The memory of the men and women of Ammanford who died in both World Wars is upheld by the pillars of the Park Memorial Gates at Iscennen Road.  One pillar holds the names of those that died in the Great War, the other holds the names of the men who died in the Second War. This page lists the men, and the one woman, of Ammanford who gave their lives for freedom. Many Thanks to Terry Norman for his photographs of the Ammanford War Memorial Gates, and to Major Kenneth Burton for his information on Emma Fletcher.

 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 The various Guards units that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this fine formation.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. Many thanks to Mick McCann of British War Graves for the photograph.

 

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.

William Henry Morris, Sergeant, 22778, Kings Liverpool Regiment. William was born in Liverpool. His connection with Ammanford is as yet unknown, but he enlisted at Liverpool into the 4th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which was 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. 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, where William was killed in action on the 16th April, 1918. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

St. Aubin Myall, Private, 24137, Welsh Regiment. St. Aubin was born in India, and resided at Ammanford prior to the war. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, 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. St. Aubin was killed in action during the first attack on the wood, on the 7th July, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Not on Memorial.

Samuel Nicholas, Private, 39913, Labour Corps. Samuel was born in Llangennech, and resided in Pantyffynon prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 7th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but later transferred into the Welsh Regiment. He transferred again later in the war, to the Labour Corps, possibly after being medically downgraded due to wounds, and served with the 911th Area Employment Company. Samuel was killed in action during the German Offensive, on the 31st May, 1918. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France.

William Anderson Onslow, Private, 200983, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Soho, London. He resided in Ammanford prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. During 1918 he had become attached to the 4/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division were still in Palestine then, and were taking part in the Final Offensive Beyond the Jordan, when William was taken ill. He was brought to the Base Hospital at Kantara where he died on the 27th October, 1918. William is buried there, at Kantara War Memorial Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

 

James Arthur Parry, Private, 29429, South Wales Borderers. James was born at Esgairwen, Talley in 1897. He was son of John and Gwen Parry, of "Parcbach," Cwmdu, Llandeilo. James enlisted at Ammanford into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, number 29429. The Battalion formed part of the 87th Brigade, 29th Division. The Division took part in the Battle of Cambrai, where the use of massed tank formations was pioneered. James was killed in action aged just 20, on the 3rd December, 1917 and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

Thomas Peter Parry, Private, 4197, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in 1885 in Talley. He was the son of John and Gwenllian Parry, of Esgairwen, Cwmdu, Llandeilo. Thomas enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, with the number 4197. The Battalion formed part of the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and fought at Gallipoli. It was at Gallipoli, during the Battle of Sari Bair, that Thomas was killed in action on the 11th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Ernest George Pepler, Private, 45916, Royal Defence Corps. Ernest was born in Corsham, Wiltshire, and was the Husband of Elizabeth Ann Pepler, of Railway Terrace, Llansamlet. He had enlisted at Newport into the South Wales Borderers, but had later transferred into the Royal Defence Corps on Home Service. Ernest died at home of sickness on the 15th July, 1918 aged 38, and is buried at Llansamlet (Tabor) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard.

Robert John Phillips, Driver, W/3691, Royal Field Artillery. Robert was the Son of William Henry and Charlotte Louisa Phillips, of Sunny Villa, 51, Walter Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford 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, but the Artillery remained in Flanders. Robert was killed in action in Flanders on the 3rd May, 1918 aged just 20, and is buried at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No. 3, Belgium.

Ivor Powell, Private, 4214, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born in Llandebie and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and Ivor was killed in action the following day, on the 10th August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Thomas Price, Wheeler, 146068, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Price, of Brookland Road, Llandrindod Wells, and was the Husband of E. Mary Price, of 40, Margaret Street, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and served with their 190th Brigade, attached to the 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. Thomas died here on the 5th December, 1916, aged 32, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

John David Rees, Private, 13188, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in Llandebie, the Son of John and Elizabeth Rees, later of "Caehelyg", Penygroes, Llanelli. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF had landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915 and saw their first action at Ypres, around the Bluff and St. Eloi area, and in October transferred to the 3rd Division with the Brigade. The Division fought during the Battle of the Somme in July, 1916, and John was Killed in Action during the Battle of Delville Wood on the 20th July, 1916 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Stanley Rees, Private, 30570, South Wales Borderers. Stanley was the Son of David and Sarah Ann Rees, of 12, Heollas, Ammanford. He served with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who had begun the war stationed in China, where they defeated the German Garrison at Tientsin, before being recalled to the UK. Here they joined the 87th Brigade, 29th Division, and moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on the 25th April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on the 11th January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15th March. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcapelle, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December, 1917 before moving back to Flanders early in 1918. Stanley was killed in action at Ypres on the 12th January, 1918 aged 24, and is buried at Cement House Cemetery.

William Bevan Rees, Private, 241858, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Ammanford. He served with the 1/5th 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. 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, and William was killed in action there during the Third Battle of Gaza, on the 3rd November, 1917. He is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Not on Memorial.

Morley Roberts, Private, 290449, Pembroke Yeomanry. Soldiers Died in the Great War lists Morley as having been born at Llandebie. He resided at Ammanford prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry, attached to the 1st Mounted Division. Morley died at home of sickness on the 25th July, 1917, but the Commonwealth War Graves Commission have no record of his death or burial. Not on Memorial.

Trevor Stanley Roberts, Private, 43350, Leicestershire Regiment. Trevor was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Roberts, of Arfryn, Wernolau Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Tumble into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but later transferred into the 11th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 6th Division. On the 10th September, 1914 it landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, and arrived in time to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF on the Aisne, before the whole army was moved north into Flanders. Here they took part in the Action of Hooge during June, 1915, and in 1916 moved to the Somme, where the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. The following year saw them at Arras, where they fought at the Battle of Hill 70, and then during the Battle of Cambrai later in the year. In the spring of 1918 the Division was one of those hit by the German Offensive on the Somme, which had been launched on the 21st March, and the Division took part in the Battle of St Quentin. They were moved from the line, and went to Flanders to rest, but the following month the Germans launched another offensive on the Lys, and the Division fought during the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle of Kemmel, and the Second Battle of Kemmel. Trevor was wounded during this turbulent time, and evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station at Vlamertinghe where he died of wounds on the 8th May, 1918 aged just 20. He is buried there, at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Joseph Scarsi, Sergeant, M2.100904, Royal Army Service Corps. Joseph was born in Allesandrio, Italy and had moved to Ammanford prior to the war, being the Husband of Mrs. S. A. Scarsi, of 82, College Street, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Army Service Corps, and served with the 3rd Motor Ambulance. He was stationed in his native Italy, fighting on the Italian Front against the Austrian Forces, when he died of sickness on the 10th October, 1918 aged 41. He is buried at Acqui New Communal Cemetery, Italy.

Joseph Wallace Shaw, Private, 31295, Royal Army Medical Corps. Joseph was born at Westlea, Lancs, and was the Son of Joseph Clutton Shaw and Anne Shaw, later of Devonia, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with their 46th Field Ambulance, attached to the 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 Hulluch, and in the defence of the Kink position. In July they moved to the Somme, where they took part in the Battle of Pozieres, and then fought at Battle of Flers-Courcelette, where they captured Martinpuich. In October they fought at the Battle of Le Transloy, and also in the Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. By May, 1917 the Division were at Arras, and fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe, and then at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Guemappe. They then moved north to Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, which is when Joseph was killed in action, on the 31st July, 1917. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Ypres Town Cemetery Extension, Belgium.

Horace W Sims, Chief Writer, 877537, Mercantile Marine. Horace was the Son of Harry and Helen Sims, of 66, Clarendon Road, Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London. He had married prior to the war, and was the Husband of G. Sims, of 10, Hoel Las, Ammanford. Horace was a Merchant Mariner, and served aboard H.M.S. Champagne, which had been requisitioned by the Admiralty for war use, and he was killed when the ship was attacked and sunk by a German Submarine off the Isle of Man on the 9th October, 1917. Horace was 25 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Not on Memorial.

Thomas Smith, Private, 9475, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry. Thomas was born at Fulham, and was the brother of Brother of William Smith, of 13, Coronation Terrace, Llandeilo Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Shorncliffe into the 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, which was attached to the 17th Brigade, 6th (Poona) Division of the Indian Army. The Division were stationed in Mesopotamia, and had taken part in an engagement with the invading Turkish Forces, retreating back towards the town of Kut on the 3rd December, 1915. The Division were ordered to stay and hold the position at Kut, instead of retreating to Basra, and became trapped there. The Turkish forces besieged the town from the 7th December, and for the next four months the Garrison remained, trapped inside the town. On the 29th April, 1916 the Garrison surrendered to the Turks, and the survivors, including Thomas, were taken Prisoner. Sadly Thomas was one of the many men captured here that died during captivity, on the 30th November, 1916. He was 28 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Basra Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Ivor Theophilus, Private, 13842, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born at Gelligaer, and resided at Rhymney. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was part of 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. Ivor was taken ill at some time before this, and moved home for treatment, but he sadly died on the 3rd December, 1916. He is buried at Rhymney Cemetery.

David Thomas, Sergeant, 3807, Welsh Regiment. David was the Son of William and Mary Thomas, of Pantyllyn Terrace, Llandebie, and the Husband of Annie Thomas, of 5, Dynevor Terrace, Penybank, Ammanford. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed on Gallipoli on the 9th August 1915, and David was killed in action the following day, on the 10th August, 1915, aged 32. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

David Samuel Thomas, Gunner, W/4393, Royal Field Artillery. David was born in Ammanford, and enlisted at Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with 'C' Battery, 121st 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. 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, capturing Villers-Outreaux, before advancing to the Selle and onto the Sambre. David was moved to the Base Hospital at Rouen at some time prior to the end of the war, and died there on the 13th November, 1918. He is buried there, at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Not on Memorial.

William Ewart Thomas, Private, 94234, Kings Liverpool Regiment. William was the Son of John and Annie Thomas, of Amman Stores, Ammanford. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, attached to the 172nd Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancs.) Division. The Division moved to France between 7th and 22nd February 1917, and moved to positions near Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. In 1918 they took part in the 1918 Battle of the Scarpe, and at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant. William was killed in action near Arras on the 28th August, 1918, aged only 19. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

William John Thomas, Private, 12691, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of John Thomas, of Ammanford, and the Husband of Maggie Thomas, of 32, New Road, Ammanford. He enlisted at Shotton, Flint 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. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on the 19th December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On the 8th January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by the 31st January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On the 12th 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 the 27th March, 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. However, after these efforts failed and Kut fell, the British force in the theatre was built up and reorganised. William died of sickness about this time, on the 11th July, 1916. He was 33 years old, and is buried at Amara War Cemetery.

Lewis Watkins, Private, 3237, Welsh Guards. Lewis was the Son of William and Emma Watkins, of 67, Trosnant, Pontypool. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who were attached to 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. 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, and in March, 1917 took part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilckem, and then at the Battle of the Menin Road, Battle of Poelcapelle and the First Battle of Passchendaele. November saw them move south again, where they took part in the Battle of Cambrai. Lewis was killed in action at Cambrai on the 1st December, 1917 aged 34. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

Edward Welsh, Private, 59365, Welsh Regiment. Edward was the Son of Edward and Grace Welsh, of Murton Colliery, County Durham. He enlisted at Sunderland, and served with the 14th 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, where Edward was killed in action on the 14th September, 1918 aged 36. He is buried at Bois Guillaume Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Arthur G. Williams, Private, 13021, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Arthur was born at Llanrhug, and was the son of Mrs. Williams, of 33, Heol Las, Ammanford. He enlisted at Tumble into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 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, which is where Arthur was wounded in the stomach. He was evacuated to a Military Hospital at Abbeville, but died of wounds just hours later, on the 27th September, 1915. Arthur is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France.

Edward Llewellyn Williams, Private, 20729, Welsh Regiment. Edward was the Son of William and Margaret Williams, of Sea View, Swansea, and was the Husband of Ada Kate Williams, of 22, Station Road, Tirydail, Ammanford. He enlisted at Rhyl into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was 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. Edward was killed in action during the Brigade's second attack on the Wood, on the 11th July, 1916, aged 38. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Glyn Williams, Private, 11966, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Glyn was the Son of John Henry and Elizabeth Williams, of The Square, Garnswllt, Pantyffynon. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 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. Glyn was killed in action during the fighting here on the 3rd July, 1916, aged just 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Herbert Williams, Sergeant, 13570, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Herbert was the Son of Mrs. Emily Williams, of 104, College St., Ammanford. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 58th Brigade, 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 just two days into the offensive, Herbert was killed in action, on the 3rd July, 1916, aged 30. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

John Williams, Lance Corporal, 13194, Welsh Regiment. John was residing in Ammanford prior to the war, and was the son of Mr. John Williams, of Walter Road. He enlisted at Aberaman into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, which had 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, which is where John was sadly wounded. He died of wounds that same day, on the 25th September, 1915, and is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert.

John Cloister Williams, Lance Corporal, 30559, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Ardwick, Lancashire, and was the Brother of Fred Williams, of 44, Walters Rd., Ammanford. He enlisted at Neath into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, 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. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on the 19th December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On the 8th January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by the 31st January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On the 12th 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 the 27th March, 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. John was killed in action during the period of the Battles of the Hanna and Fallahiyeh, on the 11th April, 1916, aged 23. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Not on Memorial.

John Dyfrig Williams, Stoker, SS/116602, Royal Navy. John was the Son of John Havard Williams and Mary Williams, of 49, Maesquarre Rd., Ammanford. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard the modern Battlecruiser H.M.S. Indefatigable, which was commissioned in February 1911 and joined the First Cruiser Squadron (renamed in 1913 as the 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron). She then joined the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean and at the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 took part in the pursuit of the German Warships Goeben and Breslau, and also bombarded Cape Helles during the fighting at Gallipoli. After a refit at Malta she joined the Grand Fleet and took part in the famous Battle of Jutland, where she was sunk by 11-inch shellfire from Van der Tann. Official reports state that she was hit by two shells in the X magazine, causing her to stagger out of formation, sinking by the stern. This was followed by another hit on the foredeck, causing a much larger explosion, which sank her. Of her company of 1,012, only two were picked up by the German navy, the ferocity of the explosions causing the loss of the remainder of the men. John was one of the men killed in action aboard the Indefatigable that day, on the 31st May, 1915. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

John Havard Williams, Private, S/17878, Cameron Highlanders. John was the Son of William and Margaret Williams, of Ivy Cottage, 7, Pontamman Rd., 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 during the later stages of the Battle, on the 13th October, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

Rees Meredith Williams, Private, 43792, Welsh Regiment. Rees was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Williams of 23, Railway Terrace, Cwmpark, Treorchy. He enlisted at Pentre into 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. Rees was killed in action at Ypres on the 26th July, 1917. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. (Probably the correct man).

William Botting Williams, Sergeant, 11910, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born in Pontlliw, the Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Williams, later of High St., Ammanford. He was one of the first to enlist at Ammanford in August, 1914, joining the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Prior to enlisting he had worked at Ammanford Colliery, and before that had served for a time in the Metropolitan Police Force. 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, where William was killed in action, aged 21, on the 7th August, 1915. He is buried at Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, Gallipoli.

Wyndham Williams, Private, 13195, Welsh Regiment. Wyndham was the Son of John and Winifred Williams, of Fairview, Walters Road, Ammanford. He enlisted there 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. Wyndham was killed in action during this terrible period, on the 8th September, 1916 aged just 20. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. His Brother was killed in 1915. Not on Memorial.

Edwin Frank Wood, Private, 67459, Cheshire Regiment. Edwin was the Son of Mrs. Mary Isabella Wood, of 41, Charles Street, Neyland. He resided at Pantyffynon prior to the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, attached to the 39th Division. The Division moved to France at the end of February and early March 1916, and on the 30th June, 1916 it took part in a very costly attack in the area of Richebourg l'Avoue, which is not officially recognised as a separate engagement. The Sussex Battalions in particular suffered very heavy casualties. The Division moved to the Somme in August 1916, where it fought at the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where they captured the Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained on the Somme over the winter. In 1917 the Division were at Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Pilckem, the Battle of Langemarck, the Battle of the Menin Road, the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Second Battle of Passchendaele. During the beginning of 1918 they were stationed near St. Quentin, and were one of the Divisions to be hit hard here by the German Offensive which was launched on the 21st March, 1918. They fought here at the Battle of St Quentin, and falling back fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings and the Battle of Rosieres. They were moved to Flanders to rest, but April was to see the Germans launch an attack here at the Lys, and the Division fought at the First Battle of Kemmel, and the Second Battle of Kemmel. From June 1918 onwards, the Division was not reconstituted as a fighting unit after the losses of the Spring fighting, but became a training formation for American troops arriving in France. Edwin must have been captured by the Germans during the fighting in the early part of the year, as he died in Poland on the 4th November, 1918 aged just 19. He is buried at Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. Not on Memorial.

Ammanford War Memorial

World War Two, 1939-1945

Ronald Llewellyn Anthony, Fusilier, 4209641, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Ronald was the Son of Willie David and Annie Mary Anthony, of Penybank, Ammanford, and served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The Battalion was attached to the 38th Irish Infantry Brigade, and fought throughout the North African Campaign. Ronald was killed in action in North Africa on the 19th July, 1943 aged 21, and is buried at Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Goronwy Amman Bassett, Flight Sergeant, 930637, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Goronwy was the Son of Evan & May Bassett of Ammanford, and the husband of Georgia Mary Bassett, of West Cross, Swansea. He served with 644 Squadron, RAFVR, which flew the Halifax Heavy Bomber. Goronwy flew among the crew of Pilot Alex Turnbull which had successfully taken part in ten bombing missions over occupied Europe by the time of their last flight on the night of the 23rd April, 1945. The crew were part of a force which had been sent from RAF Tarrant Rushton to drop supplies to the Norwegian Resistance, and were on the return leg of their mission on the morning of the 24th April, 1945 when they were hit by anti-aircraft fire. The Halifax lost power from two of its engines due to one of the shells hitting its fuel tank, and crash-landed into Lake Mjosa in Norway. The entire crew bar one perished. Goronwy was 34 years old, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Four of his fellow crewmen are buried at Lillehammer. The aeroplane was recovered from the lake in the 1980's, and moved to Canada, where it has undergone restoration. It is now on display at the RCAF Museum at Trenton, Canada.

George Cooke, Sergeant, 13062396, Pioneer Corps. George was the Son of George and Annie Cooke, and the husband of Elizabeth Loraine Cooke, of Ammanford. He served with the Pioneer Corps in North Africa during the war, and sadly died there on the 21st July, 1943 aged 36. George is buried there, at Beja War Cemetery, Tunisia. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

Benjamin Davies, Gunner, 11408707, Royal Artillery. Benjamin was the Son of John E. and Gwenllian Davies, of Pantyffynnon, and served with the 4/2 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. Benjamin served as an Anti-Aircraft Gunner aboard the S.S. Ocean Honour. She was a Liberty Ship, that had been built in California and delivered to the Merchant Navy in May, 1942. On the 16th September, 1942 she was in the Gulf of Aden, carrying a cargo of 6,000 tonnes of government stores and motor vehicles, when she was torpedoed by the Japanese Submarine I-29. She sank almost immediately, but 29 of the crew managed to escape the sinking. Benjamin was one of the 20 men who died aboard the ship that day. He was aged 23, and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Brinley Davies, Craftsman, 7643871, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. Brinley was the Son of Anthony and Catherine Davies, and the husband of Glenys Davies, of Ammanford, and served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Brinley was unfortunately one of the many British Servicemen to be captured by the Japanese after their invasion of Malaya, and he died of sickness aboard the Japanese 'Hell-Ship', Singapore Maru on the 24th November, 1942.Brinley had been given the POW Number 645, and was buried at Moji Communal Grave, but is now remembered on the Yokohama Cremation Memorial, Japan.

David Douglas Davies, Gunner, 1492340, Royal Artillery. David served with 7 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. He had been taken POW during the Japanese invasion of Malaya, and was one of the thousands of Allied servicemen interned at Kanburi POW Base Camp, which served the Burma Railway Camps, when he died on the 9th June, 1943 aged 24. He is buried at the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.

Ronald James Davies, Able Seaman, D/JX 165549, Royal Navy. Ronald was the Son of Harold and Miriam Davies, of Ammanford, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Gloucester. In September, 1939, Gloucester was flagship of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, serving in the East Indies and spent the rest of that year patrolling the Indian Ocean. In December, she was moved to Simonstown, South Africa where she was used, unsuccessfully, against German raiders. She was transferred again in May 1940, this time to the Mediterranean, where she experienced plenty of action. She was involved in Malta convoys and the Battle of Calabria on 9 July 1940. An Italian air attack on 8 July had hit the ship's bridge killing or wounding most of the bridge personnel, including the Captain, F R Garside. The second half of 1940 was spent in the eastern Mediterranean and in the Aegean. On January 11 1941, while supporting Operation Excess, Gloucester was hit by a bomb which failed to explode. In March, she was at the Battle of Matapan and, in April, performed several bombardments along the North African coast. A second bomb hit caused minor damage. Gloucester formed part of a naval force acting against German military transports to Crete, with some success. On May 22, 1941, while in the Kithera Channel, about 14 miles north of Crete, she was attacked by German Stuka dive bombers and sank, having sustained at least four heavy bomb hits and three near-misses. 723 lives were lost, with just 82 survivors. Her sinking is considered to be one of Britain's worst wartime naval disasters. Ronald went down with the ship that day, aged just 21. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Roy Davies, Naval Airman 2nd Class, FAA/FX. 78100, Royal Navy. Roy was the Foster-son of Elizabeth Mary Davies, of Ammanford, and served in the Royal Navy, at H.M.S. Goshawk, which was the Royal Naval Air Station at Trinidad, used for fighter training. Roy must have died aboard a training flight on the 17th January, 1941 aged 21, as he is remembered on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hampshire. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

T. J. Davies. Cannot presently be identified.

T. L. Davies. Cannot presently be identified.

Winston Davies, Ordinary Artificer 3rd Class, D/MX 64084, Royal Navy. Winston was the Son of Edward and Martha Davies, of Ammanford, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Warwick. Warwick was an Admiralty Class Destroyer, and had seen service during the latter stages of the Great War. In mid 1943 she was converted to a long range escort ship, and on the 20th February, 1944 she was torpedoed and sunk off Trevose Head, north Cornwall, by the German submarine U-413. Winston died aboard the ship that day, aged 25, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Edwin L Eden, Able Seaman, D/JX287336, Royal Navy. Edwin was the Son of George H. and Agnes M. Eden, of Ammanford, and served in the Royal Navy at H.M.S. Copra. HMS Copra was an acronym for Combined Operations Pay, Ratings and Accounts. It was a shore based establishment set up to process the pay and allowances of Royal Navy personnel serving in Combined Operations in WW2. Edwin was one of a handful of personnel from Copra to have landed at Normandy as part of the Combined Operations forces in June, 1944, and he was sadly killed there on the 21st June, aged just 22. Edwin is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery.

Daniel Isaac Evans, Private, 3960739, North Staffordshire Regiment. Daniel was the Son of David and Annie Evans, of Ammanford, and the husband of Emily Lucy Evans, of Saron. He served in the 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment, which were in France with the BEF at the outbreak of war, and were evacuated from Dunkirk after suffering heavy casualties in the retreat to the coast. After rebuilding in the UK the Battalion moved to North Africa, and fought at El Alamein in late 1942, then took part in the final campaign to drive the Axis forces from North Africa. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. Meanwhile, in the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein were withdrawing into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Daniel was killed around this time, aged 26, on the 29th April, 1943. He is buried at Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.                      

Thomas Lyn Evans, Flight Sergeant (Navigator), 1321223, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of David Thomas Evans and Mary Hannah Evans, of Ammanford, and served with 158 Squadron, RAFVR. This was a bomber squadron, which had been re-formed in 1942 and attached to No. 4 Group of Bomber Command. They flew the Wellington, but late that year changed to the Halifax Heavy Bomber, based at RAF Lissett. On the night of the 20th December, 1943 Thomas and his fellow crewmen took off from Lissett in their Halifax, as part of a 650 bomber raid on Frankfurt, and they were sadly one of the many aeroplanes to be intercepted and shot down on the outward flight. Thomas died in the shooting down of his Halifax that night aged 29, and is buried at Hanover War Cemetery.

William Myrddin Evans, Sergeant, 929623, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William served with 115 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron flew the Wellington Bomber, and undertook raids against the Channel Ports in occupied Norway and France throughout 1940 and 1941. It is not known in William was injured on one of these raids or not, but he died at home on the 24th November, 1941 and is buried at Ammanford (Bethany) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard.

William Alfred Farley, Leading Aircraftman, 1409468, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of Jack and Edith Farley, of Mount View, Saron, Ammanford, and the husband of Barbara. Not much is known at present of him at the moment, but he died at home on the 23rd April, 1945 and is buried at Ammanford Cemetery. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

David Meirion Fowler, Marine, PLY/X113039 (D), Royal Marines. David was the Son of David James and Susie Fowler, of Bettws, and served with the Royal Marines, at H.M.S. Golden Hind. Golden Hind was the name for the Royal Naval Shore Establishment at Sydney, Australia. There was a large contingent of Royal Marines stationed at Sydney, to enable immediate replacement of casualties aboard the Royal Naval ships serving in the Pacific. David died in the Pacific Theatre on the 24th July, 1945 aged just 20, and is buried at Sai Wan War Cemetery, Hong Kong. The Cemetery contains the graves of mostly ex-POW's, and so David must have been at some time captured by the Japanese, and taken to Hong Kong as a POW, where he died.

David Richard George, Rifleman, 6896152, King's Royal Rifle Corps. David served with the 1st Battalion, (The Rangers), King's Royal Rifle Corps. The Battalion were attached to the 30th Infantry Brigade, and were in Northern France, as part of the BEF in 1939. David must have been take ill and returned home for treatment, as he died on the 9th April, 1940 and is buried at Ammanford Cemetery. The Germans didn't invade France until May, 1940, and so David wasn't wounded in France, unless it was accidentally.

Bertram Howard Harries, Corporal, 4205049, Royal Corps of Signals. Bert was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hendry Harries, of Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, and the husband of Winnie Harries, of Llandebie. Bert served with the Royal Corps of Signals, but was attached to the 7th Indian Division Signals, stationed in Burma as part of the British Forces there. Bert died in Burma on the 6th February, 1944 aged 29, and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial.

Hughie Hughes, Guardsman, 2735195, Welsh Guards. Hughie served with the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Guards, which were a war-time only Battalion, which served throughout the Tunisian and Italian Campaigns attached to the 8th Army. Hughie was killed in Tunisia on the 8th May, 1943 aged 26, during the final part of the Battles of North Africa, at the attack on Enfidaville, and is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery.

William John James, Donkeyman, Merchant Navy. William was the Son of William John and Sarah James, and the husband of Amy Ivy James, of Ammanford, and he served with the Merchant Navy aboard the S.S. Empire Wagtail (London). Empire Wagtail was a British Cargo Steamer of 4,893 tons built in 1919, as American Ossining for the US Shipping Board, Tacoma. In 1933 she was renamed Point Lobos for the Gulf Pacific Mail Line, San Francisco, and in 1941 given to Britain, and renamed Empire Wagtail by the Ministry of War Transport. On the 28th December 1942, when on route from Cardiff via Belfast Lough to Halifax and Boston, in Convoy ONS-154, she was carrying a cargo of 3,857 tons of coal. She was torpedoed by German submarine U-260 when about 900 miles West of Cape Finisterre, and the master, 31 crew members and seven gunners were lost. Among the missing was William. He was 50 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

David Rees Douglas Jenkins, Private, 14201507, Gordon Highlanders. David was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Jenkins, of Pantyffynnon, and served with the 1st Battalion, (The London Scottish), Gordon Highlanders. The Battalion were in France at the outbreak of war, and held St. Valery-en-Caux in an effort to buy time for the remainder of the BEF to be evacuated from Dunkirk. The entire Battalion was captured after the surrender of France, and a new 1st Battalion was raised in Scotland, and sent to the Middle East, landing at Tripoli. David was either wounded or taken ill in North Africa, as he was brought to Mosul in Iraq for treatment. He died there on the 3rd March, 1943 aged just 21, and is buried at Mosul War Cemetery.

C. J. Jones. Cannot presently be identified.

Edgar Jones, Private, 13087060, Pioneer Corps. Edgar was the Son of Tom and Mary Jones, and the husband of Phoebe Jones, of Derby. He served during WW2 with the Pioneer Corps, most probably with the 1st or 8th Armies during the Western Desert Campaign, and was in Italy when he was killed on the 22nd March, 1945. He was 33 years old, and is buried at Montecchio War Cemetery, Italy.

Glyn Aneurin Jones, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 88239, Royal Navy. Glyn was the Son of David Idris and Margaret Jane Jones, of Ammanford, and served aboard the Destroyer H.M.S. Gloucester. In September, 1939, Gloucester was flagship of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, serving in the East Indies and spent the rest of that year patrolling the Indian Ocean. In December, she was moved to Simonstown, South Africa where she was used, unsuccessfully, against German raiders. She was transferred again in May 1940, this time to the Mediterranean, where she experienced plenty of action. She was involved in Malta convoys and the Battle of Calabria on 9 July 1940. An Italian air attack on 8 July had hit the ship's bridge killing or wounding most of the bridge personnel, including the Captain, F R Garside. The second half of 1940 was spent in the eastern Mediterranean and in the Aegean. On January 11 1941, while supporting Operation Excess, Gloucester was hit by a bomb which failed to explode. In March, she was at the Battle of Matapan and, in April, performed several bombardments along the North African coast. A second bomb hit caused minor damage. Gloucester formed part of a naval force acting against German military transports to Crete, with some success. On May 22, 1941, while in the Kithera Channel, about 14 miles north of Crete, she was attacked by German Stuka dive bombers and sank, having sustained at least four heavy bomb hits and three near-misses. 723 lives were lost, with just 82 survivors. Her sinking is considered to be one of Britain's worst wartime naval disasters. Glyn went down with the ship that day, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

Luther John Jones, Sergeant (W.Op/Air Gunner), 1669239, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Luther was the Son of Griffith John and Hannah Jones, of Ammanford, and served with 51 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron flew its first operational missions of the Second World War on the very first night of the War, 3/4 September 1939, dropping leaflets over Germany. Bombing missions started in May 1940, and continued until 1942 when No 51 was assigned to anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay as part of Coastal Command. The following year, the Halifax replaced the ageing Whitleys and the unit returned to Bomber Command as a 'main force' squadron for the remainder of the European War. On the night of the 23rd September, 1944 Luther and his crew took off as part of a 550 bomber raid on Neuss, in their Halifax MZ972. They were shot down on the return journey the following morning of the 24th September, killing all of the crew. Luther was only 20 years old, and is buried at Pihen-Les-Guines War Cemetery, France.

Thomas John Jones, Private, 14205100, South Lancashire Regiment. Thomas was the Son of David William and Margaret Ann Jones, of Ammanford, and served with the 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. The Battalion landed on Queen Beach, Normandy on D-Day, 6th June, 1944 as part of the 8th Infantry Brigade, and fought their way off the beach. Thomas was killed just 3 weeks into the Normandy battles, on the 27th June, 1944. He was just 21 years old, and is remembered on the Bayeux Memorial, France.

Trevor L. Jones, Leading Stoker, D/KX85153, Royal Navy. Trevor was the Son of W. H. Jones and Clara E. Jones, and the stepson of Mrs A. A. Jones, of Ammanford. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard H.M.S. Illustrious, which was an Aircraft Carrier, attached to the Mediterranean Fleet. Illustrious joined the fleet in August 1940, and was used to provide convoy cover, perform anti-shipping strikes, and raid positions in North Africa. On the 31st August she was used to launch a strike against airfields at Maritza, and on the 11th November, 1940 she became the first carrier in history to launch a major strike against an enemy fleet in a daring attack against the Italian fleet at Taranto. Twenty-one aircraft from Numbers 813, 815, 819, and 824 Squadrons based on Illustrious attacked the Italian fleet at night. The Italians were caught off-guard, and one battleship was sunk and 2 were heavily damaged. On the 10th January, 1941 Illustrious was attacked while escorting a convoy east of Sicily by Axis Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 and Ju-87 "Stuka" dive-bombers, being hit by 8 bombs and suffering extensive damage, destroying her sick bay and ward room, and killing amongst others the England rugby player W. G. E. Luddington. Trevor was also killed aboard her, and buried that same day at Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery. He was 27 years old. Many thanks to Mick McCann of British War Graves for the photograph.

 

Albert Gordon Laugharne, B.A., Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Albert was the Son of Albert and Rose Laughame, and the husband of Rosamond Mair Laughame, of Ammanford. He served in the RNVR aboard H.M.S. Blackwood, which was an American Lend-Lease Destroyer that had been taken over by the Royal Navy on the 27th March 1943. After over a year spent carring out escort duties with the Atlantic Convoys Blackwood was torpedoed by U-764 off Portland Bill on the 15th June, 1944, and sank the next day under tow. Albert was killed in the initial torpedo strike and was 27 year old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

James John Lewis, Leading Aircraftman (Air Gunner), 1027992, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. James was the Son of Jack and Elizabeth Gertrude Lewis, and the husband of Gertrude Lewis, of Brynamman. Very little is known of James, but he served with the RAFVR as an Air Gunner, and died at home on the 6th October, 1941. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Upper Brynamman (St. Catherine) Churchyard.

Howard Glyn Mainwaring, Private, 13114537, Pioneer Corps. Howard was the Son of John and Jane Mainwaring, and the nephew of Elizabeth Howells, of Ammanford. Again, very little is known of him, but he died on the 13th November, 1942 whilst in the service of the Pioneer Corps, and is buried at Rhydfro (Saron) Congregational Old Chapelyard. He was 42 years old. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

Edward John Mason, Corporal, 3955706, Welch Regiment. Edward was the son of Rose Mason, and the husband of Blodwen Ann Mason of Ammanford. He had served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, for several years before the war, and was called up for duty at the outbreak of War. Edward sadly became ill, and died at home of pneumonia on 28 May 1940. He is buried at Ammanford Cemetery. Many thanks to Terry Norman for the photo of his grave, and to Dave Michael and Edward's Granddaughter for his photograph. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

 

Arthur Charles Morgan, Sergeant (Observer), 563340, Royal Air Force. Arthur was the Son of Edwin William and Margaret Ellen Morgan, of Ammanford, and served with 105 Squadron, RAF. 105 flew the Fairey Battle. In the early months of the Second World War it served with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France, and in May 1940, was one of the squadrons which attacked the Meuse bridges in an attempt to stem the German advance. Arthur was killed on this attack when his Battle, Serial L5238 was brought down on the 14th May, 1940 aged 28, and is buried at Noyers-Pont-Maugis French National Cemetery.

Jonathan Raymond Morgan, Assistant Steward, 122228, Naval Auxiliary Personnel (Merchant Navy). Jonathan was the Son of William and Sarah Jane Morgan, of Ammanford, and served aboard H.M.S. Rawalpindi, an Armed Merchant Cruiser. While patrolling north of the Faroe Islands on the 23rd November, 1939 she investigated a possible enemy sighting, only to find that she had encountered two of the most powerful German warships, the battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau trying to break out through the GIUK gap into the Atlantic. The Rawalpindi was able to signal the German ships' location back to base. Despite being hopelessly outgunned, Captain EC Kennedy of the Rawalpindi decided to fight, rather than surrender as demanded by the Germans. The German warships returned fire and sank Rawalpindi within forty minutes. Jonathan was killed aboard her, aged 25, and is remembered on the Liverpool Naval Memorial.

W. L. Morgan. Cannot presently be identified.

David William Richard Phillips, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. David served in the Merchant Navy aboard the SS Baron Carnegie. Cargo ship Baron Carnegie had left Swansea in ballast and joined up with the Halifax bound 51 ship Convoy OB-334, which left Liverpool on 11th June 1941. The ship was to depart the convoy at a later date and position in the Atlantic and head for the African port of Takoradi. Unfortunately the very same day the ship was attacked and damaged by German aircraft West of the Bristol Channel, killing 25 crew. The ship was taken in tow by the tug SS Seine, but sank at 11.30pm on the 11th June. David was one of the men killed aboard her that day, and his body was brought home for burial at Ammanford Cemetery.

Randolph Prince, Corporal, 7631687, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Randolph was the Son of Edwin and Edith Prince, and the husband of Eunice Prince, of Ammanford. He served with the 4th Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, which had been in France with the BEF at the outbreak of war, and had been evacuated from Dunkirk. On the 31st May, 1942 the Battalion embarked at Liverpool for Egypt, where they joined the 44th Division. They fought at the Battle of El Alamein, before moving to Burma, attached to the 161st Indian Brigade, and moved to Kohima. Unfortunately, Kohima soon came under siege by the Japanese 15th and 31st Divisions and remained cut off for 14 days from 5th April 1944 to 19th April 1944. During this time a great deal of very nasty close quarters fighting took place, and at the end of 14 days of continuous fighting with little food, water, or sleep the survivors were in bad shape but victorious. RWK casualties were 199 wounded with 61 dead. Their Lance corporal John Harmen was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his single handed charge into a Japanese bunker, killing all 5 Japanese soldiers who had had his company pinned down. Randolph sadly died on the 16th April, 1944, probably from injuries sustained at Kohima. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Ranchi War Cemetery. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

Howell John Rees, Private, 6026955, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Howell was the Son of Edward and Elizabeth Rees, of Cwmgorse, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. The Battalion formed in June, 1939, and in January, 1941 moved to Dumfries. In April they moved to Crewe Hall, Cheshire, where they were inspected by H.M. King George before being sent via Halifax, Nova Scotia to Cape Town. From Cape Town they sailed to India, and arrived at Singapore on the 13th January, 1942. Here the Battalion came under heavy attack by the invading Japanese forces, which were sweeping south through Malaya to Singapore. The Battalion, along with their sister Battalion, the 1st Cambridgeshire's, were part of the British Forces that were captured by the Japanese when the Singapore Garrison surrendered on the 15th February, 1942. Howell died whilst a POW on the 15th September, 1945. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery, Burma. Many thanks to Mick McCann of British War Graves for the photograph.

 

John Wreford Roberts, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 284771, Royal Navy. John was the Son of John Lewis Roberts and Mary Ann Roberts of Ammanford, and served with the Royal Navy, at H.M.S. Eaglet. Eaglet was the name of the Royal Naval Shore Establishment at Liverpool, which was the flagship of Commander-in-Chief Western Approaches. John died at Liverpool on the 25th October, 1944 aged 34, and is buried at Liverpool (Anfield) Cemetery. His name is cast into the Screen Wall, Panel 6. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

David William Sinnett, Corporal, 3960653, The Kings (Liverpool) Regiment. David was the Son of Frederick W. Sinnett and Emily Sinnett, of Pantyffynnon, and served with the 13th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment. The Battalion formed in June, 1940 and were sent to India, then Burma, where they became part of the Chindits, led by Brigadier Orde Wingate in 1942. The Chindits fought an arduous campaign in the Burmese jungles, where they struck fear among the Japanese. David died in India on the 29th July, 1943 aged 30, most probably of illness following a three month tour of duty in the Jungle. He is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery. Many thanks to Mick McCann of British War Graves for the photograph.

 

Daniel Owen Thomas, Flying Officer, 124699, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Daniel was the Son of William Henry and Ruth Thomas, of Ammanford, and served with 83 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron were part of RAF Bomber Command, and by 1942 were equipped with the Lancaster Bomber. They had already made a name for themselves, and were transferred to RAF Wyton as part of the elite Pathfinder Force. The Squadron took part in missions over Northern Italy, the Ruhr Valley, and started bombing targets in Hamburg during the first few months of 1943. On the night of the 12th June, 1943 they were returning from a mission to drop target indicators on Munster, when Daniel's Lancaster, piloted by Squadron Leader James Eric Swift DFC, was shot down over the English Channel. The whole crew was lost, but the bodies of Swift and another crewman Sgt. J. J. Anderton were washed ashore. Daniel was 26 years old, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

Ieuan Thomas, Fireman, Merchant Navy. Ieuan was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas, of Ammanford, and served in the Merchant Navy, aboard the S.S. Empire Wagtail (London). Empire Wagtail was a British Cargo Steamer of 4,893 tons built in 1919, as American Ossining for the US Shipping Board, Tacoma. In 1933 she was renamed Point Lobos for the Gulf Pacific Mail Line, San Francisco, and in 1941 given to Britain, and renamed Empire Wagtail by the Ministry of War Transport. On the 28th December 1942, when on route from Cardiff via Belfast Lough to Halifax and Boston, in Convoy ONS-154, she was carrying a cargo of 3,857 tons of coal. She was torpedoed by German submarine U-260 when about 900 miles West of Cape Finisterre, and the master, 31 crew members and seven gunners were lost. Among the missing was Ieuan. He was 22 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

J. Thomas. Cannot presently be identified.

Stanley Thomas, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1836816, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Stanley was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Thomas, of Penybank, Ammanford, and served with 298 Squadron, RAFVR. 298 Squadron were equipped with the Halifax, and flew supply dropping missions over occupied Europe, and on D-day towed the Horsa Gliders which landed on Pegasus Bridge, carrying the 6th Airborne Brigade. They continued on re-supply drops throughout the remainder of the war, and also towed Gliders to Arnhem, as part of Operation Market Garden. Stanley was kill when his Halifax was shot down on a drop to supply SOE Agents in Holland, on the 13th April, 1945. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery.

Thomas Elwyn Thomas, Driver, T/172890, Royal Army Service Corps. Thomas was the Son of Thomas Albert and Jennie Thomas, of Ammanford, and served with 164 General Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps. Thomas was stationed in North Africa when Rommel's Afrika Korps landed at Libya to reinforce the failing Italian Army. Thomas was killed on the 21st March, 1941 aged just 21, and is remembered on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

William Rheinallt Thomas, Private, 7618185, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. William was the Son of William Sydney and Hannah Maria Thomas, and served with the 1st Advance Ordnance Workshop, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Very little is presently known of William, but he died on the 10th September, 1940 aged just 22, and is remembered on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey.

John Douglas Walters, Gunner, 920412, Royal Horse Artillery. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Walters, of Gwynfryn, and served with the 4th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. The Regiment was formed at Helmieh in Egypt in May 1939 from three batteries drawn from independent commands in India, and fired the opening rounds of the campaign in North Africa on the 8th December, 1940 against the Italians at Sidi Barrani. As part of 7th Armoured Division, the Regiment was involved in numerous subsequent battles in the desert, including Bardia, the capture of Tobruk, Beda Fomm, Sidi Rezegh and the withdrawal from Gazala to El Alamein. It then took part in the Battle of El Alamein as part of 1st Armoured Division, later taking part in the battle for the Mareth Line and the capture of Tunisia. John was killed in Tunisia on the 30th May, 1942 aged 26, and is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma.

Edward Leslie Widgery, Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 1379326, Royal Air Force. Edward was the Son of Albert William and Ann Elizabeth Widgery, of Ammanford, and the husband of Iris Mary Widgery, of Sketty, Swansea. He served with 102 Squadron, RAF, which were part of Bomber Command in October 1940, moving to RAF Linton-on-Ouse. A move to Topcliffe in November 1940 saw the squadron settled for a year until it moved to nearby Dalton, where it began to receive Halifaxes in December 1941 with the last Whitley operation being flown on 31 January 1942. A brief return to Topcliffe in June 1942 was followed by a move to Pocklington on the 7th August of that year. Conversion continued at Pocklington with the first operation taking place on the 14th April, 1942. Little is known of Edwards as yet, but he died on the 25th February, 1943 aged 35, and is buried at Swansea (Oystermouth) Cemetery. He was most probably injured on a mission and died of wounds as a result. Not on Ammanford Memorial.

Ernest John Williams, Private, 6144769, East Surrey Regiment. Ernest was the Son of Jonah Williams, and of Ellen Williams of Bettws. He served with the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, which were sent to France during 1940 as part of the BEF. After returning to the United Kingdom after the evacuation from Dunkirk the 1st Battalion was reformed and was assigned to 11th Infantry Brigade, part of 78th Infantry Division, with which it remained for the rest of the war. It took part in Operation Torch in November 1942, landing in North Africa at Algiers. Following this the battalion fought with the division in Tunisia until the end of the Tunisia Campaign in May 1943. Ernest was killed in action in Tunisia on the 2nd December, 1942 aged 22. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial.

John Lynn Williams, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 1077842, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the Son of William and Gwladys Williams, of Ammanford, and served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was captured during the Japanese invasion of Malaya in 1942, most probably at Singapore, and was given the POW No. 2976. John died on the 1st Sandakan death march (9 groups leaving Sandakan between 29th January and the 6th February 1945), on the 17th March, 1945, his death recorded as Acute Enteritus. He was 26 years old, and was buried at Paginatan Cemetery, but he is today remembered on the Singapore Memorial.

Tom Ivor Williams, Corporal, PLY/X 983, Royal Marines. Tom was the Son of Daniel Williams, and of Ellen Williams, of Capel Isaac, and served in the Royal Marines, aboard H.M.S. Hermes. Hermes was the world's first purpose built aircraft carrier, and had been commissioned in 1923. During World War II she served briefly with the Home Fleet before being assigned to the southern Atlantic from October 1939. She worked with the French navy based at Dakar until the Vichy government came to power, following that her aircraft took part in a strike against the French vessels at Dakar. In July 1940 she collided with a merchant vessel and was repaired at Simonstown, South Africa. Following repairs she continued patrols but this time in the Indian Ocean as part of the Eastern Fleet. During the Indian Ocean raid, Hermes was in harbour at Trincomalee, Ceylon, undergoing repairs. Advance warning of a Japanese air raid allowed her to leave port, but as she returned following the raid on April 9, 1942, she was spotted off Batticaloa by a Japanese reconnaissance plane. Lacking planes of her own, she was defenceless when she was attacked by 70 Japanese bombers. Hit 40 times, Hermes sank with the loss of 307 men, one of which was Tom, who was 32 years old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

T. N. Williams. Cannot presently be identified.

William Rees Williams, Chief Steward, D/LX21365, Royal Navy. William was the Son of David and Margaret Jane Williams, and the husband of Susanna Rebecca Williams, of Ammanford. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard H.M.S. Punjabi, which was a Tribal Class Destroyer, commissioned in 1939. Immediately at the outbreak of World War 2, Punjabi began to patrol the North Atlantic with the rest of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla. For the first three months, her duties consisted of anti- submarine patrols and fleet screening duties. During the Second Battle of Narvik on 13 April 1940, Punjabi was badly damaged by six shells but was back in action an hour later. On the 21st May, 1941 it was believed that the German battleship Bismarck was ready to break out into the Atlantic. Confirmation came through on 22nd May and the Home Fleet sailed at 22.45. Punjabi though, as part of that Fleet, was not to share in the final cornering of Bismarck. Two days of high speed search soon depleted the destroyers fuel oil and by the 24/25th, all destroyers had to return to Hvalfiord, Iceland to refuel. Prior to the invasion of Russia by Germany, Force 'K' consisting of Punjabi, HMS Aurora, HMS Nigeria and HMS Tartar left Scapa Flow for Spitsbergen with the intention of investigating that island's use as a naval base, and found that a military occupation of Spitsbergen could be feasible, but the winter ice in the fjords would prohibit the island's use as an all-year round naval base. After that mission, all of Punjabi's operations focused on Russian convoys. In January 1942, she was retrofitted at Palmer's Yarrow Yard and immediately returned to her Home Fleet duties. On the 5th March, 1942 she joined HMS Ashanti and HMS Bedouin in an abortive hunt for the German battleship Tirpitz. After a second attempt, Punjabi was forced to return to base with disabled steering gear. While on duty with convoy PQ-15 on 1st May 1942, visibility suddenly closed in and the 35,000 ton battleship HMS King George V crashed into Punjabi's port side just abaft the engine room and went through her like a butter knife at 25 knots. Punjabi's stern sank almost immediately. Her ready-use depth charges detonated, bucking the battleship's sides below the waterline and causing severe injuries to the survivors. Fortunately, Punjabi's forepart sunk quite slowly thus allowing 169 people to be saved by HMS Martin and HMS Marne. Sadly William was one of the men lost in the tragedy. He was 31 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.