Pontardulais War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918
John Ash, Private, G/4521, Middlesex Regiment. John was born at Wesley, Somerset. He worked for the Great Western Railway, and was a Packer in the Engineering Department at Pontardulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Swansea into the army, and was posted to the 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was attached to 73 Brigade, 24th Division. The Division had moved to France during August 1915 and marched to positions near Loos, where they took up reserve positions for the main Battle of Loos. They were sent into battle on 26 September 1915 at Loos and suffered terrible casualties due to not being properly trained for battle. John was killed at Loos on 28 September 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. He is not commemorated on the Pontardulais Memorial.
Francis George Banwell. No trace of Francis' military service can presently be traced, but his birth was registered at Neath in December 1895. He later lived at 15, High Street, Pontarddulais and died on 11 November 1919, aged 24 years.
Herbert Granville Bebell, Acting Bombardier, 38014, Royal Field Artillery. Herbert was from Cardiff, but must have worked at Pontardulais prior to the war. He served with the 5th Division Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, which moved to France with the 5th Division in August 1914, taking part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before fighting at La Bassee and Messines. They fought here through First Ypres, and took part in the capture of Hill 60, and then fought at Second Ypres in April 1915. Herbert died weeks after Second Ypres, on 30 May 1915. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
William George Bolch, Private, 49847, Lancashire Fusiliers. William was born at Cwmavon, and was the Husband of J. Bolch, of 26, Cromwell Road, Caversham, Reading. He originally served with the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, but transferred to the 23rd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which formed in France in May 1918 at Habarcq, near Arras as 4th Provisional Garrison Battalion and joined 176 Brigade, 59th Division. On 19 June 1918 it joined 121 Brigade, 40th Division, and took part in the Advance in Flanders, and the Battle of Ypres, 1918. William was killed during the initial stage of the advance in Flanders, on 7 August 1918. He is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
John Bowen, Private, 59427, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John Bowen was born in Llanboidy to Thomas and Mary Bowen, who later resided at Maes-y-Bryn, Clynderwen. John enlisted at Pontardulais into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, a Regular Army Battalion, that had served in France since landing at Rouen on 11 August 1914. The 2nd RWF was the Battalion of the War Poets Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon, and also of the author, Frank Richards, DCM., MM. They fought during all of the major engagements on the Western Front, and on 6 February 1918 were posted to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. On 12 September 1918, whilst in the midst of the Battle of Havrincourt, during the advance on the Hindenburg Line, John was Killed in Action. He was aged just 22, and was buried in Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.
Richard James Bowen, Private, 14202, Devonshire Regiment. Richard was the Son of John and Cecilia Bowen, of 25, Lamberts Cottages, Port Tennant, Swansea. He enlisted at Swansea into the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, and landed in France on 21 August 1914, joining 8 Brigade, 3rd Division, before moving again, to 14 Brigade, 5th Division. 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 it's spell here. On 1 July 1916 the Battle of the Somme opened, and the Division moved south fighting at High Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy. Richard was killed on the Somme on 25 September 1916. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Guillemont Road Cemetery, Guillemont, France.
Ernest William Burridge. Private, 265775, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Burridge of Crediton, Devon, and thee Husband of Lydia A. M. Burridge, of 1, Wernbwll, Hendy. He enlisted at Swansea into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a Territorial Battalion, which had been in France since October 1914, and was then attached to the 1st Division as Pioneers from October 1915. They then fought during the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt, at Loos. In 1916 the Division moved south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, and 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. Ernest was wounded at Passchendaele, and died of his wounds on 27 October 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Albert Victor Carman, Able Seaman, Bristol Z/468, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Albert was born on 31 December 1896, the son of William Carman, of 36, Ty-ny-bone Road, Pontardulais. He worked as a Tinworker prior to the war, and enlisted on 29 December 1914 into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was posted to Drake Battalion, joining them at Gallipoli on 17 July 1915. Albert was invalided to Britain suffering from conjunctivitis in October 1915, and was hospitalised at the Royal Naval Hospital Haslar, suffering with Hypermetropic Astigmatism. It is not known if Albert went on to serve in France, but he died on 1 June 1920 as a result of his war service. Albert is not commemorated by the CWGC, so his place of burial is not known. He is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial.
Frederick Thomas Cleave, Private, 33490, Devonshire Regiment. Frederick was from Bedminster, Somerset, and worked with the Great Western Railway, based at Pontardulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 10th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was attached to 79 Brigade, 26th Division. Frederick was killed in action on the Somme on 4 September 1916. He must have been attached to another battalion, as the 10th Devonshires were in Salonika at the time. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, France.
Walter David Dalby, MM, Driver, 84317, Royal Field Artillery. Walter was the Son of David Walter Dalby and Sarah Hannah Dalby, of Forest Gate, London. He must have worked at Pontardulais prior to the war, then enlisted in London into the Royal Field Artillery. Walter was posted to B Battery. 98th Brigade, RFA. He died in hospital in London on 4 July 1918 aged 19, and is buried at Woodgrange Park Cemetery, East Ham. Walter is commemorated on the screen wall there, as the exact location of his grave cannot be traced.
Arthur Thomas Davies, Able Seaman, Z/3581, Royal Navy. Arthur was the Son of John and Gwladys Davies, of Brynhyfryd House, Wernbwll Road, Hendy. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard the SS Bristol City, and was drowned when she was lost at sea on 16 December 1917. Arthur was 20 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 24 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Daniel Davies, Private, 15915, Welsh Regiment. Daniel was born at Pontardulais, and enlisted at Neath into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was raised as the First Rhondda Battalion, and moved to France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Fleurbaix sector where it was initiated into trench warfare over the coming months. Daniel was killed while the battalion was in the line at La Quinq Rues on 2 April 1916. He is buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'avoue, France.
George Davies, Sapper, 448501, Royal Engineers. George was the Son of Thomas Davies, of Carreglas, Cross Hands, and the Husband of Mrs. Davies, of Glynllwchwr Road, Pontardulais. George had served at Gallipoli, and had been wounded on three ocassions before joining the 90th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division. The Division had taken part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and had fought at Arras and Ypres the following year, before taking part in the Battle of Cambrai. 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, and the First Battle of Bapaume. After suffering terrible casualties the Division were moved to Flanders to rebuild, but the Germans launched another offensive there during April, 1918, and the Division then took part in the Battles of the Lys, at the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle of Kemmel, the Second Battle of Kemmel and then took part in the Action of Outtersteene Ridge, and the Advance in Flanders. George was mortally wounded during the advance, and died at St. Omer on 1 August 1918. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France.
Nathaniel Davies, Private, 20927, Welsh Regiment. Nathaniel was the Son of Edward and Catherine Davies, of 2, Market Street, Lampeter. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals, and was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division crossed to France in December 1915 and took the line near Fleurbaix, where it trained in trench warfare. On 9 March 1916 the 15th Welsh were in the line at Grenadier Street, Cuinchy, when the Germans exploded two huge mines underneath part of their line, and then bombarded the Welsh trenches. Nathaniel was killed during the ensuing barrage. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France.
Samuel Mathias Davies, Private, 37569, Welsh Regiment. Samuel was born in Newcastle Emlyn. He enlisted at Pontardulais into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the Division sailed to Alexandria. Between 6 and 16 July 1915 the Division 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 3 and 5 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 19 December 1915, when it moved to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On 8 January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by 31 January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On 12 February, 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March, the Division had assembled near Sheikh Saad and came under orders of the Tigris Corps, and then took part in the attempts to relieve Kut. Samuel sadly died of sickness in Mesopotamia on 21 April 1916 and is buried at Amara War Cemetery.
Thomas Ellison, Private, 13176, Devonshire Regiment. Thomas was the Husband of Sarah Williams (formerly Ellison), of Golden Grove, Goppa, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, and on 28 July 1915 the Division landed at Havre, joining 20 Brigade, 7th Division at Calonne sur-la-Lys. Thomas then fought at the Battle of Loos in September 1915, and in 1916 fought on the Somme. 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. Later in the year the Division moved to Ypres, and fought at the Battle of the Polygon Wood. They then took part in the Battle of Broodseinde, the Battle of Poelcapelle and the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Thomas was wounded at Passchendaele, and died on 4 October 1917. He is buried at Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Belgium.
David Evans, Master, Mercantile Marine. David was the Husband of M. A. Evans, of 3, Harries Avenue, Old Road, Llanelly. He served with the Mercantile Marine, as Master of the SS Thornby. David lost his life when Thornby was sunk by a German submarine in the North Sea on 1 March 1916. He was 61 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
David John Evans, Private, 220, Welsh Guards. David was the Son of David and Anne Evans, of 7, Harleyford Road, Hendy, and served with the Glamorgan Constabulary prior to the war. He then enlisted at Llanelli into the Grenadier Guards, before volunteering to serve with the newly formed Welsh Guards early in 1915. The Welsh Guards were then attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August 1915, and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. During the coming months 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 Pilkem. David was killed here on 31 July 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Belgium.
David John Evans. There are two men of this name on the Pontardulais Memorial. This man cannot yet be positively identified, but information sent to me from Martin Thomas shows that he lived at Libanus Road, Hendy, the son of Michael and Frances Evans. He was killed in France on 3 August 1915 aged 29, and was the brother of Trevor Lewis Evans, who was also killed. On that date, the only man killed was William James Evans of Pontardulais. Is it the same man, as William is not listed on the Pontardulais Memorial? (See the entry on William James Evans below).
Llewellyn Evans, Pioneer, 62948, Royal Engineers. Llewellyn was the Son of William H. and Helen Evans, of Glan-yrafon, Pentreffynon, Skewen, and lived at Pontsrdulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Neath into the 38th Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers, which moved to France with the Division in December 1915. Llewellyn probably joined the Division at Ypres in 1917, and saw service there at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge. After the successful capture of Pilckem, the 38th Division was moved to positions near Armentieres. Llewellyn was wounded at Armentieres in March 1918, and died of his wounds on 26 March 1918. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Sidney William Evans, Private, 18699, Welsh Regiment. Sidney was born at Llandilo Talybont, the Son of Thomas and Eva Evans, of 20 Garn Goch Terrace, Garden Village, Gorseinon, Swansea. He enlisted at Gorseinon into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. Sidney landed in France with the 9th Welsh on 18 July 1915, and the Division moved to positions north of Loos, near Neuve-Chapelle. The Division took part in its first major action during the opening day of the Battle of Loos, on 25 September 1915. The men of the 9th Welsh climbed from the trenches to assault the German lines opposite, only to be mown down by Machine-Gun fire, before they had moved 100 yeards from their trenches. Sidney was one of over 200 casualties suffered by the 9th Welsh that day. He was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.
Trevor Lewis Evans, Trooper, 3412, Household Cavalry. Trevor was born at Hendy, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Life Guards, Household Cavalry. On 7 October 1914 they landed at Zeebrugge attached to the 3rd Cavalry Division. Other than in the first two weeks when it was used in the traditional cavalry, for mobile reconnaissance, it fought most of the war as a dismounted force, and saw action at First Ypres, Second Ypres, Loos and Arras. For most of the time, it took its turn in holding various sections of the front, while remaining prepared to exploit breakthroughs in battle, but opportunities rarely presented themselves. Trevor was killed near the Hindenburg Line on 7 February 1918. He was buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, France.
Walter James Evans, Private, 12721, Devonshire Regiment. Walter was the Son of James and Sarah Evans, of 5, Brynlliw Cottages, Groves End, near Pontardulais,. He served with the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which landed in France on 28 July 1915, and became attached to 20 Brigade, 7th Division. The battalion saw its first action during the Battle of Loos in September, and then moved to positions on the Somme, near Fricourt, early in 1916. Walter was wounded near Fricourt soon after, and died of his wounds on 16 February 1916. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery, France.
William Aurin Evans, Private, 39508, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Aberdare, the Son of Hannah Evans. The family resided in Newcastle Emlyn prior to the war, before moving to Tyn y Bonau, Pontarddulais, Swansea, when William was in his early teens. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The 2nd Welsh had been in France since the outbreak of war, and had fought at the Battle of Mons, and the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, before being moved north to Ypres, where the German drive on the Channel Ports was stopped. William probably joined the Battalion in 1916, after it had taken part in the Battles of Aubers and Loos. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving south to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele where William was killed in action on the 9th November, 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
William Davies Evans, Sergeant, 4190, South African Infantry. William was born in Montgomery, the son of George Evans, later of Tenby Cottage, Usk, and resided at Pontardulais at some time. He was a regular soldier, having served for eight years with the 11th Hussars, and for over five years with the 6th Dragoon Guards, seeing service in India and during the Boer War, before emigrating with his family to South Africa, where he bought a farm. He re-enlisted in South Africa in September 1915, joining the 1st South African Infantry. William served in France with the South Africans, and was badly wounded at Delville Wood in August 1916. He was sent to the Base Hospital at Rouen for treatment, and after five months recovering rejoined his unit, only to be wounded again, returning to Rouen in November 1917, where he spent another seven months. William then had problems with severe abscesses, probably due to his wounds, and was invalided to South Africa, where he could only walk with crutches, and developed a bad cough. He was awarded a generous pension in 1921, but must have died soon after, as his list of conditions was pretty long, and he was still hospitalised at Port Elizabeth in February 1921. Nothing else is known of him.
William James Evans, Private, 30738, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Pontardulais, and enlisted at Llanelli into the army. He was posted to the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and had been in France since the Battle of Mons in August 1914. William landed in France on 22 June 1915, and joined the battalion south of Ypres. William was killed on 3 August 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. William is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial, but is possibly the man who is commemorated on the memorial as David John Evans.
William John Evans, Private, PO/748/S, Royal Marine Light Infantry. William was the Son of Mrs Jane Evans, of Maes-y-Brawdd, Pontardulais. He enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and served with the 1st Royal Marine Battalion prior to the war. William then transferred to the Portsmouth Division, and fought at Gallipoli, being wounded in May 1915 and evacuated back to Britain. He went AWOL in January 1918, but was caught and sentenced to 60 days detention. He was then court martiialled for another offence, and sentenced to a years detention, but instead opted to embark for France on 6 August 1918, probably joining Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division. William was killed in action six weeks later, on 27 September 1918. He was buried at Sucrerie British Cemetery, Graincourt-les-Havrincourt, France.
Frederick George Garland, Corporal, 3972, Royal West Kent Regiment. Frederick was born at Enfield, Middlesex. He served with the 8th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, which was attached to 72 Brigade, 24th Division. The Division moved to France during August 1915 and marched to positions near Loos, where they took up reserve positions for the main Battle of Loos. They were sent into battle on 26 September 1915 at Loos and suffered terrible casualties due to not being properly trained for battle, and were pulled from the line until the following year. In 1916 they took part in the Battle of the Somme, and fought at Delville Wood and Guillemont, before moving north of Arras in early 1917. In April and May 1917 they fought at the Battle of Vimy, alongside the Canadian Corps. Frederick was wounded at Vimy, and died of wounds on 9 April 1917, aged 26, and is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France. Frederick is not commemorated locally, but his widow later remarried, becoming Mrs. Jones (formerly Garland), and resided at 2, Toll Gate House, Hendy, Pontardulais.
Albert Richard Griffiths, Private, 430453, Canadian Pioneers. Albert was born in Pontardulais on 20 January 1890. His Parents resided at Pistyllgwyn, Pontardulais. Albert emigrated to Canada in 1911, and lived in British Columbia, where he worked as a Miner. Albert enlisted at Victoria, British Columbia on 11 March 1915 into the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and was posted to the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. The battalion moved to France in January 1916 attached to the 3rd Canadian Division, and moved to positions south of Ypres. On 2 June 1916 the Canadians were attacked by a strong German force, in an action which was to become known as the Battle of Mount Sorrel. During heavy fighting, the 3rd Canadian Pioneers were sent to dig new trenches, and to strengthen existing defences. Albert was killed while carrying out this vital work on 3 July 1916. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
David Daniel Griffiths, Private, 19886, Welsh Regiment. David was the son of David Griffiths, Glanyrafon Road, Pontardulais. He enlisted there into the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the 2nd Glamorgan Bantams. The battalion was attached to 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, and 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. David was taken ill at Cambrai, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Etretat. He died there on 5 December 1917, and is buried at Etretat Churchyard Extension, France.
Ivor Griffiths, Private, 241790, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was the Son of Griffith and Hannah Griffiths, of Henfaes, Glanyrafon Road, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Pontardulais into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pontypridd area Territorial Battalion, attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean in July 1915, and landed on Gallipoli 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, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where the Welsh took part in the First Battle of Gaza. Ivor was killed here on 26 March 1917, aged 25, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Joseph Harrop Griffiths, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Joseph was the Son of David Harrop-Griffiths and Charlotte Harrop-Griffiths, of Brondeg, Pontardulais, and served in the Mercantile Marine aboard the SS Daybreak, a West Hartlepool registered ship. Daybreak was on voyage carrying a cargo of Maize on 24 December 1917 when she was sunk by a torpedo which had been fired without warning by a German submarine, near South Rock Lightship, Strangford Lough, Co Down. The entire crew were lost. Joseph was 23 years old, and is commemorated alongside his shipmates on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
Matthew Henry Griffiths, Private, 12550, Welsh Regiment. Matthew was the Son of William John and E. A. Griffiths, of Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh Division as the Pioneer battalion. The Division moved to France in December 1915, and after being initiated into trench warfare at Fleurbaix, fought at Mametz Wood in July 1916. It was then sent to positions north of Ypres, at Boesinghe, where it remained for the next twelve months, in preparation for their part in the attack on the Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917. Matthew was wounded during the build up to the offensive, and died of his wounds on 24 July 1917. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
William John Griffiths, Private, 11200, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Tom and Ann Griffiths, of 6, Highland Terrace, Pontardulais. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which landed in France in August 1914 attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. 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. William was wounded at Loos, and died on 1 October 1915, aged 22. He is buried at Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, France.
John Arthur Harley, Driver, 91945, Royal Field Artillery. John was born in Pontardulais, the Son of John and Elizabeth Harley, later of 15, Queen Street, Blaengarw. He enlisted at Pontycymmer into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to France to join their 51st Anti-Aircraft Battery. John died in Calais on 26 December 1916. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Calais Southern Cemetery, France. John is not commemorated on the Pontardulais memorial.
David George Harries, Private, 203, Canadian Infantry. David was born on 10 August 1880, the son of Rees and Ann Harries, of Bolgoed, Pontardulais. Educated at Llandovery from 1895 to 1901, David played cricket for the School 1st Xl, and rugby for the 2nd XV, at centre. After leaving School David emigrated to Canada where he became a farmer, and served in the Queen's Royal Scots. On 14 December 1914 he enlisted in the Saskatchewan Light Horse at Winnipeg, but died of disease there on 17 January 1915 aged 34. David is buried in the Winnipeg (Brookside Cemetery) Manitoba, Canada.
William Harts, Private, 12621, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Hirwain, and resided at Pontardulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which moved to France in August 1914 attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. William was killed in action at Ypres on 21 December 1914, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.
Richard Stephen Holloway. Richard was born in 1897, the son of Stephen and Mary Holloway, of Heol y Mynydd, Llangennech. Neither his military service nor his death can be traced.
Daniel Idwal Hopkins, Second Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers. Daniel was the son of J. Hopkins, of 13, Oakfield Street, Pontardulais. He was commissioned into the South Wales Borderers, and was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The 2nd SWB had fought in China at the outbreak of war, then at Gallipoli. It then moved to France in 1916, and took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, fighting 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 it was there that Daniel was killed on 23 April 1917. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
Albert House, Private, 17938, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Albert was born in Thatcham, and moved to Pontardulais prior to the outbreak of war, being the Husband of Martha Ann House, later of Railway Terrace, Ferryside. He enlisted at Swansea into the 7th Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, which were part of 78 Brigade, 26th Division. The Division moved to France in September 1915 and assembled around Amiens, but were sent to Salonika in November that year, and were all in place there by February 1916. The Division fought in the Battle of Horseshoe Hill in August 1916, and in April and May 1917 fought in the Battle of Doiran. Albert was Killed in Action here on 26 April 1917. He is buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston.
John Thomas Howells, DCM, Sapper, 79886, Royal Engineers. John was the Son of Thomas J. and Margaret Howells, of Craig Cefn Parc, Swansea. He had originally served in the Devonshire Regiment, before being posted to the 177th Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. The Company formed in June 1915, and moved to Wytschaete. In November 1915 it and moved to Railway Wood, where it remained for two years. March 1918 saw the Company working on construction of the Fifth Army's Green Line near Templeux, when the German attack struck. After this the Company was engaged in Somme bridge demolition, and other defensive activities. John was killed in action during the final offensive on 4 October 1918. He was 36 years old, and is buried at Anneux British Cemetery, France. He had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry, the citation being published in the London Gazette of 25 July 1916 reading; 'For conspicuous gallantry. With a squad of five men, after twenty-two hours' work under very dangerous conditions, he rescued two men who had been buried in a gallery through the explosion of enemy mine.'
Thomas Hughes, Private, 12874, Devonshire Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Frances Hughes, of Myrtle House, Mynyddllno, Pontardulais, and enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. The battalion had landed in France on 6 November 1914, attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and it was there that Thomas was killed on 13 March 1915. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France.
William Hughes, Private, 20750, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llanelli, and enlisted at Ammanford at the outbreak of war into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals. The battalion trained at Rhyl until the summer of 1915 when it moved to Winchester as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In December 1915 the Division moved to France, where it took the line near Fleurbaix, where it was initiated into trench warfare. In June 1916, the Division moved to the Somme, where it captured Mametz Wood, before being posted to positions north of Ypres, where it remained until taking part in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, and the Battle of Langemarck. William was skilled here on 7 September 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Panel 93-94 of the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Albert Ince, Private, 18230, South Wales Borderers. This is the only man of this name who has a remote connection to South Wales. Albert was the Son of John and Elizabeth Ince, of 90, Maroon Street, Stepney, London. He was a pre-war regular, and had served with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers prior to the war. Sometime afterwards, he was posted to the 1st Battalion, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division landed in France on 13 August 1914, and fought in the Battle of Mons, and the subsequent retreat to the Marne. It then played an important role in the First Battle of Ypres, where the 1st SWB helped stop the German attack at Gheluveld. Involved in several major actions throughout 1915, the Division was at Loos over the winter of 1915/16. Albert was killed in the attempt to capture Hart's Crater, at Loos, on 22 February 1916. He was 28 years old, and is buried at St. Mary's A.D.S. Cemetery, Haisnes, France.
Brinley Jenkins, Private, 69634, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Brinley was born at Llangennech, the Son of Philip and Margaret Ann Jenkins, later of The Bungalow, Graigfawr, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. During July 1915 the entire Division landed on Gallipoli, and took part in several bloody battles there. During January 1916 the men were evacuated to Egypt, and from there marched into Mesopotamia. It remained here for the remainder of the war, helping to free this ancient country from centuries of Turkish rule. Brinley was one of many men to become ill in this inhospitable country, and died on 15 October 1918 aged 21. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on Face 4 of the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India.
John Jenkins, Stoker, 341736, Royal Navy. John was the Husband of Mary Jenkins, of Glanyrafon Road, Pontardulais. He served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Ariadne, a Diadem Class Cruiser, which had been converted for minesweeping duties. John died when Ariadne was sunk by the German Submarine UC-65 off Beachy Head on 26 July 1917. He was 39 years old, and his body must have been recovered from the sea, as he is buried at Rhydgoch Cemetery, Wales. Many thanks to Bev Lewis, of Swansea, for the photograph
David John Jeremiah, Private, 12962, Devonshire Regiment. David was the Son of Mary Jones (Formerly Jeremiah), of Glynllwchur Cottages, Calcerrig Road, Pontardulais, and the late John Jeremiah. He had enlisted at Swansea into the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was attached to 14 Brigade, 5th Division. The Division had fought in most of the major battles since arriving in France in August 1914. By mid 1917 it was at Ypres, and David was attached to the Royal Engineers at Ypres. He was wounded during the Battle of Langemarck, and died of his wounds on 6 August 1917, and is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Albert Henry Jones, Private, 162750, Machine Gun Corps. Albert was the Son of John and Mary Jones, of 1, Lliw Terrace, Pontlliw, Pontardulais. He served with the 18th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division. The Division had been in France since May 1915, and had seen its first major action during the Somme offensive in 1916, and in 1917 fought at Arras and at Third Ypres. In 1918 the Division was stationed south of the Somme, and was hit by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, seeing heavy fighting. On 8 August 1918 they formed part of the force which attacked the German positions around Villers Brettoneux, south of the Somme Valley, during the Battle of Amiens, and then took part in the Battle of Albert, which began the great push by the Allies which ended the war. The Division then took part in the drive towards the Hindenburg Line. Albert was killed near the end of the war, during the Battle of the Sambre, on 5 November 1918. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Premont British Cemetery, France. Albert is not commemorated at Pontardulais.
Andrew Jones, Private, 16005, Northumberland Fusiliers. Andrew was born at Pontardulais, the Son of John and Mary Jones, later of Gorseinon. He enlisted into the army, and was posted to France to join the 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, which was attached to 68 Brigade, 23rd Division, and landed in France in August 1915. Andrew was then posted to the 176th Company, Royal Engineers. He died in France on 5 July 1916 aged 27, and is buried at Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Andrew is not commemorated on the Pontardulais 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 served with the 3rd Battalion on Home Service. David took ill and died on 28 January 1917, aged 33, and is buried at Pontardulais (St. Teilo) Churchyard, Wales. Many thanks to Bev Lewis, of Swansea, for the photoghraph.
David Noel Jones, Private, 2009, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Cwmhir, Radnorshire. He resided at Pontardulais prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea into the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion landed in France on 29 October 1914, and moved to work on Lines of Communication around Calais. On 5 July 1915 it became attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division, and on 23 October 1915 transferred to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division was at Loos, and it was here on 22 November 1915 that David was killed. He is buried at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, France. David is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial.
Ernest Jones, Stoker, 3794S, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Son of William and Mary Ann Jones, of Maes-Yr-Haf, Bradford Street, Llanelly. He had been born at Pontardulais, and served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Defence. Defence was a Minotaur Class armoured cruiser, and had been built at Pembroke Dockyards. She saw extensive service around the world, and became the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, leading the First Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. Defence was blown apart by German gunfire at Jutland on 31 May 1916, and sank with the loss of all hands. Ernest was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Ernest is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial. Below is a photo of the grave of William and Mary, which has Ernest commemorated on it.
Griffith Elphin Jones, Cadet, Mercantile Marine. Griffith was born in 1901, and lived at Capel Newydd, Hendy, Pontarddulais. He joined the Mercantile Marine as a Cadet, and served aboard the Elder-Dempster Line Steamship RMS Burutu. On 3 October 1918, Burutu was sailing through St. George's Channel, on voyage from Lagos, W. Africa to Liverpool with a general cargo, and tin ingots. In poor conditions, she was struck midships by the Glasgow registered S.S. City of Calcutta, and sunk in minutes with the loss of 150 lives. Griffith died in the sinking of Burutu, but for some reason is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Many thanks to Martin Thomas for helping to identify Griffith.
Idris Jones, Private, 12752, Devonshire Regiment. Idris was born at Pontardulais, and enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. At the outbreak of war the battalion was in Cairo, Egypt. It returned to England on 1 October 1914 and became attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division, and landed in France on 6 November 1914. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. Idris was killed at Aubers on 9 May 1915, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
Isaac George Jones, Private, 29097, South Wales Borderers. Isaac was the Son of William and Helen Jones, of Pontardulais. He served with the South Wales Borderers, before being transferred to the 300th Reserve Company, Labour Corps. Isaac died on active service on 20 June 1917. He was 41 years old, and is buried at Pontardulais (St. Teilo) Churchyard, Wales.
John Jones. Cannot presently be identified.
John Haydn Jones, Driver, 25807, Royal Engineers. John was born at Llandeilo Talybont, the Son of James and Catherine Jones, later of Brynarllwyn, Belgrave Road, Loughor. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to France to join the 8th Signal Troop. John was killed in Flanders on 29 April 1915. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France. John is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial.
Matthew George Jones, Trimmer, 2677ST, Royal Navy. Matthew was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, of Harddfan Harleyford Road, Hendy. He served in the Royal Navy aboard HMPMS Ascot, a Paddle Minesweeper. Matthew was one of two Pontardulais men killed when Ascot was torpedoed by a German U-Boat on 10 November 1918. She was the last British ship to be sunk by a U-Boat in WW1. Matthew was 21 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 29 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Richard Alun Jones, Second Lieutenant, Tank Corps. Richard was the son of the Reverend Griffith Jones of Capel Newydd Welsh Congregational Chapel, Hendy. He was commissioned into the Tank Corps, and was in command of Tank D41 'Demon II', part of 'D' Battalion, Tank Corps. During the Battle of Cambrai, on 20 November 1917, 'D' Battalion was attacking toward Flesquieres when a shell made a direct hit on her, instantly killing all her crew. Richard was buried in Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery, France, in Grave VIII. E. 10. The fascinating fact about this is that a Tank has recently been recovered off the Flesquieres Battlefield, which was originally thought to have been D-41, Richard's tank. Below is a photograph taken of the newly excavated tank, just before the lifting operation. (Photograph courtesy of Monsieur Yves Buffetaut). The tank is now on display at Flesquieres.
William Jones, Private, 53295, Cheshire Regiment. William was the Son of William and Mary Jones of Pontardulais. He originally enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh regiment, but was posted to France to join the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to 7 Brigade, 25th Division. The Division saw its first action at Vimy, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916. They then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on 3 July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Ploegsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June, 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, where they took up positions around Bullecourt in reserve. Here the Division was used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive. They moved north to Flanders on the night of 30 March, where they took up positions at Ploegsteert again, where they received reinforcements, and rebuilt. However they were caught up in a fresh German offensive, and it was during the opening of that, that William was killed on 8 April 1918. He was 42 years old, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
William John Jones, Private, 12754, Devonshire Regiment. William was the Son of David and Mary Jones of Pontardulais. He had enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. At the outbreak of war the battalion was in Cairo, Egypt. It returned to England on 1 October 1914 and became attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division, and landed in France on 6 November 1914. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and it was there that William was killed, on 11 March 1915. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.
William Myrddin Jones, Sergeant, 1381, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Llandeilo-Talybont, the Son of James and Elizabeth Jones, later of Enfield, Park Road, Gorseinon. He served with the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Glamorgan Territorial battalion of the Welsh Regiment, and moved to France on 29 October 1914, moving to work on Lines of Communication near Calais. On 5 July 1915 the battalion moved to 84 Brigade, 28th Division, then on 23 October 1915 transferred to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, becoming the Divisional Pioneers. By the summer of 1916 the 1st Division was on the Somme, and it was there, on 29 August 1916, that William was killed. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, France. William is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial.
George William Kimber, Sapper, 256656, Royal Engineers. George was born at Caversham, Oxfordshire, and worked for the Great Western Railway, based at Pontardulais, prior to the war. He enlisted at Reading into the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, before transferring to the 264th Railway Company, Royal Engineers. George was wounded during the Battle of Passchendaele, and died of his wounds on 23 July 1917. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Thomas Lewis, Cannot be positively identified.
David Matthews, Private, 12963, Devonshire Regiment. David was the Son of David and Ann Matthews, of Craif Fawr, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. At the outbreak of war the battalion was in Cairo, Egypt. It returned to England on 1 October 1914 and became attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division, and landed in France on 6 November 1914. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They then saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier, before moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the Battle of Albert. David was killed on the first day of the Battle of Albert, on 1 July 1916. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
William McDonald, Private, 594, Connaught Rangers. William was born at Clifden, Co. Galway, and resided at Pontardulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, joining the 5th Battalion, Connaught Rangers, which was attached to 29 Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division. On 27 June the Division received orders to prepare for service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on 9 July. By the end of the month most units had assembled on Lemnos, and between 6 and 7 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 7 and 8 August. Parts of 29th Brigade took part in actions on Sari Bair between 6 and 10 August, and Hill 60 later that month, and it was here that William was killed on 23 August 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
David Llewellyn Morgan, Private, 50300, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Pontardulais, and resided at Thistle Villa, Alltiago Road, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The 2nd Welsh was moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, andn took part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before moving to Ypres, where they fought at First and Second Ypres. 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. David was killed at Passchendaele on 9 November 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
George Mayberry Morgan, Gunner, 95069, Royal Field Artillery. George was born in Middlesex in 1895, the son of Mayberry and Bertha Morgan, later of the Police Station, Maentwrog, Merionethshire. George was residing at Pontardulais prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to France, landing on 1 June 1915, and joined B Battery, 63rd Brigade, RFA, which was attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. George fought with the Division at Loos in September that year, and the following year fought at the Somme. In 1917 the Division fought at Arras and Cambrai, and returned to the Somme in 1918 where it again saw much fighting. On 4 September 1918 the Division relieved 18th (Eastern) Division east of the Canal du Nord and just south of Manancourt, for an attack on Nurlu, and it was here that George was killed on 5 September 1918. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, France. Many thanks to Martin Thomas for helping to identify George.
William Morris, Corporal, 20749, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Rhosamman, and worked as a Cobbler at Pontardulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals, and was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division crossed to France in December 1915, and moved to Fleurbaix for trench initiation. In June 1916 the Welsh marched to the Somme, and took part in the attack on Mametz Wood. After capturing Mametz Wood, the Welsh Division was posted to positions north of Ypres, at Boeinghe, where it was to remain for the coming twelve months. William was wounded at Boesinghe, and died of his wounds on 27 February 1917. He is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
David John Owen, Private, 7606, Devonshire Regiment. David was the Son of Mrs. Harris, of Arasfan, Loughor Road, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which moved to France on 6 November 1914 attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They then saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier, before moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the Battle of Albert. David was killed on the Somme on 18 July 1916. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.
George Palmer, Driver, 92455, Royal Field Artillery. George was the Son of William and Mary Palmer, of 1, Green Terrace, Hendy, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to 'B' Battery, 69th Brigade, which was attached to the 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On 7 June 1915 orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. On 13 June 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By 4 July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between 6 and 16 July 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. George was killed soon after landing, on 26 July 1915. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery, ANZAC, Gallipoli.
William John Parry, Gunner, 254, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was born at Tonna on 23 August 1894, the son of Thomas and Hannah Parry, of 9, New Road, Cilfrew. He was a Tinworker at the Aberdulais Tin Plate Works prior to the war. He enlisted on 29 May 1915 into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and spent seven weeks in hospital after being kicked by a horse while training at Woolwich. He went to France on 30 March 1916, and joined the 2nd Brigade Ammunition Column. William was wounded in action on 3 April 1916, and died of his wounds on 27 April. He is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery, France.
William Morris Perks, Private, 200924, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Charles Richard Perks and Elizabeth Perks, of Llandeilo, and the Husband of Blodwen E. Perks, of 1, Pleasant Villas, Glynhir, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. On the 17 April 1915 it was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division and on 8 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 Gallipolli Campaign. On 9 August 1915, the Division landed at Suvla on Gallipolli. They remained here throughout a terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In December, 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez Canal. Early in 1917 the Division invaded Palestine, and fought through the three Battles of Gaza, and moved towards Jerusalem, where William was Killed in Action on 3 November, 1917 aged 23. He is buried in Beersheba War Cemetery. Many thanks to Avril Marks for the photograph of William's grave, and to Helen Davies for the photograph of WIlliam.
Bamford Peters, Private, 47331, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Bamford was the Husband of Charlotte Peters, of 2, Toll-gate House, Hendy, Pontardulais. He had originally served with the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, but was later transferred into the 4th Garrison Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Bamford died in France on 10 March 1917. He was 42 years old, and is buried at Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Bamford is not commemorated at Pontardulais.
David Emrys Peters, Gunner, 114164, Royal Garrison Artillery. David was the Son of Isaac Peters, of 4, Coedsaeson Crescent, Sketty, and the husband of Elizabeth Peters of Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to France to join the 185th Siege Battery. David was killed during the build up to the Battle of Passchendaele on 5 July 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Thomas Henry Phillips, Gunner, 3187, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was the son of William Phillips, Bryngwili Road, Hendy. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their 122nd Brigade, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14 July to totally 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 Ridge, and it was here that Thomas was wounded during the opening day of the Battle, on 31 July 1917. He died later that day of his wounds, aged 23, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
William James Price, Stoker, 2678ST, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of John and Elinor Price, of Harleyford Road, Hendy, Pontarddulais. He served with the Royal Naval Reserve aboard HMS Ascot, which was a Racecourse-class Paddle Minesweeper. William was one of two Pontardulais men who lost their lives when Ascot was torpedoed by the German Submarine U-67 off the Farne Islands on 10 November 1918. She was the last Royal Naval vessel lost during the Great War, going down with the loss of all 53 of her crew. William was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Frederick Purchase, Private, 13039, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry. Frederick was born at Weymouth, Dorset, and was the Husband of Hannah Purchase, of 3, Grove Terrace, Glanyravon Road, Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the army, and was posted to the 7th Battalion, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, which was attached to 78 Brigade, 26th Division. On 21 September 1915 the battalion landed at Boulogne, but moved to Salonika in November 1915. Frederick was killed in Salonika on 17 August 1918. He was 33 years old, and is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece.
Walter Rees, Private, 1457, Welsh Guards. Walter was from Pontardulais, and resided at Haverfordwest prior to the war. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, which was 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 25 September 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. Walter was wounded at Flers, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Boulogne, where he died of his wounds on 6 August 1916. Walter is buried there, at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
David Richards, Corporal, 25551, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Mardy, and resided at 2 Bridge Street, Pontarddulais prior to the war. He married Elizabeth Anne John of 23 Hope Street, Pontarddulais in 1910, and the couple had four children, Mary Hannah, Morwen, Annie and Glyn. David served with the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Glamorgan Pioneers, and was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France in December 1915, moving to the Nursery Sector near Fleurbaix. After several months training and gaining experience in this quieter sector, the Division moved to the Somme in June 1916, taking part in the capture of Mametz Wood, before being relieved and moving to Ypres. Here the Welshmen were posted to the Boesinghe sector, where they prepared for their part in the forthcoming Third Battle of Ypres. David was killed in action during the build up to the offensive, on 27 July 1917. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Many thanks to Martin Thomas for helping to identify David.
Benjamin Richardson, Private, G/63802, Middlesex Regiment. Benjamin was the Son of Mrs. Isabella A. Roberts, of 171, Howard Street, Iffley Road, Oxford. He resided at Pontardulais prior to the war. Benjamin enlisted at Cardiff into the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, but was later transferred to the 19th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was attached to 41st Division as Pioneer Battalion, and moved to France on 2 May 1916. In November 1917 the Division moved to Italy but returned to France in March 1918. They then faced the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, and fought at the Battle of St Quentin, and retreated westwards, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume. They also then fought at the First Battle of Arras, before being withdrawn, and sent north to Flanders where it held a sector near Ypres that was, for once, relatively quiet. Benjamin was killed in France on 22 August 1918. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.
Bertie Roberts, Private, 401105, Manchester Regiment. Bertie was born at Pontardulais. He resided at Bootle, Lancashire prior to the war, but returned to Swansea to enlist into the South Wales Borderers. Bertie was transferred to the 1/6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment in 1918, which was attached to 127 Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division. The Division had faced the German Spring Offensive of 21 March on the Somme, and fought in the Battle of Bapaume, and then at Arras. The offensive stalled for several months, until an Australian victory at Villers Brettoneux on 8 August saw the tide of war turn. The British attacked the German lines on the Somme on 21 August, with the 42nd Division in the line, and began the great offensive that was eventually to end the war. Bertie was killed on 27 September 1918, and is buried at Ribecourt Road Cemetery, Trescault, France. Bertie is not commemorated on the Pontardulais War Memorial.
Richard Harry Sampson, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the Son of R. H. and E. L. G. H. Sampson, of Pontardulais, Carmarthenshire. He was commissioned into the 15th Welsh on 23 July 1916, joining the battalion after they had taken part in the attack on Mametz Wood, where it was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. He then fought with the battalion during the following 12 months at Ypres, and saw action at Pilckem Ridge. On 26 February 1918 he was posted to the Headquarters Staff of the 38th Division, and sadly became ill during the final weeks of the war, dying of pneumonia at the Base Hospital at Etaples on 29 October 1918, aged 27. Richard is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France.
Charles Sandford, Private, 37826, Gloucestershire Regiment. Charles was a pre war regular, serving with the Gloucester Regiment when war broke out. He was later posted to the 12th (Bristol) Battalion, Gloucester Regiment, which was attached to 95 Brigade, 5th Division. The Division moved to France on 15 August 1914, and fought at the Battle of Mons, and 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 1 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 5 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. Charles was killed at Arras on 22 April 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
George William Sloper, Private, 17789, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Mr. G. Sloper, of 54, Ashley Down Road, Horfield, Bristol. He resided at Pontardulais prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Swansea Pals. The battalion moved to France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and moved to positions at Fleurbaix. George was killed at Fleurbaix on 27 January 1916. He is buried at St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'avoue, France.
Edwin Edward Smith, Sergeant, 558038, Royal Engineers. Edwin was the Son of George and Clara Smith, of 21, Moring Road, Tooting Bec, London. Edwin worked with the GPO prior to the war, and enlisted into the Royal Engineers, joining the 29th Divisional Signal Company. The Division fought at Gallipoli, landing on 25 April 1915, and remained here until evacuation 11 January 1916. It moved to the Western Front on 15 March 1915, and sawits 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 Poelcappelle, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917. Edwin was killed at Cambrai on 30 November 1917. He was 37 years old, and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.
Joseph Henry Smith, Private, 12479, Somerset Light Infantry. Joseph was born at Wem, Shropshire, and resided at Pontardulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, which was attached to 11 Brigade, 4th Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, arriving just in time to join the hard-pressed Divisions of II Corps at The Battle of Le Cateau. They then took part in the epic retreat to the Marne, where the German Offensive was halted, and in the advance to the Aisne. The Division was then moved north to Flanders, and took part in the Battle of Messines, where Units of 4th Division took part in the famous Christmas Truce while they were still in this area, in trenches near Ploegsteert Wood. In 1915 the Division fought at the Second Battle of Ypres, and it was here that Joseph was killed on 11 June 1915. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
David Cuthbert Thomas, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the Son of Evan and Ethelinda Thomas, of Llanedy Rectory, Pontardulais. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and after training was posted to the 1st RWF, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. By early 1916 the Division was in position at the Citadel, near Fricourt, on the Somme. On 18 March 1916, David was in charge of a working party, which was repairing wire emplacements in No Mans Land when he was severely wounded by German Trench Mortar fire, dying shortly afterwards. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Point 110 New Military Cemetery, Fricourt, France. David was a close friend of the war poets Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon, and is mentioned several times in their work. The death of David hit Sassoon hardest. Distraught with grief for the loss of his friend, he took his grief out on the Germans on a lone assault on their lines at Fricourt, winning himself the Military Cross in so doing.
Edward Thomas, Rifleman, 9867, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own). Edward was born at Pontardulais in 1883, and became a Tinworker before enlisting into the Rifle Brigade on 5 May 1903. His next of kin was given as his wife, Mrs Susannah M. Thomas, of 16, Charles Street, Briton Ferry, and the couple had five children. Edward served from 1903 until the outbreak of the Great War, when he was serving in Ireland with the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, as part of 17 Brigade, 6th Division. On 12 September 1914 the Division landed at St. Nazaire, and moved to Flanders. Edward was killed just over a month after landing in France, on 23 October 1914. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Y Farm Military Cemetery, Bois-Grenier, France. Edward is not commemorated on the Pontardulais memorial. A photograph of Edward was found at his grave at the time of photographing his headstone, and is reproduced below.
James Edward Stallard Thomas, Private, M/305649, Royal Army Service Corps. James was the Son of David and Maria Martha Thomas, of Factory Road, Pontardulais. He worked as a Blacksmiths Striker prior to the war, at the Post Office Telephone Factory at Pontardulais. He enlisted on 6 June 1916 into the Army Service Corps, and remained on Home Service. James became ill, and died at the Military Hospital at Aldershot on 27 February 1918. He was 21 years old and is buried at Rhydgoch Cemetery, Wales.
Stanley Thomas, Private, 14716, South Lancashire Regiment. Stanley was the Son of the late David and S. Thomas of Pontardulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the army, and was posted to France to join the 8th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, which was attached to 75 Brigade, 25th Division, and landed in France on 28 September 1915. The Division moved to the Vimy area, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916. They then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on 3 July near Thiepval, remaining on the Somme for the duration of the Battle of the Somme. Stanley was killed on the Somme on 1 October 1916. He was 19 years old and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Stanley is not commemorated on the Pontardulais memorial.
