, Private, Welch Regiment, 14627409. (Trevaughan). Gazetted 19 June 1945.

Myrddin Thomas, Corporal, Royal Scots Fusiliers, 3953847. (Llandebie). Gazetted 4 April 1944.

MENTION IN DESPATCHES (M.I.D.)

William James Harries, Able Seaman, Royal Navy, D/JX 285730. (Carmarthen). Gazetted 16 June 1944. 'For courage, coolness and devotion to duty when H.M. Ships Inglefield and Spartan were lost.'

Ebenezer Samual Jones, Yeoman of Signals, Royal Navy, D/JX 142860. (Cwmduad). Gazetted 10 August 1945.