The War Memorial opposite the Blue Boar in St. Clears was unveiled by local hero Ira 'Taffy' Jones. It is an excellent testimonial to the men of the town who died in both wars, but as with so many others, there are a few men missing from it. These men are highlighted below.

For anyone interested in the St. Clears men, please see my book on the memorial, which is for sale in the shop section of this site. The details on all of these men are greatly expanded in the volume.

St. Clears War Memorial

World War One, 1914-1918

Lewis Cunnick, Driver, 209756, Royal Field Artillery. Lewis was the Son of James & Eleanor Cunnick, of Pwll Trap, St. Clears. He enlisted at Wandsworth into the Royal Field Artillery, becoming a Driver in 'C' Battery, 37th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 75th Division. The Division was formed in Palestine in 1917, under command of the Indian Army. Lewis Died in Palestine during the offensive in the Jordan, on 11 October, 1918 and is buried at Gaza War Cemetery.

John Davies, Private, SE/2309, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. John was the Brother of Thomas E. Davies, of Milford Arms, St. Clears, and enlisted at London into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He was posted to the 15th Veterinary Hospital, which was sent to serve in the Salonika Campaign. John was Killed in Action on 4 March, 1917 and is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Joseph Thomas Davies, Seaman, M/5640, Royal Navy. Joseph was born at Carmarthen, the Son of Thomas Evan and Elizabeth Davies, and the family moved to Milford Arms, St. Clears. Joseph served as a Seaman in the Royal Navy, at H.M.S. Vivid, the Naval Base at Devonport, and he Died on 1 September, 1916 at home. He is buried at St. Clears (St. Mary) Churchyard.

Thomas Davies, Corporal, 16317, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at St. Clears, the Son of Mrs Margaret Davies, later of 38 Henry Street, Bargoed, Glamorgan. He enlisted at Bargoed into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and embarked with the Division for France in December, 1915. The Division served in the Armentieres sector, where they were initiated into trench warfare, before moving South to take part in the Battle of the Somme. The task allotted to the Division was the capture of Mametz Wood, and after a stuttering start to the offensive, finally succeeded in capturing the wood at heavy cost. Thomas was wounded at Mametz, and sent back to the UK via Hospital Ship, but he Died of Wounds on the journey on 27 June, 1916 and was buried at sea. He is remembered on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey.  Not on Memorial.

Thomas Howell Davies, Captain, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born at St. Clears, the Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies, who later resided at Llain-Y-Gors, Ystradgynlais, and the Husband of Edith Newman (formerly Davies). Thomas served in the 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which formed part of 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and he Died at home on 6 October, 1919 aged 33. He is buried at Ystradgynlais (St. Cynog) Churchyard. Not on Memorial.

William Davies, Private, 15024, Welsh Regiment. William was born at St. Clears, and enlisted at Newport into the Monmouth Regiment. He later transferred into the 1/6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had originally landed in France on 29 October, 1914. They moved to 84 Brigade, 28th Division on 5 July, 1915, and later became Pioneers to the 1st Division. The Division took part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and it was on the Somme, during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette that William was Killed in Action on 15 September, 1916. He is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz. Not on Memorial.

William Davies, Rifleman, 34036, South Lancashire Regiment. William was born at St. Clears, the Son of Henry and Jane Davies, of Tynewydd, Cwmbach. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 1/5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, which formed part of 166 Brigade, 55th Division. In early 1918 the German Spring Offensive was launched on the Somme area, and the British suffered terrible casualties, losing hard-earned territory day by day. William was Killed by a shell on 21 April, 1918 aged 35, during the Battle of the Lys, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial. Not on Memorial.

Frederick Elias, Lance Corporal, 201346, Welsh Regiment. Fred was born at Carmarthen, the Son of Mr. D. Elias, of 2, Station Road, Carmarthen. Fred worked as a fisherman with his father prior to the war, before getting married, and moving with his wife Mrs. S. Elias, to Bridge Street, St. Clears, where the young couple had their only child. At the outbreak of war Fred enlisted into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 and arrived at Mudros by 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on 9 August. Here the Division was immediately thrown into action, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, where it took part in operations against the Sultan of Darfur. Fred was wounded soon after returning to Egypt, and died of his wounds on 9 March 1916, aged 25. He is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel. Fred is not commemorated on the St. Clears War Memorial.

Aneurin Webber Evans, Private, M2/280558, Army Service Corps. Aneurin was born at Llanfihangel-Yr-Ystrad, the Son of David Cledlyn Evans, M.Sc., and Margaret Evans, of St. Clears, and the Husband of Doris Mabel Evans, of Moreton, Bromsgrove, Worcs. Aneurin had trained as a schoolteacher at St. Clears County School, and at the South Wales Training College, Carmarthen, and had become Assistant Master at King's Norton and King's Heath, Birmingham. He enlisted at Birmingham into the Worcestershire Yeomanry in 1914, and served with them in France from September 1916, later transferring, possibly due to wounds, into the Army Service Corps, where he served in the 717th Motor Transport Company. Aneurin's Company was stationed near Ypres during the Third Battle of Ypres, when he was Killed in Action on 30 September, 1917 aged 32. He is buried alongside several other members of his Company at Locre Hospice Cemetery, which suggests that they were casualties of a shell burst.

David John Evans, Private, 2459, Welsh Guards. David was born at Penhenrhiw, Llanwinio on the 27th February, 1896, the son of Job and Sophia Evans, of Fronfelin, Cwmbach. He was educated at Cwmbach and at Whitland County School, and enlisted at Porth into the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards on the 18th December, 1915. The Welsh Guards had been formed on 6 February, 1915 by Royal Warrant, and on 17 August 1915 embarked at Southampton for France, and they arrived at Le Havre that day. On 27 September the Battalion left Le Havre for Loos, as part of 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. They fought during the Battle of Loos, before moving to Ypres in June, 1916, which is where David joined the Battalion. In September they moved to the Somme, where they remained until the end of November. After a spell in reserve, they moved north to Ypres again, and they fought at Third Ypres before moving to take part in the Cambrai Offensive. David was Killed in Action at Cambrai on 1 December, 1917, and his obituary states that he was buried by the Company Chaplain near the Welsh Guards Battalion Headquarters near Gouzeucourt that day. His grave must have been lost in the ensuing fighting in the area, and so he is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial.  Not on Memorial.

Tom Luther Evans, Private, 10539, Welsh Regiment. Tom was born at St. Clears, and resided prior to the outbreak of war in Narberth. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who formed part of 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division was made up of regular army units that had been brought back to the UK at the outbreak of war. They arrived at Marseilles on 18 January, 1915 and moved to the Ypres sector. Tom was wounded at Ypres, and Died of Wounds on 4 February, 1915. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial. Not on Memorial.

William Griffiths, Able Seaman, J.47924, Royal Navy. William was born in St. Clears, the Son of Josuah and Sarah Griffiths, of Ffynonisaf, Backe. He enlisted into the Royal Navy, and served aboard H.M.S. Walrus. William Died at Queensferry Hospital on 19 March, 1919 aged 23. His body was brought back to St. Clears, and he was buried at Pwll Trap Congregational Chapelyard.

William Henry Guarneri, Private, 200064, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Haverfordwest, the Son of John and Elizabeth Guarneri, later of Picton Ferry, St. Clears. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On 9 August, 1915 the Division landed at Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, and they fought there until mid December, when they were evacuated to Egypt. They fought in the Palestinian Campaign, where William was wounded during the First Battle of Gaza. William Died of Wounds on 29 March, 1917 aged only 20 and is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Egypt.   Not on Memorial.

William Edward Gwyn Howells, Private, 227356, South Wales Borderers. William was born at St. Clears, the Son of Thomas and Hannah Jane Howells, of High St. He enlisted at Newport into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The 2nd SWB were in China at the outbreak of war, and fought at Tsingtao before moving back to the UK. After the Division had been fully assembled, they moved to the Mediterranean, and took part in the landing on Gallipoli on 25 April, 1915. They remained at Gallipoli until evacuating on 11 January, 1916, and from there were moved to France, arriving at Marseilles on 15 March that year. They fought at the opening of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. William was Killed in Action during the Advance in Flanders on 20 August, 1918 aged 24. He is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul.

Thomas Husband, Lance Corporal, 54007, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in St. Clears, the Son of John and Ann Husband, of Bryntaf. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 14th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and embarked with the Division for France in December, 1915. The Division served in the Armentieres sector, where they were initiated into trench warfare, before moving South to take part in the Battle of the Somme. The task allotted to the Division was the capture of Mametz Wood, and after a stuttering start to the offensive, finally succeeded in capturing the wood at heavy cost. They were put into reserve for almost a year before taking part in the Battle of Third Ypres, capturing Pilckem Ridge, and saw considerable action during Spring 1918, when the German Offensive was launched. Thomas was Killed in Action by a shell fragment whilst the Division were back on the old Somme Battlefield, on the 10 May, 1918 aged 27. He is buried in Martinsart British Cemetery.

William James, Sapper, 763, Royal Engineers. William was born at St. Clears, the Son of Evan and Phoebe James, of "The Three Bells". William enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/1st Welsh Field Company, Royal Engineers, which formed part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli, landing at Suvla Bay on 9 August, 1915. They were at Cape Helles during September when William was Killed in Action aged 35, on 5 September, 1915. He is buried at Green Hill Cemetery.

David Jones, Rifleman, 292, Rifle Brigade. David was born at Carmarthen, the Son of John and Frances Jones, of 18, Magazine Row. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, part of 11 Brigade, 4th Division. On 23 August, 1914 the Division landed in France, and took part in the Battle of the Aisne. David was Killed in Action whilst the Division were holding the line south of Ypres on 19 December, 1914 aged 29. He is buried at Rifle House Cemetery inside Plougsteert Wood.

John Ross Jones, Private, 117563, Machine Gun Corps. John was born at St. Clears and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment. Prior to the Battle of the Somme, Battalion machine gunners were formed into a Machine Gun Corps. John was transferred into the 38th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which were part of the 38th (Welsh) Division, and he fought with the Division at Mametz Wood, before moving to Flanders and fighting at Third Ypres. The Division had returned to the Somme in mid 1918, where they fought at the Battle of Albert, and this is when John was wounded. He Died of Wounds on 1 September, 1918 at an Advanced Dressing Station, and was buried there at Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery.  Not on Memorial.

John Charles Lewis, Captain, Monmouthshire Regiment. John Charles Lewis was the son of John and Alice Lewis, of Troedybryn, St. Clears. He was enlisted into the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, with the Army Number 8113. From here he was commissioned into the 1st Battalion, the Monmouth Regiment, as a 2nd Lieutenant. John was subsequently attached to the 6th Battalion, KSLI from the 21/1/1917 onwards, serving with the Battalion on the Somme during the Winter of 1916/17, then with the Battalion at Third Ypres (Passchendaele). The Battalion moved South on 1 October, entraining at Proven for Bapaume. John was promoted Captain, taking over Command of 'A' Company, 6th KSLI. They took over the front line trenches at Villers Plouich on 20 October, and took part in the attack on Welsh Ridge, during the Battle of Cambrai, on 20 November, 1917, when John was mortally wounded whilst gallantly leading his Company. He was listed as Killed in Action that day, aged 30. His body was lost in the coming battles in the area, and he is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

 

 

John Morgan, Private, 11354, Welsh Regiment. John was born at St. Clears, the Son of John Morgan, of Penpitch. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who were the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. The Division embarked for the Mediterranean on 15 June, 1915 and landed on ANZAC on 5 August. Just a couple of days after landing, the Battalion were thrown into their first full scale battle, the Battle of Sari Bair, and John was Killed in Action on 8 August, 1915 aged 40. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

William Henry Owen, Corporal, 5655, 14th Hussars. William was born at Carmarthen, and enlisted at Cardiff into the 14th (Kings) Hussars, part of the 1st Cavalry Division. The 14th Hussars were based in India at the outbreak of War, so William must have been attached to another unit, as at that time he was in France. He was Killed in Action on 30 October, 1914 near Ypres, and is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial.

Ebenezer Perkins, Corporal, 11397, Somerset Light Infantry. Ebenezer was born at Chelsea, the brother of David George Perkins, and the son of George Perkins of the Milford Arms, Clynderwen. He resided at St. Clears prior to the War, and enlisted at Pentre into the 6th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, part of 43 Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. During May, 1915 the Division moved to the Western Front. They fought at Hooge and Bellewarde during late 1915 at Second Ypres, and gained the dubious honour of becoming the first Division to be attacked by flamethrowers at Hooge. They moved to the Somme at fought at Delville Wood before moving North to Flers, where it was during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette that Ebenezer was Killed in Action on 16 September, 1916 aged 27. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Not on Memorial.

John Lewis Phillips, Private, 25631, Lancashire Fusiliers. John was born at Post Office, Llanddowror on May 15th 1897 and received his education at the Church School. On his nineteenth birthday, May 15th 1916, he joined the Royal Field Artillery as Driver, Regimental Number 137568. In July 1916 he was transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers and went out as Private to France to join the 11th Battalion, regimental Number 25631, and He served with them in the 25th Division from December 20th 1916. John took part in the engagements at Arras in March 1917, at Messines in April 1917, at the 3rd Battle of Ypres, at Cambrai and St. Quentin in March 1918. He was calmly repairing his Lewis Gun in the German Offensive he was hit in the temple at Dawn of 23 March 1918 by a machine gun bullet and was killed instantly. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Arras Memorial.

Edward Rees, Private, 2201, Australian Imperial Force. Edward was born at Meidrim, the Son of Thomas and Theodosia Rees, of Mount Pleasant. He emigrated to Australia prior to the outbreak of war, and enlisted at Victoria on 4 March, 1915 into the 14th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force (known as 'Jackas Mob' after one of its fearless officers, Albert Jacka, VC). He joined the Battalion on Gallipoli on 1 August, 1915 and fought at Lone Pine, and remained at Gallipoli until the evacuation. His service papers show that he was at Heliopolis by February, 1916, court martialled for drunkenness, and was taken on strength by another Battalion, the 46th on 3 March, 1916. After spells in Hospital at Ismailia, Edward embarked at Alexandria on 6 August, 1916 bound for Marseilles. He rejoined his Battalion in the field on 23 September, 1916, by which time they had taken part in the Battles of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm, and had been withdrawn from the line and sent to Ypres. Edward was Killed in Action soon after at Ypres, on 1 October, 1916 aged 29. He is buried at Ridge Wood Military Cemetery.

Joseph Thomas Rees, Private, 29634, South Wales Borderers. 'Tommy' was born at St. Clears, the Son of George and Margaret Rees, of Cwm Backe, Saint Clears, and the Husband of Annie Rees, of Rose Cottage, Pwlltrap. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division, Joseph wasn't at China with the Battalion at the outbreak of war, but joined them in France in January, 1917. Joseph was wounded by a bullet in the spine during the German Spring Offensive, when the Division were in Flanders, and returned home for treatment. He Died of Wounds at King George's Hospital on 26 May, 1915 aged 28 and was buried at Pwll Trap Congregational Chapelyard on 29 May. He left behind his bereaved wife and two small children.

Thomas Evan Roach, Private, 94283, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was born at St. Clears, but worked and resided at Fishguard in later life. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Monmouth Regiment, and later transferred into the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division arrived in France during December, 1915 and fought at Armentieres before moving to the Somme, where they were decimated at Mametz Wood. After nearly a year rebuilding, they fought well at Passchendaele, and also played an important role in the battles of 1918, first during the desperate months of Spring 1918, trying to hold the aggressive German advance, and then later on in the great advance to the Hindenburg Line. Thomas was Killed in Action on 29 October, 1918 during the Battle of the Selle, and is buried at Englefontaine British Cemetery, Grave C. 13. Not on Memorial.

David Charles Saer, Lance Corporal, 320122, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Llanboidy, the son of Charles and Phoebe Saer, later of Capelmair Villa, St. Clears. 'Dai' worked on the local Postal Staff pre war, and had served in the Pembroke Imperial Yeomanry, and re-enlisted into the Pembroke Yeomanry at Whitland at the outbreak of war, with the number 2160. The Pembroke Yeomanry had formed in Tenby for Home Defence, as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade. They arrived in Egypt in March 1916, and on 2 February, 1917 were disbanded, joining with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, as part of 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division first saw action during the Second Battle of Gaza, where David was unfortunately Killed in Action, on 6 November, 1917 aged 34. He is buried in Beersheba War Cemetery.

David Salmon, Private, 31204, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was born at Narberth, the Son of John and Sarah Salmon, (and the brother of Evan below) of Lowlands, Narberth. He enlisted at Carmarthen with his brother, originally into the Royal Field Artillery, with consecutive service numbers 98763 and 98764. Both brothers then transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had served on the Western Front since 7 August, 1914, and by early 1916 were stationed on the Somme. David was wounded on 6 February 1916, and died of wounds that same day, aged 21. He is buried at Point 110 New Military Cemetery, Fricourt.

Evan Salmon, Private, 31203, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Evan was born at Narberth, the Son of John and Sarah Salmon, (and the brother of David above) of Lowlands, Narberth. He enlisted at Carmarthen with his brother, originally into the Royal Field Artillery, with consecutive service numbers 98763 and 98764. Both brothers then transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had served on the Western Front since 7 August, 1914, and by early 1916 were stationed on the Somme. Evan was mortally wounded, and died just a day after his brother, on 7 February, 1916 aged 23. He is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension.

B. Gwyn Thomas, Private, 1972, Royal Army Medical Corps. Gwyn was born at St. Clears, and enlisted at Swansea into the 1/3rd Welsh Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. The 1/3rd F.A. served with the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and landed with the Division at Suvla Bay on 9 August, 1915. Gwyn was soon wounded, and Died of Wounds on a Hospital Ship off Gallipoli on 15 August, 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

David Rees Thomas, Corporal, G/24803, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. David was the Son of Mr & Mrs T. Thomas, Pleasant View, St. Clears. David worked with the G.P.O. prior to the outbreak of war, and was Married with a child. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Horse Yeomanry, with the service number 829, and some time later he transferred into the 7th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, which formed part of 55 Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. In December, 1916 David arrived in France, so it is probable that he served in Gallipoli and Palestine with the Welsh Horse, before they were disbanded and merged with the Montgomery Yeomanry to become the 25th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Surplus men went to other regiments, and many transferred into the R.W.K.'s alongside David. David was Killed in Action during the First Battle of Passchendaele on 12 October, 1917 aged 25 and is buried at La Laiterie Military Cemetery.

Harold Sylvanus Thomas, Private, 9909, Honorable Artillery Company. Harold was born at Aberystwyth, the Son of John and Margaret Thomas, of Granville, 1, North Parade. He resided in St. Clears at the outbreak of war, and enlisted at Armoury House into the 2nd Battalion, Honorable Artillery Company, part of 22 Brigade, 7th Division. On 3 October, 1916 the Division landed at Havre, and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917 after the German withdrawal. In Spring 1917 the Battle of Arras was launched, and Harold was Killed in Action on 15 May, 1917 during the Battle of Bullecourt. He was 25 years old, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial.

John Thomas, Corporal, S/4253, Rifle Brigade. John was born in St. Clears, the Son of John and Eliza Thomas, of Penrhwl Cottage, Ffynongain. He enlisted at Pentre into the 13th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, attached to 111 Brigade, 37th Division. At the end of July, 1915 the Division landed at Boulogne, and moved to the Loos area. Here they fought at the Battle of Loos, and John was mortally wounded at Loos. He died as a result of his wounds on 18 November, 1915 aged 29. John is buried at Humbercamps Communal Cemetery Extension.

William John Thomas, Private, 65267, Welsh Regiment. William was born at St. Clears, and enlisted at Swansea into the 9th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. In July 1915 the Division landed at Havre, and moved to Flanders. They saw action in the Neuve Chappelle area, and then moved to Loos, where they fought in the Battle of Loos. They saw considerable action on the Somme in 1916, and were caught up in the German Spring Offensive of 1918, suffering terrible casualties. William joined the Army in May, 1917, made a short visit home on leave in February, 1918 before joining the Battalion in France. Sadly he was Killed in Action during the early stages of the Spring Offensive, at the Battle of Kemmel, on 29 April, 1918 aged 19. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

William Tucker, Private, 13208, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born at Bancyfelin, the son of William and Anne Tucker. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, which landed at Havre in July, 1915. William fought through Loos, and was on the Somme with the Division when he was Killed in Action on 11 November, 1916 aged 30. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Ernest White, Private, 201232, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was residing at St. Clears prior to the outbreak of war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On 19 July, 1915 the Division embarked at Avonmouth for the Med, and landed at Suvla Bay on 9 August, fighting on the Peninsula until evacuation in December that year. The Division then moved to Egypt, before fighting in the Palestinian theatre, where they captured Jerusalem, and fought at Gaza. Ernest was Killed in Action on 13 July, 1918. He is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery.

Gwyn Williams, Private, 21110, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Gwyn was born at Llanfihangel Abercywyn, St. Clears and enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who had originally landed in France on 22 August, 1914 as part of the 4th Division, and had fought from the Battle of Mons, down through Le Cateau to the Marne. On 15 November 1916 they transferred to 48 Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division, and the Division gained fame for their first major action, during the Battle of Messines in 1917, as the first phase of the Battles of Third Ypres. The winter saw the Division at Cambrai, and they were hit here by the German Spring Offensive of March, 1918. After suffering terrible casualties during the ensuing months, the Division was withdrawn to Britain to rebuild. Gwyn's Battalion was transferred to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division in July, and they took part in the great offensive which was to eventually to win the war. Gwyn was Killed in Action during the advance towards Cambrai on 7 October, 1918. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial.

Howell Williams, Private, 5256, Welsh Regiment. Howell was the Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Williams, of Arfryn, Hillside, St. Clears. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On 19 July, 1915 the Division embarked at Avonmouth for the Med, and landed at Suvla Bay on 9 August. Howell was killed in action on the following day, during the terrible fighting of 10 August, at the Battle of Sari Bair. He was 23 years old and is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Thomas Williams, Private, 39646, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born at St. Clears, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, later of 8, Pontypridd Rd., Porth. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. It is unknown whether he fought at China with the 2nd SWB, but he fought with them at Gallipoli, before the Division was brought back to France on 15 March, 1916. There they were sent to the Somme, where they took part in the Battle of Albert, which began on 1 July, 1916. Thomas was wounded on the Somme, and brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Heilly in the Somme Valley. He Died of Wounds on 25 October, 1916 aged 24 and is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe.  Not on Memorial.

 

 

St. Clears War Memorial

World War Two, 1939-1945

Gerwyn Bowen, Private, 3963440, Hampshire Regiment. Gerwyn served in the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, who landed on Gold Beach, on D-Day, 6th June, 1944.  The Hampshires were part of the 231st Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division,  the objectives of the which were to cut the Caen-Bayeux highway, take the small port of Arromanches, link up with the Americans from Omaha Beach to the west at Port-en-Bessin, and link up with the Canadians from Juno Beach to the east. The 50th Division was also to take the Longues battery from the rear. Gerwyn was Killed in Action just over 4 weeks into the Battle of Normandy on 11 July, 1944, aged just 22, and is remembered on the Bayeux Memorial.

Ellis Lyn Howells, Corporal, 4198127, Parachute Regiment. Ellis was the Son of John Howell Howells and Mary Margretta Howells, of St. Clears. Prior to the outbreak of war, he worked in the G.W.R. Office at Carmarthen. He enlisted into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, but had volunteered, and was accepted, into the 6th Battalion, Parachute Regiment. Ellis was accidentally shot, and died on the way to Hospital on 11 May, 1943, aged 25, in North Africa, and is buried at La Petit Lac Cemetery, Tunisia.

John Lloyd James, Sergeant, 3963431, Royal Armoured Corps. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. John James, of St. Clears, and the husband of Dilys James, of 7, Corvus Terrace, St. Clears. He enlisted  prior to the outbreak of war into the 4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment (the Carmarthenshire Territorials), and upon the outbreak of war, was transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Derbyshire Yeomanry, part of the Royal Armoured Corps. John served in North Africa with the Yeomanry, before their recall to England to train for the invasion of Europe. The Derbyshire Yeomanry landed in Normandy during D-Day, 6 June, 1944. It was, uniquely for a Yeomanry regiment, serving as a divisional Reconnaissance Regiment, attached to 51st (Highland) Division, a task normally undertaken by the regiments of the Reconnaissance Corps. After landing in Normandy, 51st (Highland) Division was moved across Pegasus Bridge to the east bank of the River Orne. There it was to strengthen the bridgehead of the 6th Airborne Division, which had been under extreme pressure since D-Day from 21 Panzer-Division and the freshly-arrived 346 Infanterie-Division. After a disastrous first battle at Breville on 10 June, the division was moved in on the southern flank of the bridgehead and into the already-notorious 'Escoville Triangle'. 'The 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry had a frustrating time, like all the Recce regiments in the British Army, in the bridgehead. Unlike the desert, there was no space to lead, roam, harass and destroy. 2 DY guarded bridges but took part in the bitter fighting for the villages of Escoville and Herouvillette, being employed mainly in an infantry role. In four days, casualties were almost 50, including the CO, Lt Col RH Palmer, but three MCs and four MMs were awarded. John was one of the fifty men of the unit to be killed during this period. He was killed in action on 16 June 1944, aged 29, and is buried at Ranville War Cemetery.

Clifford Jenkins, Private, 3914425, Monmouthshire Regiment. Clifford was the Son of William and Margaret Annie Jenkins, and the husband of Dinah Olwen Jenkins, of St. Clears. He served in the 3rd Battalion, Monmouth Regiment, which had been part of 159 Brgade, 53rd (Welsh) Division during the early part of the war, based in Ireland and England on home service. The battalion then became posted to 11th Armoured Division who had landed in Normandy as part of the reinforcing troops on 13 June 1944. The Division then took part in the drive out of the Normandy Beachhead, taking part in Operation Epsom, and Operation Goodwood. Clifford was Killed in Action during the ensuing Operation Bluecoat, on 14 August, 1944. He was aged 32, and is buried at St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery.

Claude Bowen Jones, Lieutenant, 119912, Royal Army Medical Corps. Claude was born at St. Clears, the Son of William Bowen Jones and Edith Emily Jones, of St. Clears. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps with the British Expeditionary Force in France at the outbreak of war, and was Killed in Action during the withdrawal to Dunkirk on 21 May, 1940 aged 25. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. Not on Memorial.

Wilfred Austen Lewis, Sergeant, 974474, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Wilfred was the Son of David and Charlotte Lewis of Lewis Terrace, St. Clears, and the husband of Dorothea Maud Lewis, of Llanelly. Wilfred worked prior to the war as a Reporter on the 'Welshman' Newspaper, and was well known locally. He served as a Flight Sergeant in 172 Squadron, RAFVR, who were based at Skitten flying the Vickers Wellington medium bomber. Wilfred was Killed on a raid on 2 April, 1943 aged 28 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. He left behind his widowed wife and a baby boy.

Gwyn Morris, Aircraftman, 639045, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Gwyn served as Aircraftman 2nd Class in 210 Squadron, RAFVR, who were based at Oban flying the Short Sunderland 'Flying Boat'. He was Killed on 15 March, 1941 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.

Henry Phillips, Private, 5958114, Border Regiment. Henry served in the Border Regiment, and was in the far East at the beginning of the war. He died on 31 March, 1944 and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial.

Eric Victor Seymour was born in Pendine, to Richard William & Emily Seymour. The family later moved to St. Clears, residing in Holborn House. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force in 1936, and trained as an Observer.  Eric flew with 7 Squadron, RAF, based at Oakington in Cambridgeshire. Between the wars No.7 squadron was equipped with various aircraft including the Handley Page Heyfords, Vickers Wellesleys and Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys and became the leading bomber squadron, winning the Laurence Minot Memorial Bombing Trophy more than any other squadron. At the outbreak of World War II, the squadron was equipped with Handley Page Hampdens, until August 1940, when it equipped with the RAF's first four engined bomber, the Short Stirling Mk I - becoming the first RAF squadron to be equipped with four engined bombers. The first raid by No.7 was on 10 February 1941 on Rotterdam. The squadron later settled down to a night bombing role, before becoming part of the elite Pathfinder Squadron. On the night of 23 March, 1941, the Squadron were assigned a bombing mission on Calais. Eric formed part of the crew of the Short Stirling Mk I, serial number N3643/Op, piloted by Squadron Leader Stuart Robertson. The mission was carried out successfully, but on the return journey, the Stirling caught fire. The pilot managed to get the Stirling back over the channel, and attempted a forced landing at RAF Hazelwood Common, Cambridgeshire, but the aeroplane struck power cables, before hitting the roof of a house, and crashed at 01.52, on 24 March. All but one of the crew were killed in action in the crash. Squadron Leader Robertson was buried at Long Stanton Churchyard, alongside Sergeant Philip Green & Sergeant Gilbert Short. Sergeant Anthony Roberts was buried at Derby Cemetery, Sergeant John Clarke was buried in Marton Churchyard, Lancs., and Eric Victor Seymour was buried at Southend on Sea Cemetery. The lone survivor, Sergeant F. B. White was injured.  Eric's parents were informed of Eric's tragic death by his Station Commander, who wrote, 'He came to us with vast operational experience, and his services will be greatly missed, not only to his own Squadron, but to the RAF, which he dearly loved.' Not on Memorial.

Hendrick Desmond Hamilton Williams, Civilian Air Raid Victim. Hendrick was the Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Williams, of Penlan, Salem, St. Clears. He owned and ran the Swan Hotel in St. Clears, and was visiting family at 8, Gwyther Street, Pembroke Dock when the Town was hit by a massive German Air Raid on the morning of 12 May, 1941. Hendrick was killed when the house was hit by a bomb, and is buried at Pembroke, Municipal Borough Cemetery. He was 42 years old, and as far as is known,  is not remembered by any memorial in St. Clears.