Ammanford War Memorial Gates
The Great War, 1914-1918
Stanley Allen, Private, 1158, Welsh Guards. Stanley was born at Llanelli, and was the Husband of Mary Ann Allen, of 2, Gorseinon Terrace, Gorseinon. He enlisted at Swansea into the Welsh Guards, and was sent to France with the 1st Battalion, as part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. This Division has the distinction of being formed in France in August 1915. The various Guards units that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this fine formation. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on the 25th September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt, before moving to Ypres to rebuild, in preparation for a move to the Somme. Stanley was sadly wounded at Ypres, and brought to the Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, where he died of wounds on the 13th May, 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
David John Ashton, Private, 41581, Worcestershire Regiment. David was the Son of William and Grace Ashton, of 32, Wernolau Road, Ammanford. He enlisted into the 1/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, who were attached to the 144th Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division. The Division moved to France between the 22nd March and the 1st April 1915, and saw its first major engagement at the opening of the Battle of the Somme, holding the line between the 56th (London) and the 31st Divisions, both of which were heavily engaged at Gommecourt and Serre respectively. Two of the battalions of the Division attacked on 1 July 1916, and suffered heavy casualties. They then went into action at the Battle of Bazentin, during the second phase of the Battle of the Somme, and captured Ovillers. They also fought at the Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of the Ancre. In March, 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and later in the year fought at Third Ypres, at the Battle of Langemarck, the Battle of the Polygon Wood, the Battle of Broodseinde and the Battle of Poelcapelle. The Division was ordered to Italy on 21st November 1917, where it remained for the duration of the war, taking part in actions on the Asiago Plateau, where David was killed in action on the 9th August, 1918. He was 24 years old, and is remembered on the Giavera Memorial, Italy.
William Aubrey, Gunner, 58510, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was born in Ammanford, and enlisted at Pentre into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving with their 3rd Siege Battery attached to the Third Army. The Battery were taking part in the offensive which saw the war turn in the favour of the Allies during August, 1918, at the Battle of Albert, when William was killed in action on the 22nd August, 1918. He is buried at Warloy Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
William Thomas Bailey, Private, 4231, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Marlborough, and enlisted at Salisbury into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, which had moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. William was killed in action just days after landing, on the 11th August, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Frederick Benjamin Bowen, Private, 29628, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick was the Son of John and Mary Bowen, of Tyssil House, Llandeilo. He resided in Ammanford prior to the war, where he worked for the Great Western Railway, and he enlisted there into the 19th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were attached to the 110th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late Spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France between the 1st and 9th June, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Later in the year they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, playing an important role in the attack on Bourlon Wood. Frederick was killed in action here on the 24th November, 1917 aged 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval. Frederick is remembered on the GWR War Memorial at Chester. Not on Ammanford Memorial.
David Davies, Private, 30432, Kings Liverpool Regiment. David was born in Ammanford, and enlisted in Lancashire into the 4th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, attached to the 98th Brigade, 33rd Division. The Division moved to France during November, 1915, and saw its first major action during the Battles of the Somme, from July, 1916 onwards, which is where David was killed in action, during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, on the 28th October, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
David Davies, Private, 25987, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Llanguicke, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France between the 1st and 9th June, and moved to the front near Loos, where David was killed in action soon after, on the 19th June, 1916. He is buried at Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay.
Daniel John Davies, Private, 16410, Grenadier Guards. Daniel was the Son of John and Catherine Davies, of Garnant Ganol, Garnswllt, Pantyffynnon. He was a pre-war regular, who served with the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, attached to the 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, the 2nd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. They moved to Belgium, where they fought at the Battle of Mons, and retreating southwards, fought at the Affair of Landrecies, the Rearguard Actions of Villers-Cotterets, and at the Battle of the Marne where the German offensive was stopped. The Germans retreated north, and the BEF met them, fighting at the Battle of the Aisne. Daniel was killed in action on the Aisne on the 23rd September, 1914. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Vailly British Cemetery, France.
David John Davies, Driver, 2614, Royal Field Artillery. David was born in Ammanford, and enlisted there into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to their 56th Division Ammunition Column, attached to the 56th (London) Division. The Division fought at the diversionary attack on Gommecourt then at Ginchy, Flers and Morval, where they captured Combles. They wintered on the Somme, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 before fighting in the Battle of Arras. They then moved to Ypres, where they fought at Langemarck, then at Cambrai during the Battle there in October 1917, remaining in the area for the winter. The Division were in the Arras sector when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the 21st March, 1918, and David was killed in action a week later, on the 28th March, 1918. He is buried at Anzin-St. Aubin British Cemetery, France.
Evan George Davies, Lance Corporal, 93774, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Evan was the Son of David and Alice Davies, of 33, Margaret St., Ammanford, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 4th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment. The Battalion were attached to the 98th Brigade, 33rd Division, who had moved to France during November, 1915. The Division saw its first major action during the Battles of the Somme, from July, 1916 onwards. They then fought at the Battle of the Scarpe and at Bullecourt, before heading to Ypres, and fighting at the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood. They were still in Flanders when the German Spring Offensive hit, and fought at the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Hazebrouck and the Battle of Bailleul, where the Division played a part in the Defence of Neuve Eglise. They then took part in the First Battle of Kemmel, and recaptured of Ridge Wood, before being sent to the St. Quentin area. Here they took part in the great offensive which was to end the war, fighting at the Battle of the St Quentin Canal, where Evan was wounded. He died of wounds on the 29th September, 1918 aged just 19, and is buried at Villers Hill British Cemetery, Villers-Guislain, France.
Harold Percival Davies, Second Lieutenant, Machine Gun Corps. Harold was the Son of David and Sarah Davies, of 100, College St., Ammanford. He had originally served with the Machine Gun Corps, but had been attached to the Tank Corps, serving with their ‘D’ Battalion. Harold was killed in action during the First Battle of the Scarpe, on the 11th April, 1917, during the Arras Offensive. He was 24 years old, and having no known grave, is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.
John Davies, Private, 240367, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. John was the Son of David and Mary Ann Davies, of 11, Heollas. Ammanford and he enlisted at Doncaster into the 10th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which was attached to the 64th Brigade, 21st Division. The Division crossed to France between the 2nd and 13th September, 1915, and its first experience of battle was truly appalling. Having been in France for only a few days, lengthy forced marches brought it into the reserve for the British assault at Loos. GHQ planning left it too far behind to be a useful reinforcement on the first day, but it was sent into action on 26th September, whereupon it suffered over 3,800 casualties for very little gain. They moved to the Somme in 1916, and fought at the Battle of Albert, then at the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and the Battle of Morval, capturing Gueudecourt before taking part in the Battle of Le Transloy. In March, 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and in April fought at Arras, during the First Battle of the Scarpe, the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and the Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt. Later in 1917 they were moved to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of Polygon Wood, and the Battle of Broodseinde, where John was killed in action on the 4th October, 1917 aged 33. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
John Davies, Private, 19109, Somerset Light Infantry. John was born in Betws, and was the Husband of Emily Davies, of Bryngrenig, Glanamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, attached to the 63rd Brigade, 21st Division. The Division crossed to France between the 2nd and 13th September, 1915, and its first experience of battle was truly appalling. Having been in France for only a few days, lengthy forced marches brought it into the reserve for the British assault at Loos. GHQ planning left it too far behind to be a useful reinforcement on the first day, but it was sent into action on 26th September, whereupon it suffered over 3,800 casualties for very little gain. They moved to the Somme in 1916, and fought at the Battle of Albert, where John was sadly killed in action during the opening assault, on the 1st July, 1916. He is buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers La Boiselle.
Sidney George Davies, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Sidney was born in Ammanford, the Son of George and Mary Davies, and was the Husband of Daisy Evelyn Davies, of "Ellesmere," Pine Grove, Rhos-on-Sea. Prior to the war, Sidney was an English Congregational Minister, at Stony Stratford and Whaddon, Bucks, but accepted a Commission into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was posted to their 9th Battalion, attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, which is where Sidney was killed in action on the 31st July, 1917 aged 31. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Thomas Haydn Davies, M.M., Private, 20732, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Ammanford, and enlisted at Pontardulais into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, which had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Thomas was killed in action at Ypres on the 30th January, 1917. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Thomas had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery during his twelve months on the front, probably for action at Mametz Wood.
Thomas Rosser Davies, Private, 424728, Canadian Infantry. Thomas was born on the 9th August, 1890 at Ammanford, the Son of Thomas and Margaret Davies, of Penybank. He had married prior to the war, being the husband of Annie Davies, of Brynhyfryd, Penybank, and he had also served for a year with the 4th Welsh, prior to emigrating to Canada. He enlisted in Canada on the 17th September, 1915 into the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and joined the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles (Saskatchewan), who were attached to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The Division had formed in France during December, 1915 and moved to positions near Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel in June, 1916, before being moved to the Somme, where they took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Thiepval and the Battle of Le Transloy. Thomas was wounded at Le Transloy, and died of wounds on the 19th October, 1916 aged 25. He is buried at Contay British Cemetery, Contay.
William James Davies, Lance Corporal, 48124, Kings Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of Samuel and Mary Davies, of Angel Cottage, Llandebie. He enlisted at Ammanford into the King’s Liverpool Regiment, but later transferred into first the Welsh Regiment, and then the 81st Company, Labour Corps. This was probably due to his health not being able to withstand the rigours of trench warfare. Not much is known about William’s part in the war, but he died in France on the 27th July, 1918 aged 38, and is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt.
Hubert Gilmore Dewsberry, Lance Corporal, 200356, Welsh Regiment. Hubert was the Son of Robert and Lizzie Dewsberry, of "Hendre," Box, Llanelli. He resided in Ammanford prior to the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. Hubert was wounded during the Second Battle of Gaza, and died of wounds on the 28th April, 1917 aged just 19. He is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery. He is also remembered on his parent’s gravestone at Box, Llanelli.
William Alfred Edwards, Gunner, 161082, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was the Son of John and Rachel Edwards, of 46, Wind Street, Ammanford, and the Husband of Mary Ann Edwards, of Ynysdawelog, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and served with their 170th Siege Battery. The Battery was at Ypres during the Battles of Third Ypres, and William was killed in action there on the 9th November, 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.
Ernest Edwins, Private, 52449, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Ernest resided at Ammanford prior to the war, and was the Husband of Annie Ellen Edwins. He enlisted there into the South Lancashire Regiment, but later transferred into the 18th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, attached to the 89th Brigade, 30th Division. The Division moved to France in November 1915, and took part in its first major action during the Somme Offensive, at the Battle of Albert, where they captured Montauban. They then fought during the latter stages of the offensive, during the Battle of Le Transloy, before wintering on the Somme. In March, 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Ernest was killed in action about this time, on the 9th April, 1917. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Wancourt British Cemetery, France. Not on Memorial.
David Idris Evans, Bombardier, 9994, Royal Field Artillery. David was the Son of David and Hannah Evans, of 60A, Wind Street, Ammanford. He enlisted there into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their ‘D’ Battery, 56th Brigade, attached to the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Initially assigned to the defence of the Scottish coast, the Division moved to Gallipoli (less two of its artillery Brigades) arriving there by early July 1915. While moving from Scotland, the Division lost 210 officers and men killed, and another 224 injured, in a train crash near Gretna that involved the 1/7th Battalion, the Royal Scots. After being evacuated from Gallipoli early in 1916, by April 1916, the Division had moved to Egypt, where it again saw action. It moved into Palestine early in 1917, and took part in the Palestinian Offensive, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and taking part in the capture of Jerusalem. David was taken ill in Palestine, and evacuated to Hospital in India. He died of sickness in India on the 26th December, 1917 aged 25, and as he has no known grave, is remembered on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India.
David John Evans, Private, 114325, Royal Army Medical Corps. David was the Son of Benjamin and Mary Evans, of Capel Isaac, Llandeilo, and the Husband of Beatrice Mary Evans, of 91, Alfred St., Roath Park, Cardiff. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with their 10th Ambulance Train. David sadly died after the war had ended, on the 31st August, 1920 aged 39, and is buried at Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery.
Frederick Ernest Evans, Private, 1420, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was born at Leamington Spa, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Frederick was taken ill, and died on the 3rd July, 1916, and is buried at Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery, British Extension, France. For some strange reason his headstone is sunk up to half way.
Garfield Evans, Private, 12242, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Garfield was born in Ammanford, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Evans of Field Street. He worked at Park Colliery prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On the 13th June, 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By the 4th July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Garfield was wounded at Gallipoli when a shrapnel ball struck him at the back of the neck and went through his throat, lodging near his cheekbone under the left eye. He was evacuated to Egypt where he died of his wounds on the 17th September, 1915. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military & War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
Thomas Silas Evans, Gunner, 173884, Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas was the Son of David and Mary Evans, of 90, Wind Street, Ammanford. He enlisted there into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and served with their 111th Heavy Battery, which was part of the 6th Brigade, RGA, attached to the 2nd Army. The 2nd Army had fought on the Somme, and were at Ypres in 1917, taking part in the battles of Third Ypres, when Thomas was killed in action during the First Battle of Passchendaele, on the 21st October, 1917. Thomas was 24 years old, and is buried at Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
William Coslett Evans, Private, 13217, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of Thomas and Hannah Evans, of 2, Betws Road, Ammanford. He enlisted there into the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at the Battle of Pilckem, where William was killed in action on the 31st July, 1917 aged 34. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
William Herbert Evans, Gunner, 25944, Royal Field Artillery. William was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonah Evans, of 7, Penybank Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their ‘A’ Battery, 86th Brigade, attached to the 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcapelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel, before being moved south to rest. William was killed in action during the interim period of their move south, on the 29th September, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
John William Farrell, Bombardier, W/5188, Royal Field Artillery. John was born in Ammanford, and enlisted there into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with their ‘D’ Battery, 2nd Brigade. John was wounded at Ypres, during the Battle of Messines, and was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station at Proven, where he died of wounds on the 10th June, 1917. He is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Charles Isgar Fletcher, Sapper, 388072, Royal Monmouth Royal Engineers. Charles was the Son of Thomas and Eliza Fletcher, of 27, College Street, Ammanford. He enlisted at Monmouth, where he had married, and lived with his wife prior to the war, into the Royal Engineers, and served with the No.5 Siege Company, Royal Monmouth Royal Engineers. Charles had served for two years in Egypt before returning to the Western Front, where he was taken ill with pneumonia during the Advance on the Hindenburg Line in 1918, and died on the 30th October, 1918 aged 25. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.
Emma Grace Fletcher, Nurse, Red Cross. Emma was the Daughter of Thomas and Eliza Fletcher, of 27 College Street, Ammanford, and the sister of Charles Isgar (above). Emma worked as a Nurse at the Royal Military Hospital, Pontypool, and returned home briefly after her brother’s death in France to help console her bereaved parents. She returned to Pontypool, but sadly contracted influenza, and died on the 19th November, 1918. Emma was 28 years old, and was brought home for burial at St. Michael's Burial Ground, Ammanford on the 23rd November, 1918.
Benjamin Francis, Private, 18184, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was the Son of John and Eliza Francis, of 54, Parry Street, Ton Pentre. He enlisted at Pontycymmer into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Benjamin was killed in action there on the 9th November, 1917 aged 33. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
John Francis, Private, S/17876, Cameron Highlanders. John was the Son of William and Rachel Francis, of Cwmrhydyreirin, Betws, Ammanford. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, who were attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos. John was killed in action here on the 13th October, 1915 aged just 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.
George Robert Charles Gowing, Private, 19501, Welsh Regiment. George was born in Ipswich. He was raised at Mellor's Orphanage School, Bristol, and had a sister living in Ashley Down, Bristol. He had moved to Ammanford prior to the war, and worked for Mr. J. Thomas, of Amman Stores, in High Street. George enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He then transferred to the 2nd Welsh, who were attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos. George was killed in action here on the 26th September, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.
Levi Pugh Griffiths, Private, 34025, Royal Army Medical Corps. Levi was born at Caio, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served with the 32nd Field Ambulance, attached to the 10th (Irish) Division. On the 27th June the Division received orders to prepare for service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on the 9th July. By the end of the month most units had assembled on Lemnos and between the 6th and 7th August 1915 landed on Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, less the 29th Brigade, which went to ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli. Levi was killed in action here during the Attack from Suvla on the 17th August, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
William John Griffiths, Private, 4054, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of William and Harriet Griffiths, of 24, Harold Street, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. William sadly died at home of sickness before his Battalion sailed for the Mediterranean, on the 9th February, 1915. He was only 19 years old, and is buried at Cwmgerdennin (Gerizim) Welsh Baptist Chapelyard.
Herbert Halford, Lance Corporal, 3211, South Lancashire Regiment. Herbert was born in Naseby, the Son of James and Lucy Halford, and he was the Husband of Fanny Halford, of 11, Eckersley Street, Leigh, Lancs. He resided in Ammanford prior to the war, and enlisted at Leigh into the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 75th Brigade, 25th Division, which landed in France on the 26th September, 1915. They were posted to the Vimy area, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916, then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on the 3rd July near Thiepval during the Somme Offensive. Herbert was killed two weeks later on the 15th July, 1916. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Ovillers Military Cemetery, France.
Joseph Henry Harper, Private, 50346, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Joseph was born in Ammanford, the Son of Henry and Sarah Harper, of 73, Wind Street, Ammanford. He married prior to the war and resided at Grantsfield, Leominster with his wife Caroline Harper. Joseph enlisted at Leominster into the Army Service Corps, but later transferred into the 13th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, attached to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. The Division had been on the Western Front since the start of the war, and had fought in most of the major battles there. They had fought at the Battle of Cambrai, and they were in the area during March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British lines, at the Battle of St Quentin and the First Battle of Bapaume, which is where Joseph was killed in action, aged 38, on the 28th March, 1918. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Not on Memorial.
Frank Harvey, Gunner, 14464, Royal Field Artillery. Frank was the Son of John and Elizabeth Jane Harvey, of "Brynamlwg," New Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and served in ‘B’ Battery, 50th Brigade, attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division. During the summer of 1915 the Division moved to France, and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos. They then took part in the Battle of the Somme, fighting at the opening Battle of Albert, and then at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. They then fought at the Battle of Delville Wood, and the Battle of Le Transloy, and in April, 1917 were at Arras, where they fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe and the Third Battle of the Scarpe. The Division moved north to Ypres, and fought at the Battle of the Menin Road, and at the First Battle of Passchendaele, before being moved to Cambrai, and fighting at the Action of Welsh Ridge. In March, 1918 they were still in the Cambrai area, and were one of the Divisions hit there by the German Spring Offensive, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, which is where Frank was wounded. He was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Boulogne, where he died of wounds on the 30th April, 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
William Hewlett, Private, 7744, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Islington, and was the Husband of Sarah Jane Hewlett, of 44, Pantyffynon Road, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Llandebie into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, but William was one of many Welshmen to be killed in action here during the Battle of Gheluveld, on the 31st October, 1914, aged 31. He was buried at Kolenberg Forest German Cemetery, but his grave was lost in subsequent fighting over the area during the next four terrible years, and so he is now remembered by a Special Memorial sited at Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium.
William Hext, Private, 26768, Training Reserve. William was born at Stocklanch, Somerset, and was the Son of Philip Hext, later of Oak Cottage, Glynmoch, Ammanford. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Training Reserve, serving in the 63rd Battalion, stationed at Bodelwyddan, North Wales. William sadly died there of illness on the 15th March, 1917 aged only 16, and is buried there at Bodelwyddan (St. Margaret) Churchyard. Not on Memorial.
William Higgs, Acting Sergeant, 200898, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Betws, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, which moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915. They arrived at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. William was killed in action during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917, and is buried at Gaza War Cemetery.
William Hines, Private, 12837, South Wales Borderers. William was the Son of George Hines, and was born in Hackney. He enlisted at Brecon into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which were attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On the 13th June, 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By the 4th July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair, which is where William was killed in action on the 9th August, 1915 aged 34. He is buried at Hill 60 Cemetery, Gallipoli. William is listed on the CROH, but is not on the Ammanford Memorial Gates.
Sydney Hopkins, Gunner, 2620, Royal Field Artillery. Sydney was the Son of Griffith and Hannah Hopkins, of Ammanford. He enlisted there into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with ‘B’ Battery, 56th Brigade, attached to the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Initially assigned to the defence of the Scottish coast, the Division moved to Gallipoli (less two of its artillery Brigades) arriving there by early July 1915. While moving from Scotland, the Division lost 210 officers and men killed, and another 224 injured, in a train crash near Gretna that involved the 1/7th Battalion, the Royal Scots. After being evacuated from Gallipoli early in 1916, by April 1916, the Division had moved to Egypt, where it again saw action. It moved into Palestine early in 1917, and took part in the Palestinian Offensive, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and taking part in the capture of Jerusalem. The Division received orders in March 1918 to proceed to the hard-pressed Western Front, and were near Arras when Sydney was killed in action on the 23rd May, 1918. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St-Eloi.
William John Hughes, Private, 26467, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llanarthney, the Son of John Hughes, later of Gorsfach, Gorslas. William resided at Llandebie prior to the war, and enlisted at Porth into the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, which was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France between the 1st and 9th June, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. William was killed in action during this period, on the 24th April, 1917. He is buried at Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich.
Albert John Hunt, Private, 31232, Machine Gun Corps. Albert was born in Betws, and enlisted at Ammanford into the South Wales Borderers. He later transferred to the 70th Company, Machine Gun Corps, attached to the 23rd Division, which had been in France since December, 1915, and they saw their first major action at the Battle of Albert, where they captured Contalmaison, and then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Pozieres, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy, where they captured Le Sars. In May, 1917 they took part in the Battle of Messines, which is where Albert was killed in action on the 7th June, 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
William Barker I'Anson, Corporal, 18850, Royal Fusiliers. William was from Offley near Hitchen, and he worked for the Great Western Railway at Ammanford. He served with the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, who were attached to the 36th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 31st May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and the subsequent actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and remained there until March 1916. By June they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on the 2nd July. They fought at Pozieres and Le Transloy, which is where William was killed in action on the 7th October, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. He is remembered on the GWR Memorial at Chester, and is listed under the Ammanford Traffic Department. Listed on CROH but not on Ammanford Memorial.
Edgar Lewis James, Driver, W/1341, Royal Field Artillery. Edgar was born in Aberaeron, and had resided at Aeron Cottage, Llwyhendy, Llanelly. He worked for the Great Western Railway, at Ammanford, and enlisted there into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with ‘B’ Battery, 119th Brigade, attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Edgar was killed in action here on the 28th May, 1917. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium. He is remembered on the GWR Memorial at Chester, and is listed under the Ammanford Traffic Department. Not on Ammanford Memorial.
James Wright James, Captain, Hampshire Regiment. James is listed on the Carmarthen County War Memorial roll as being from Ammanford. Very little is presently known of him, except that he served with the 15th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, attached to the 122nd Brigade, 41st Division. This Division was formed in September 1915, and moved to France by 6th May 1916, concentrating near Steenwerck, where they began familiarisation with trench warfare in the areas of Ploegsteert and the Douve valley, south of Ypres. They remained here until August 1916, when they moved to the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. The Division remained in the line, pushing on to Courcelette over the next few days before coming out for a rest and re-fit. They then fought at the Battle of Le Transloy, and it was just after this that James was killed in action, on the 7th October, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Not on Ammanford Memorial.
John Hopkin James, Private, 54289, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of William and Eleanor James, of The Tregyb Arms, Ffairfach, Llandeilo and the Husband of Mrs. May Morgan (formerly James), of Rose Hill, Pentregwenlais, Llandebie. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, where John was killed in action on the 1st August 1917. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. John is listed on the CROH, but is not on the Ammanford Memorial gates.
John Jenkins, Private, S/9161, Seaforth Highlanders. John was born in Merthyr Tydfil, the Son of William and Elizabeth Jenkins, and he was the Husband of Edith Jenkins, of 49, Wind Street, Ammanford. John enlisted at Ammanford into the 8th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, which was attached to the 44th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. Between the 7th and the 13th July, 1915 the Division landed in France, where they were to win regard by the enemy as one of the most formidable in the British Army. Here they fought at the Battle of Loos, and in spring 1916, the Division was involved in German gas attacks near Hulloch, and in the defence of the Kink position. John was wounded here, and sadly died of his wounds on the 29th April, 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery, France.
Abraham Jerrison, Lance Corporal, S/17877, Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. Abraham was born in Burton on Trent, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, which is where Abraham was killed in action on the 13th October, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.
Daniel John, Private, 9737, South Wales Borderers. Daniel was the Son of Daniel and Emma John, of Aberaman, Aberdare. He enlisted at Brecon into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were stationed in China at the outbreak of war. They fought an action here against the German Garrison at Tientsin, before being recalled to the UK, where they became attached to the 87th Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on the 25th April, 1915, and remained here until being evacuated at the beginning of 1916. Daniel was wounded at Gallipoli, and evacuated to Gibraltar for treatment. He died of wounds here on the 8th September, 1915 aged 28, and is buried at Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. Probably (D. J. Johns on the Memorial)
David George Jones, Corporal, 3693, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Llandeilo, the Brother of Thomas Penry Jones, of Bristol House, Penygroes, Llanelli. He resided at Pantyffynon prior to the war, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was a territorial Battalion, which formed part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159th Brigade, 53rd Division and on the 8th October 1915 amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion forming 4/5th Welsh Composite Battalion. In July 1915, the 53rd Welsh Division was shipped to Egypt and there they trained for the Gallipoli Campaign. On the 9th August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipoli. On the 10th August, 1915, the day after landing on the hostile shores of Gallipoli, David was killed in action. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
David John Jones, Private, 29045, South Wales Borderers. David was the Son of Evan Jones, of Allty Coed House, Bolgoed Street, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Ammanford into the South Wales Borderers, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion, which was a Reserve, or Home Service, Battalion. David died of sickness in the UK on the 28th January, 1917 aged 33, and is buried at Pontardulais (St. Teilo) Churchyard. David is listed on the CROH, but is not on the Ammanford Memorial gates.
David Thomas Jones, Able Seaman, J/50063, Royal Navy. David was the Son of William and Elizabeth Jones, of Brynderi, Penybank, Ammanford. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard the H.M.S. Anchusa, which was a 'Q' Ship, that had been built intentionaly to look like a Merchant Vessel. David was killed when the Anchusa was sunk by a German Submarine off the North Coast of Ireland on the 16th July, 1918. David was 24 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
George William Jones, Private, 31770, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of William Henry and Clara Elizabeth Jones, of The Chadwick’s, 37, Maesquarre Road, Ammanford. He enlisted there into the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at Pilckem and Langemarck, then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved south, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until the war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme after an attack which began on the 21st August, with the 38th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert, and then moving east, where they fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Then the move began towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and the Division carried on with their march east, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt, and the Battle of Epehy, where George was killed in action on the 18th September, 1918 aged just 20. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.
Jeremiah Jones, Private, 50256, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Jeremiah was born in Cardiff, and resided in Ammanford prior to the war. He enlisted at Pontypool into the 16th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was attached to the 15th Brigade, 5th Division. The Division had landed at Havre on the 15th August, 1914, and fought at the Battle of Mons, and during the retreat south, fighting at Le Cateau, then down to the Marne where the German attack was halted. They took part in the advance to the Aisne, before moving to Flanders, where they fought at the Battle of La Bassée, then at Messines in October, 1914. They fought here through First Ypres, and took part in the capture of Hill 60, and then fought at Second Ypres in April 1915. March 1916 saw the Division moving to positions between St. Laurent-Blangy and Vimy, near Arras, and the Division saw plenty of action during its spell here. On the 1st July, 1916 the Battle of the Somme opened, and the Division moved south fighting at High Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy. On the 5th October, after suffering heavy casualties, the Division moved to Festubert, where they remained until March, 1917. They next saw action at the Battle of Arras, fighting at the Battle of Vimy in April 1917, and the attack on La Coulette. On the 3rd May they fought in the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and captured Oppy Wood. On the 7th September, they were pulled out of the line again, and moved north to join the great offensive in Flanders- Third Ypres, or Passchendaele as it is better known. On the 26th September they fought at the Battle of Polygon Wood, then at Broodseinde and Poelcapelle in September and on the 26th November fought in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. The 5th Division being one of five British formations selected to be moved to Italy, and moved to the line along the River Piave, taking up positions in late January 1918. Unfortunately this pleasant period was not to last, for the Division was recalled hurriedly to France, once the enemy had made an attack in overwhelming strength on 21 March. The Division moved to Flanders, where they fought at the Battle of Hazebrouck, where they played a part in the Defence of Nieppe Forest. They moved out of the line for a rest, but two weeks moved into positions near Albert, which is where Jeremiah was wounded. He died of wounds on the 24th August, 1918, and is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt.
John Jones, Private, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith and Sarah Jones, of Meurig Villa, Penybank Road, Ammanford. He enlisted in September, 1914 at the age of just 19, and joined the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. John left Britain for France during July, 1915 and his Battalion moved to positions in the line just north of Loos, near Cuinchy. From here they took part in the opening charge of the first day of the Battle of Loos, on the 25th September, 1915, and sadly John was never seen again. He was reported as missing in action that day, but he was later confirmed dead, and is now commemorated on the Loos Memorial.
Maurice Jones, Corporal, 3397, Welsh Regiment. Maurice was born in Tregaron, and was the Husband of Sarah Anne Walters (formerly Jones), of 39, Harold St., Tirydail, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. Maurice was killed in action just days after landing, on the 10th August, 1915. He was 36 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Rees Jones, Private, 75289, Welsh Regiment. Rees was the Son of Evan and Elizabeth Jones, of 42, Walter Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Cardiff and served with the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at Pilckem and Langemarck, then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved south, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months. The war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme after an attack which began on the 21st August, with the 38th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert, and then moving east, where they fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Then the move began towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and the Division carried on with their march east, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt, and the Battle of Epehy. A short rest period ensued, during which time the Canal du Nord was breached, so opening a passage through the Hindenburg Line. Rees was wounded during the latter stages of the war, and returned to the UK for treatment. Sadly he died of wounds on the 16th November, 1918 aged just 23, and is buried at Ammanford (Christian Temple) Congregational Burial Ground.
Thomas Beriah Jones, Private, 44030, Durham Light Infantry. Thomas was born in Ammanford, and he enlisted at Llandeilo into the Army Service Corps. He later transferred into the 10th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, attached to the 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division was to see its first action during the Action of Hooge, where the Division were the first to be attacked by the German use of flamethrowers. They then fought at the Second attack on Bellewaarde. In July, 1916 they moved to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of Delville Wood, and then the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and in March, 1917 followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. May saw them at Arras, where they took part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, and later at the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and then they were sent to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and at the First Battle of Passchendaele. Thomas was killed in action here on the 23rd August, 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Thomas John Jones, Private, 42843, Labour Corps. Thomas was the Son of David and Diana Jones, of Violet Villa, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 7th Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment, which was attached to the 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division. By the time the Battle of Passchendaele had opened, Thomas had been transferred to the Labour Corps, and he was at Ypres when he was killed in action on the 24th October, 1917. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Belgium.
Thomas William Jones, Private, 14984, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Mrs. Letitah Jones, of 46, Wernolau Road, Hopkinstown, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by the 9th of the month. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on the 27th October, 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, although the final artillery units were still coming in as late as the 13th December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between the 10th to the 18th August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then between the 13th to the 14th September 1916 at the battle of Machukovo. Between the 24th-25th April and the 8th-9th May, 1917 the Division fought at the battle of Doiran, and then on the 18th September 1918 at the Second Battle of Doiran. Thomas was killed in action here on the 18th September, 1918, aged 24. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Doiran Memorial, Greece.
William Jones, Able Seaman, R/4942, Royal Naval Division. William was born on the 21st February, 1881 the Son of William and Anne Jones, of 29, Ivy Cottage, Pantyffynnon. He married prior to the war, and lived with his wife, Margaret Jones, at 23, Baldwins Crescent, King's Dock, Swansea. William enlisted there into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and due to the surplus of naval men, was posted to the Hood Battalion, 189th Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October, 1914 to guard against invasion by the Germans. However Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and so many of the RND units were withdrawn to England. After a lengthy period of refit and training the Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign. Landing on the 25th April, 1915 the Division was soon transferred from the authority of the Admiralty to the War Office on 29th April 1916, and was redesignated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on the 19th July, 1916. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles between the 12th and 23rd May, 1916 and moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and the resulting Operations on the Ancre. In April, 1917 the Division were at Arras, and fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Gavrelle. They then fought at the Battle of Arleux, before moving north to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Their next major action was at Cambrai, during the Action of Welch Ridge, where William was killed in action on the 30th December, 1917 aged 36. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Not on Ammanford Memorial.
William Jones, Private, 6314, Welsh Regiment. William was the Husband of Annie Jones, of 16, Rice St., Betws, Ammanford. He was a pre war regular, who had rejoined the army at Pontypridd at the outbreak of war, joining the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, which had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders, where they took part in the Defence of Givenchy. William was killed in action here on the 21st December, 1914 aged 32. He is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert.
William Howell Jones, Private, 5244, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Betws, and resided at Pantyffynon prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. William was killed in action just days after landing, during the Battle of Sari Bair (Attack on Scimitar Hill), on the 10th August, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
William John Jones, Gunner, 2985, Royal Field Artillery. William was the Son of John and Letitia Jones, of Norton Bridge, Pontypridd, and the Husband of Ethel Mary Jones, of Maerdy Fach, Ffairfach, Llandilo. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with ‘B’ Battery, 122nd Brigade, attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at Pilckem and Langemarck, then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved South, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until the war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme after an attack which began on the 21st August, with the 38th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert, and then moving east, where they fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Then the move began towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and the Division carried on with their march east, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt, and the Battle of Epehy. Sometime after this William suffered gas poisoning, and was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he sadly died on the 8th November, 1918. He was 26 years old, and is buried there, at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.
David Morgan Lewis, Sapper, 145192, Royal Engineers. David was the Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Evans, of 28, Betws Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Engineers, and served with the 69th Field Company, attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on the 31st May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and the subsequent actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and remained there until March 1916. By June they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on the 2nd July. They fought at Pozieres and Le Transloy before being moved to the Arras area during October, 1916, where they fought in the March 1917 Battle of Arras, taking part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux. They then fought at the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and helped capture Roeux. The Division remained at Arras until taking part in the Battle of Cambrai in November, 1917. David was killed in action here on the 30th November, 1917 aged 26. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.
Evan Thomas Lewis, Gunner, 98557, Royal Field Artillery. Evan was the Son of Thomas and Harriet Lewis, of "Afania," Florence Rd., Ammanford. He enlisted at Tumble into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with ‘D’ Battery, 57th Brigade, attached to the 10th (Irish) Division. On the 27th June the Division received orders to prepare for service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on the 9th July. By the end of the month most units had assembled on Lemnos and between the 6th and 7th August 1915 landed on Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, less the 29th Brigade, which went to ANZAC Cove. The main body made an attack on Chocolate Hill on the 7th and 8th August. Parts of 29th Brigade took part in actions on Sari Bair between the 6th and the 10th August, and Hill 60 later that month. At the end of September the Division evacuated to Mudros, and moved to Salonika, landing there between the 5th and 10th October. The Battery had remained at Gallipoli though, and Evan was wounded during the closing down stages of the campaign. He died of wounds at Gallipoli on the 17th December, 1915 aged just 21, and is buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery.
William David Lewis, Sergeant, 2625, Royal Field Artillery. William was born in Port Talbot, and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery. He served with their ‘B’ Battery, 56th Brigade, which was attached to the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Initially assigned to the defence of the Scottish coast, the Division moved to Gallipoli (less two of its artillery Brigades) arriving there by early July 1915. While moving from Scotland, the Division lost 210 officers and men killed, and another 224 injured, in a train crash near Gretna that involved the 1/7th Battalion, the Royal Scots. After being evacuated from Gallipoli early in 1916, by April 1916, the Division had moved to Egypt, where it again saw action. It moved into Palestine early in 1917, and took part in the Palestinian Offensive, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and taking part in the capture of Jerusalem. The Division received orders in March 1918 to proceed to the hard-pressed Western Front, where it then remained for the duration of the war, taking part in the great advance to victory. They fought in the Battle of Albert, before taking part in the Battle of the Scarpe, the Battle of Drocourt-Queant, the Battle of the Canal du Nord and the Final Advance in Artois, where William was wounded. He died of wounds on the 11th October, 1918 and is buried at Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny.
George Morgan, Private, G/89642, Middlesex Regiment. George was the Son of Evan James and Emily Morgan, of 1, North Bank, Llandeilo. He resided at Ammanford prior to the war, and enlisted at Clipston, Northants into the 18th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, attached to the 33rd Division as Pioneers. The Division moved to France during November, 1915, and saw its first major action during the Battles of the Somme, from July, 1916 onwards. They then fought at the Battle of the Scarpe and at Bullecourt, before heading to Ypres, and fighting at the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood. They were still in Flanders when the German Spring Offensive hit, and fought at the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Hazebrouck and the Battle of Bailleul, where the Division played a part in the Defence of Neuve Eglise. They then took part in the First Battle of Kemmel, and recaptured of Ridge Wood, before being sent to the St. Quentin area. Here they took part in the great offensive which was to end the war, fighting at the Battle of the St Quentin Canal, and the Battle of Cambrai, before moving north east and fighting at the Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle. The Division was relieved on the 26th October after capturing Englefontaine, on the southern edge of the Forest of Mormal. Back in action on the 5th November it advanced through the forest and crossed the Sambre. George was taken ill with pneumonia towards the end of the war, and was moved to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he died on the 31st October, 1918 aged only 19. He is buried there at Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Not on Memorial.
John Matthews, Acting Corporal, SE/13281, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. John was the Son of William and Mary Matthews, of Oakfield House, Llandebie Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and was attached to the 20th Veterinary Hospital in Egypt. John died of sickness in Egypt on the 23rd May, 1918 aged 43, and is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.
Walter Ewart Morgan, Gunner, W/5508, Royal Horse Artillery. Walter was the Son of the Reverend and Mrs. Maelfryn Morgan, of Manoravon, Ystradgynlais. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Horse Artillery, and served with ‘B’ Battery, 15th Brigade, attached to the 7th Division. The Division was formed during September, 1914 and landed at Zeebrugge on the 6th October, 1914. The City was already falling however, and so the Division was moved to Ypres, where they became the first British Division to hold the city. They fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and helped stop the German advance through Belgium, and in March, 1915 fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. During May they fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and at Festubert, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. The Division took part in the initial assault north of the Vermelles-Hulluch road, facing the Quarries and a series of strongpoints. Suffering badly from British cloud gas, which was not moved sufficiently by the gentle breeze, and badly cut up by German machine gun fire and artillery, the Division nonetheless seized the Quarries and only failed to penetrate the third German line due to the relative weakness of the numbers of men that got through. In the summer of 1916, the Division were on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Albert, where they captured Mametz, one of the few successes of the 1st July 1916. They then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, and the Attacks on High Wood, playing a successful part in the 'dawn attack', and were also the first troops into High Wood. The Division then took part in the Battle of Delville Wood, and the Battle of Guillemont, before spending the winter on the Ancre. In March, 1917 they followed up the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and took part in Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt. The 7th were moved into a scene of incredible ferocity at Bullecourt, a strongly fortified village on the Hindenburg Line, and alongside the Australians played a major role in penetrating the village defences. Walter was taken ill around this time, and was moved to the Base Hospital at Calais, where he sadly died on the 13th May, 1917. He was only 18 years old, and is buried there, at Calais Southern Cemetery.