Newcastle Emlyn War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

Francis Harry Vaughan Bevan, Captain, Royal Flying Corps. Francis was the Son of Henry Crook Bevan and Fanny Eleanor Bevan, of Maeseithin, Newcastle Emlyn. Francis had served with the 8th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, but volunteered to serve with the Royal Flying Corps, and was posted to Egypt, where he joined 14 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. The Squadron supported the army during the Palestinian campaign. He was killed on 19 April 1917, during the Second Battle of Gaza, while flying as part of a special detachment, in support of the forces of Lawrence of Arabia. Francis was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. There is also a plaque in Beersheba War Cemetery, which bears the name of eight airmen, who were shot down over Palestine, and whose graves were never found. The plaque was erected by Turkish soldiers, originally as a face to an obelisk, in respect of their enemy. Francis is not commemorated locally.

 

William Morris Christmas, Private, 203294, Northumberland Fusiliers. William was the Son of Mary Christmas, of Water St., Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 1/4th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. The Battalion had been formed during August 1914, and remained on the Tyne Defences until April 1915 before moving to France. On 14 May 1915 the formation became 149 Brigade, 50th Division, and moved to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Ypres from April to June 1915. During the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. After spending a winter on the Somme, they moved north to Arras, where they took part in the Arras Offensive of April 1917, and fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe, capturing the Wancourt Ridge. They then fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, and remained in the area throughout the Offensive, which is where William was killed in action, on 29 June 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Wancourt British Cemetery, France.

David Evan Davies, Private, 56738, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Newcastle Emlyn, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Davies, later of Tywyn, Bridell, Cardigan; Husband of E. Blodwen Davies, of Trebared Farm, Cardigan. David enlisted at Cardiff into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division 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 famously captured Mametz Wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild, but David was wounded soon after arriving here, and sadly died of wounds on 13 September 1916. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Essex Farm Cemetery, Belgium. David is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

David Rees Davies, Private, 3rd Chemical Warfare Section, U.S. Army. David was born at Newcastle Emlyn on 24 December 1891. David emigrated to America at some time, where he joined the 3rd Battalion, Chemical Warfare Service, American Expeditionary Force. He died in the USA, aged 25, on 11 October 1918, and is buried at Jerusalem Cemetery, Wales, Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Memorial at Newcastle Emlyn states that David served with the 164th Depot Battalion, Royal Garrison Artillery, but his headstone states 3rd Battalion, Chemical Warfare Service. The latter is the most likely, as a member of the RGA would not have been serving in the USA, unless David was discharged from the army before emigrating. Many thanks to Raymond Jones for identifying David.

Samuel Mathias Davies, Private, 37569, Welsh Regiment. Samuel was born in Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Pontardulais into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria, then moved to Mudros, prior to landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli in July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915, taking part in heavy fighting. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on 19 December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On 8 January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by 31 January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On 12 February 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March 1916, the Division had assembled near Sheikh Saad and came under orders of the Tigris Corps, and then took part in the attempts to relieve Kut. Samuel sadly died of sickness in Mesopotamia on 21 April 1916 and is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Samuel is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Thomas Davies, Private, 201674, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of William and Sarah Davies, of Pwllglas, Llandyfriog. He served during the war with the 1st/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the retreat from Mons to theMarne. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north, and fought at the First Battle of Ypres. The following year saw them in action at the Battle of Aubers, and the Battle of Loos. During 1916 they fought during the Battle of the Somme. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and later that year during the Second Battle of Passchendaele. After spending another Winter in Flanders, they were near Estaires when the German Spring Offensive caught them, before being moved South to Arras, fighting at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant, and at the Battle of Epehy. The Division pushed on towards theSt. Quentin Canal, and after crossing the Hindenburg Line fought at the Battles of Beaurevoir, the Selle and the Sambre. Thomas survived the war, but became ill and died on 2 December 1918, aged 27. He is buried at Premont British Cemetery, France.

 

William Lloyd Davies, Private, M/349283, Royal Army Service Corps. William was born in Dyffryn, Merioneth and enlisted at Wrexham into the Army Service Corps. He served with the M.T. Training Depot at Isleworth, and died at home of sickness on 28 March 1918. William is buried at Llanenddwyn (St. Enddwyn) Churchyard, near Harlech. (I can find no link to Newcastle Emlyn, but no other man meets the details given).

David Emlyn Esau, Driver, 137098, Royal Field Artillery. David was the Son of William John and Catherine Esau, of Pantybwlch, Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Preston into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to the 79th Small Arms Ammunition Column, which was attached to 79 Brigade, 26th Division. The Division moved to France during September 1915, and concentrated west of Amiens. In November 1915 the Division moved to Salonika, where it then remained. On 26 December 1915, units began to move from Lembet to Happy Valley Camp, and all units were in place there by 8 February. The Division then took part in the Battle of Horseshoe Hill, during August 1916, and the Battle of Doiran during April and May 1917. David sadly died of dysentery on 5 October 1917. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria.

David Richard Evans, Gunner, 51623, Royal Garrison Artillery. David was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Bargoed into the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was posted to the 101st Siege Battery, which comprised four 6" howitzers. They were part of the 19th Heavy Artillery Group, which did their final training at Fareham, and moved to France during 9 May 1916. The Battery moved to the Somme, and took part in the 46th Division's diversionary attack of Gommecourt during the opening of the Somme Offensive, and fought on the Western Front for the remainder of the war. David was wounded towards the end of 1917, probably at Cambrai, and returned home for treatment. He died of wounds on 19 January 1918, and is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey. David is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Edward David Evans, Acting Company Sergeant Major, 14401, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Edward was the Son of Edward and Elizabeth Evans, of Tan-yr-Erthin, 15, Baker Street, Aberystwyth. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who had formed at Shrewsbury during September 1914, and moved, as part of the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. On 28 September 1915 the Division landed at Boulogne, and on 15 October 1915 the 7th KSLI moved with 76 Brigade to the 3rd Division, and subsequently changed to 8 Brigade, 3rd Division. The Division were then at Ypres, and in 1916 fought at the Actions of the Bluff, and at the St Eloi Craters. They were then moved south to the Somme, where they were to take part in the great Battle of the Somme, and fought there at the Battle of Albert, and at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. Edward was killed in action here on 14 July 1916, aged 29. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Edward Lloyd Evans, Private, 13059, Welsh Regiment. Edward was the Son of E. and S. A. Evans, of Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and moved to France during July 1915, moving 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 1 July 1916, 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, and took part in the Battle of Messines Ridge. Edward was killed in action on 3 May 1917. He was just 22 years old, and is buried at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Evan Evans, Private, 72988, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Evan was the Son of W. Evans, of Craigyrhaud, Newcastle Emlyn, and the Husband of Myfanwy Evans, of 1, Gordon Terrace, Swansea. He enlisted at Swansea into the 25th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was formed in Palestine in 1917 by the merger of the Welsh Horse and the Denbighshire Yeomanry. They were attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division, which had formed in Egypt in January 1917 and had fought through the Palestinian Campaign, at the Battles of Gaza and the Battle and capture of Jerusalem. Due to the terrible casualties suffered by the British on the Western Front in March and April 1918 the Division was recalled to the Western Front, and arrived at Marseilles during May 1918. They then fought at the Second Battle of Bapaume during the great offensive, and fought in Flanders before returning to the Somme and fighting at the Battle of Epehy, as part of the offensive towards the Hindenburg Line. Evan was wounded at Epehy, and died of wounds on 19 September 1918. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Haydn Stanley Evans, Private, 203096, Welsh Regiment. Haydn was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and lived in Llanelli prior to the war, with his wife Margaret Evans, of 22, Wellfield Terrace, Llanelli. He enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. On 25 September 1915 the Division took part in the Battle of Loos. During October 1915, the Division embarked at Marseilles, and proceeded to Egypt, and in November moved on to Salonika where the Division then remained. Haydn was accidentally killed in Salonika on 22 May 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston. He is also remembered on the grave of his wife, at Box Cemetery, Llanelli. Haydn is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

James Evans, Driver, W/2795, Royal Field Artillery. James was the Husband of Elizabeth Evans, of 7, Penlan Terrace, Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Bridgend into the Royal Field Artillery. He served with their 'A' Battery, 119th Brigade, which was 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 famously captured Mametz Wood during July 1916. 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 until March 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the Somme. In April 1918 the Division was moved to the Somme, but the Divisional Artillery remained in positions around Merville. James was killed in action here during the German offensive on the Lys on 17 April 1918. He was 46 years old, and is buried at Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, Morbecque, France.

Morgan Owen Evans, Private, 1007, Welsh Regiment. Morgan was born in Cardiff, and was the Husband of E. E. Evans, of Water Street, Newcastle Emlyn. Morgan enlisted at Maesteg into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 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, and fought at the First Action of Givenchy, where Morgan was wounded. He died of wounds on 26 January 1915 aged just 22, and is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France. Morgan is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn. 

Simon Davies Evans, Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. Simon was born on 28 August 1896, the second son of James and Mary Evans, of Penbank, Beulah, Newcastle Emlyn. He was a Clerk with the Civil Service at Cardiff before joining the Royal Naval Division, and after seeing service in the Mediterranean, was commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps on 28 August 1917. He qualified as a Pilot, and joined 12 Squadron in France on 20 April 1918, which flew the BE2c. Simon rapidly gained a strong reputation for his flying skills. Sadly he took ill from Pneumonia, and died at No. 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on 1 November 1918, aged 22. Simon is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt. Simon is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

 

William Evans, Private, 39508, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Aberdare. He resided in Newcastle Emlyn prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and had been one of the first Divisions 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 where William was killed in action on 9 November 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

John Kenrick Lloyd Fitzwilliams, M.C., Major, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of Charles Home Lloyd Fitzwilliams and Margaret Alicia Fitzwilliams (nee Crawford), of Cilgwyn, Newcastle Emlyn, and the Husband of Margery Laura Fitzwilliams (nee Hyde), of Longworth House, Faringdon, Berks. John had been originally commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, and by the start of the Battle of the Somme he had worked his way up to Captain. John was awarded the Military Cross for his conspicuous gallantry during the Somme Battles, and was also promoted to Major at the same time. His Battery served with the 25th Army Brigade, 1st Division and was taking part in the Advance on the Hindenburg Line when John was killed in action on 30 August 1918. He was 33 years old, and is buried at Vis-En-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt, france. John was also the holder of the Order of St Stanislaus, 2nd Class (Russia).

John Griffiths, Private, 15217, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of John Griffiths, of Cwm-Coy, Newcastle Emlyn, and the Husband of Beatrice May Griffiths, of 17, Corbett St., Ogmore Vale, Glam. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Monmouth Regiment, but later transferred to the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion were Pioneers to the 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. 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. John was wounded on the Somme, and died of wounds on 28 September 1916 aged 36. He is buried at Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

John George Griffiths, Driver, 80296, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of Richard and Anne Griffiths, of Derwanlas, Llandyfriog, Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Mountain Ash into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 'A' Battery, 76th Brigade, attached to the Guards Division. The 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 25 September 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They remained here for the winter, which is where John took ill. He died of bronchitis on 6 March 1917, aged just 19, and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France.

 

Joshua Cromwell Griffiths, Private, 440205, Labour Corps. Joshua was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and was the Son of James and Margaret Griffiths, later of Nant Neel, Clydey, Llanfyrnach. Very little is known of him, but he initially served with the South Wales Borderers, before being downgraded medically, and posted to the Labour Corps. Joshua died at home of sickness on 25 March 1918, aged 25, and is buried at Capel Ifan Congregational Chapelyard. Joshua is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Thomas James Harries, Rifleman, 616, London Regiment. Thomas was the Son of the late Serjeant Harries and of Mrs. Harries, of Dryslwyn, Newcastle Emlyn. Thomas had worked as a Clerk in the Registry Office, G.P.O., London prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 5th Battalion (Rifle Brigade), London Regiment. In November 1914 the Battalion moved to France, landing at Le Havre. Here they joined 11 Brigade, 4th Division at Bailleul, and spent their first winter in the trenches at Ploegsteert Wood, where they took part in the famous Christmas Truce. They remained here throughout the coming months, and were in the front line when Thomas was shot in the head by a sniper on 15 April 1915. Thomas was 20 years old, and is buried at Rifle House Cemetery, Belgium.

 

John Howells, Private, 2436594, Dorsetshire Regiment. John was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Pentre into the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. The Battalion was already in France, when it was posted to 95 Brigade, 32nd Division in December 1915, and the following year took part in the opening of the Somme Offensive, fighting at the Battle of Albert. John was killed in action during the initial attacks of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, on 1 July 1916. He is buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, Authille, France.

William David Hughes, Private, 2231, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of David Rice Hughes and Ann Hughes, of Llwynteg, Cwmmorgan, Newcastle Emlyn, and he enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July 1915. The Division landed at Gallipoli on 8 August 1915, and was immediately plunged into heavy fighting. 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 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, which is where William was taken ill. He was moved to the Base Hospital in Cairo, where he died of sickness on 7 August 1916. William was just 20 years old, and is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. William is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

David James, Private, 54510, Welsh Regiment. David was the Husband of Mary James, of 2, Glaciers Row, Newcastle Emlyn. He served with the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion 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 7^th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 11^th 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, and remained here for the next twelve months, in the front north of Ypres. David was killed in action here on the 28^th July, 1917, prior to the Divisions attack on the Pilckem Ridge. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery.

Samuel James, Private, 2635, Welsh Guards. Samuel was the Son of Evan and Hannah James, of Brynpark, Bryngwyn, Newcastle Emlyn. He served in the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Guards, which was a Reserve Battalion, and sadly died at home on 2 April 1916, of pneumonia. Samuel was just 20 years old, and is buried at Glynarthen Congregational Chapelyard. Samuel is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Ieuan James Jenkins, Sapper, 397642, Royal Engineers. Ieuan was born in 1879, the son of David and Elizabeth Jenkins, Railway Temperance Hotel, Newcastle-Emlyn. Very little is known of his service, but prior to the war Ieuan had moved to Aberdare, where in 1904 he had married Edith Thomas, and the couple had six children. Ieuan returned home after the war a very sick man, and in late in 1920 he passed away from Spanish Flu. He is buried at Aberdare, but the exact details of the date of his death and the burial ground are as yet unknown, as he is not remembered by either SDGW or the CWGC. Many thanks to his Great Nephew Clive Ball for supplying me the information about Ieuan, and for the photo below.

Tudor Thomas Jenkins, Private, 5508, Lancashire Fusiliers. Tudor was born in Newcastle Emlyn, the Son of William and Emma Jenkins, later of 4, Barkley Street, Abertysswg, Cardiff. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which was attached to 52 Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. The Division moved to France during July 1915, and spent their initial period of trench familiarisation in the southern area of the Ypres salient. Tudor was wounded here, and brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, where he died of wounds on 3 September 1915, aged just 19. He is buried there, at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. His gravestone is named to E.E. Jenkins, but this is an error on behalf of the CWGC. Tudor is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Benjamin Jones, Private, 54546, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Maesteg into the Glamorgan Yeomanry. He later transferred into the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a Reserve, or Home Service Battalion, and died at home of sickness on 2 November 1918. He is buried at Bwlchygroes Independent Chapelyard. Benjamin is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Henry E. Jones, Driver, T2/025600, Royal Army Service Corps. Very little is known of Henry, but he served with the Royal Army Service Corps, with their HT, 12th Divisional Train, part of the 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on 31 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 taking part in the Somme Offensive in July 1916. They then fought in the Battle of Arras during 1917, and remained at Arras until taking part in the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917. They were relieved at the beginning of December, and moved to positions near Albert to rest. The Division relieved the 38th (Welsh) Division in the Fleurbaix front line in February 1918, then were rushed to the Somme, after the German offensive of 21 March 1918. After suffering heavy losses, the Division withdrew at the beginning of April to rebuild, then on 1 July 1918 carried out an attack at Bouzincourt. They fought in the Battle of Amiens, and then the Battle of Albert on 22 August, on the right of the 38th Division, pushing right across the old Somme battlefield. They were relieved on 30 August, and moved back to the Carnoy-Briqueterie area, before rejoining the great offensive in September 1918. They then took part in the Battle of the St Quentin Canal, pushing through and past the Epehy defences, where they secured the vantage points up to the St Quentin Canal and covered the left flank of the 27th Division of the United States Army which was attacking under orders of Fourth Army. This successful action gave the US Division, 46th (North) Midland and Australian Divisions to the right the chance to break through the Hindenburg Line on this most important day in the final offensive. The Division was withdrawn for rest, then on 6 October, relieved the 20th (Light) Division in Third Army, and then took part in the Final Advance in Artois. Henry died on the penultimate day of the war, on 10 November 1918. He is buried at Brebieres British Cemetery, France. Many thanks to Ken Jones for the photographs.

James Jones, Private, 41657, Yorkshire Regiment. James was the Son of Thomas and Mary Jones, of Penranthebog, Cwmcoy, Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Brecon into the Royal Field Artillery, but later transferred into the 13th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, attached to 121 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, and moved to France during June 1916, taking over a section 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. They remained in the area over the coming months, but were caught here by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, and fought there at the Battle of St Quentin and retreating back westwards fought at the First Battle of Bapaume. Due to the terrible casualties suffered by the Division here they were sent north to Flanders to rest and rebuild, but in April the Germans launched an offensive in Flanders, and the 40th Division was caught up in the thick of it again, fighting at the Battle of Estaires, which is where James was killed in action on 10 April 1918, aged 26. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

James Arthur Jones, Private, 59656, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. James was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Jones, of Plas Hill Llandyfriog, Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Marylebone into the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to 113 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 famously captured Mametz Wood, during July 1916. 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 Ridge and Langemarck, before wintering in the Armentieres area. When the Germans launched their offensive on the Somme on 21 March 1918, the 38th Division was rmoved south, taking up positions north of Albert, around Aveluy Wood. They remained here until launching their offensive over the River Ancre on 21 August 1918. The Division pushed across the old battlefields, 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. The Division then fought at the Battle of Beaurevoir, and moved up towards Cambrai, where James was killed in action on 8 October 1918. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Moulin-De-Pierre British Cemetery, France.

John Jones, Private, 11208, Hampshire Regiment. John was born in Newcastle Emlyn, the Son of David and Margaret Jones, of 42, Harriet Street, Trecynon, Aberdare. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 11th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, which was attached to the 16th (Irish) Division as Pioneers, and during December, 1915 the Division moved to France and concentrated in the Bethune area. John was wounded here, and died of wounds on 6 May 1916. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France. John is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Lewis Jones, Private, 37634, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Lewis was the Son of Mrs. Anne Jones, of Croesnewydd, Beulah, Newcastle Emlyn. He served with the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division had initially served in France, before being sent to Salonika. Here they fought for most of the war. Lewis was killed during the Battle of Doiran, on 18 September 1918. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Doiran Memorial, Salonika. Lewis is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Samuel Richard Jones, Private, 372382, Royal Army Medical Corps. Samuel was the Son of Thomas and Judith Jones, of Aberarad, Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Army Medical Corps. Very little is known of him, but he died at home of sickness on 30 July 1917 aged 32, and is buried at Llandyfriog (St. Tyfriog) Churchyard.

William Enson Jones, Lance Corporal, 20108, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llandyfriog in 1888. He married Hannah Price in 1910, and the couple lived at Tyddewi,Garnant Road, Garnant. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were attached to 115 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 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 11 July to clear the wood. William had been wounded around this time, and returned home for treatment, but sadly died of wounds on 21 July 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Garnant (Old Bethel) Welsh Congregational Chapelyard.

Titus Lewis, Private, 15661, Welsh Regiment. Titus was the Son of Thomas and Mary Lewis, of Brynhyfryd, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Neath into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where they fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos. Titus was killed in action during this attack, on 25 September 1915. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert, France.

David Thomas Morgans, Private, 29247, Somerset Light Infantry. David was born in Newcastle Emlyn, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. David Morgans, later of 42, Herbert St., Aberdare, Glamorgan. He enlisted at Aberdare into the Army Service Corps, and later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, which was attached to 11 Brigade, 4th Division. The Division was one of the first Divisions to move to France, arriving just in time to join the hard-pressed Divisions of II Corps at The Battle of Le Cateau. They then took part in the epic retreat to the Marne, where the German Offensive was halted, and in the advance to the Aisne. The Division was then moved north to Flanders, and took part in the Battle of Messines, where Units of 4th Division took part in the famous Christmas Truce while they were still in this area, in trenches near Ploegsteert Wood. In 1915 the Division fought at the Second Battle of Ypres, and in the summer of 1916 were on the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Albert and the Battle of Le Transloy. In April, 1917 they were at Arras, and fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe, and the Third Battle of the Scarpe, before moving back to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Polygon Wood, the Battle of Broodseinde, the Battle of Poelcapelle and the First Battle of Passchendaele. In spring, 1918 the Division fought at the First Battle of Arras, and were then moved back to Flanders, where they took part in the Battle of Hazebrouck, where David was wounded. He died of wounds on 19 May 1918, aged 26, and is buried at Pernes British Cemetery, France. David is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

David J. Owen, Seaman, J/50438, Royal Navy. David was the Son of David and Annie Owens, of Wenallt, Brongest, Newcastle Emlyn, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Victorian. She was an armed merchant cruiser, which patrolled the North Sea from mid 1915 until the end of the war. David sadly died at home from Phthisis on 1 February 1921, aged 25. He is buried at Hawen Congregational Chapelyard. David is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

John Owen, Driver, T/1863, Army Service Corps. John was born at Cardigan, but resided at Newcastle Emlyn prior to the war. He enlisted at Pentre into the Army Service Corps, and was attached to the Welsh Division Train, part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July 1915 and landed at Gallipoli via Mudros on 8 August 1915. 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 in terrible conditions, and John was taken ill. He was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Alexandria where he sadly died on 23 September 1915. He is buried there at Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery, Egypt.

Benjamin Rees, Private, 13127, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was the Son of David and Hannah Rees, of Rhydhalen, Newcastle Emlyn, and he enlisted at Tumble into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, which was 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. Benjamin was killed in action in Flanders, during the First Action of Givenchy, on 25 January 1915, aged 31. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.

Evan Rees, Sapper, 62979, Royal Engineers. Evan was born at Newcastle Emlyn, but prior to the war lived at 4, Cornish Place, New Dock, Llanelli. He originally enlisted into the 2/1st Field Company, Royal Engineers, but was posted to France, where he joined the 38th Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. Evan survived the war, but died of influenza in France on 23 November 1918. He is buried at Caudry British Cemetery, France.

 

Harry Rees, Private, 12335, Gloucestershire Regiment. Harry was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and enlisted at Pentre into the 2nd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. The Battalion was attached to 81 Brigade, 27th Division, which was formed in England from October 1914, from regular units returning from India, Hong Kong and Canada. On 21 December 1914 it landed in France and proceeded to the Western Front, where it fought at the Action of St Eloi, and at The Second Battle of Ypres. Harry was killed in action while the Division were stationed in Flanders, on 13 September 1915. He is buried at Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France. Harry is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

James Richards, Private, 33323, Welsh Regiment. James was born in Newcastle Emlyn, and served with the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was formed in Swansea in October, 1914 as part of the 43rd Division. On 29 April 1915 the formation became 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and landed in France during December 1915. They had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres, and in June marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July 1916, with 115 Brigade being tasked with the opening assault. The attack ground to a halt under heavt machine-gun fire, and the Brigade withdrew. A change in command followed, and on 10 July 1916 the Division attacked Mametz Wood again, spending the next two days in bitter hand to hand fighting within the wood. James was killed in action during the fighting at Mametz Wood on 12 July 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.James is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

 

Evan Owen Thomas, Private, 24392, Welsh Regiment. Evan was the Son of John and Betsy Thomas, of Brynteg, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn. He served with the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was raised as the Cardiff City battalion, and trained at Rhyl. Evan looks to have been discharged as unfit for overseas service on 12 July 1915, several months before the 16th Welsh moved to France. He died in the summer of 1920, aged 29. No more is presently known of him, as he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

 

Ivan Arthur Thomas, Second Lieutenant, Machine Gun Corps. Ivan was the Son of Enoch Thomas, of Bronllys, Brongest, Newcastle Emlyn. He was commissioned into the Machine Gun Corps, and was posted to their 142nd Company, which was attached to the 47th (2nd London) Division. The Division fought at the Battle of Aubers, and the Battle of Festubert during May 1915 and in September fought at the Battle of Loos, and subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. They were north of Arras when the Germans attacked Vimy Ridge, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Le Transloy, where the Division captured Eaucourt l'Abbe, and took part in Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. Early in 1917 the Division moved north to Belgium, where Ivan was killed in action on 10 May, 1917. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium. Ivan is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

John Edmund Thomas, Deck Hand, 1253SD, Royal Navy. John was the Son of George and Ann Thomas, of Penddol, Llandyfriog, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M. Trawler Euston. She had been hired by the Admiralty during the war, and struck a mine off Hartlepool on 12 February 1917. John was 22 years old, and was killed in the resulting explosion, and so is now remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Thomas James Thomas, Corporal, 320187, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Thomas, of Cumgwenin, Llangeitho, Cardiganshire. He enlisted at Lampeter into the Pembroke Yeomanry, which had sailed for Egypt in March 1916. In February 1917 the Pembroke Yeomanry was merged with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, and was attached to 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division took part in the campaign in Palestine, and fought at the Battles of Gaza and Jerusalem, before being called to the Western Front, arriving at Marseilles during May, 1918. They then fought at the Second Battle of Bapaume during the great offensive, and fought in Flanders before returning to the Somme and fighting at the Battle of Epehy, as part of the offensive towards the Hindenburg Line. Thomas was killed in action during the Battle of Epehy, on 20 September 1918, aged 26. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

Tom Thomas, Private, 25957, Lancashire Fusiliers. Tom was the Son of the late James and Anne Thomas, of Llaingoitan, Bryngwyn, Newcastle Emlyn. Prior to the war he worked as a Mason, and he enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with the Cardiganshire Battery. He subsequently transferred into the Lancashire Fusiliers, and served with their 2/5th Battalion, which was attached to 164 Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division. The Division was reformed in France during January 1916, and relieved the French 88th Division south of Arras by 16 February. Trench warfare commenced, with many raids and minor operations, before they were relieved by the 11th (Northern) Division on 25 July 1916, and moved south, where they took up a place in the front line opposite the village of Guillemont. Here they fought at the Battle of Guillemont and the Battle of Ginchy. There was a short period of rest at Ribemont from 12 to 17 September, and then the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and the Battle of Morval. Relieved by 41st Division on 28 September, the Division withdrew to the area of Buire and Ribemont, before relieving the 29th Division in the Ypres salient in October 1916. It was destined to remain in this area for almost a year, stationed near Railway wood. At the end of July, 1917 the Division fought at the Battle of Pilckem, and after suffering terrible casualties, was withdrawn to Recques for re-fit and training, before moving back into the line on 15 September, and fighting at the Battle of the Menin Road. Tom was killed in action here on 20 September 1917, aged 31. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

William Owen Thomas, Private, 29616, South Wales Borderers. William was born at Blaenporth, and resided in Newcastle Emlyn prior to the war. He was the Husband of Elizabeth, who later remarried, and moved to Furze Hill, Cefneithin, and he enlisted at Brecon into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and moved to France during July 1915, moving 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 1 July 1916, 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 William was killed in action on 7 June 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Wytschaete Military Cemetery, Belgium. William is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

Sidney Frederick Walters, Second Mate, Mercantile Marine. Sidney was the Son of John and Eleanor Walters, of Myrddin House, Lloyd's Terrace, Newcastle Emlyn. He served in the Mercantile Marine, aboard the SS Eupion. The ship was off the coast of Southern Ireland on 3 October 1918, when it was torpedoed and sank by the German submarine UB-123. Sidney was one of three men whose bodies were washed ashore at Kilrush, and are now buried together at Kilrush Church of Ireland Churchyard. Due to a clerical error sometime in the past, Sidney is also remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. He was 28 years old.

David Edward Williams, Sapper, 146081, Royal Engineers. David was born in Newcastle Emlyn, the Son of the late Edward and Margaret Williams, later of Lampeter, and the Husband of Gwenllian Williams, of 127, Dyffryn Clwyd, Tinmans, Ystalyfera. He enlisted at Chatham into the Royal Engineers, and served with the 253rd Tunnelling Company. The Company were at work near Sailly Labourse in 1916, when David was killed in action there on 27 April 1916. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, France. David is not commemorated locally.

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Newcastle Emlyn War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

Ridley Athol Bainbridge, Second Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. Ridley was born in Northumberland, and lived with his wife Caroline Jane Bainbridge, at Keepers Lodge, Newcastle Emlyn. He was a long serving Merchant Mariner, and was serving as Second Engineer aboard the MV Gatinais, a 383 gross tons Southampton registered passenger vessel. On her final voyage, Gatinais set sail from Portsmouth to Llanelly, with a cargo of scrap iron. She was sunk by a German E-Boat torpedo attack while 190 degrees, 5 miles from Start Point on 3 December 1942, and sank. Ridley was killed in the attack. Of the twelve men aboard Gatinais, only three survived. Ridley was 33 years old and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His widow moved to Potters Bar, Middlesex. Many thanks to Mr. Mal Richards for the information on Gatinais. Mal's brother Thomas Arthur Richards, of Porth, Rhondda was just 20 years old when he died aboard Gatinais.

Leonard Frederick Ball, Radio Officer, Merchant Navy. Leonard was the Son of Frederick Henry and Rachel Ball of Llandyssul, and the husband of Beryl Ball, of Newcastle Emlyn. He served in the Merchant Navy, aboard the S.S. Shahzada (London), a Cargo Steamer that had been built in 1942. On the 9th July, 1944 she was en-route from Mormugao for Aden, carrying a cargo of 5,000 tons of groundnuts, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the U-196. Forty six of her crew were lost, including Leonard, who was 33 years old. He is remembered alongside his crewmates on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Leonard is also remembered on the Llandyssul War Memorial. Many thanks to Leonard's son Clive for the photographs below.

Geoffrey Leon Dane, Corporal, 4973512, Sherwood Foresters (Nott's and Derby Regiment). Geoffrey was the Son of Mrs. A. M. Dane, of Newcastle Emlyn, and served with the 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. In June 1940 the 1st Battalion was moved from Palestine to reinforce the Garrison of Cyprus, where they suffered their first war casualties in an air-raid. Early in 1942 the Battalion was moved to Egypt, converted to a motorised role and joined the Desert Army. Unfortunately after a sharp engagement in the Knightsbridge Box, the Battalion was ordered to surrender when the Garrison in Tobruk capitulated on 21 June 1942. Geoffrey was killed in action on 6 June 1942. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.

Frederick Evans. Cannot presently be identified.

Herbert Prestyl Evans, Flying Officer (Pilot), Royal Air Force. Herbert was born at Newcastle Emlyn. He served as a Pilot with 115 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was part of Bomber Command, and was equipped with the Vickers Wellington at the beginning of the war. On 16 May 1940, Herbert was Pilot of Wellington IA, Serial P9229 KO-S, acting in support of the retreating BEF. He was killed, alongside his crewmates, when their Wellington was brought down over France that day. Herbert is buried alongside his crewmates at Bernay (Ste. Croix) Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Eric William Worswick Feldon, Flying Officer (Pilot), 142204, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Eric was the Son of Reginald George Allcorn Feldon and Maud Feldon, and the husband of Mary Feldon, of Llanishen, Glamorgan. Eric served with 268 Squadron, RAFVR, which had been reformed at Bury St. Edmunds at the end of 1940 as an Army Co-operation Command squadron, flying Westland Lysander Mk II, de Havilland Tiger Moth and Miles Magister aircraft. In May 1941 the Squadron started to re-equip with Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk aircraft and commenced support for Army training exercises and undertook shipping patrols in the English Channel and North Sea, primarily along the coast of northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In April 1942 the Squadron commenced re-equipment again, this time to the North American Mustang Mk I aircraft. The Squadron was declared operational in June 1942, and commenced a range of reconnaissance and intruder operations, again primarily along the coast of northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In early 1943 operations continued over enemy occupied territory, especially over the Netherlands, and in May and June 1943 the Squadron was operating in southern England, conducting morning and evening patrols at low level to prevent low flying enemy 'hit and run raiders' and reconnaissance aircraft from crossing over the English coast. In July 1943 the Squadron commenced re-equipment again, this time to the North American Mustang Mk IA aircraft, and in November 1943 the Squadron pulled back from the main area of operations in southern England to conduct a period of rebuilding and training in preparation for the forthcoming invasion of occupied Europe in 1944. It was in this timeframe that the Squadron became a part of 35 (Reconnaissance) Wing of 2nd Tactical Air Force. The Squadron then commenced intensive reconnaissance operations in preparation for the invasion. Many sorties were conducted at extremely low level against a range of targets, including enemy coastal defence positions, lines of communication, major enemy supply centres, radar sites and enemy airfields. The Squadron was also tasked with reconnaissance against the German V1 flying bombs sites then starting to appear in France and was responsible for obtaining some of the first, clear, low level photography of V1 launching sites in France. Eric was killed whilst flying one of these missions over occupied France on 7 March 1944. He was just 20 years old, and is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

 

Frederick Clifford Isaac, Second Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. Frederick served in the Merchant Navy, as Second Officer aboard the S.S. Rio Azul (London). She was a British Cargo Steamer of 4,088 tons built in 1921, and on 29 June 1941, when on route from Pepel for Middlesbrough carrying a cargo of 6,700 tons of Iron ore, she was torpedoed by U-123 and sunk. Frederick drowned in the sinking of the ship that day. He was 41 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

The Reverend Dewi Henry James, Chaplain (Squadron Leader), 106645, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Dewi was the Son of Samuel and Margaret James, of Newcastle Emlyn, and the husband of Megan James. Very little else is known of Dewi, but he was killed on 7 November 1944 aged 28, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. Dewi is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

 

Haydn John Jones, Stoker 1st Class, P/KX 95866, Royal Navy. Haydn was the Son of Evan and Beatrice Rebecca Jones. He served in the Royal Navy, as a pre-war regular, aboard the mighty Battleship H.M.S. Hood. She had been built and launched just before the end of the Great War and during the inter-war years was modified and modernised, with improvements in her armour the main priority. In June 1939, she joined the Home Fleet's Battle Cruiser Squadron at Scapa Flow and when war broke out later that year, she was employed principally in patrolling the vicinity of Iceland and the Faroes to protect convoys and intercept German raiders attempting to break out into the Atlantic. As the flagship of Force H, she took part in the destruction of the French Fleet at Mers-el-Kebir in July 1940, Hood firing 56 rounds of 15 inch shells during the thirty minute action. Hood withdrew from the Mediterranean on 8 July, and as she did so, came under attack from Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 bombers. No hits were scored on Hood and its anti-aircraft batteries claimed one of the SM.79s shot down. In August, she rejoined the Battle Cruiser Squadron and resumed patrolling against German raiders. From the 13th January to 18th March 1941, she underwent a refit at Rosyth. Even after the refit she was still in poor condition, but the threat from the German capital ships was such that she could not be taken into dock for a major overhaul until more of the King George V-class battleships came into service. When the German battleship Bismarck and the Prinz Eugen sailed in May 1941, Hood was sent out in pursuit, together with the newly-commissioned Prince of Wales, to intercept the German ships before they could break into the Atlantic and attack Allied convoys. The ships caught up with Bismarck and her consort, the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, in the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland on 24 May, and engaged them in battle. Unluckily for the 'Mighty Hood', a salvo of shells from the Bismarck broke through her deck, and the ship exploded, sinking in two minutes. Of the 1,418 men aboard her, only three escaped alive. Haydn was one of the unlucky ones. He was 26 years old, and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Ronald James Jones, Able Seaman, D/JX 188034, Royal Navy. Ronald was the Son of John and Eleanor Jones, of Newcastle Emlyn. Ronald was a pre-war regular in the Royal Navy, and served aboard H.M.S. Edinburgh. HMS Edinburgh served as escort during World War 2 for the North Atlantic Convoys. On escort duty during the Russian Convoys she was torpedoed by U-Boat U456 while escorting Convoy QP11 on 2 May 1942, she was carrying a cargo of £45million in gold bullion, which was a part payment by Stalin for War Materials. After a desperate attempt by her crew to save her, and a gallant battle against further German aerial and sea-borne attacks, the Edinburgh was scuttled and sank. Ronald was killed in action aboard her on 2 May 1942, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Not on Memorial.

John Vincent Lloyd, Fusilier, 4196126, Royal Welch Fusiliers. John was the Son of John and Hannah Lloyd, of Newcastle Emlyn, and served in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion left the UK in February, 1942 and sailed for Madagascar to capture the Naval Base of Diego Suarez, which was a French Naval Base that had been taken over by the Japanese, and garrisoned by Vichy French troops. John was killed during the ensuing fighting, on 6 May 1942, aged 23, and is buried at Diego Suarez War Cemetery, Madagascar. Not on Memorial.

Thomas Benjamin Morris, Sergeant, 1325871, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Hugh and Mary Ann Morris, and the husband of Rachel Bowen Morris, of Morriston. He served with 149 Squadron, RAFVR, which was a Night Bomber unit equipped with the Vickers Wellington. The squadron played a prominent part in the early offensive against Germany, Italy and enemy-occupied territory and, after having re-equipped with Stirling's, took part in the first 1,000-bomber raids. In 1943 it made a significant contribution to the Battle of the Ruhr, and also took part in the Battle of Hamburg and the famous raid against the German V-weapons experimental station at Peenemunde. On 29 May, 1943 Thomas took off in his Short Stirling, from their base at R.A.F. Lakenheath in Suffolk. The Squadron were forming part of a massive force of 719 aircraft, bound for Wuppertal in the Ruhr Valley. The Stirling was brought down by German Night Fighters on the return journey on the morning of 30 May, and Thomas was killed in the resulting crash. He was 29 years old, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.

Tommy Douglas Morris, Gunner, 4209141, Royal Artillery. Tommy was the Son of John and Elizabeth Morris, of Adpar, and served with the 146 (The Pembroke Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. The Battery had served in North Africa during the Battle of El Alamein, and was one of the units that took part in the Invasion of Italy in 1943. Tommy was killed in action in Italy on 9 October 1943, aged 22, and is buried at Naples War Cemetery, Italy.

Wilfred Saunders, Lieutenant, 262155, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Wilfred was the Son of Thomas and Mary Saunders, and the husband of Jean Saunders, of Newcastle Emlyn. Wilfred served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, who landed in Normandy after D-Day, on 25 June 1944 as part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division took part in the fighting in the Bocage, where Wilfred was killed in action on 17 July 1944, aged 29. He is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

David Dan Haydn Thomas, Third Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. David was the Son of D. J. Thomas, and of Elizabeth J. Thomas, of Adpar, and served in the Merchant Navy, as an Engineer aboard the S.S. Parracombe (London). The Admiralty sent plans to the C-in-C Med, concerning the intended sailing of the SS Parracombe early in April, 1941. She was carrying about 12 Hurricanes, a number of Harvey projectors with their ammunition and other stores direct to Malta from Gibraltar, and was disguised as Vichy French, unescorted & manned by picked crew, with orders to be scuttled if captured. The Parracombe was attacked by Italian Torpedo Bombers and sunk on 2 May 1941, and David was killed. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David Glanmor Williams, Pilot Officer, 160521, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Williams, of Newcastle Emlyn, and the husband of Gwen Williams, of Pontyberem. David served with 14 Squadron, RAF. By the start of World War II No. 14 squadron was flying Wellesley bombers. With the expected advance of Axis forces through Africa, the Squadron began bombing targets in Eritrea in June 1940 before re-equipping with Blenheim's in September 1940 and a flight of Gladiators by the end of the year. These were used until August 1942 when Marauders were taken on strength and used in the anti-shipping role. The Squadron moved to Algeria in March 1943 for anti-submarine duties. David was taking part in a routine flight when his aeroplane was lost on 19 October 1943. He was 23 years old, and is remembered on the Malta Memorial. David is not commemorated at Newcastle Emlyn.

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