Brynamman War Memorial
The Great War, 1914-1918
William Abel, Private, 13243, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William resided at Birmingham prior to the outbreak of war, but returned home to enlist at Ammanford into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion was Formed at Wrexham on the 16th October 1914 as part of K3 and attached to 76th Brigade, 25th Division. They moved to Codford St Mary but by November 1914 were in billets in Bournemouth. They moved to Romsey on the 29th April 1915 and to Aldershot 3rd June 1915. The Battalion landed at Boulogne on the 27th September 1915, and on the 15th October 1915 transferred with the 76th Brigade to the 3rd Division. They saw action South of Ypres at the St. Eloi craters, and then moved to the Somme sector where they fought through from the Battle of Albert, to the Battle of the Ancre, where William was Killed in Action on the 13th November, 1916. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Fred Burbidge. Cannot presently be identified.
James Ernest Chapman, Private, 20054, Welsh Regiment. James was born at Newport Monmouth, and resided at Glanamman. He must have worked as a miner to have moved to the area, and enlisted into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held nearly every section of the British line from Givenchy on the La Bassée Canal to Laventie, about six miles South of Armentières. At the end of May, 1916, the Battalion moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme, which commenced on July 1st 1916. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7th July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on the 10th, and by 14th July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. James was Killed in Action during the Battle of Mametz Wood on the 11th July, 1916. He is buried in Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval.
William Haydn Cowling, Gunner, 4677, Royal Field Artillery. William resided at Brynamman and enlisted at Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, and was attached to the 122nd Brigade Head Quarters, attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. It is not known if he arrived in France with the Division in December, 1915, but he was with them in 1918 when the German Offensives were launched on the Western Front, and he was Killed in Action during the Battle of the Selle, after the Hindenburg Line had been broken, on the 26th October, 1918. He is buried at Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension.
Isaac Davies, Private, 33756, Welsh Regiment. Isaac was born in Carmarthen, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Davies, and was the Husband of Sarah Davies, of Trehyfryd House, Llandeilo Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Brynamman into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who were the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. The Division left the UK in June 1915 bound for Gallipoli, and landed at ANZAC Cove in early August that year. They saw some of the heaviest fighting at Gallipoli, at the Battle of Sari Bair, Russell’s Top and Hill 60, and were evacuated from the Peninsula on the 8th January, 1916. On the 12th February the Division moved to Mesopotamia, and took part in the attempt to relieve the besieged town of Kut, then fought in the Battle of Kut al Amara, and other actions toward Baghdad. Isaac was one of the many men of the Division who suffered from illness on the campaign. Isaac Died of Sickness on the 22nd August, 1918 aged 33, and is remembered on the Kirkee Memorial. Mentioned in the ‘Amman Valley Chronicle’ on 31st August 1916: ‘Died from disease – Mrs Davies, Marlais Villa, Brynamman, is the recipient of sad news to the effect that her husband, Private Isaac Davies, has died from disease in Bombay. He belonged to the Welsh Regiment, enlisted about 15 months ago and drafted to India 10 months since. He was a native of Llanybydder and has a brother, Private David Davies in the trenches in France, being previously a sailor. He leaves a widow and one child. Also the widow’s brother, son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Pwllyfan Jones, Marlais House, Driver Myrddin Jones (18) of the Royal Field Artillery has been wounded while in action in France. He also has a brother, Private Aneurin Jones, with the Royal Garrison Artillery.’
Thomas Davies, Private, 242011, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in Llangadock, and was the Foster Son of Mrs. Mary Evans, of "Cwoncaemawr", Cwmgam Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Brynamman into the 18th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. The Division moved to France in early June, 1916, and served in the Loos area, before moving to the Somme late in 1916, where they took part in the Battle of the Ancre. They then followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and fought during the Battle of Cambrai, fighting at Bourlon Wood, before moving South to the St. Quentin area in early 1918. It was here, on the 21st March, 1918 that part of the German Spring Offensive was launched. The fighting was terrible, with many British Battalions being simply wiped out. The Division were rushed back to Flanders, and took part in the Battle of the Lys, where Thomas was Killed in Action on the 10th April, 1918 aged 29. His body was lost in the course of the battle, and so he is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
David John Evans, Private, 75286, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Brynamman, the Son of James and Gwen Evans, of "Waunhen," Cwmgarw Road. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, and were back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive. After playing a leading role in pushing the Germans back in late 1918, David was Killed in Action at the Battle of the Selle on the 23rd October, 1918 aged just 20. He is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt.
John Evans, M.M., Corporal, 13485, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Brynamman, the Son of William Thomas and Sarah Evans, of 36, Glyn Rd., Lower Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who formed part of the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division had crossed to France during July, 1915 and saw its first action during the Battle of Loos. They then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Kemmel where John was Killed in Action on the 29th April, 1918 aged 30. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
John Walter Evans, Private, 31405, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the son of John and Sarah Evans of Rhydcais, Lampeter. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were attached to the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France in December, 1915 and moved to positions in the Nursery Sector near Armentieres. Here they trained in trench warfare in a so-called quiet sector, but even this was dangerous, as John was wounded here. He was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Rouen, where he died of wounds on the 22nd March, 1916 aged just 22. John is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen. (This is the only man who matches the details)
Patrick Fahey. Cannot presently be identified.
William Jenkin Greenwood, Private, 13105, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandovery, the Son of William and Margaret Greenwood, later of "Llanarthinna," Quarry Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion the Welsh Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. William was Killed in Action at Loos on the 12th October, 1915 aged 23. He was buried at Crucifix Cemetery near Loos, but when the cemetery was destroyed by gunfire in further fighting in the area, his grave was lost. William is now commemorated by a Special Memorial inside Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos.
William Rufus Griffiths, Private, S/9823, Seaforth Highlanders. William was born in Llanguicke, Glamorgan, the Son of Mrs. Margaret Griffiths, later of 9, Glyn Rd., Brynamman. He was employed at the Glynbeudy Tinplate Works as a tinman, and enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. The Battalion were part of the Dehra Dun Brigade, 7th (Meerut) Division of the Indian Army based in India at the outbreak of war. They landed at Marseilles on the 12th October, 1914, and saw action during the Battle of Neuve Chappelle and at Aubers Ridge, before attacking at Pietre as a diversion to the main Loos Offensive. By December 1915 the Division were on the move again, being sent to Mesopotamia, landing at Basra on the 31st December, 1915. After reorganising, the Division took part in the attempt to relieve the besieged town of Kut al Amara, The relief failed, but the war kept on in Mesopotamia, where William was Killed in Action on the 17th July, 1916 aged only 19. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery.
Lewis George Hodson, Private, 14518, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Lewis was born in Brecon, the Son of Thomas and Margaret Hodson, and the Husband of Kate Hodson, of Cwmgarw Rd., Brynamman. Lewis had served with the 2nd Bn. South Wales Borderers (Mounted Infantry) in the South African Campaign, and re-enlisted in 1914, serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. There are no records of his service, but he was Gassed on the Western Front at some time during the war, and was brought home for treatment. Lewis sadly Died of Wounds suffered from Gas Poisoning on the 11th July, 1920 aged 47, and is buried at Brecon (St. David) Churchyard. Not on Memorial.
Aneurin Jones, Gunner, 100768, Royal Garrison Artillery. Aneurin was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas and Mary Jones, later of Marlais Villa, Llandilo Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in their 110th Heavy Battery, as part of the 7th (Meerut) Division in the Indian Army. After returning to Europe from service in India, they landed at Marseilles on the 12th October, 1914, and saw action during the Battle of Neuve Chappelle and at Aubers Ridge, before attacking at Pietre as a diversion to the main Loos Offensive. By December 1915 the Division were on the move again, being sent to Mesopotamia. The 110th Heavy Battery were posted to the 67th Brigade, R.G.A. on the 6th March, 1915 and remained on the Western Front, and took part in the Battles of Third Ypres. Aneurin was Killed at Third Ypres, during the Battle of Pilckem on the 2nd August, 1917 aged 24. He is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery.
Brinley Jones, Private, 129361, Machine Gun Corps. Brinley was born in Brynamman, the Son of Thomas and Hannah Jones, of Stafford House, Station Road. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Monmouth Regiment, but was later posted to the 55th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, probably upon the formation of the Corps in 1916. The 55th Battalion were the Machine-Gunners to the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, who had been formed in France from Territorial Units in January, 1916. The Division first fought at Arras, before being moved to the Somme in July 1916, where they fought for two months before moving to Flanders. Here they fought at the Battles of Pilckem and the Menin Road, before moving to Cambrai to take part in the offensive there in November, 1917. After being annihilated at Cambrai, the Division were withdrawn from the line, and not used until the desperate days of the Spring of 1918, when the German Offensive had smashed the British Lines on the Western Front. The Division moved to the Givnechy area, where they made a stand at the Battle of Estaires. Brinley was Killed in Action around this time, on the 9th April, 1918. He is buried at Gorre British & Indian Cemetery.
Cyril Jones, Private, 15338, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Cyril was the Son of Thomas and Hannah Jones, of Stafford House, Station Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division. The Battalion had originally landed at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915 in 25th Division, but transferred with the Brigade into the 3rd Division just a few weeks after landing. The 3rd Division had been in France since the start of the War, and was stationed near Ypres in the Autumn of 1915. They fought throughout the Winter of 1915/1916 at Bellewaarde, and moved to St. Eloi at the beginning of the New Year, where Cyril was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 22nd February, 1916 aged just 21, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
Gordon Jones, Lance Corporal, 17272, Welsh Regiment. Gordon was the Son of Spencer Jones, of Brynamman, and the Husband of Dorothy Jones, of 126, Eaton Rd., Brynhyfryd, Swansea. He enlisted at Swansea into the 14th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held nearly every section of the British line from Givenchy on the La Bassée Canal to Laventie, about six miles South of Armentières. At the end of May, 1916, the Battalion moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme, which commenced on July 1st 1916. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7th July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on the 10th, and by 14th July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. Gordon was wounded during the first attack on the 7th July, and was brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Daours, where he sadly Died of Wounds on the 11th July, 1916 aged 24. He is buried in Daours Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.
John Jones, Private, 8202, Dorsetshire Regiment. John was born in Caernavon, and resided in Brynamman prior to the war, with his sister, Mrs. Margaret Morgan, of Cwmgarw Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Ynyshir into the 1st Battalion, the Dorsetshire Regiment, part of the 15th Brigade, 5th Division. They were amongst the first British Division in France, and saw action at the Battle of Mons, and the retreat down through Le Cateau, the Marne, and the advance to the Aisne. They then moved North to La Bassee, and fought at Messines in late 1914, assisting the Defence of Ypres, during the Battle of First Ypres. They were still there for the Battle of Second Ypres, but in late 1915 the 1st Dorsets were transferred into the 95th Brigade, 32nd Division. The Division fought during the Battles of the Somme from July 1916 onwards, so it is strange that when John was Killed in Action on the 9th August, 1916 that he was buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension, which is further North in Flanders. He was 41 years old, and must have been attached to another Battalion at the time. Not on Memorial.
Noah Jones, Private, 34129, Worcestershire Regiment. Noah was born in Llanguicke, the Son of Mary Ann Jones, of 8, School Rd., Lower Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, part of the 88th Brigade, 29th Division. The Division were formed in early 1915, and sent to Egypt soon after. From here, they landed on Cape Helles on the 25th April, 1915, and saw heavy action here until evacuated on the 2nd January, 1916. They moved to France, landing at Marseilles on the 29th March, 1916 and took part in the opening of the Battle of the Somme, at Beaumont Hamel. They later moved to Arras, where they fought in the Battles of the Scarpe, which is where Noah was Killed in Action on the 23rd April, 1917 aged just 20. He is buried at Windmill British Cemetery, Monchy-Le-Preux.
Rhys Herbert Jones, Private, 269834, Notts & Derby (Sherwood Foresters). Rhys was the Son of William Jones, of Cwmnantmoel Farm, Brynamman. He enlisted at Mill Hill, Middlesex into the 1/5th Battalion, the Sherwood Foresters, who formed part of the 139th Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division. The Division moved to France in February, 1915 and fought at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. The Division was ordered to proceed to Egypt in December, 1915 but after arrival, were sent back to France, and moved to the Northern Somme area, where they took part in the main diversionary attack to the Somme Offensive, at Gommecourt. They suffered heavy casualties, and moved South to the Ancre Valley, where they over-wintered, before following the German retreat to the Hindeburg Line in early 1917. They then fought at Hill 70 during the Battle of Arras, and moved North to French Flanders, where they helped repel the German Offensive of Spring, 1918. Rhys was wounded during this period, and sadly Died of Wounds on the 19th April, 1918 in Flanders. He was 37 years old, and is buried at Cambrin Military Cemetery.
Samuel C Jones. Cannot presently be identified.
William Arthur Jones, Private, 13241, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of William Jones, of 11, School St., Lower Brynamman. Prior to the war William was a member of the Brynamman Fife Band, and when he enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers he became a Drummer in the Battalion. The Battalion was part of the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Battalion landed at Boulogne on the 19th July, 1915 and fought during the Battle of Loos, where William was killed in Action during the initial assault of the 25th September, 1915. He was 27 years old, and his body was lost on the battlefield, so William is now remembered on the Loos Memorial.
John David Lewis, Private, 58428, South Wales Borderers. John was the Son of David and Elizabeth Lewis, of Cwmtrubit, Brynamman. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. At the outbreak of war, the 2nd SWB were in China, and fought a Battle there at Tientsin, before being sent via the UK to Gallipoli, where they landed at Cape Helles on the 25th April, 1915. It is doubtful if John served here, but after evacuation on the 2nd January, 1916 the Battalion moved, as part of the 87th Brigade, 29th Division, to Marseilles via Egypt. In France they fought on the Somme in July 1916, and took part in the Battle of Arras in 1917, fighting at the Scarpe. Later that year they moved to Ypres, taking part in the Battles of Langemarck, the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle, before again moving and fighting during the Cambrai Offensive. They were caught in the German Spring Offensive of March 1918 onwards, fighting in French Flanders, and helped repel the Germans, pushing them back eastwards toward Courtrai, when John was Killed in Action on the 15th October, 1918. He was just 22 years old, and is buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery.
Morgan Morgan, Private, S/14869, Gordon Highlanders. Morgan was the Son of Dafydd and Mary Ann Morgan, of 1, Park Lane, Lower Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, which formed part of the 44th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. In July, 1915 the Division landed in France, and saw their first action at the Battle of Loos, remaining in the area around Hulloch in Spring, 1916 where they suffered gas attacks by the Germans. Morgan was Killed in Action on the 26th June, 1916 aged only 19, and is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery.
Vivian Morgan, Private, S/9809, Seaforth Highlanders. Vivian was the Son of John and Esther Ann Morgan, of "Cartref Clyd," Mountain Rd., Brynamman. He served in the 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, which formed part of the 26th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. The Division had arrived in France by June, 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos. They then fought during the Somme Battles, capturing Longueval, where Vivian was wounded by shrapnel, which passed through both his legs. He was carried to a Casualty Clearing Station by two German Prisoners, and after recovering from his wounds returned home for a short spell, before going back to the front. The Division were now in the Arras Sector. Here they fought in the Battles of the Scarpe, before again being moved, this time to Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of the Menin Road, and the First Battle of Passchendaele. Vivian was killed in Action at Passchendaele on the 12th October, 1917 aged only 19. His body was lost in the Flanders mud, and so he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
William Benjamin Beddoc Morgan, Private, 292052, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of Morgan and Margaret Morgan, of 6, Linthorpe Terrace, Danygraig Rd., St. Thomas, Swansea. He enlisted at Brynamman into the 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were part of the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, and were back on the Somme in 1918 facing the German Offensive. After the German Offensive had stagnated, the lines on the Somme remained static for several months, but in August, 1918 the Allies had regained enough strength to launch an offensive here that was ultimately to win the war. The 38th Division played a leading role in pushing the Germans back on the Somme here in August, 1918, which is where William was Killed in Action on the 29th August, 1918 aged 25. He is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial.
Joel William Morris, Gunner, W/1386, Royal Field Artillery. Joel was the Son of Rees and the late Sarah Morris, of Rose Cottage, Queen St., Aberystwyth. He worked at Brynamman, and enlisted at nearby Ammanford into the Royal Field Artillery, serving in their ‘B’ Battery, 122nd Brigade, attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. On December 5th, 1915, the Division disembarked at Boulogne, and during the winter and spring of 1916 held the line in French Flanders, before moving south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres, which is where Joel was Killed in Action on the 14th August, 1917 aged 24. He is buried in Canada Farm Cemetery.
Evan Moses, Private, 12463, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Evan was the Son of Evan and Margaret Moses, of 18, Tinman's Row, Brynamman. He served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers during the Great War, and contracted frostbite during service at Gallipoli in 1915. After recuperating in Hospital in Malta, Evan returned to his unit which was now in Palestine, but he contracted Malaria there, and was brought back home for treatment. Evan Died of Sickness on the 15th December, 1922 aged 30, and is buried at Lower Brynamman (Siloam) Baptist Chapelyard, in the grave of his brother Lewis (below). He left a wife and child behind. Not on Memorial.
Lewis John Moses, Private, 20918, Welsh Regiment. Lewis was the brother of Evan (above), the Son of Evan and Margaret Moses, of 18, Tinman's Row, Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of the 115th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France in December, 1915 and were sent to the area around Armentieres to familiarise themselves with trench warfare, before moving to the Somme in June, 1916 to take part in the assault on Mametz Wood. The first wave of the attack went in on the 7th July, with the wood finally falling a week later. Lewis was wounded during the attack, receiving a gunshot wound to his spine, and was brought home, via the network of Casualty Clearing Stations and Base Hospitals to Southampton. He sadly succumbed to his wounds and died on the 4th August, 1916. His body was brought home to Brynamman, and he was buried on the 8th August at Lower Brynamman (Siloam) Baptist Chapelyard. His grave is now shared with his brother Evan.
Phillip Owen, Private, 1167, Australian Infantry. Phillip was the Son of Mr and Mrs John Owen, Sunny View, Lower Brynamman. He had served an apprenticeship in Swansea as a Carpenter, and decided to emigrate to Australia with his brother Morgan in around 1910/11. The brothers set up home at Dorrigo, New South Wales, and had settled into life in the New World well. But in August 1914 the former British Colony of Australia was called upon to help defend the Empire, when Britain declared war on Germany. On the 14th October, 1914 Phillip enlisted at Rosehill into the 4th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. The nucleus of the Battalion had already been formed, and so Phillip became part of the 1st Batch of reinforcements to the Battalion. The original Battalion left Sydney on the 20th October, bound for Egypt. Phillip sailed later with the 1st reinforcements, and joined the Battalion at Mena Camp, Egypt on the 7th February, 1915. The Battalion then spent the next few months training in Egypt in preparation for a move to the Western Front, but it had been decided to open up a second front against Turkey, and so the Battalion moved to Mudros in the Mediterranean, and from there made a landing under heavy fire on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th April, 1915. Phillip survived the Battalions famous charge at Lone Pine, but was taken ill on the 23rd August and evacuated to Mudros, and then to England for treatment. On the 6th March, 1916 he rejoined the Battalion in Egypt, and on the 23rd the Battalion shipped to Marseilles, where they joined the BEF on the Western Front. The Battalion formed part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Australian Division, and moved to positions in the Nursery Sector near Fleurbaix and Fromelles. In July, 1916 the Battle of the Somme opened, and the 1st Australian Division were brought south to the Somme, where they took part in the Battle of Pozieres. The Division managed against all the odds to capture the German positions on Pozieres Ridge, and were moved to Warloy Baillon for a rest. On the 17th August the Division was brought back into the line, and took up positions south of Mouquet Farm. The farm was a formidable German stronghold, the capture of which was vital to the British plans to roll north and capture the German positions at Thiepval. On the following day the 4th Battalion attacked Mouquet Farm, but were repulsed at a heavy cost in lives. They tried again over the following days, but were again held and were brought out of the line on the 21st after suffering terrible losses. Phillip had been reported missing during the attacks on Mouquet Farm, and it was a few days later that he was officially recorded as being killed in action on the 19th August, 1916. He was 28 years old, and is remembered on the Villers Brettoneux Memorial, France.
William George Peale, Private, 30005, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Sarah Annie Atterbury (formerly Peale), of 16, Church Rd., Ramsgate, and the late William Peale. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was part of the Meerut Division in India at the outbreak of war. They returned to England, where they were attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division, and landed in France, at Le Havre, during January, 1915. Their first action was at Second Ypres, where terrible casualties were suffered. After a brief spell as a constituted Battalion, after the losses at Ypres, the 1st Welsh were reinforced and sent to Loos with the Division. Here they fought at the Battle of Loos, which is where William was Killed in Action, on the 2nd October 1915 aged only 18. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
Stephen George Peregrine, Private, 70205, Machine Gun Corps. Stephen was born in Meline, Pembrokeshire. He enlisted at Brynamman into the Welsh Regiment, later transferring into the 58th Company, Machine Gun Corps upon the organisation of the MGC in 1916. The 58th Coy were attached to the 19th (western) Division, so Stephen would probably have served in the 9th Welsh prior to his transfer, and would have served through the Battles of the Somme in 1916 with them. They fought at Messines, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele during Third Ypres, and gained themselves a reputation as a fine fighting force, and they were in the St. Quentin area in Spring 1918 when the German Offensive was launched. The Division suffered heavily during the first few days of the attack, and Stephen was Killed in Action here, on the 26th March, 1918. He is buried at Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny.
Arthur Powney, Private, 8162, Welsh Regiment. Arthur was the Husband of Gwen Lewis (formerly Powney), of 26, Glyn Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 1st Battalion the Welsh Regiment at the outbreak of war, which was part of the Meerut Division in India at the outbreak of war. They returned to England, where they were attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division, and landed in France, at Le Havre, during January, 1915. Their first action was at Second Ypres, where terrible casualties were suffered. After a brief spell as a constituted Battalion, after the losses at Ypres, the 1st Welsh were reinforced and sent to Loos with the Division. Arthur was wounded at Second Ypres, and returned home for treatment, but sadly Died of Wounds on the 23rd May, 1915 aged 29. He is buried at Upper Brynamman (Gibea) Welsh Congregational Burial Ground.
George Henry Powney, C.Q.M.S., 144110, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. George was the brother of Arthur (above), and was born at Swansea. He was the Son of John and Elizabeth Powney, and the Husband of Cecile Gladys Smith (formerly Powney), of Cwm-Garw Rd., Upper Brynamman. George enlisted at Swansea into the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 67th Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in September, 1915, and concentrated around Flesselles, but on the 27th October the Division was ordered to Salonika, arriving there during December, 1915. At Salonika they fought during the Battles of Horseshoe Hill, Machukovo, and at Doiran, and at sometime here George took ill. He returned home to the UK for treatment, but his condition worsened, and George sadly Died of Sickness on the 9th December, 1917 aged 28. He is buried at Upper Brynamman (St. Catherine) Churchyard.
Uriel Roberts, Private, 13104, Welsh Regiment. Uriel was the Son of Mrs. Esther Roberts, of Pantycelyn, Lower Brynamman. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, and fought at the Battle of Mons, then at the rearguard actions at the Marne, where the Germans were held. The Division followed the German withdrawal to the Aisne, where they met them head on, and inflicted heavy casualties on the Germans. This action stopped the German advance to Paris, and helped form the Western Front. The Division were moved to Ypres, where they again held a German attack on the ancient City, and they remained at Ypres that winter, holding their hard won lines. On the 9th May, 1915 the Division took part in the Battle of Aubers, which was designed to relieve the pressure on the French Armies, (and to make relations with them a bit easier). Uriel was Killed in Action on this first day of the offensive, on the 9th May, 1915. He was only 19 years old, and his body was lost on the battlefield, so he is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue.
Rees Stanton, Private, 24459, Welsh Regiment. Rees was born in Llangamarch Wells, but enlisted at Cwmgorse into the 19th Battalion, the Welsh regiment, the Pioneer Battalion to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France in December, 1915 and were sent to the area around Armentieres to familiarise themselves with trench warfare, before moving to the Somme in June, 1916 to take part in the assault on Mametz Wood. The first wave of the attack went in on the 7th July, with the wood finally falling a week later. Due to the heavy casualties suffered by the Division they were withdrawn from the line, and moved North to the Bethune area, but just days later, on the 17th July, 1916 Rees was Killed in Action. He is buried at Bois-De-Noulette British Cemetery, Aix-Noulette.
Albert William Teague, Gunner, 71809, Royal Garrison Artillery. Albert was born at Ludlow, the Son of William Teague, of 4, Coelbren Rd., Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. He enlisted at Brynamman into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in their 233rd Siege Battery. Not much is known of Albert’s time at war, but his Battery were at Ypres for the Battle of Third Ypres, and Albert was Killed in Action there on the 21st July, 1917 aged 29. He is buried at Coxyde Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
John Thomas, Private, 1452, Welsh Guards. John was born at Llanguicke, and enlisted at Brynamman into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards had been formed by Royal Warrant on the 26th February, 1915, and by the 18th August were ready to join the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division in France. They landed in France in time to fight at the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they fought at Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, then moved to Ypres, where they took part in the Battles of Pilckem, the Menin Road, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele. John was Killed in Action at the First Battle of Passchendaele on the 12th October, 1917. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Richard Clement Thomas, Private, 59553, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the Son of Margaret and the late Richard Thomas, of Station Road, Brynamman. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 14th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who formed part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in French Flanders, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at Mametz Wood. After a year in reserve, they fought at Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in Third Ypres. During the Winter of 1917/1918 they were near Armentieres, and it was here that Richard was sadly Accidentally Killed on the 28th January, 1918. He was only 19 years old, and is buried at Aire Communal Cemetery.
Reginald James Wakefield, Stoker 1st Class, K/16051, Royal Navy. Reginald was the Son of James and Mary Teresa Wakefield, of 45, Glyn Rd., Lower Brynamman. He served in the Royal Navy, as a Stoker aboard His Majesty’s Submarine "E49", and had gained the Serbian Silver Medal for Conspicuous Bravery. The submarine was commanded by Lieutenant B. A. Beal, and was operating in the North Sea, near the Shetland Islands, when she struck a mine on the 12th March, 1917. She sank with all hands, including Reginald, who was just 21 years old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. The submarine lies 16 fathoms deep, with her bows blown off.
Gwyn Williams, Private, 31406, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Gwyn was the Son of John and Elizabeth Williams, of "Brynawel," Llandilo Rd., Brynamman. He enlisted at Ammanford into the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. After assembling in France in December, 1915 the Division served in the French Flanders area, where they were initiated into trench warfare. Gwyn was Killed in Action during this period, on the 23rd May, 1916 aged 23, and is buried at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery.
Herbert Ramsey Wood, Private, 13365, Welsh Regiment. Herbert (Bertie) was born in Swansea. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who were the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. The Division left the UK in June 1915 bound for Gallipoli, and landed at ANZAC Cove in early August that year. They saw some of the heaviest fighting at Gallipoli, at the Battle of Sari Bair, Russell’s Top and Hill 60, and were evacuated from the Peninsula on the 8th January, 1916. Herbert Died of Wounds suffered at Gallipoli on the 19th November, 1915. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt. He probably suffered his wounds during the Battalions’ time at Suvla Bay.
Brynamman War Memorial
World War Two 1939-1945
Ernest Bartholomew, Flying Officer (Navigator), 145496, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Ernest was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bartholomew, of Lower Brynamman. He served in 25 Squadron, RAF, and was the Navigator on a training flight over Yorkshire when the aeroplane (a Mosquito) lost control and crashed in flames near West Flotmanby, Filey on the 12th December, 1943. Ernest and the Pilot, Colin Robertson D.F.C. were killed in the crash. Ernest’s body was recovered from the wreckage, and brought home for burial at Lower Brynamman (Siloam) Baptist Chapelyard. Photo courtesy of Wendy Edwards.
William Owen Callingham, Able Seaman, D/JX 165604, Royal Navy. William was the Son of Frederick and Elizabeth Callingham, of Brynamman, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Eagle. In September 1939 the Eagle was based at Singapore with an air-arm of eighteen Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers. Her first offensive action of the war was as part of the hunt for the Admiral Graf Spee. She began 1940 in the Indian Ocean, but after repairs to explosion damage in March she joined the major units Malaya, Ramillies, Royal Sovereign and Warspite in the eastern Mediterranean at Alexandria in May. Swordfish bombers from Eagle attacked the harbour at Tobruk on the 5th July and sank an Italian destroyer and two merchantmen, a similar attack two weeks later sank another two destroyers. On the 22nd August her aircraft attacked and sank an Italian submarine and a depot ship in the Gulf of Bomba. In September she joined the carrier HMS Illustrious as part of Operation Hats, and supported an attack on Maritza, Rhodes. In mid-October she was part of the cover for a Malta convoy (MB-6). Her aircraft flew from Illustrious during the attack on Taranto (Operation Judgement, on the 11th November); the damaged Eagle remained in Alexandria. On the 26th her aircraft attacked Tripoli. In March 1941 she was assigned to Freetown. Her aircraft, flying from Port Sudan, attacked Italian ships at Massawa en route. She arrived at Freetown in early May, remaining there until October 1941. She returned to Britain for a refit and rejoined the Mediterranean Fleet early in 1942. In February 1942 she carried aircraft for Malta, an operation repeated in May and twice in June. In June she also provided air cover for the convoy of Operation Harpoon. Her final action was in August 1942 as cover for the Malta-bound convoy of Operation Pedestal. On the early morning of the 11th August she was hit by four torpedoes from U-73, Captained by Helmut Rosenbaum, and sank 70 nautical miles south of Cape Salinas. The majority of the crew survived and were picked from the sea by her escorts. One of the unfortunate men who died in the sinking was William. He was 24 years old and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon on Panel 64, Column 2.
David James Davey, Sergeant, 3961246, Welch Regiment. David was the Son of Robert and Rachel Davey, and the husband of Elsie Elizabeth Davey, of Llangynwyd, Glamorgan. He served with the 1/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed during the end of June, 1944 in Normandy as part of the reinforcements to the invasion force, and subsequently fought their way out of Normandy, north through France and Belgium, and into Holland. David was killed in action in Holland on the 7th October, 1944 aged 23. He is buried at Valkenswaard War Cemetery.
Gwilym Leonard Davies, Flying Officer (Navigator), 54259, Royal Air Force. Gwilym was the Son of William Henry and Margaret Davies, and the husband of Kathleen Davies, of Grimsby. He served with 281 Squadron, RAF, which was an Air-Sea Rescue Squadron which flew Defiant’s, the Supermarine Walrus and the Warwick amphibious planes. Gwilym died on the 11th April, 1945. He was 34 years old and is buried at Grimsby (Scartho Road) Cemetery. (This is the only man who matches the name on the memorial).
Thomas Henry Edwards, Serjeant, 2733455, Welsh Guards. Very little is known of Thomas, except that he served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards had been trapped in Northern France with the rest of the BEF when Germany invaded in 1940, and were the last British troops to leave Arras, which had been a British stronghold during the Great War. They fought a magnificent rearguard action north-east to Dunkirk where they were evacuated at the end of May, 1940. Thomas was probably wounded in France, and he died in Essex on the 2nd March, 1941 aged 31. He is buried at Ilford (Barkingside) Cemetery.
Thomas Charles Evans, Private, 14541574, North Staffordshire Regiment. Again the only man who matches the name on the memorial is this man. Thomas was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lambert Evans, of Guilsfield, Montgomeryshire. He served with the 2nd Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, which was attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade. They were present at the Fall of France in 1940 as part of the BEF, and were evacuated at the end of May, 1940. They then moved to North Africa, where they fought throughout the Campaign in the Western Desert, and took part in the landings at Anzio in 1944. Thomas was killed in action at Anzio on the 31st May, 1944, and was buried at Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.
Thomas Wyndham Evans, Private, 5255505, Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment). Thomas was the Son of David Daniel and Lucretia Evans, of Brynamman, and served with the 6th Battalion, Green Howards. The Battalion were in France at the start of the war as part of the BEF, and took part in the retreat to, and the evacuation of, Dunkirk. The Battalion were then sent to North Africa, and fought during the campaign in the Western Desert. The Germans had effectively been beaten by May, 1943, but Thomas died soon after, on the 10th June, 1943. He was 27 years old and is buried at Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt.
Frederick Lawford Gibson, Petty Officer, D/JX 135348, Royal Navy. Frederick was the Son of Frederick Joseph and Louisa Gibson, of Upper Brynamman. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard H.M.S. Hastings, which was a Sloop that had been launched in April, 1930. Prior to the war she served in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, and returned to Home Waters in 1937 where she joined the Fishery Protection Squadron. In 1939 she was refitted, and fitted with ASDIC anti-submarine detectors, and was deployed in the North Sea. In October 1941 she moved from the Western Approaches to Londonderry, where she was deployed for Atlantic Convoy Defence and in February 1942 moved to West African Command, based at Freetown. In February 1943 she returned to Londonderry, which is where Frederick died on the 27th March, 1943. He was 27 years old and is buried at Londonderry City Cemetery.
David Gareth Griffiths, Sergeant, 1316486, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of David and Hannah Griffiths, of Brynamman, and served in 204 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron came under RAF Coastal Command, flying the Short Sunderland, and had begun the war based in Mount Batten, Devon. They moved to the Shetland Islands for a short period, and then spent 3 months at Iceland before moving to Gibraltar in July, 1941. In August 1941 they moved to Bathurst in Gambia, and the following year, were re-equipped with the Mark III Sunderland, which was a better armed and equipped aircraft than their previous version. David lost his life when his aircraft was lost on the 18th July, 1943. He was just 20 years old and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.
Margaret Mary Griffiths. There are two ladies of this name remembered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, neither of which have obvious links to Brynamman. On of which was a serving member of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, of St. Joseph's, Wellesley Crescent. She was the Wife of Frank Sharpin Griffiths, and Died during a bombing raid at Wellesley Crescent on the 29th November, 1940 aged 54 and is buried at Twickenham Borough Cemetery. The other lady was of Kensington House, Hazelbeach, Llanstadwell. She was the Daughter of C. H. Griffiths, and of Esther Muriel Griffiths, and Died at Kensington House during an Air Raid aged just 17 and is buried at Haverfordwest Borough Cemetery.
Urwyn Harris, Private, 1796259, Northamptonshire Regiment. Urwyn was the Son of David and Mary Harris, of Brynamman, and served with the 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. The Battalion had served in the Western Desert Campaign in 1942 and 1943, and had taken part in the invasion of Italy. Urwyn was killed in Italy on the 31st October, 1944 aged just 22 and is buried at Arezzo War Cemetery, Italy.
Thomas John, Marine, PLY/X. 105762, Royal Marines. Thomas was the Son of Martin and Maggie Alice John, of Brynamman, and served with the Royal Marines. Very little is known of Thomas, but he was killed in Belgium on the 1st November, 1944 during the invasion of Hitler’s ‘Fortress Europe’, and is buried at Oostende New Communal Cemetery, Belgium. He was 24 years old.
Edison Jones. Cannot presently be identified.
Gerwyn Jones, Craftsman, 10593898, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Gerwyn was the Son of David John and Deborah Jones, of Brynamman, and served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, with their 3rd A.A. Workshop Company. Very little is known at present about the unit, but Gerwyn died on the 29th June, 1945 aged 28 and is buried at Brynamman (Hermon) Congregational Chapelyard. Many thanks to Gareth Hicks for the photograph used below.
Griffith John Jones, Trooper, 7922755, Royal Tank Regiment. Griffith was the Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Jones, of Brynamman, and served with the Royal Armoured Corps, in their 47th (Oldham), Royal Tank Regiment. The Battalion had been formed by the conversion of a Battalion of the Manchester Regiment’s Infantry to an armoured Battalion in 1938, and formed part of the Territorial Army. They fought in the Western Desert during the Battles of El Alamein in 1942, which is where Griffith was killed in action on the 27th October, 1942. He was 32 years old and is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.
Bertie Lewis. Cannot presently be identified.
Caradoc Lewis, Able Seaman, D/SSX 19940, Royal Navy. Very little is known about Caradoc, except that he served with the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Punjabi. She was a ‘Tribal Class’ Destroyer, that had been launched in December, 1937. At the outbreak of war she served with the 6th Destroyer Flotilla in the North Sea, and took part in the Second Battle of Narvik in April, 1940. She took part in the hunt for the Bismarck in May, 1941 before returning to Iceland to refuel. Caradoc was probably wounded during the Battle of Narvik, and brought to the Royal Naval Hospital at Plymouth, where he died on the 21st April, 1941. He is buried there, at Plymouth (Weston Mill) Cemetery.
James John Lewis, Leading Aircraftman (Air Gunner), 1027992, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. James was the Son of Jack and Elizabeth Gertrude Lewis, and the husband of Gertrude Lewis, of Brynamman. He had served during the war as an Air Gunner with the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and died at home on the 6th October, 1941 aged 25. He is buried at Upper Brynamman (St. Catherine) Churchyard. Many thanks to Gareth Hicks for his photograph used below.
William Michael McGarry, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1379359, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William served with 15 O.T.U., R.A.F., who was stationed at R.A.F. Harwell at the outbreak of war. The Squadron flew the Vickers Wellington Bomber in an operational training mode, and during 1940 and 1941 flew propaganda missions over France, and then flew bombing missions over Bremen, Cologne and Essen. The Airfield came under attack of the Luftwaffe during August and September, 1941 and the Squadron were forced to move temporarily to R.A.F. Mount Farm while their runways were being repaired. William’s Wellington Ic, serial R1783 took from RAF Mount Farm at 19.05 on the night of the 14/15th October, 1941 tasked to fly to Orleans and Dreux on Nickeling duties, and due to enemy action crashed at Berville (Eure) 18km East of Lisieux. The crew of six men were killed, on the 14th October, 1941. William is buried at Barville Churchyard, France alongside his five other colleagues.
Owen Morgan, Driver, T/14300375, Royal Army Service Corps. Owen was the Son of Llewellyn and Gladys Morgan, of Brynamman, and he served with 223 Air Despatch Company, Royal Army Service Corps. The Air Despatch Companies served world-wide on training, operation and famine relief duties. They were easily distinguishable from other units as they always wore their own Formation Sign, the golden Dakota on a Royal Blue background, wherever they were in the world. The Dakota flash was awarded to Air Despatch units following their part in ‘Operation Market Garden’ at Arnhem in September 1944. Air Despatchers suffered proportionally the highest casualties during the operation. It is probable that Owen was wounded during Market Garden, and he died at home on the 21st September, 1944 aged just 20. Owen is buried at Lower Brynamman (Ebenezer) Independent Burial Ground. Photo courtesy of Gareth Hicks.
Dewi Marlais Nedhal, Flying Officer, 138211, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Dewi was the Son of Roderick and Esther Nedahl, of Burry Port, and served with 255 Squadron, R.A.F.V.R. The Squadron were based at Lata in 1943 flying the Bristol Beaufighter VIF, based at Bo Rizzo, and Dewi was taking part in a flight on the 26th September, 1943 when his aircraft was lost. He was 22 years old and is remembered on the Malta Memorial.
David Pollard, Private, B/158427, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. The only man who matches the name on the memorial is this man. David was the Son of William and Hilda Pollard; husband of Kathleen Pollard, of Long Branch, Ontario. He served with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, which was a Canadian Militia Unit. The 1st Battalion of the RHLI took part in the abortive landing at Dieppe on the 19th August, 1942, where the 2nd Canadian Division, of which they attached, suffered terrible casualties. The Division returned to France on D-Day, 6th June, 1944, landing at Juno Beach. They slowly fought their way out of Normandy, and up through Northern France into Belgium and Holland, which is where David was killed on the 10th October, 1944. He is buried at Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery.
Donald B. Rees, Private, 78486, South African Forces. This is the only man whose name matches the memorial details. Donald was the Son of John and Mary Rees, and the husband of Ada M. Rees, of Benoni, Transvaal, South Africa. He served with the Transvaal Scottish, South African Infantry in the Western Desert, and must have been taken prisoner at some time in the campaign, and moved to a POW Camp in Italy. Donald died in Italy on the 23rd November, 1941 aged 31, and is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Italy.
Edwin A. Rees. Cannot presently be identified.
Gilbert Ivor Rees, Wing Commander, 31037, Royal Air Force. Very little is known of Gilbert except that he served in North Africa, and he died there on the 13th March, 1943. He is remembered on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
John Elwyn Rees, Able Seaman, D/JX 165627, Royal Navy. John was the Son of Llewellyn and Rachel Rees, of Brynamman, and served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M. Submarine Stonehenge. She was an ‘S’ Class Submarine that had been launched in March, 1943 and served in the Pacific, where she sank the Japanese merchant vessel Koryo Maru No.2 and the Japanese auxiliary minelayer Choko Maru. She left Trincomalee to patrol in the northern part of the Malacca Straits on the 25th February, 1944, but was reported missing after failing to arrive at Ceylon on the 20th March as expected. It is not known for sure what caused her sinking, but a mine was considered to be the most likely explanation at the time. Further research of wartime Japanese documents show that she was probably sunk by Japanese depth charges. John was lost in the disappearance of the Stonehenge on the 20th March, 1944, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Lewis Howell Rees, Corporal, 5187579, Gloucestershire Regiment. Lewis was the Son of Bryn and Rachel Rees, of Brynamman, and served with the 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. The Battalion served in the Far East, during the Japanese invasion of Burma, Lewis was killed in Burma on the 2nd April, 1942 aged 23, and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial.
Comber Richards, Private, 4625941, Pioneer Corps. Again, very little is known of Comber, but he served with the Pioneer Corps, and died at home on the 23rd March, 1945. He is buried at Lower Brynamman (Ebenezer) Independent Burial Ground. Many thanks to Gareth Hicks for the photo below.
Donald Robinson, Trooper, 7941591, Royal Armoured Corps. Donald was the Son of Dilys Hurley, of Lower Brynamman, and served with the Head Quarters of the 1st Armoured Brigade. Donald was killed in Greece on the 8th January, 1945 aged 23, and is buried at Phaleron War Cemetery.
