On this page are remembered the men of Whitland. The War Memorials in Whitland are in the Memorial Hall. Also there is an extra memorial in the Hall with photos of some of the men killed in the Great War, and there is a fine oil painting of Sapper David James, who was killed while serving with the Gloucesters. The Congregational Chapel in West Street also has a War Memorial in the form of a Celtic Cross, which holds the names of its members who fell during both World Wars. Some of these men are on the main Memorials in the Hall, but some are not, and are included in the list below. Please visit the 'Local War Memorials' page of the site for details of a new Whitland War Memorial Book.

Whitland War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Harry Montague Allen, Private, 20965, Welsh Regiment. Harry was born in Prendergast, Haverfordwest, in 1896, the eldest son of Thomas & Edith Allen. Thomas had been born in Amroth, and his wife Edith in Haverfordwest, and they had four other children. Ellen Allen, Frederick, Thomas and Edwin Jack Allen, who were born in Neyland. Thomas was a Plumber with Great Western Railway, and he was transferred to their Depot at Whitland, where the family made their home at 3, Glendale Terrace. Harry followed his father into the Railway, becoming a Carpenter at the Llanelli Depot. At the outbreak of War, Harry was enlisted into the Army, entering the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was the Carmarthenshire Battalion. Raised as part of the Welsh Army Corps, the Carmarthenshire Battalion fought in some of the major actions of the war. The Battalion was first raised in Swansea during October and November, 1914, by the Carmarthenshire County Committee, attached to 129 Brigade, 43rd Division, and was composed at first of men recruited from Lancashire. Recruiting in Lancashire was stopped at the end of 1914, and all subsequent recruiting was carried out in Carmarthenshire and South Wales. The preliminary training of the battalion was carried out at Rhyl.  From 28 April, 1915 the Battalion became attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, part of K4. 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 5 December 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 1 July 1916. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7 July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on 10 July after the sacking of the Divisional Commander, Sir Ivor Philipps,, and by 14 July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. It was during the first attacks on the wood that Harry Montague Allen was mortally wounded. He was shot in the chest by a German sniper, and brought back by rail to the 38th Casualty Clearing Station at Heilly, in the Somme valley. Harry Allen died of his wounds on 11 July, 1916, and was laid to rest in Heilly Station Cemetery, in joint grave II.A.35. Harry is commemorated on both the Chapel and the Memorial Hall War Memorials, and also on the Memorial at nearby Lampeter Velfrey.

Vincent Allen, Private, 16474, Welsh Regiment. Vincent was born in Whitland, but had moved with his family to Gloucester before the war. He enlisted at Caerphilly into the Welsh Regiment, and became a Private in the 10th Battalion. The 10th Battalion was originally formed in the Rhondda Valley as part of K3, attached to the 25th Division. Upon the creation of the Welsh Division, they transferred to 129 Brigade, 43rd Division, and on 29 April, 1915 the Division was renumbered and the Battalion were then part of 114 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 5 December 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in the Armentières sector, and at the end of May, 1916 moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme. The 38th Division were tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood, with the first attack going in on 7 July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on 10 July and by 11 July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. Vincent was Killed in Action during the first attack on 10 July, 1916. His body was never recovered. And so he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Vincent is not commemorated on any Memorial in Whitland.

James Beynon, Private, 13097, Welsh Regiment. James was born in Robeston Wathen, the son of Alfred and Sarah Beynon, and the family later moved to Whitland, residing at Gorse Farm. James enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which formed part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division were one of the first to arrive in France, and fought during the epic retreat from Mons to the Aisne, where the German advance was stopped before moving to Ypres, where again they helped stop the Germans taking the ancient city. After a hard winter at Ypres, the Welsh fought at the Battle of Aubers, which was the first major Allied offensive of the war. James was Killed in Action here, on 3 May, 1915 aged only 20. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg-L'Avoue. James is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

George William Henry Bodman, Private, 2060, Welsh Guards. George was born in Narberth, but resided in Velfrey Road, Whitland prior to the war. George enlisted at Cardiff into the newly formed Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards were raised after the Royal Warrant on 26 February, 1915. After being formed, they became part of 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August, 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, before being brought south to the Somme in 1916. During the Somme Offensive the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and this is where George was Killed in Action on 16 September, 1916. George's body was lost on the battlefield and never recovered, and so he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. George is not commemorated on either Memorial, but is named on the Lampeter Velfrey Memorial.

John Bowen, Private, 59427, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in Llanboidy, the son of Thomas and Mary Bowen, later of Maes-y-Bryn, Clynderwen. John enlisted at Pontardulais into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who had been in France since 11 August, 1914. On 22 August they were attached to 19 Brigade and they fought in the rearguard actions from Mons toward the Aisne. On 12 October the Brigade became part of the 6th Division, who had been sent to France to reinforce the BEF on the Aisne, before moving to Flanders. On 31 May, 1915 the Battalion transferred to 27th Division, and on 2 August moved to the 2nd Division, where they took part in the Battle of Loos. After Loos the Battalion again transferred, moving to the 33rd Division, with whom they fought during the Somme Battles of 1916, The Battles of Arras in 1917, and during the Battle of Third Ypres, or Passchendaele. On 6 February, 1918 the Battalion again transferred, this time to the 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. It was with the Welsh Division that the 2nd RWF took part in the major British offensives of 1918, after the German armies had burnt themselves out with their desperate offensive of Spring, 1918. The Division fought over the old Somme Battlefield, pushing the Germans back toward the Hindenburg Line, and took part in the Battle of Havrincourt on 12 September, where John was sadly Killed in Action that day, aged only 22. He is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery. John is commemorated in the Memorial Hall, and also on the Llandysilio Memorial.

Henry George Coombs, Private, 2015, Welsh Guards. Henry was born at Bristol, the son of Frederick and Alice Coombs, and the family came to live at Whitland, at Holly Grove. Henry enlisted at Newport into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, who were raised after the Royal Warrant on 26 February, 1915. After being formed, they became part of 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August, 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, before being brought south to the Somme in 1916. During the Somme Offensive the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and at the Battle of Morval, before settling down into the defensive stage during the winter of 1916/17, when Henry was Killed in Action on 9 December, 1916. He is buried at Bronfay Farm Cemetery. Henry is not commemorated on either Memorial.

David John Davies, Private, 475279, Canadian Infantry. David was born at Whitland on 25 December, 1876, the son of Rees and Hannah Davies, of Springfield, Whitland, but had emigrated to Canada prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted on 11 September, 1915 at Montreal into the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and was soon posted overseas, as a reinforcement to the 11th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. David had arrived in Britain in the winter of 1915/16, and was stationed at Folkestone, where on 5 February, 1916 he was with a group of fellow soldiers, scrambling to board a bus, when he was knocked over, dying of severe injuries quickly after. He was 37 years old, and his body was brought back to Whitland for burial, where on 11 February, 1916 David was laid to rest at Soar Independent Chapelyard. David is not commemorated on either War Memorial.

David John Price Davies, Gunner, RMA/11928, Royal Marine Artillery. David was born at Whitland, the Son of David and Eliza Davies, later of 186, Battersea Park Road, London. David had enlisted prior to the war into the Royal Marine Artillery, and was posted aboard the Cruiser HMS Defence, part of the First Cruiser Squadron of the Royal Navy. HMS Defence had been built at Pembroke Dock, and was stationed in the Mediterranean at the outbreak of war. Upon her transfer to the First Cruiser Squadron, the Defence took part in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May, 1916, and was attacking the German Cruiser SMS Wiesbaden when she was struck by a salvo from a German Battlecruiser hidden in a bank of smoke. She blew up and sank immediately, taking down her entire crew of 903 men, including David Davies, who was 27 years old. He is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. David is not commemorated on either Memorial.

 

James Verdi Davies, Private, 13116, Welsh Regiment. James was born at Lampeter Velfrey, the Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Davies, later of Lowmead House, Whitland. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment which formed part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division were one of the first to arrive in France, and fought during the epic retreat from Mons to the Aisne, where the German advance was stopped before moving to Ypres, where again they helped stop the Germans taking the ancient city. After a hard winter at Ypres, the Welsh fought at the Battle of Aubers, which was the first major Allied offensive of the war. Here James fought alongside his friend James Beynon who he had enlisted with, and was Killed in Action just two weeks later, on 25 May, 1915. James is remembered alongside James Beynon on the Le Touret Memorial. James is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Richard Davies, Private, 34034, South Lancashire Regiment. Richard was born in Whitland, the Son of Thomas and Julia Ellen Davies, and the family moved later to The Post Office, Goodwick. Richard enlisted at Fishguard into the Welsh Regiment, with the service number 2405, but must have been wounded at sometime, resulting in his transferring into the7th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, part of 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division had arrived in France in July, 1915 and saw considerable action during the Battle of Loos, before moving to the Somme area, where it attacked and took the village of La Boiselle. After a brief rest period, they took to the line again, fighting at Pozieres, and then spending time at the Ancre, where Richard was Killed in Action on 14 November, 1916. His body was lost in the terrible conditions in the Ancre valley, and he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Richard is not commemorated on either Memorial, but is named on the Fishguard Memorial.

Evan Evans, Private, 14151, Somerset Light Infantry. Evan was born in Whitland, and enlisted at Merthyr Tydfil into the 6th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, part of 43 Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division arrived in Flanders during the Summer of 1915, fighting at Hooge on 2 June 1915 onwards, where Evan was wounded, probably during the German 'Liquid Fire' attack. He was transported back to the Field Ambulance at Vlamertinghe, where he Died of Wounds on 28 June, 1915. Evan is buried at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. Evan is not commemorated on either Memorial.

William Evans, Driver, 24474, Royal Field Artillery. William was born at Milford Haven, the son of Stephen and Anne Evans. Not much is known of Williams' ties with Whitland, but he probably worked with the GWR, and enlisted at Tonyrefail into the Royal Field Artillery, being posted to 'B' Battery, 33 Brigade, part of 8th Division. The 8th Division was a regular army unit which moved to the Western Front during September 1914. It was formed of units brought back from around the Empire, and fought at all of the major actions of the war, at Neuve Chappelle, Aubers, and Bois Grenier, before moving to take part in the Somme Offensive. It was during the Battle of Le Transloy that William was Killed in Action on 7 November, 1916 aged 34. He is buried at Pozieres British Cemetery. William is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Bertram Heil, Private, 355837, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Bertram was born in Bethnal Green, Middlesex, the Foster Son of Mrs. S. Archer, of 103, G Block, Queen's Buildings, Collinson St., Borough, London. Bertram resided in Whitland prior to the outbreak of war, and enlisted at Melton, Suffolk into the Welsh Horse Yeomanry with the service number 1159. The Welsh Horse was formed as a Welsh Cavalry unit, and fought at Gallipoli and in Palestine as a dismounted Pioneer Battalion, until 4 March, 1917 when they were formed into the 25 Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division pushed north into Palestine, and had taken Gaza before fighting in The Battle of Nabi Samweil. Bertram was Killed in Action here on 30 November, 1911 aged just 22, and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial. Bertram is not commemorated on either Memorial.

William John Howells, Captain, Welsh Regiment. William was born in White Lion Farm, Eglwys Cummin, in 1888. His Grandfather was Ben John of Brook, who William was living with before he enlisted. William was educated at Tremoilet School and Whitland Grammar Schools, before gaining a BA with Honours at Aberystwyth University. He then moved on to work in Lampeter University before the war broke out. William enlisted into the Welsh Regiment at the outbreak of hostilities, and was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment as a Lieutenant. The 8th Battalion formed at Cardiff during August 1914 as part of K.1. They were then attached to 40 Brigade, 13th Western Division.  40 Brigade assembled at Salisbury Plain along with 40th Division, and then moved to Chiseldon and Cirencester in September 1914. Toward the end of February 1915, the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On 7 June 1915, orders were received for the Division to move to the Mediterranean, then by 4 July from Alexandria to Mudros-preparing for the landing on Gallipolli. On 4 July 1915 the Division landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. From there, the Division took part in several actions, most notably The Battle of Sari Bair between 6-10 August 1915 and the Battle of Russell's Top on 7 August 1915. The Battalion War Diary for the period from 8 August 1915 shows that they had moved up to positions around Chunuk Bair, in support of the Gloucester's and the Wellington Battalion. The fighting was ferocious and the diary shows that on that one day, the 8th Welsh suffered 4 Officers and 4 Other ranks killed, 9 Officers and 154 Other Ranks wounded, and 4 Officers and 266 Other Ranks Missing in Action. One of the wounded officers was Captain William John Howells. William was evacuated from Gallipolli, but died of his wounds on 10 August 1915 aboard the Hospital Ship HMHS Valdivia. William was buried at sea, so he is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey, on Panel 140-144. William is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

George Jacobs, Lance Corporal, 12338, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. George was born at Whitland, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which formed part of the 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Battalion moved with the Division to the Med, arriving at Mudros by July 1915, before landing on Gallipoli that month. On Gallipoli the Division saw more than their fair share of fighting, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russells Top and Hill 60, before moving to Suvla Bay where they withheld the Turkish attacks on 7 January 1916. After evacuating to Egypt the Division moved to Mesopotamia, where they attempted the relief of Kut. George Died of Wounds in Mesopotamia on 26 January, 1917 and is buried at Amara War Cemetery. George is not commemorated on either Memorial.

David James, Private, 35439, Gloucestershire Regiment. David was born at Beckenham, Kent in 1882. The family later moved to Whitland, where they named their new home Beckenham House, which is situated in Market Street. David enlisted into the Army in Carmarthen, joining the Royal Engineers, with the service number 224035, but was later transferred into the 13th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. The battalion served as the Pioneer Battalion in 39th Division. The Division moved to France at the end of February and early March 1916, and on 30 June 1916 it took part in a very costly attack in the area of Richebourg l'Avoue, which is not officially recognised as a separate engagement. The Sussex Battalions in particular suffered very heavy casualties. The Division moved to the Somme in August 1916, where it fought at the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where they captured the Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained on the Somme over the winter. In 1917 the Division were at Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Pilckem, the Battle of Langemarck, the Battle of the Menin Road, the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Second Battle of Passchendaele. During the beginning of 1918 they were stationed near St. Quentin, and were one of the Divisions to be hit hard here by the German Offensive which was launched on 21 March 1918. They fought here at the Battle of St Quentin, and falling back fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings and the Battle of Rosieres. They were moved to Flanders to rest, but April was to see the Germans launch an attack here at the Lys, and the Division fought at the First Battle of Kemmel. David was killed here on 26 April 1918. He was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. He is also commemorated on the family grave at Zoar Chapel, Whitland. Many thanks to David Evans for his help with David, as I have had him confused with another man.

 

Richard Jenkins, Private, 201048, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the Son of the late William and Elizabeth Jenkins, of Llawhaden, Narberth. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Richard survived the battalion's time at Gallipoli, and moved to Egypt with them during the withdrawal from Gallipoli. After a year fighting Arab tribesmen in Egypt, the division moved into Palestine, and Richard was killed here, during the Second Battle of Gaza, on 20 April 1917. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Egypt. Richard is commemorated on the Congregational Chapel Memorial.

Joseph Johnson, Private, 29688, East Yorkshire Regiment. Joseph was the son of James Henry Johnson and Emma Johnson, and was born in London in 1889. Joseph moved to West Wales and settled in Llanddowror, marrying Mary Phillips on 25 October 1913. Joseph enlisted at Carmarthen on 11 March 1915, and joined the Army Service Corps as a driver, with the serial number T4/059339. In France, he was attached to No. 1 Section, 99th Company, 27th Reserve Park, before transferring to the Infantry joining the 1st Battalion, the East Yorkshire Regiment, who were part of 18 Brigade, 6th Division. They landed at St. Nazaire on 10 September 1914. On 26 November 1915 they became part of 64 Brigade, 21st Division at Armentieres. From June to July 1916, the 1st Battalion took part in the Battle of Albert-the opening of the Battle of the Somme. They fought through all of the major battles of the war, moving to the Ypres Salient in 1917, before returning to the Somme in 1918. It was here that the Battalion were to face the might of the 'Kaisershlacht'. On 21 March, 1918, the Battle of St. Quentin began. The Germans had reinforced their lines on the western Front with over 50 Divisions facing the British lines, and inflicted heavy casualties on the British, throwing caution to the wind and gambling on a last ditch offensive to try and win the war before the Americans could amass enough troops to make an impact on the outcome.  Joseph was killed in action aged 29, on 31 March 1918 whilst his Battalion were fighting a fierce defensive battle against the superior numbers of the German Army. It shows how chaotic and awful the conditions were, as nothing at all had been heard of him by his family, until Christmas Day 1919. Joseph's wife received a telegram from the War Office saying that he had been confirmed as killed. Joseph's body , like so many others of that terrible time, was lost, and so he is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, on panels 27 & 28. The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. Joseph left two children-Oliver Henry Johnson had been born on 2 March 1915 and Joseph Randall Johnson born on 20 July 1917. Joseph's bereaved widow Mary sadly died on 10 February 1920 after a short illness, leaving the two boys orphaned. Joseph is commemorated in the Memorial Hall, and is also remembered on the Llanddowror and Laugharne Memorials.

Clifford Jones, Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Clifford was born in Whitland, the only Son of Rev. Daniel Jones (Baptist Minister, Whitland) and Mrs. E. A. Jones, of Bodlondeb, Whitland. Clifford was an Honours Graduate of Wales and Oxon, and was commissioned into the 15th (London Welsh) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which formed part of the 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division embarked for France from Folkestone on 5 December 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held the line in the Armentières sector, and at the end of May, 1916 moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme. After surviving the Battle of Mametz Wood, Clifford moved with the Battalion to reserve in the Ypres sector, and the Division didn't fight again for almost twelve months, until they were brought into the line north of Ypres, tasked with the taking of the village and strongpoint of Pilckem. Clifford was Killed in Action three days into the Battle of Pilckem, on 2 August, 1917, aged 25. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial. Clifford is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

John Jones, Private, 23413, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in Newchurch, the son of Evan and Ellen Jones, later of Dolgellau. John resided in Whitland prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF's first action with the Division was during the actions of the St. Eloi craters, south of Ypres, during March, 1916. John was wounded during his first action, and was brought to the Base Hospital at Boulogne, where he Died of Wounds on 4 April, 1916 aged 29. He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery. John is not commemorated on either Memorial.

Thomas George Lewis, Gunner, 100593, Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas, or George as he was better known, was born in Cilfynydd. The family came to live in St. Mary Street, Whitland, and George attended Whitland Council and County Schools, before taking up a post at Lloyd's Bank n Llandovery. George was engaged to a Miss Thomas, and he enlisted at Llandovery into the Royal Garrison Artillery, being posted to their 48th Heavy Battery, part of the 3rd Brigade, R.G.A. Not much is known of where George fought except that during the spring of 1918 he was at Ypres. The German offensive of Spring 1918 had been launched on 21 March, and they turned their attentions to Flanders a month or so later. George was Killed in Action at Ypres on 30 May, 1915 and is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery. Some time later, his mother received a letter from a Welsh Chaplain who was attached to the Brigade- 'This is a great shock to you, and I hasten to convey to you personally, and on behalf of the battery to which your son was attached, our greatest sympathy. I understand that he was greatly respected, and that his loss will be felt by all…' Thomas is commemorated in the Memorial Hall, and also on the Llandovery Memorial.

Daniel Thomas, Guardsman, 6995, Guards Machine Gun Regiment. Daniel was born at Clyngarw, the Son of Rowland and Elizabeth Thomas, of Tynewydd Rhydypark, Cwmfelyn, Whitland. He enlisted into the 5th Battalion, Guards Machine Gun Regiment, part of Guards Division, which had been formed in France on  10 May, 1918 by Royal Warrant, from the four Machine Gun Battalions of the Guards Division. Daniel was hospitalised in Spring 1918 with pneumonia, and sadly died on 7 July, 1918 aged 21. He is buried at Caterham & Warlingham Burial Ground. Daniel is not commemorated on either Memorial.

Herbert Benjamin Thomas Lewis, Corporal, 16292, Northamptonshire Regiment. Herbert was born in Whitland on 22 March, 1879, the son of Robert and Mary Lewis, late of Waunfaur Farm. The family moved to Hackleton, Northampton, which is where Herbert enlisted into the 3rd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment on 31 October, 1914. He transferred into their 2nd Battalion, part of 24 Brigade, 8th Division. Herbert arrived in France on 2 March, 1915 and fought in the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, and was Killed in Action during the Battle of Aubers Ridge on 9 May, 1915 aged 37. His body was never recovered, and he is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. In a letter to Mary after the battle, Lieutenant Haldane wrote- 'I am sorry to say that details as to what happened on 9th May are very hard to get, but I do know that Herbert B T Lewis advanced with his company in the attack. They were the leading company, and he with many of his company members were caught with machine gun fire..' Herbert is not commemorated on either Memorial in Whitland.

John Lewis, Sapper, 157811, Royal Engineers. John was born at Maenclochog, and enlisted into the Royal Engineers at Llanelli, becoming a Sapper in their 254th (Tunneling) Company. The Tunneling Companies were formed with the task of attempting to break the stagnated positions on the Western Front by undermining the German positions, laying mines to blow them out of existence. They also carried out other tasks, such as digging underground shelters and dugouts near the front line, always dangerous and uncomfortable work. John was wounded at Ypres during the Battle of Passchendaele, and Died of Wounds on 22 October, 1917. He is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. John is commemorated on both Memorials.

Dan Phillips, Corporal, 40214, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Dan was born at Cilmaenllwyd, the Son of William and Anne Phillips, of Blaen Heraeth, Henllan, Whitland. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. The 10th RWF's first action with the Division was during the actions of the St. Eloi craters, south of Ypres, during March, 1916, and then they moved south to the Somme, where they took part in the opening battles of July 1916. The Division captured Longueval, then fought through Delville Wood before moving to the Ancre Valley where they spent the winter. Dan was Killed in Action after the Battle of Delville Wood, on 16 August, 1916 aged 25. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Dan is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Thomas Aston Phillips, Private, 931114, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Thomas was born at Narberth on 11 July, 1875. The family moved to Whitland prior to the war, but Thomas emigrated to Canada, working as a Rancher. On 4 April, 1916 Thomas enlisted at Fernie, British Columbia, into the CEF, and upon arriving in France was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, part of 8 (Canadian) Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The Division saw heavy fighting at Mount Sorrel, south of Ypres, during June 1916, then moved to the Somme, and fought at Flers, Thiepval, Le Transloy and the Ancre. They were in the Arras sector in 1917, and took part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, staying in the area until October 1917 when they moved to Ypres, fighting at Passchendaele village. In 1918 they moved south, taking part in the turning point of the war, the Battle of Amiens, on 8 August, 1918 and stayed on the offensive, pushing north-east toward the Scarpe and the Canal Du Nord, where they captured Bourlon Wood. Thomas was Killed in Action during this later battle, on 29 September, 1918. He was 43 years old, and is buried at Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery. His brother, William Lewis Phillips was also killed, but is not commemorated in Whitland. Thomas is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Thomas Herbert Phillips, Lance Corporal, 11217, Dorsetshire Regiment. Thomas was born at Milford Haven, the Son of the late John and Mary Phillips. The family moved to Whitland prior to the war, and Thomas enlisted at Aberavon, into the 6th Battalion, the Dorset Regiment, part of 50 Brigade, 17th Northern) Division. The Division had landed in France during July, 1915, and taken up positions south of Ypres. They fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive, taking heavy casualties during the attack on 1 July 1916, and managed to capture Fricourt. They were removed from the line to rebuild, and moved to the Arras sector, taking part in the opening stages of the 1917 Battle of Arras, fighting at the Battle of the Scarpe. Thomas was Killed in Action during the Second Battle of the Scarpe on 22 April, 1917. He is buried at Cabaret Rouge Miltary Cemetery. Thomas is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

David Pugh, Lance Corporal, 3278, South African Expeditionary Force. David was born at Velfrey Road, Whitland. Not much is known of him, but he emigrated to South Africa, possibly even staying on there after the Boer War, and he enlisted on 17 August, 1915 for service in the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force. David was sent to France, as a member of the 4th (Scottish) South African Infantry Regiment, part of the 9th (Scottish) Division, and fought during the Battle of the Somme, where David was Killed in Action on  10 July, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the missing. David is commemorated in the Memorial Hall and on the Lampeter Velfrey Memorial.

James Ranger, Private, G/53571, Middlesex Regiment. James was born at Dorking in Surrey, and was the Stepson of G. Ranger, of 105, All Saints Street, Hastings. Prior to the outbreak of war, James lived in Whitland, enlisting at Carmarthen into the 1/8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, part of 167 Brigade, 56th (London) Division. The Battalion had landed at Le Havre on 9 March, 1915, attached to the 28th Division, and fought at Ypres, before moving to the 8th Division on 23 June 1915, again in Flanders. On 9 February, 1916 they moved to the 56th Division, which took part in the Attack on Gommecourt in July 1916, as a diversionary measure to the main Somme Offensive. They remained on the Somme through 1917, moving to Arras in 1917, then to Ypres, where they fought at Langemark. They fought in the Battle of Cambrai in late 1917, and were in the Arras area when the German Spring Offensive hit, and were pushed back over the old Somme battlefields. The Division fought in the great advance of 1918, at the Canal Du Nord and at Cambrai, the pursued the retreating Germans back to the Selle and beyond. James was Killed in Action just days before the Armistice, on 7 November, 1918, aged only 21. He is buried at Hautrage Military Cemetery. James is not commemorated on either Memorial.

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

 

Evan Salmon, Private, 31203, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Evan was born at Narberth, the Son of John and Sarah Salmon, (and the brother of David above) of Lowlands, Narberth. He enlisted at Carmarthen with his brother, originally into the Royal Field Artillery, with consecutive service numbers 98763 and 98764. Both brothers then transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had served on the Western Front since 7 August, 1914, and by early 1916 were stationed on the Somme. Evan was killed in Action just a day after his brother, on 7 February, 1916 aged 23. He is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension. Evan is commemorated on the Congregational Chapel Memorial. He is also named, along with his brother David, on the St. Clears and Narberth Memorials. It must have been a terrible blow to their parents to hear of the loss of both their sons.

 

David Thomas, Sergeant, 24219, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Whitland, and enlisted at Barry into the 16th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, part of 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during late 1915 and had spent the Winter being initiated into trench warfare around the Armentieres area, before moving south in June, 1916 to take part in the Battle of the Somme. The Division were tasked with the capture of the formidable Mametz Wood, and begun their attack on 7 July 1916, suffering many casualties. One of the casualties during the initial attack was David Thomas. His body was lost in the ensuing fighting over the Wood, and so he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. David is not commemorated on either Memorial.

John Winford Thomas, Private, 29828, South Wales Borderers. John was born in Whitland, the Son of Mrs. S. Thomas, of 2, King Edward St., Whitland. He enlisted in July, 1916 at Cardiff into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were Pioneers to the 25th Division. John saw his first action near Ypres, fighting in the Battle of Messines, where they successfully took the ridge, at the side of the Ulster and New Zealand Divisions. They then moved north, taking part in the Battle of Pilckem, and remained in the area for the next two months, before moving south to the Bethune sector where John was Killed in Action on 31 October, 1917 aged only 19. He is buried in Gorre British and Indian Cemetery. John is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Levi Thomas, Private, 8226, South Wales Borderers. Levi was born in Whitland, and enlisted at Pontypridd into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The 2nd Battalion had a very interesting war to say the least. They were based in Tientsin in China at the outbreak of war, where they aided the Japanese army to force the German garrison from Tsingtao. They embarked from Hong Kong on 4 December 1914 for Plymouth. Once back on British soil, they joined 87 Brigade, 29th Division at Rugby, and this is where Thomas Jackson joined his Battalion. On 17 March 1915 they sailed from Avonmouth on the SS Canada for Alexandria, and on 25 April 1915 they landed at Gallipoli. Levi was Killed in Action during the landings on Gallipoli that Day. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial to the missing. Levi is not commemorated on either Memorial.

Willie Morris Thomas, Private, 73210, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Willie was the Son of William and Martha Thomas, of "Brynawel" Henllan Amgoed, Whitland. He enlisted at Carmarthen originally into the South Wales Borderers, but transferred into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Battalion landed at Boulogne on 19 July, 1915 and fought during the Battle of Loos, the Battle of the Somme, and the Battles of Third Ypres, gaining themselves a reputation as one of the best Divisions on the Western Front. The Division suffered heavily during the German Spring Offensive, being caught up in the German attack on the Eastern Somme sector during the First Battle of Bapaume, and Willie was Killed in Action in the area between Achiet-Le-Petit and Sailly-Au-Bois on 26 March, 1918, aged just 19. He is buried in H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein. Willie is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Idris John Williams, Private, 13924, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Idris was born at Ffynonwen, Login, the Son of David and Mary Ann Williams. The family moved to Rock House, Tumble, Llanelly. He enlisted at Tumble into the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division landed in France in September, 1915, but were sent to Salonika almost immediately, landing there by 5 November. It was in Salonika that Idris contracted typhus. He Died on 29 March, 1916 and is buried in Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery. He was only 19 years old. Idris is not commemorated on either Memorial.

Whitland War Memorial

World War Two, 1939-1945

Benjamin Stanley Davies, Fusilier, 4201888, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Benjamin was the son of Thomas and Anne Davies of Efailwen, Whitland. He served in the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battalion had suffered terribly during the German invasion of France, and the remnants were evacuated from Dunkirk. Back in the U.K., it was brought back up to strength by drafting in men from other Battalions of the R.W.F., and in 1942 they sailed to the Far East to face the Japanese invasion. After a brief stop in Cape Town they arrived in India in the Summer of 1942 and were employed in quelling the rebellion there at first. After some training in amphibious landing, the Battalion were sent to Burma, landing on Akyab Island. In March 1943 they moved to Donbaik where they had their first taste of battle against the Japanese. After suffering heavily, they managed to evade encirclement and were pulled out of Burma back to India, where they rebuilt and underwent further training. In 1944 the Japanese crossed the Chindin River in Burma, and were advancing on Imphal and Kohima. The R.W.F., as part of 6 Brigade, 2nd Division, were rushed to the area during April, where they met the Japanese head on, finally winning the battle. After that, the Japanese were on the back foot, being pushed back by the advancing British troops, and it was during this period that Benjamin was Killed in Action, on 29 September 1944 aged 30. He is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial. Benjamin is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Charles Llewellyn Davies, Sapper, 14527401, Royal Engineers. The Memorial shows a Myrddin L. Davies, but the only possible match for this is Charles Llewellyn Davies. Not much is known of him, but he died at home on 5 September, 1947 and is buried at St. Issells Cemetery. Charles is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Dalis George Davies, Pilot Officer, 48776, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Dalis was the  Son of Benjamin and Annie Davies, of Whitland. Dalis was sent to Canada to undergo Pilot training, through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. This scheme in Canada produced thousands of well trained aircrew, more than enough to keep the various air forces of the Commonwealth supplied with men throughout the course of the war, but thousands died whilst training in Canada, and one of these unfortunate men was Dalis, who died on the 8 September, 1942, aged 24. He is buried at Caron Municipal Cemetery, Ontario. Dalis is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Norman Davies, Lance Bombardier, 842041, Royal Artillery. Norman was the Son of Mrs. E. B. Davies, and stepson of Mr. W. Mansfield, of Whitland. He had enlisted into the 8th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which formed part of the 6th Division during the beginning of WW2, but were sent to the Middle East, where they were attached to the Australian forces at Mersa Matruh. In September, 1940 the Italians invaded Egypt, with the intention of taking the oil fields of North Africa, but after some initial success they met their match against the Allies, and the intervention of Germany was needed. Norman died in North Africa on 24 November, 1940. He is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery. Norman is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Thomas Eric Davies, Leading Aircraftman, 1832131, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of John Albert & Mary Davies of Narberth. Not much is known of him, but he served in the R.A.F.V.R., and died at home on 6 July, 1943 aged only 19. He is buried at Lampeter Velfrey, in Bryn Sion Congregational Chapelyard. Thomas is not commemorated on either Memorial, but is named on the Lampeter Velfrey Memorial.

Gwyn Edwards, Lieutenant, Monmouthshire Regiment. Gwyn was the Son of David Edwards, and of Asenath Mary Edwards, of Henllan-Amgoed. He had been commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, the Monmouthshire Regiment, which was a Territorial Battalion that had been mobilised at the outbreak of war. The Battalion were trained in Northern Ireland for the first two years of war, and returned to England in 1941, where it remained until June, 1944, when it was moved to France as part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Battalion moved into battle positions on 30 June, 1944 near the River Odon, and it was during this first action that day that Gwyn was Killed in Action, aged 35. He is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery. Gwyn is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Emrys Evans, Pilot Officer, 119172, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Emrys was born in Whitland, the Son of Gwilym and Anne Evans, later of Johnstown, Carmarthen. He had graduated from University with a B.Sc. from the Welsh Board of Education, but had enlisted into the R.A.F.V.R., joining 156 Squadron as an Air Gunner. 156 Squadron were formed at Alconbury in 1942 as a medium bomber squadron, flying the Vickers Wellington Mark III, and operated with No. 3 Group. Emrys was commissioned into the Squadron from Flight Sergeant on 21 March, 1942. On 30 May, 1942 a massive raid was launched by Bomber Command on Cologne. 1,047 aircraft took to the sky, amongst them was the Wellington X3598 of Emrys Evans and his crew, under the command of Pilot Officer Bain D.F.C. 898 aircraft managed to drop their deadly cargoes on the city, causing terrible fires. Emrys and his crew were intercepted and shot down over Holland on the return journey, at 00.35 on the morning of 31 May, 1942. Emrys and his five other crew-mates died in the crash, aged 25 and is buried at Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery. Emrys is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Ivor Evans, Fusilier, 4201922, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Not much is known of Ivor but he served in the 6th Battalion, R.W.F., which formed part of 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France late in June 1945, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and were part of 12 Corps fighting West of the Orne when Ivor was Killed in Action on 17 July, 1944. He is remembered on the Bayeux Memorial. Ivor is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Gordon Wreford Griffiths, Leading Aircraftman, 1315678, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Gordon was the Son of Alfred and Winifred Ann Griffiths, of Mount Pleasant, Swansea. Not much is known of him, but he died at home on the 26 October, 1941 and is buried at Goodwick Cemetery. Gordon is commemorated on both Memorials.

Reginald Allenby Douglas Griffiths, 6402909, Royal Sussex Regiment. Reginald was the Son of Dan and Margaret Griffiths, of Whitland. He served in the 4th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment. The Battalion were part of the B.E.F. in France at the outbreak of war, and were evacuated from Dunkirk after suffering heavy losses. In May 1942 the Battalion sailed to North Africa, as part of 44th Division, and landed at Suez in July, 1942, joining the 8th Army. They fought the Afrika Corps at Alan El Haifa, then joined the 10th Armoured Division. The Battle of El Alamein started on 23 October, 1942, and on 27 October the Sussex were ordered to capture Woodcock. They successfully advanced two miles into the German lines, suffering heavy casualties, one of which was Reginald, who was Killed in Action that day, aged 24. He is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery. Reginald is commemorated in the Memorial Hall, and is also on the Pendine Roll of Honour, and the Red Roses Memorial.

John Wynford Jones, Flight Sergeant, 1062633, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John served in 103 Squadron, R.A.F., which was reformed in 1936 due to the growing German threat. They were based in France at the outbreak of war, as part of the Advanced Air Strike Force, equipped with the obsolete Fairey Battle, but were withdrawn in June 1940 when the situation in France became critical. After spells at RAF Abingdon and Newton, they took up permanent residence at R.A.F. Elsham Wolds in July 1941, as part of 1 Group, Bomber Command. By now they had been re-equipped with the Vickers Wellington, and were taking part in the 1,000 bomber raids on Nazi Germany. In July 1942 they were equipped with the Halifax, but they proved to be not up to the job, and after heavy losses the squadron converted to Lancasters three months later. They squadron now took part on bombing missions over the industrial Ruhr Valley, and on 22 June, 1943 took off as part of a 557 aircraft raid on Mulheim. The town was almost completely destroyed, but John and his Lancaster must have been shot down on the return flight, as John was killed the following morning on 23 June, 1943. He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. John is commemorated on both Memorials.

William Francis Lanfear, Gunner, 3963334, Royal Artillery. William (Billy) was the Son of Thomas Francis and Elizabeth Anne Lanfear, of Whitland, and served with the 4th Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. The Maritime Regiments were used as Anti Aircraft gunners aboard Merchant Vessels such as this, and served in some of the most dangerous theatres of war, such as the Arctic, Malta and Atlantic Convoys. Billy served aboard the SS Empire Wildebeeste, which was a 5,600 ton steamship. On 24 January, 1942 the ship was taking part in one of the Atlantic Convoys (Convoy ON-53), bound from Hull to the United States. The convoy was spotted just North West of Bermuda by the German Submarine U-106, Captained by Hermann Rasch, and he fired a spread of torpedoes at the Empire Wildebeest. She sank within minutes of the torpedo strike, and only 34 men survived the sinking. They were rescued by the American Destroyer USS Lang some days later. Billy was one of the men who died when the Empire Wildebeest sank. He was just 21 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Billy is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Dyfrig George Morgan, Able Seaman, D/SSX26145, Royal Navy. Dyfrig served aboard H.M.S. Matabele, which was a 'Tribal' Class Destroyer, completed on 25 January, 1939. She served in the 6th Destroyer Flotilla, and fought during the battles of Norway in 1940, and on the Arctic Convoys in 1941 and 1942. She saw varied service, being an escort to various Commando landings, and was used for anti submarine duties, as well as convoy escort work. During January, 1942 she was nominated for escort work on Convoy PQ8 to Murmansk, and on 17 January 1942 was hit by a torpedo from the German submarine U-454 and exploded, sinking immediately. Only two men survived. Dyfrig went down with the ship that day, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. Dyfrig is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Parry Glyn Morgan, Signalman, 2334207, Royal Signal Corps. Parry was the Son of Henry David and Lilian Edith Maud Morgan, of Llanfallteg. He enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals, along with his brother Walter (below), and was transferred to Malaya Command. Parry was taken Prisoner by the Japanese in Thailand, and was marched, alongside thousands of other POW's to the POW base at Kanburi, where the men were distributed to other camps from which they would build the Burma Railway. Parry Died on 9 June, 1942 aged 23, and is buried at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, in Thailand, near Kanburi. Parry is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

 

Walter Hugh Morgan, Signalman, 2362588, Royal Signal Corps. Walter was the Son of Henry David and Lilian Edith Maude Morgan, of Llanfallteg. Not much is known of him, but he died at home on 3 January, 1940 aged just 22, and is buried at Henllan-Amgoed Congregational Chapelyard.

James Edward O'Brien, Sapper, 4208432, Royal Engineers. James, or Jimmy as he was known, served in the 1024 Docks Operating Company, Royal Engineers. The men of the Company consisted of the various trades required to operate a dockyard, crane drivers, forklift drivers, engine drivers and so on. Jimmy was possibly an engine driver with the GWR, which led to his being called up into the Royal Engineers, and he served with them in North Africa, but sadly died in Tunisia on 4  August, 1943. He is remembered on the Medjez-el-Bab Memorial, 60 km west of Tunis. Jimmy is commemorated in the Memorial Hall, and is also on the Pendine Roll of Honour and Red Roses Memorial.

Leslie George Islwyn Owen, Sergeant, 1288474, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Leslie was the Son of Hugh Vaughan Owen and Rowena Lilian Owen, of Whitland. He served in the R.A.F.V.R. , in 148 Squadron, which was formed at Scampton as a long range medium bomber unit in 1937. By March, 1939 the Squadron were armed with Vickers Wellingtons, and moved to R.A.F. Harwell, then moved to Malta in December, 1940 from where it flew valuable bombing raids over North Africa. Leslie was killed on 8 July, 1942 aged 25 and is buried at Fayid War Cemetery in a joint grave, along with his crew mates. Leslie is not commemorated on either Whitland Memorial, but is on the Pendine Roll of Honour and the Red Roses Memorial..

David Parry Thomas, Fusiliers, 4097613, Royal Welch Fusiliers. David was the Son of John and Esther Thomas, of Whitland. He served in the 1st Battalion, R.W.F., which was posted to the Far East in March 1942, serving in India and Burma. At the end of the War in the East, the RWF moved back to India on Garrison duties, and David died in India on 9 December, 1945 aged 28. He is buried in Kirkee War Cemetery. David is commemorated in the Memorial Hall.

Denzil Jonah Thomas, Leading Aircraftman, 651354, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Denzil served in 30 Squadron, R.A.F.V.R., which had originally been formed in Ismailia in 1915. Prior to the outbreak of WW2, the Squadron were in Iraq, but moved to Egypt by 1938, flying Blenheims. They flew bomber escort duties in North Africa, and moved to Greece when invasion was imminent, but when Greece fell were hurriedly evacuated to Crete, being stationed at Maleme Airfield. The Battle of Crete began on 20 May, 1941, with Junkers transport planes dropping scores of elite German Paratroopers near the airfield. Denzil was killed in the Battle of Crete on 20 May, 1941 and is remembered on the Alamein Memorial. Denzil is commemorated in the Memorial Hall, and is also on the Llanboidy Memorial.