Lance Corporal William Charles Fuller, 433, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment

 

William was born in Newbridge Road, Laugharne on the 24^th 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 junior 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 2^nd Welsh, where he won his Victoria Cross for saving Capt ain 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, Private Snooks and Lieutenant Melvin, Officer i/c the machine-gun section of the Welch Regiment, they managed to get Haggard to the safety of a barn that was being used as a First-Aid dressing station. William remained with Captain Haggard trying to help him until the officer Died on later that evening. His last words to Fuller were "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 the 29th of 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^rd November, 1914 reads:

‘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 29th December 1974, William Fuller was buried in Oystermouth Cemetery, Mumbles.

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Sergeant Ivor Rees, 1032, 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers.

 

Born on 18th October 1893 at Felinfoel, near Llanelli, Ivor enlisted into the 11^th, South Wales Borderers, part of the 115^th Brigade, 38^th Welsh Division. Ivor survived the fighting at Mametz Wood, and moved with the Division to Ypres. At Ypres, the Battalion were tasked with the capture of the Pilckem Ridge-a heavily fortified German defensive line.

London Gazetted on 14th September 1917 his citation 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, he served as a Sergeant-Major in the Home Guard, and died on 12th March 1967 at Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Ivor Rees is remembered on Memorials in Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral and at Llanelli Town Hall, Carmarthenshire.

 

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 Captain James Ira Thomas ‘Taffy’ Jones, Royal Flying Corps.

 

Ira Jones was born on the 18^th April, 1896 at Woolstone, Llanddowror-near St. Clears, Carmarthenshire. 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^rd August, 1918) was awarde for "In eleven days this officer attacked and destroyed six enemy aeroplanes, displaying great courage, skill and initiative." Next came the  Military Cross (MC). The citation in the London Gazette of 16^th September, 1918 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."

Ira then won a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The London Gazette Citation dated 21^st September, 1918 read-

"A gallant officer who in the last three months has destroyed twenty-one enemy aeroplanes. On one occasion he attacked a Halberstadt two-seater, which was escorted by two scouts. On his approach the scouts deserted the two-seater, which he shot down in flames. He then pursued the two scouts, one of which he destroyed."

Next he was to gain the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The London Gazette citation dated 2^nd November, 1918 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."

Ira Jones had a reputation of having an unfortunate habit of crashing aircraft when attempting to land. This may have stemmed from poor depth perception. Despite his vision problems, he scored 37 victories in just 3 months whilst serving with 74 Squadron in France.

"It is wonderful how cheered a pilot becomes after he shoots down his first machine; his morale increases by at least 100 percent." Ira Jones.

Ira Jones finished the war with 37 confirmed victories, being the highest scoring Welsh Pilot of the war, and became the joint 17^th 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 at Aberaeron on the 30^th August, 1960, and is buried 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.

 

The Aerial Victories of Ira ‘Taffy’ Jones

	Date	Time	Unit	Aircraft	Opponent	Location
1	08 May 1918	1825	74	S.E.5a (C6406)	C (DESF)	Bailleul-Nieppe
2	12 May 1918	1822	74	S.E.5a (C6406)	Albatros D.V (OOC)	N of Wulverghem
3	17 May 1918	0930	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Hannover C (DESF)	Merville-Estaires
4	17 May 1918	0930	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Albatros C (OOC)	Merville
5	18 May 1918	1250	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Albatros C (DESF)	Nieppe
6	19 May 1918	1655	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Balloon (DES)	NW of Armentières
7	22 May 1918	1245	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Pfalz D.III (DESF)	Quesnoy
8	22 May 1918	1815	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Pfalz D.III (OOC)	Fromelles
9	26 May 1918	1955	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Pfalz D.III (DES)	N of Armentières
10	27 May 1918	1100	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Albatros C (DES)	NE of Nieppe Forest
11	27 May 1918	1130	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Halberstadt C (OOC)	Neuf Berquin
12	30 May 1918	1505	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	LVG C (DES)	E of Bailleul
13	30 May 1918	2035	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Halberstadt C (DES)	SE of Bois du Beiz
14	31 May 1918	1910	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Pfalz D.III (DES)	Ploegsteert Wood
15	31 May 1918	1945	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Pfalz D.III (OOC)	Comines
16	01 Jun 1918	0740	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	Pfalz D.III (DES)	E of Dickebusch Lake
17	18 Jun 1918	1230	74	S.E.5a (C1117)	DFW C (DES)	N of Bailleul
18	21 Jun 1918	2015	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	LVG C (DESF)	Ploegsteert Wood
19	25 Jun 1918	1215	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	Halberstadt C (DESF)	Steenwerck
20	25 Jun 1918	1230	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	Fokker D.VII (DES)	Estaires
21	27 Jun 1918	1130	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	Hannover C (DESF)	La Couture
22	29 Jun 1918	1945	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	Fokker D.VII (DES)	Comines
23	01 Jul 1918	1350	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	Rumpler C (DES)	Tourcoing
24	24 Jul 1918	0720	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	DFW C (DES)	Merville
25	24 Jul 1918	1720	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	DFW C (DESF)	Merville
26	24 Jul 1918	1730	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	DFW C (OOC)	E of Kemmel
27	25 Jul 1918	1105	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	DFW C (DESF)	SE of Neuve Eglise
28	26 Jul 1918	0515	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	DFW C (DES)	W of Bailleul
29	30 Jul 1918	1210	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	Rumpler C (DESF) 1	Cassell-Ypres
30	30 Jul 1918	1230	74	S.E.5a (D6895)	LVG C (DES)	Merville
31	30 Jul 1918	1750	74	S.E.5a (D6938)	Fokker D.VII (OOC)	E of Armentières
32	03 Aug 1918	1940	74	S.E.5a (E5967)	LVG C (DES)	SE of Merville
33	04 Aug 1918	1710	74	S.E.5a (D6958)	Hannover C (DES)	W of Estaires
34	06 Aug 1918	0750	74	S.E.5a (D6958)	Fokker D.VII (DESF)	Sailly sur la Lys
35	06 Aug 1918	0750	74	S.E.5a (D6958)	Fokker D.VII (DESF)	Sailly sur la Lys
36	07 Aug 1918	1225	74	S.E.5a (D6958)	LVG C (DES)	SE of Estaires
37	07 Aug 1918	1715	74	S.E.5a (D6958)	C (DES)	E of Houthoulst Forest

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 Lieutenant Cecil A. Phillips, 1/4^th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment.

Cecil Phillips was born in Llanelli, to William Phillips, Postmaster. Cecil served with the 4^th Welsh, a Territorial Battalion, attached to the 53^rd (Welsh) Division. The Division were sent to Gallipoli in 1915, where they fought with distinction. Whilst fighting on Gallipoli on the 14^th August, 1915, Cecil saved the lives of several wounded men, stranded in No Mans Land. Colonel J. T. Perro of the 53rd Welsh Division recommended him for the Victoria Cross, but this was turned down, and so he instead received the Distinguished Service Order. His recommendation 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’. Below is an illustration from the book, showing Cecil’s brave rescue.

 

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Captain Parcell Rees Bowen, M.C., D.F.C. & Bar, Welsh Regiment & Royal Air Force

Parcell Rees Bowen was the 4^th son of Mr. & Mrs. Josiah Bowen, of Pantyglien, Abergwili, near Carmarthen. Parcell was a student at St. David’s College, Lampeter when he enlisted at the outbreak of War, becoming a Private in the Army Service Corps. He spent the Winter of 1914/15 in France, but in February, 1915 was sent home with badly frostbitten feet. In July that year, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the 5^th Welsh, and he embarked with the Battalion for Gallipoli, where the Battalion formed part of the 159^th Brigade, 53^rd (Welsh) Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli until the evacuation in December, suffering badly from casualties, forcing the 5^th Welsh to merge with the 4^th Welsh for a short period. After the evacuation, Parcell fought in the Palestinian Campaign, where he then transferred into the Machine Gun Corps, and it was with them that he was awarded his first decoration, the Military Cross (M.C.) The details of his award in the London Gazette are as follows-

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 16 AUGUST, 1917.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field :—

2nd Lt. Parcell Rees Bowen, Welsh R., attd. M.G. Corps.

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.

Parcell then transferred into the Royal Air Force on the 10^th January, 1918, becoming an Observer. He gained his second decoration during the air war in Egypt, the citation being as follows- 

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 8 FEBRUARY, 1919.

AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Lt. Parcell Rees Bowen, M.C. (EGYPT)

2nd Lieut. Robert Fawcett. (EGYPT)

These officers have displayed marked courage and determination on many occasions. On 22nd September they carried out an excellent reconnaissance under difficult conditions, the clouds being very low over the hills, bringing back most valuable information.

(Lieut. Bowen's M.C. gazetted 16th August, 1917.)

After the Armistice on 11^th 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 the 17^th 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.

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, but on ‘Bloody Sunday’, November 21^st, 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 July 11^th, 1921. For some reason though, this did not prevent the assassination of the undercover Captain Parcell Bowen. On the 27^th October, 1921, 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 Herrion Street. His body was brought back to Carmarthen, where Captain Parcell Rees Bowen was buried with full military honours in Abergwili Churchyard.