Dear Reader,
We have written this booklet to inform you all about what
happened to some of our soldiers from Pontarddulais in
World War One!
Also, we have made this booklet to give you a chance to
remember these people and to honour what they did for
us today even though it happened over 100 years ago.
We have made this book to commemorate the centenary
of the First World War.
We hope that you read this with respect and remember
them and their great sacrifice.
A special thank you to Mr Steven John and the West
Wales War Memorial project, 2015 for the information
on the individuals.
Thanks for reading and enjoy.
Year 10 History pupils, Pontarddulais
Comprehensive school
3
John Ash, Private, G/4521,
Middlesex Regiment
John was the son of Amos and Elizabeth Ash, of Combe
Florey, Somerset. He worked for the Great Western
Railway, and was a Packer in the Engineering Department
at Pontarddulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Swansea
on 7 September 1914 into the army, and was posted to
the 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was
attached to 73 Brigade, 24th Division. The Division had
moved to France during August 1915 and marched to
positions near Loos, where they took up reserve positions
for the main Battle of Loos. They were sent into battle
on 26 September 1915 at Loos and suffered terrible
casualties due to not being properly trained for battle.
John was killed at Loos on 28 September 1915, aged 27.
He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the
Loos Memorial, France.
Francis George Banwell, Private, 20815,
Welsh Regiment
Francis was the son of Francis and Julia Banwell, of
Bungalow, Bridge Street, Pontarddulais. He had en listed
into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was
known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, under the name
of George Banwell. Francis was wounded while training,
probably at Salisbury Plain, in 1915, and returned home
after having a leg amputated. No further trace of Francis’
military service can presently be traced, but he later lived
at 15, High Street, Pontarddulais and died on the 11
November 1919, aged 24 years. He is not commemorated
by the CWGC.
4
Herbert Granvill Bebell, Acting Bombardier,
38014, Royal Field Artillery
Herbert was the son of Frederick John and Anne Bebell,
of Cardiff. After Frederick's death in 1902, Anne moved
the family back to her native Pontarddulais. Herbert
enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery, and joined the 5th
Division Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery. The
division had moved to France in August 1914, taking part
in the retreat from Mons to the Marne, before fighting at
La Bassée and Messines. They fought here through First
Ypres, and took part in the capture of Hill 60, and then
fought at Second Ypres in April 1915. Herbert died weeks
after Second Ypres, on 30 May 1915, aged 30. He is buried
at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
William George Bolch, Private, 49847,
Lancashire Fusiliers
William was born at Cwmavon, the son of George
and Mary Ann Bolch. By 1881 the family had moved to
Farmers Road, Pontarddulais, where George worked
as a Tinplate worker. Mary died in 1884, and George
remarried. William worked as a compositor for many
years, and married Jennie Fox in 1904, the couple settling
down at 26, Cromwell Road, Caversham, Reading. He
originally served with the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry,
but transferred to the 23rd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers,
which formed in France in May 1918 at Habarcq, near
Arras as 4th Provisional Garrison Battalion and joined 176
Brigade, 59th Division. On 19 June 1918 it joined 121
Brigade, 40th Division, and took part in the advance in
Flanders, and the Battle of Ypres, 1918. William was killed
during the initial stage of the advance in Flanders, on
7 August 1918, aged 41. He is buried at Outtersteene
Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
5
John Bowen, Private, 59427,
Royal Welsh Fusiliers
John Bowen was the son of Thomas and Mary Bowen, of
Maes-y-Bryn, Clynderwen. John enlisted at Pontarddulais
into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, a
Regular Army Battalion, which had served in France since
landing at Rouen on 11 August 1914. The 2nd RWF was
the battalion of the War Poets Robert Graves and
Siegfried Sassoon, and also of the author, Frank Richards,
DCM, MM. They fought during all of the major
engagements on the Western Front, and on 6 February
1918 were posted to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division.
On 12 September 1918, whilst in the midst of the Battle
of Havrincourt, during the advance on the Hindenburg
Line, John was killed in action. He was aged just 22, and
was buried in Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery,
France.
Richard James Bowen, Private, 2116,
Royal Army Medical Corps
Richard was the son of Ebenezer and Margaret Bowen,
of 1, Prospect Place, Llanedi. Very little information
can be found about him, but he served with the Royal
Army Medical Corps during the war. He died at Llanelli in
1925, aged 27. His brother, Thomas Llewellyn Bowen,
won the Military Cross while fighting in East Africa during
the war, for; ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion.
A magazine was set alight by heavy shell-fire and he
went alone to the position and succeeded in
extinguishing the fire with wet earth, thereby saving a
large quantity of ammunition.’
6
Ernest William Burridge, Private, 265775,
Welsh Regiment
Ernest was the son of William Henry Burridge and Jessie
Burridge (nee Morrish), of Crediton, Devon. He was living
with his brother Charles at Pontarddulais prior to the war,
and married Lydia Alice Maud Chandler, of 1, Wernbwll,
Hendy in the summer of 1911. Ernest worked as a Tinsman
for the Teilo Tinplate Company, and enlisted at Swansea into
the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was a Territorial
Battalion. The battalion had been in France since October
1914, and was then attached to the 1st Division as Pioneers
from October 1915. They then fought during the action at
the Hohenzollern redoubt, at Loos. In 1916 the Division
moved south to the Somme, where they fought during the
opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, and
then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval.
They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in
early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the
Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of
1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third
Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled
to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of
Passchen-daele. Ernest was wounded at Passchendaele, and
died of his wounds on 27 October 1917. He was 29 years old,
and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Albert Victor Carman, Able Seaman,
Bristol Z/468, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Albert was born on 31 December 1896, the son of
William and Elizabeth Carman, of 36, Tyn y bonau Road,
Pontarddulais. He worked as a Tinworker prior to the war,
and enlisted on 29 December 1914 into the Royal Naval
Volunteer Reserve. He was posted to Drake Battalion,
joining them at Gallipoli on 17 July 1915. Albert was
invalided to Britain suffering from conjunctivitis in October
1915, and was hospitalised at the Royal Naval Hospital
Haslar, suffering with Hypermetropic Astigmatism. It is not
known if Albert went on to serve in France, but he died
on 12 June 1920 as a result of his war service. Albert is not
commemorated by the CWGC, so his place of burial is not
known. He is not commemorated on the Pontarddulais War
Memorial.
7
Frederick Thomas Cleave, Private, 33490,
Devonshire Regiment
Frederick was the son of Joses and Emma Cleave, of
Bedminster, Somerset. He was a coal hewer prior to
working with the Great Western Railway, and was based
at Pontarddulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli
into the 10th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was
attached to 79 Brigade, 26th Division. Frederick was killed
in action on the Somme on 4 September 1916, aged 35.
He must have been attached to another battalion, as the
10th Devonshires were in Salonika at the time (or he’s
commemorated on the wrong memorial, which
does happen!). He is commemorated on the Thiepval
Memorial, France.
Walter David Dalby, MM, Driver, 84317,
Royal Field Artillery
Walter was the son of David Walter Dalby and Sarah
Hannah Dalby, of Forest Gate, London. He was a Tinplater
at Pontarddulais prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea
on 22 August 1914 into the Royal Fusiliers. Walter was
soon found to be underage, and was discharged from the
Royal Fusiliers. He then enlisted in London into the Royal
Field Artillery. Walter was posted to 'B' Battery, 98th
Brigade, RFA. He died in hospital in London on 4
July 1918, aged 19, and is buried at Woodgrange Park
Cemetery, East Ham.
8
Arthur Thomas Davies, Able Seaman,
Z/3581, Royal Navy
Arthur was born at Llandingat on 19 June 1897, the son
of John and Gwladys Davies. By 1901 the family had
moved to 3, River Terrace, Llanedi, and at some time later
moved again to Brynhyfryd House, Wernbwll Road,
Hendy. Arthur served in the Royal Navy, aboard the cargo
steamer SS Bristol City. On 16 December 1917 the Bristol
City was on voyage from Bristol to New York when she
was sunk by the German submarine U-94, with the loss of
30 lives. Arthur was just 20 years old when he died that
day, and is commemorated on Panel 24 of the Plymouth
Naval Memorial, Devon.
Daniel Davies, Private, 15915,
Welsh Regiment
Daniel was born at Pontarddulais, and enlisted at Neath
into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion
was raised as the First Rhondda Battalion, and moved to
France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th
(Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Fleurbaix
sector where it was initiated into trench warfare over the
coming months. Daniel was killed while the battalion was
in the line at La Quinq Rues on 2 April 1916. He is buried
at Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'avoue,
France.
9
George Davies, Sapper, 448501,
Royal Engineers
George was the son of Thomas Davies, of Carreglas, Cross
Hands, and the Husband of Mrs. Davies, of Glynllwchwr
Road, Pontarddulais. George had served at Gallipoli, and
had been wounded on three occasions before joining the
90th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was
attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division. The Division had
taken part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and
had fought at Arras and Ypres the following year, before
taking part in the Battle of Cambrai. In March, 1918 they
were still in the Cambrai area,and were one of the
Divisions hit there by the German Spring Offensive,
fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, and the First Battle of
Bapaume. After suffering terrible casualties the Division
were moved to Flanders to rebuild, but the Germans
launched another offensive there during April, 1918, and
the Division then took part in the Battles of the Lys, at the
Battle of Messines, the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle
of Kemmel, the Second Battle of Kemmel and then took
part in the Action of Outtersteene Ridge, and the
Advance in Flanders. George was mortally wounded
during the advance, and died at St. Omer on 1 August
1918. He is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir
Cemetery, France.
10
Nathaniel Davies, Private, 20927,
Welsh Regiment
Nathaniel was the son of Edward and Catherine Davies, of
2, Market Street, Lampeter. He was a Driver prior to the
war, and lived at 4, Factory Road, Pontarddulais.
Nathaniel enlisted at Ammanford on 10 April 1915 into
the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion would
become known as the Carmarthen Pals, and was
attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The
Division crossed to France in December 1915 and took
the line near Fleurbaix, where it trained in trench
warfare. On 9 March 1916 the 15th Welsh were in the
line at Grenadier Street, Cuinchy, when the Germans
exploded two huge mines underneath part of their
line, and then bombarded the Welsh trenches. Nathaniel
was killed during the mine explosion. He was 19 years
old, and is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner,
Cuinchy, France.
11
Samuel Mathias Davies, Private, 37569,
Welsh Regiment
Samuel was born in Cilrhedyn, the son of Benjamin
and Jane Davies. The family had moved to Llangennech
prior to the war, and Samuel enlisted at Pontarddulais
into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was
attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. On
13 June 1915 the Division sailed to Alexandria. Between
6 and 16 July 1915 the Division landed on Cape
Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and
returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the
entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and
5 August 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair,
Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Soon afterwards the
Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it
was evacuated from Suvla on 19 December 1915, when
it moved to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the
last Turkish attacks at Helles. On 8 January 1916, the
Division was evacuated from Helles, and by 31 January
was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward
posts in the Suez Canal defences. On 12 February, 1916
the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to
strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of
the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March,
the Division had assembled near Sheikh Saad and
came under orders of the Tigris Corps, and then took
part in the attempts to relieve Kut. Samuel sadly died of
sickness in Mesopotamia on 21 April 1916, aged 20,
and is buried at Amara War Cemetery.
12
Thomas Ellison, Private, 13176,
Devonshire Regiment
Thomas was born at Wigan in 1887, the son of Hugh and
Elizabeth Ellison. He worked at Pontarddulais prior to
1911, and had married Sarah Bevan in 1907. The couple
lived at Golden Grove Goppa, Pontarddulais, where their
seven children were born. Thomas enlisted at Swansea
into the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, and on 28
July 1915 the battalion landed at Havre, joining 20
Brigade, 7th Division at Calonne Sur-la-Lys. Thomas then
fought at the Battle of Loos in September 1915, and in
1916 fought on the Somme. In March 1917 they followed
up the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and took
part in Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt. The 7th
were moved into a scene of incredible ferocity at
Bullecourt, a strongly fortified village on the Hindenburg
Line, and alongside the Australians played a major role
in penetrating the village defences. Later in the year the
Division moved to Ypres, and fought at the Battle of the
Polygon Wood. They then took part in the Battle of
Broodseinde, the Battle of Poelcapelle and the Second
Battle of Passchendaele. Thomas was wounded at
Passchendaele, and died on 4 October 1917, aged 30.
He is buried at Menin Road South Military Cemetery,
Belgium. Sarah married Stanley Williams in 1918.
David Evans, Master Mercantile Marine
David was the husband of M. A. Evans, of 3, Harries
Avenue, Old Road, Llanelli. He served with the
Mercantile Marine, as Master of the SS Thornaby.
David lost his life when Thornaby struck a mine which
had been laid by a German submarine and sank in the
North Sea on 1 March 1916. He was 61 years old, and is
commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
13
David John Evans, Private, 220,
Welsh Guards
David was the son of David and Anne Evans, of 1, Sawel
Terrace, Llanedi, and later of 7, Harleyford Road, Hendy.
He served with the Glamorgan Constabulary prior to the
war, before enlisting at Llanelli into the Grenadier Guards.
David then transferred to the newly formed Welsh
Guards early in 1915. The Welsh Guards were then
attached to 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was
formed in France in August 1915, and saw its first major
action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915.
During the coming months they also fought in the
subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July,
1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they
fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the
Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs Village. They
remained here for the winter, and in March, 1917 took
part in the advance caused by the German Retreat to the
Hindenburg Line. Later that year they moved north to
Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of the Pilkem.
David was killed here on 31 July 1917. He was 24 years
old, and is buried at Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Belgium.
His brother, Trevor Lewis Evans, also fell.
David John Evans
There are two men of this name on the Pontarddulais
Memorial. This man cannot yet be positively identified,
but information sent to me from Martin Thomas shows
that he lived at Libanus Road, Hendy, the son of Michael
and Frances Evans. He was killed in France on 3 August
1915 aged 29. On that date, the only man killed was
William James Evans of Pontarddulais. Is it the same man,
as William is not listed on the Pontarddulais Memorial?
14
Llewellyn Evans, Pioneer, 62948,
Royal Engineers
Llewellyn was the son of William Henry and Helen Evans,
of Glan-yr-Afon, Pentreffynon, Skewen, and lived at
Pontarddulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Neath into
the 38th Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers,
which moved to France with the Division in December
1915. Llewellyn probably joined the Division at Ypres in
1917, and saw service there at the Battle of Pilckem
Ridge. After the successful capture of Pilckem, the 38th
Division was moved to positions near Armentieres.
Llewellyn was wounded at Armentieres in March 1918,
and died of his wounds on 26 March 1918. He was 20
years old, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery
Extension, France.
Sidney William Evans, Private, 18699,
Welsh Regiment
Sidney was born at Llandilo Talybont, the son of Thomas
and Eva Evans, of Pleasant View. The family later resided
at 20 Garn Goch Terrace, Garden Village, Gorseinon,
Swansea. Sidney enlisted at Gorseinon into the 9th
Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58
Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. Sidney landed in France
with the 9th Welsh on 18 July 1915, and the Division
moved to positions north of Loos, near Neuve-Chapelle.
The Division took part in its first major action during the
opening day of the Battle of Loos, on 25 September 1915.
The men of the 9th Welsh climbed from the trenches to
assault the German lines opposite, only to be mown
down by Machine-Gun fire, before they had moved 100
yards from their trenches. Sidney was one of over 200
casualties suffered by the 9th Welsh that day. He was
just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos
Memorial, France.
15
Trevor Lewis Evans, Trooper, 3412,
Household Cavalry
Trevor was probably the son of David and Ann Evans, of
1, Sawel Terrace, Llanedi. He enlisted at Llanelli into the
1st Life Guards, Household Cavalry. On 7 October 1914
they landed at Zeebrugge attached to the 3rd Cavalry
Division. Other than in the first two weeks when it was
used in the traditional cavalry, for mobile reconnaissance,
it fought most of the war as a dismounted force, and saw
action at First Ypres, Second Ypres, Loos and Arras.
For most of the time, it took its turn in holding various
sections of the front, while remaining prepared to
exploit breakthroughs in battle, but opportunities rarely
presented themselves. Trevor was killed near the
Hindenburg Line on 7 February 1918, aged 22. He was
buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, France.
Walter James Evans, Private, 12721,
Devonshire Regiment
Walter was the son of James and Sarah Evans, of 5,
Brynlliw Cottages, Grovesend, near Pontarddulais. He
served with the 9th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment,
which landed in France on 28 July 1915, and became
attached to 20 Brigade, 7th Division. The battalion saw
its first action during the Battle of Loos in September,
and then moved to positions on the Somme, near
Fricourt, early in 1916. Walter was wounded near Fricourt
soon after, and died of his wounds on 16 February 1916.
He was 21 years old, and is buried at Corbie Communal
Cemetery, France.
16
William Auryn Evans, Private, 39508,
Welsh Regiment
William was born in Aberdare, the son of John and Hannah Evans. The family resided at Glazier Row, Newcastle
Emlyn prior to the war, before William moved to Tyn y
Bonau, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd
Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3
Brigade, 1st Division. William joined the Battalion in 1916,
after it had taken part in the Battles of Aubers and Loos.
Again they were required for a major offensive, moving
south to the Somme, where they fought during
the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of
Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette
and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the
Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for
an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there
during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast,
the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the
Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the
Second Battle of Passchendaele where William was killed
in action on 9 November 1917, aged 19. He has no known
grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial,
Belgium.
17
William Davies Evans, Sergeant, 4190,
South African Infantry
William was born in Montgomery in 1878, the son of
George Evans, later of Tenby Cottage, Usk, and had
resided at Pontarddulais at some time, probably
marrying Alice Ellen of Pontarddulais in 1895. He was a
regular soldier, having served for eight years with the
11th Hussars, and for over five years with the 6th
Dragoon Guards, seeing service in India and during the
Boer War, before emigrating with his family to South
Africa, where he bought a farm. He re-enlisted in South
Africa in September 1915, joining the 1st South African
Infantry. William served in France with the South Africans,
and was badly wounded at Delville Wood in August 1916.
He was sent to the Base Hospital at Rouen for treatment,
and after five months recovering rejoined his unit, only to
be wounded again, returning to Rouen in November
1917, where he spent another seven months. William
then had problems with severe abscesses, probably due
to his wounds, and was invalided to South Africa, where
he could only walk with crutches, and developed a bad
cough. He was awarded a generous pension in 1921, but
must have died soon after, as his list of conditions was
pretty long, and he was still hospitalised at Port Elizabeth
in February 1921. Nothing else is known of him.
William James Evans, Private, 30738,
Welsh Regiment
William was born at Pontarddulais, and enlisted at Llanelli
into the army. He was posted to the 1st Battalion, Welsh
Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division,
and had been in France since the Battle of Mons in
August 1914. William landed in France on 22 June 1915,
and joined the battalion south of Ypres. William was killed
on 3 August 1915. He has no known grave, and is
commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial,
Belgium. William is not commemorated on the
Pontarddulais War Memorial. This is most probably the
man who is commemorated on the memorial as David
John Evans.
18
William John Evans, Private, PO/748/S,
Royal Marine Light Infantry
William was born on 26 October 1895, the son of William
and Jane Evans, of Maes-y-Brawdd, Pontarddulais. He
enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and served
with the 1st Royal Marine Battalion prior to the war. William
then transferred to the Portsmouth Division, and fought at
Gallipoli, being wounded in May 1915 and evacuated back
to Britain. He went AWOL in January 1918, but was caught
and sentenced to 60 days detention. He was then
court-martialled for another offence, and sentenced to a
year’s detention, but instead opted to embark for France on
6 August 1918, probably joining Anson Battalion, Royal
Naval Division. William was killed in action six weeks later,
on 27 September 1918, aged 22. He was buried at Sucrerie
British Cemetery, Graincourt-les-Havrincourt, France.
Frederick George Garland, Corporal, 3972,
Royal West Kent Regiment
Frederick was born at Enfield, Middlesex. He resided with
his uncle Jesse Phillips at 12, Williams Street, Pontarddulais
for several years prior to the war and married Elsie Rosina
Chandler at Pontarddulais in 1912. Frederick was probably
an army reservist, and served with the 8th Battalion, Royal
West Kent Regiment, which was attached to 72 Brigade,
24th Division. The Division moved to France during August
1915 and marched to positions near Loos, where they took
up reserve positions for the main Battle of Loos. They were
sent into battle on 26 September 1915 at Loos and suffered
terrible casualties due to not being properly trained for
battle, and were pulled from the line until the following year.
In 1916 they took part in the Battle of the Somme, and
fought at Delville Wood and Guillemont, before moving
north of Arras in early 1917. In April and May 1917 they
fought at the Battle of Vimy, alongside the Canadian Corps.
Frederick was wounded at Vimy, and died of wounds on
9 April 1917, aged 26, and is buried at Bethune Town
Cemetery, France. Frederick is not commemorated locally,
but his widow later remarried, becoming Mrs David Jones,
and resided at 2, Toll Gate House, Hendy, Pontarddulais.
19
Albert Richard Griffiths, Private, 430453,
Canadian Pioneers
Albert was born on 20 January 1890, the son of Edward
and Ruth Griffiths, of Pistyllgwyn, Pontarddulais. Albert
emigrated to Canada in 1911, and lived in British
Columbia, where he worked as a Miner. Albert enlisted
at Victoria, British Columbia on 11 March 1915 into the
Canadian Expeditionary Force, and was posted to the 3rd
Pioneer Battalion. The battalion moved to France in
January 1916 attached to the 3rd Canadian Division, and
moved to positions south of Ypres. On 2 June 1916 the
Canadians were attacked by a strong German force, in an
action which was to become known as the Battle of
Mount Sorrel. During heavy fighting, the 3rd Canadian
Pioneers were sent to dig new trenches, and to
strengthen existing defences. Albert was killed while
carrying out this vital work on 3 July 1916. He was 26
years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin
Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
David Daniel Griffiths, Private, 19886, Welsh
Regiment
David was the son of David and Elizabeth Griffiths, of
Glanyrafon Road, Pontarddulais. He enlisted there into
the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as
the Carmarthen Pals battalion. David later transferred
into the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the 2nd
Glamorgan Bantams. The battalion was attached to 119
Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division, and moved to France
during June 1916, and moved to the front near Loos. Late
in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at
the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the
winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their
shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th
Division were one of the Divisions that followed the
withdrawal. Later in the year they took part in the Battle
of Cambrai, playing an important role in the attack
on Bourlon Wood. David was taken ill at Cambrai, and
evacuated to the Base Hospital at Etretat. He died there
on 5 December 1917, aged 31, and is buried at Etretat
Churchyard Extension, France.
20
Ivor Griffiths, Private, 241790,
Welsh Regiment
Ivor was the son of Griffith and Hannah Griffiths, of
Henfaes, Glanyrafon Road, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at
Pontarddulais into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment,
which was the Pontypridd area Territorial Battalion,
attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division
moved to the Mediterranean in July 1915, and landed on
Gallipoli on 9 August. Here the Division was immediately
thrown into action, and spent the next few days in
isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counterattack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the
Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here
throughout the coming months, and suffered severe
losses in manpower strength during the great November
1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was
reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On
11 December 1915 the Division was evacuated to
Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 were moved to
Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the
next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into
Palestine, where the Welsh took part in the First Battle of
Gaza. Ivor was killed here on 26 March 1917, aged 25, and
is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Joseph Harrop Griffiths, Second Engineer,
Mercantile Marine
Joseph was the son of David Griffiths and Charlotte
Griffiths (nee Harrop), of Brondeg, Pontarddulais. He was
a steam engine builder at Bolton prior to the war and
enlisted into the Mercantile Marine. Joseph was posted
aboard the SS Daybreak, a West Hartlepool registered
ship. On 24 December 1917 Daybreak was on voyage
carrying a cargo of maize when she was sunk by a
torpedo which had been fired without warning by
a German submarine, near South Rock Lightship,
Strangford Lough, Co Down. The entire crew were lost.
Joseph was 23 years old, and is commemorated
alongside his shipmates on the Tower Hill Memorial,
London.
21
Matthew Henry Griffiths, Private, 12550,
Welsh Regiment
Matthew was the son of William John and Elizabeth Anne
Griffiths, of Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea into
the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached
to the 38th (Welsh Division as the Pioneer battalion. The
Division moved to France in December 1915, and after
being initiated into trench warfare at Fleurbaix, fought at
Mametz Wood in July 1916. It was then sent to positions
north of Ypres, at Boesinghe, where it remained for the
next twelve months, in preparation for their part in the
attack on the Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917. Matthew
was wounded during the build up to the offensive, and
died of his wounds on 24 July 1917. He was 22 years old,
and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
William John Griffiths, Private, 11200,
Welsh Regiment
William was the son of Tom and Ann Griffiths, of 6,
Highland Terrace, Pontarddulais. He served with the
2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which landed in France
in August 1914 attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The
Division had been one of the first to arrive in France,
fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the
retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped.
They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being
moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First
Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German
Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following
year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers,
before moving South to Loos, where they fought during
the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern
redoubt. William was wounded at Loos, and died on 1
October 1915, aged 22. He is buried at Lapugnoy Military
Cemetery, France.
22
John Arthur Harley, Driver, 91945,
Royal Field Artillery
John was born in Pontarddulais in 1891, the son of John
and Elizabeth Harley. By the outbreak of war the family
was residing at 15, Queen Street, Blaengarw. John
worked for the GWR and enlisted at Pontycymmer
into the Royal Field Artillery, before being posted to
France to join their 51st Anti-Aircraft Battery. John died in
Calais on 26 December 1916. He was 25 years old, and is
buried at Calais Southern Cemetery, France. John is not
commemorated on the Pontarddulais memorial.
William Harts, Private, 12621,
Welsh Regiment
William was born at Hirwaun in 1888. He married Lydia J.
Rhodes in 1905, and the couple came to live at 24,
Williams Street, Pontarddulais prior to the war.
William enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh
Regiment, which moved to France in August 1914
attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been
one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of
Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where
the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the
Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres.
Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they
again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering
in Flanders. William was killed in action at Ypres on 21
December 1914, aged 32 and is commemorated on the
Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.
23
Richard Stephen Holloway
Richard was born in 1897, the son of Stephen and Mary
Holloway, of Heol y Mynydd, Llangennech. He died at
Llanelli in 1920, but his military service cannot be traced.
Daniel Idwal Hopkins, Second Lieutenant,
South Wales Borderers
Daniel was the son of David and Mary Hopkins, of 13,
Oakfield Street, Pontarddulais. He was commissioned
into the South Wales Borderers, and was posted to France
to join the 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 87
Brigade, 29th Division. The 2nd SWB had fought in China
at the outbreak of war, then at Gallipoli. It then moved to
France in 1916, and took part in its first major action in
France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, fighting at
the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy
casualties. In the spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle
of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and
it was there that Daniel was killed on 23 April 1917, aged
27. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
24
Albert House, Private, 17938, Oxfordshire
and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Albert was the son of George and Eliza House, of
Thatcham, Berkshire. He worked as a railway platelayer
prior to the war, and in 1907 married Martha Anne
Bowen, of Railway Terrace, Ferryside. The couple resided
there for at least four years, where their children Harold
and Emily were born, before moving to Pontarddulais.
Albert enlisted at Swansea into the army, and was posted
to the 7th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Light Infantry, who were attached to 78 Brigade, 26th
Division. The Division moved to France in September
1915 and assembled around Amiens, but were sent to
Salonika in November that year, and were all in place
there by February 1916. The Division fought in the Battle
of Horseshoe Hill in August 1916, and in April and May
1917 fought in the Battle of Doiran, where Albert was
killed in action on 26 April 1917, aged 34. He is buried at
Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston. Albert is not named
on the Ferryside Memorial. His widow Martha married
Llewellyn Francis, of Pontarddulais in 1920, before
returning to Ferryside to live. She died in 1972.
25
John Thomas Howells, DCM, Sapper, 79886,
Royal Engineers
John was the son of Thomas John and Margaret Howells,
of Craig Cefn Parc, Swansea. He had originally served in
the Devonshire Regiment, before being posted to
the 177th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. The
Company formed in June 1915, and moved to
Wytschaete. In November 1915 it and moved to Railway
Wood, where it remained for two years. March 1918 saw
the Company working on construction of the Fifth Army's
Green Line near Templeux, when the German attack
struck. After this the Company was engaged in Somme
bridge demolition, and other defensive activities.
John was killed in action during the final offensive on 4
October 1918. He was 36 years old, and is buried at
Anneux British Cemetery, France. He had been awarded
the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at Mount
Sorrel, the citation in the London Gazette, published on
25 July 1916, reading; ‘For conspicuous gallantry. With a
squad of five men, after twenty-two hours' work under very
dangerous conditions, he rescued two men who had been
buried in a gallery through the explosion of enemy mine.’
Thomas Hughes, Private, 12874,
Devonshire Regiment
Thomas was the son of Thomas and Frances Hughes,
of Myrtle House, Mynyddllno, Pontarddulais. He worked
as a coal haulier prior to the war and enlisted at
Swansea into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment.
The battalion had landed in France on 6 November 1914,
attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division. They saw their first
major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and it
was there that Tom was killed on 13 March 1915. He was
22 years old, and is commemorated on the Le Touret
Memorial, France.
26
William Hughes, Private, 20750,
Welsh Regiment
William was probably the son of Thomas and Hannah
Hughes, of Sardis Cottage, Llanedi, Pontarddulais. He
enlisted at Ammanford at the outbreak of war into the
15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the
Carmarthen Pals. The battalion trained at Rhyl until the
summer of 1915 when it moved to Winchester as part of
114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. In December 1915
the Division moved to France, where it took the
line near Fleurbaix, where it was initiated into
trench warfare. In June 1916, the Division moved to
the Somme, where it captured Mametz Wood, before
being posted to positions north of Ypres, where it
remained until taking part in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge,
and the Battle of Langemarck. William was killed here on
7 September 1917, aged 36. He has no known grave,
and is commemorated on Panel 93-94 of the Tyne Cot
Memorial, Belgium.
Albert Ince, Private, 18230,
South Wales Borderers
This is the only man of this name who has a remote
connection to South Wales. Albert was the son of John
and Elizabeth Ince, of 90, Maroon Street, Stepney,
London. He was a pre-war regular, and had served with
the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers prior to the war.
Sometime afterwards, he was posted to the 1st
Battalion, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st
Division. The Division landed in France on 13 August
1914, and fought in the Battle of Mons, and the
subsequent retreat to the Marne. It then played an
important role in the First Battle of Ypres, where the
1st SWB helped stop the German attack at Gheluveld.
Involved in several major actions throughout 1915,
the Division was at Loos over the winter of 1915/16.
Albert was killed in the attempt to capture Hart’s Crater,
at Loos, on 22 February 1916. He was 28 years old, and is
buried at St. Mary's A.D.S. Cemetery, Haisnes, France.
27
Brinley Jenkins, Private, 69634,
Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Brinley was born at Llangennech, the son of Philip and
Margaret Ann Jenkins. By 1911 the family was residing at
the Bungalow, Graigfawr, Pontarddulais. Brinley enlisted
at Swansea into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers,
which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western)
Division. During July 1915 the entire Division landed on
Gallipoli, and took part in several bloody battles there.
During January 1916 the men were evacuated to Egypt,
and from there marched into Mesopotamia. It remained
here for the remainder of the war, helping to free this
ancient country from centuries of Turkish rule. Brinley
was one of many men to become ill in this inhospitable
country, and died on 15 October 1918 aged 21. He has
no known grave, and is commemorated on Face 4 of the
Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India.
John Jenkins, Stoker, 341736,
Royal Navy
John was born at Haverfordwest on 27 March 1877, the
son of David and Sarah Jenkins. He had worked as a
boilerman at Pontarddulais prior to the war, and lived
with his wife, Mary Jenkins, at Glanyrafon Road,
Pontarddulais. John served with the Royal Navy aboard
H.M.S. Ariadne. HMS Ariadne was a ship of the
Diadem-class of protected cruiser in the Royal Navy.
She had been built by J&G Thompson of Clydebank
and launched on 22 April 1898. In March 1913 she was
converted to a stokers' training ship and in 1917 was
converted to a minelayer and assigned to the Nore
Command. She was torpedoed and sunk off Beachy Head
by UC-65 on 26 July 1917. John was one of the men
killed when the Ariadne went down. He was 39 years
old. His body was washed ashore, and so John
was brought home to be buried at Rhydgoch Cemetery,
Pembrokeshire.
28
David John Jeremiah, Private, 12967,
Devonshire Regiment
David was the son of John and Mary Jeremiah, of
Morriston. After his father's death, Mary remarried, and
the family moved to Glanllwchur Cottages, Caecerrig
Road, Pontarddulais. David had enlisted at Swansea into
the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was
attached to 14 Brigade, 5th Division. The Division
had fought in most of the major battles since arriving in
France in August 1914. By mid 1917 it was at Ypres, and
David was attached to the Royal Engineers at Ypres.
He was wounded during the Battle of Langemarck,
and died of his wounds on 6 August 1917, aged 24, and
is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Albert Henry Jones, Private, 162750,
Machine Gun Corps
Albert was the son of John and Mary Jones, of 1, Lliw
Terrace, Pontlliw, Pontarddulais. He married in 1909, and
lived with his wife Selina Jones at Swansea. Albert
originally served with the King's Shropshire Light
Infantry, before transferring to the 18th Battalion,
Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 18th
(Eastern) Division. The Division had been in France since
May 1915, and had seen its first major action during the
Somme offensive in 1916, and in 1917 fought at Arras
and at Third Ypres. In 1918 the Division was stationed
south of the Somme, and was hit by the German Spring
Offensive of 21 March 1918, seeing heavy fighting. On
8 August 1918 they formed part of the force which
attacked the German positions around Villers Brettoneux,
south of the Somme Valley, during the Battle of Amiens,
and then took part in the Battle of Albert, which began
the great push by the Allies which ended the war. The
Division then took part in the drive towards the
Hindenburg Line. Albert was killed near the end of the
war, during the Battle of the Sambre, on 5 November
1918. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Premont
British Cemetery, France. Albert is not commemorated at
Pontarddulais.
29
Andrew Jones, Private, 16005,
Northumberland Fusiliers
Andrew was the son of John and Mary Jones, of 17,
Llwynmeurig Terrace, Pontarddulais. He enlisted into the
army, and was posted to France to join the 11th Battaion,
Northumberland Fusiliers, which was attached to 68
Brigade, 23rd Division, and landed in France in August
1915. Andrew was then posted to the 176th Company,
Royal Engineers. He died in France on 5 July 1916
aged 27, and is buried at Barlin Communal Cemetery
Extension, France. Andrew is not commemorated on
the Pontarddulais Memorial.
David John Jones, Private, 29045,
South Wales Borderers
David was the son of Evan and Rachel Jones, of Allt y
Coed House, Bolgoed Street, Pontarddulais. He enlisted
at Ammanford into the South Wales Borderers, and
served with the 3rd Battalion on Home Service.
David took ill and died on 28 January 1917, aged 33,
and is buried at Pontarddulais (St. Teilo) Churchyard,
Wales. Many thanks to Bev Lewis, of Swansea, for the
photograph.
30
David Noel Jones, Private, 2009,
Welsh Regiment
David was born at Cwmhir, Radnorshire, the son of John
George and Matilda Jones. He resided at Pontarddulais
prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea into the 1/6th
Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion landed in
France on 29 October 1914, and moved to work on
Lines of Communication around Calais. On 5 July 1915 it
became attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division, and on
23 October 1915 transferred to 3 Brigade, 1st Division.
The Division was at Loos, and it was here on 22
November 1915 that David was killed. He was 25 years
old and is buried at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, France.
David is not commemorated on the Pontarddulais
War Memorial.
Ernest Jones, Stoker, 3794S,
Royal Navy
Ernest was born at Pontarddulais on 25 June 1896, the
son of William and Mary Ann Jones. The family later
resided at Maes-Yr-Haf, Bradford Street, Llanelli. Ernest
served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Defence.
Defence was a Minotaur Class armoured cruiser, and had
been built at Pembroke Dockyards. She saw extensive
service around the world, and became the flagship of
Rear Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, leading the First
Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916.
Defence was blown apart by German gunfire at Jutland
on 31 May 1916, and sank with the loss of all hands.
Ernest was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Ernest is not
commemorated on the Pontarddulais War Memorial,
but is commemorated on his parents’ grave at Llanelli.
31
Griffith Elphin Jones, Cadet,
Mercantile Marine
Griffith was born in 1901, the son of Griffith and
Catherine Jones, of Capel Newydd, Hendy, Pontarddulais.
He joined the Mercantile Marine as a Cadet, and served
aboard the Elder-Dempster Line Steamship RMS Burutu.
On 3 October 1918, Burutu was sailing through St.
George's Channel, on voyage from Lagos, W. Africa to
Liverpool with a general cargo, and tin ingots. In poor
conditions, she was struck midships by the Glasgow
registered S.S. City of Calcutta, and sunk in minutes with
the loss of 150 lives. Griffith was just 17 years old when he
died that day, but because the ship was not a war loss,
he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War
Graves Commission. Many thanks to Martin Thomas for
helping to identify Griffith.
Idris Jones, Private, 12752,
Devonshire Regiment
Idris was born at Pontarddulais, probably the son of
Morgan and Sarah Jones, of Ashgrove House, Tyn-ybonau, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea into
the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. At the outbreak
of war the battalion was in Cairo, Egypt. It returned to
England on 1 October 1914 and became attached to 23
Brigade, 8th Division, and landed in France on 6
November 1914. They saw their first major action at the
Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of
Aubers. Idris was killed at Aubers on 9 May 1915, aged
23, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial,
Belgium.
32
Isaac George Jones, Private, 29097,
South Wales Borderers
Isaac was the son of William and Helen Jones, of
Pontarddulais. He served with the South Wales
Borderers, before being transferred to the 300th Reserve
Company, Labour Corps. Isaac died on active service
on 20 June 1917. He was 41 years old, and is buried at
Pontarddulais (St. Teilo) Churchyard, Wales.
John Haydn Jones, Driver, 25807,
Royal Engineers
John was born at Llandeilo Talybont, the son of James
and Catherine Jones. His parents later resided at
Brynarllwyn, Belgrave Road, Loughor. John enlisted at
Llanelli into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to
France on 7 October 1914 to join the 8th Signal Troop.
He was killed in Flanders on 29 April 1915, aged 19. John
is buried at Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France.
Matthew George Jones, Trimmer, 2677ST,
Royal Navy
Matthew was born on 24 February 1897, the son of
Tho-mas and Elizabeth Jones, of Harddfan Harleyford
Road, Hendy. He was one of two men from Hendy who
served in the Royal Navy aboard HMPMS Ascot, the first
Paddle Minesweeper to be built for the Royal Navy. On
10 November 1918 Ascot was on minesweeping duties
off the Farne Islands when she was torpedoed and sunk
by the German submarine UB67. Ascot became the last
Royal Naval ship to be lost during the Great War. Matthew
was 21 years old when he died during the sinking, and
is commemorated on Panel 29 of the Plymouth Naval
Memorial, Devon.
33
Richard Alun Jones, Second Lieutenant,
Tank Corps
Richard was the son of Reverend Griffith and Catherine
Jones, of Capel Newydd, Hendy, Pontarddulais. He
initially volunteered to serve with the Montgomeryshire
Yeomanry, before being commissioned on 6 March 1917
into the Heavy Branch, Machine Gun Corps. On 28 July
1917 the Heavy Branch was separated from the rest of
the Machine Gun Corps to form the Tank Corps. The
newly formed Corps saw action during the Battle of
Passchendaele, where the tanks proved incapable of
moving across the sodden ground. The tank would prove
its worth towards the end of the year, when they were
used en masse to break the Hindenburg Line, during the
Battle of Cambrai. Richard was in command of Tank
D41 ‘Demon II’, part of 'D' Battalion, Tank Corps. On 20
November 1917, ‘D’ Battalion was attacking toward
Flesquieres when a shell made a direct hit on D41,
instantly killing all her crew. Richard was 20 years old,
and was buried in Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery,
France, in Grave VIII. E. 10. His brother Griffith was lost at
sea in 1918. The fascinating fact about this is that a
Tank has recently been recovered off the Flesquieres
Battlefield, which was at first thought to be D41. The
tank has since been identified as D47, and is now on
display in Flesquieres.
William John Jones, Private, 12754,
Devonshire Regiment
William was the son of David and Mary Jones of
Pontarddulais. He had enlisted at Swansea into the
2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. At the outbreak
of war the battalion was in Cairo, Egypt. It returned
to England on 1 October 1914 and became attached to
23 Brigade, 8th Division, and landed in France on 6
November 1914. They saw their first major action at the
Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and it was there that William
was killed, on 11 March 1915. He was 19 years old, and is
commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg
L'Avoue, France.
34
William Jones, Private, 53295,
Cheshire Regiment
William was the son of William and Mary Jones of
Felinfoel House, Coed Bach, Pontarddulais. He originally
enlisted at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment
on 14 July 1899, and had served for about twelve years
with the colours prior to being discharged to the army
reserve in 1911, seeing active service in South Africa
during the Boer War and in India. He rejoined the army
after the outbreak of war and was posted to France in
November 1914, joining the 2nd Battalion, Welsh
Regiment. He served with the battalion until being
posted to the 1st Welsh, serving in Salonika before being
transferred to the 14th Welsh, which was in France
attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. He came
home on leave in September 1917 and when he went
back to France was posted to the 11th Battalion, Cheshire
Regiment, which was attached to 7 Brigade, 25th
Division. The Division had been hit hard during the
German offensive of 21 March 1918, before moving to
Flanders on the night of 30 March, taking up positions at
Ploegsteert again, where they received reinforcements,
and rebuilt. This is when William joined his new unit.
Unfortunately the Division was caught up in a fresh
German offensive, and it was during the opening of the
Battle of the Lys that William was killed on 8 April 1918.
He was 42 years old, and is commemorated on the
Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
35
George William Kimber, Sapper, 256656,
Royal Engineers
George was the son of John and Susan Kimber, of
Caversham, Oxfordshire. George and his wife Florence
Maud Kimber resided with his brother John Kimber
at 10, Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais prior to the war,
and George worked for the Great Western Railway. He
enlisted at Reading into the Ox and Bucks Light
Infantry, before transferring to the 264th Railway
Company, Royal Engineers. George was wounded during
the Battle of Passchendaele, and died of his wounds on
23 July 1917, aged 27. He is buried at Lijssenthoek
Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Thomas Lewis
This man cannot be positively identified, but is possibly
John Thomas Lewis, Private, 184898, Machine Gun
Corps. Thomas was born in 1899, the son of John and
Sarah Lewis, of Ddolbren Forest, Pontarddulais. He
enlisted at Carmarthen in October 1918 into the
Training Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. Thomas was
training at Rugeley when peace was declared, and he
was demobilised from the army on 3 February
1919. Nothing further is known of him.
36
David Matthews, Private, 12963,
Devonshire Regiment
David was the son of David and Ann Matthews, of Craif
Fawr, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd
Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. At the outbreak of war
the battalion was in Cairo, Egypt. It returned to England
on 1 October 1914 and became attached to 23 Brigade,
8th Division, and landed in France on 6 November 1914.
They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve
Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They then
saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier, before
moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the
Battle of Albert. David was killed on the first day of the
Battle of Albert, on 1 July 1916. He was 26 years old, and
is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
William McDonald, Private, 594,
Connaught Rangers
William was born at Clifden, Co. Galway, and resided at
Pontarddulais prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into
the army, joining the 5th Battalion, Connaught Rangers,
which was attached to 29 Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division.
On 27 June the Division received orders to prepare for
service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on
9 July. By the end of the month most units had
assembled on Lemnos, and between 6 and 7 August
1915 landed on Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, less the 29th
Brigade, which went to ANZAC Cove. The main body
made an attack on Chocolate Hill on 7 and 8 August.
Parts of 29th Brigade took part in actions on Sari Bair
between 6 and 10 August, and Hill 60 later that
month, and it was here that William was killed on 23
August 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles
Memorial, Gallipoli.
37
David Llewellyn Morgan, Private, 50300,
Welsh Regiment
David was the son of John and Margaret Morgan, of
Thistle Villa, Alltiago Road, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at
Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The 2nd
Welsh was moved to France at the outbreak of war,
attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, and took part in the
retreat from Mons to the Marne, before moving to Ypres,
where they fought at First and Second Ypres. The
following year saw them in action again at the Battle of
Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought
during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the
Hohenzollern redoubt. Again they were required for a
major offensive, moving south to the Somme, where
they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive
at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres,
Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German
retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were
then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and
moved there during the summer of 1917. While training
on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in
the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where
they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele.
David was killed at Passchendaele on 9 November 1917,
aged 24. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot
Memorial, Belgium.
38
George Mayberry Morgan, Gunner, 95069,
Royal Field Artillery
George was born in Middlesex in 1895, the son of
Enoch Mayberry Morgan and Bertha Morgan. His father
had served in the army for several years prior to
becoming a Policeman, and the family later moved to the
Police Station, Maentwrog, Merionethshire. George was
residing at Pontarddulais prior to the war, and enlisted at
Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to
France, landing on 1 June 1915, and joined B Battery,
63rd Brigade, RFA, which was attached to the 12th
(Eastern) Division. George fought with the Division at
Loos in September that year, and the following year
fought at the Somme. In 1917 the Division fought at Arras
and Cambrai, and returned to the Somme in 1918 where
it again saw much fighting. On 4 September 1918 the
Division relieved 18th (Eastern) Division east of the
Canal du Nord and just south of Manancourt, for an
attack on Nurlu, and it was here that George was killed
on 5 September 1918. He was 23 years old, and is buried
at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, France.
39
William Morris, Corporal, 20749,
Welsh Regiment
William was born at Rhosamman, and worked as a
Cobbler at Pontarddulais prior to the war. He enlisted at
Ammanford into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment,
which was known as the Carmarthen Pals, and was
attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The
Division crossed to France in December 1915, and moved
to Fleurbaix for trench initiation. In June 1916 the Welsh
marched to the Somme, and took part in the attack on
Mametz Wood. After capturing Mametz Wood, the Welsh
Division was posted to positions north of Ypres, at
Boesinghe, where it was to remain for the coming twelve
months. William was wounded at Boesinghe, and died
of his wounds on 27 February 1917. He is buried at
Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
David John Owen, Private, 7606,
Devonshire Regiment
David was the son of Mrs. Harris, of Arasfan, Loughor
Road, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea into the 2nd
Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which moved to France
on 6 November 1914 attached to 23 Brigade, 8th
Division. They saw their first major action at the Battle of
Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They
then saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier,
before moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought
at the Battle of Albert. David was killed on the Somme on
18 July 1916. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated
on the Loos Memorial, France.
40
George Palmer, Driver, 92455,
Royal Field Artillery
George was the son of William and Mary Palmer, of 1,
Green Terrace, Hendy, and enlisted at Swansea into the
Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to ‘B’ Battery,
69th Brigade, which was attached to the 13th (Western)
Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division
concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On 7 June
1915 orders were received to prepare to move to the
Mediterranean. On 13 June 1915 the first transports
carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria.
By 4 July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for
landing on Gallipoli. Between 6 and 16 July 1915 the
Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved
the 29th Division. George was killed soon after landing,
on 26 July 1915. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Ari
Burnu Cemetery, ANZAC, Gallipoli.
William John Parry, Gunner, 254,
Royal Garrison Artillery
William was born at Tonna on 23 August 1894, the son of
Thomas and Hannah Parry, of 9, New Road, Cilfrew. He
was a Tinworker at Pontarddulais prior to the war, living
with his brother Thomas David Parry at 12 Cambrian
Place by 1914 and attended Tabernacle Baptist Church.
William enlisted on 29 May 1915 into the Royal Garrison
Artillery, and spent seven weeks in hospital after being
kicked by a horse while training at Woolwich. He went to
France on 30 March 1916, and joined the 2nd Brigade
Ammunition Column. William was not at the front long,
as he was wounded in action on 3 April 1916, and died of
his wounds on 27 April 1916, aged 21. He is buried at
Merville Communal Cemetery, France.
41
Charles William Morris Perks, Private,
200924, Welsh Regiment
William was the son of Charles Rees Perks and Elizabeth
Perks, of Llandeilo. He married Blodwen Ethel Anthony,
of 1, Pleasant Villas, Glynhir, Pontarddulais while on leave
in 1916. William enlisted at Llandeilo into the 1/4th
Battalion, Welsh Regiment. On 17 April 1915 it was
attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd Division, and in July 1915,
was shipped to Egypt, prior to landing at Suvla, Gallipoli
on 8 August 1915. They remained here throughout a
terrible campaign, which resulted in one stage of the
Battalion being temporarily merged with the 1/5th
Welsh due to the awful casualties suffered by both. In
December, 1915 they were evacuated to Egypt, where
the rebuilding of the Battalions began. The Division
remained in Egypt until early 1917, guarding the Suez
Canal. Early in 1917 the Division invaded Palestine, and
fought through the three Battles of Gaza, and moved
towards Jerusalem, where William was Killed in Action on
3 November 1917, aged 23. He is buried in Beersheba
War Cemetery, Israel. Many thanks to Avril Marks for the
photograph.
Bamford Peters, Private, 47331,
Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Bamford was born at Briton Ferry in 1874, the son of
James and Sarah Peters. By 1905 he was living with
his wife Charlotte Peters, and their son Bamford, at 11
Cambrian Place Pontarddulais, and by the start of the war
the couple had moved to 2, Toll-Gate House, Hendy,
Pontarddulais. Bamford had originally served with the
17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, but was later transferred
into the 4th Garrison Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers,
probably due to his age. Bam-ford died in France on 10
March 1917. He was 42 years old, and is buried at
Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Bamford is not
commemorated at Pontarddulais.
42
David Emrys Peters, Gunner, 114164,
Royal Garrison Artillery
David was the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Peters, of 4,
Coedsaeson Crescent, Sketty, and the husband of
Elizabeth Peters of Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea
into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to
France to join the 185th Siege Battery. David was
killed during the build up to the Battle of Passchendaele
on 5 July 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at
Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Thomas Henry Phillips, Gunner, 3187,
Royal Field Artillery
Thomas was the son of William and Mary Phillips, of
Bryngwili Road, Hendy. He married Annie Williams on 11
April 1914, and the couple had a son, William David
Phillips. Thomas worked as a miner at the Graigola
Colliery, and enlisted at Pontypridd into the Royal Field
Artillery. He was posted to the 122nd Brigade, Royal
Field Artillery, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh)
Division. The Division had landed in France during
December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the
trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south
to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture
of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7
July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until 14
July to totally clear the wood. The Division suffered
terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the
line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Here they fought at
the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, and it was here that Thomas
was wounded during the opening day of the Battle, on
31 July 1917. He died later that day of his wounds,
aged 23, and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery,
Belgium, in Grave II.H.16.
43
James Price, Stoker, 2678ST,
Royal Naval Reserve
James was born on 27 February 1897, the son of John
and Eleanor Price, of Harleyford Road, Hendy. He served
in the Royal Navy, as one of two men from Llanedi,
aboard HMPMS Ascot, the first Paddle Minesweeper to
be built for the Royal Navy. On 10 November 1918 Ascot
was on minesweeping duties off the Farne Islands when
she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine
UB67. Ascot became the last Royal Naval ship to be lost
during the Great War. James was 21 years old when he
died during the sinking, and is commemorated on Panel
29 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Frederick Purchase, Private, 13039,
Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry
Frederick was born at Weymouth, Dorset in 1886, and
was the Husband of Hannah Purchase, of 3, Grove
Terrace, Glanyrafon Road, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at
Swansea into the army, and was posted to the 7th
Battalion, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, which was
attached to 78 Brigade, 26th Division. On 21
September 1915 the battalion landed at Boulogne, but
moved to Salonika in November 1915. Frederick was
killed in Salonika on 17 August 1918. He was 33 years old,
and is buried at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece.
44
Walter Rees, Private, 1457,
Welsh Guards
Walter was the son of David and Ann Rees, of 4, Bryn Row,
Pontarddulais. He was married and resided at Haverfordwest
prior to the war. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh
Guards, which was attached to the 3rd Guards Brigade,
Guards Division. This Division has the distinction of being
formed in France in August 1915. The various Guards units
that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be
brought together to create this fine formation. It remained
on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first
major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September
1915, remaining in the area during the coming months,
where they also fought in the subsequent Action of
Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved
to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of
Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing
Lesboeufs Village. Walter was wounded at Flers, and
evacuated to the Base Hospital at Boulogne, where he died
of his wounds on 6 August 1916, aged 36. Walter is buried
there, at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
David Richards, Corporal, 25551,
Welsh Regiment
David was born at Mardy, and resided at 2 Bridge Street,
Pontarddulais prior to the war. He married Elizabeth Anne
John of 23 Hope Street, Pontarddulais in 1910, and the
couple had four children, Mary Hannah, Morwen, Annie and
Glyn. David served with the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment,
which was known as the Glamorgan Pioneers, and was
attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in
France in December 1915, moving to the Nursery Sector
near Fleurbaix. After several months training and gaining
experience in this quieter sector, the Division moved to the
Somme in June 1916, taking part in the capture of Mametz
Wood, before being relieved and moving to Ypres. Here the
Welshmen were posted to the Boesinghe sector, where they
prepared for their part in the forthcoming Third Battle of
Ypres. David was killed in action during the build up to the
offensive, on 28 July 1917. He was 27 years old, and is buried
at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Many thanks to Martin
Thomas for helping to identify David.
45
Benjamin Richardson, Private, G/63802,
Middlesex Regiment
Benjamin was the son of Mrs. Isabella A. Roberts, of 171,
Howard Street, Iffley Road, Oxford. He resided at
Pontarddulais prior to the war. Benjamin enlisted at
Cardiff into the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, and was
transferred to the 19th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment,
which was attached to 41st Division as Pioneer Battalion,
which moved to France on 2 May 1916. In November
1917 the Division moved to Italy but returned to France
in March 1918. It then faced the German Spring
Offensive of 21 March 1918, and saw heavy fighting over
the coming days, before being withdrawn, and sent
north to Flanders where it held a sector near Ypres that
was, for once, relatively quiet. Benjamin was killed in
France on 22 August 1918. He was 22 years old, and is
commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.
Bertie Roberts, Private, 401105,
Manchester Regiment
Bertie was born at Pontarddulais. He resided at Bootle,
Lancashire prior to the war, but returned to Swansea
to enlist into the South Wales Borderers. Bertie was
transferred to the 1/6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment
in 1918, which was attached to 127 Brigade, 42nd (East
Lancashire) Division. The Division had faced the German
Spring Offensive on the Somme from 21 March 1918,
and suffered heavy casualties. The offensive stalled for
several months, until an Australian victory at Villers
Brettoneux on 8 August saw the tide of war turn. The
British attacked the German lines on the Somme on 21
August, with the 42nd Division in the line, and began the
great offensive that was eventually to end the war. Bertie
was killed on 27 September 1918, and is buried at
Ribecourt Road Cemetery, Trescault, France. Bertie is not
commemorated on the Pontarddulais War Memorial.
46
Richard Harry Sampson, Lieutenant,
Welsh Regiment
Richard was the son of Richard Harry and Eliza Louisa
Sampson, of Pontarddulais. He was commissioned on 23
June 1915 and was posted to the 15th Battalion, Welsh
Regiment on 23 July 1916, joining the battalion after they
had taken part in the attack on Mametz Wood, where it
was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. He
then fought with the battalion during the following
twelve months at Ypres, and saw action at Pilckem Ridge.
On 26 February 1918 he was posted to the Headquarters
Staff of the 38th Division, and sadly became ill during the
final weeks of the war, dying of pneumonia at the Base
Hospital at Etaples on 29 October 1918, aged 27. Richard
is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France, in Grave
XLVIII. C. 5.
Charles Sandford, Private, 37826,
Gloucestershire Regiment
Charles cannot be positively identified, as no-one of this
name can be linked to Pontarddulais, but he may be this
man. Charles was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth
Sandford, of 4, Providence Place, Tewkesbury. He was a
watchmaker prior to the war and enlisted at Gloucester
into the Gloucester Regiment. He was later posted to
France in 1916, joining the 12th (Bristol) Battalion,
Gloucester Regiment, which was attached to 95 Brigade,
5th Division. March 1916 saw the Division moving to
positions between St. Laurent-Blangy and Vimy, near
Arras, and the Division saw plenty of action during its
spell here. On 1 July 1916 the Battle of the Somme
opened, and the Division moved south fighting at High
Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le
Transloy. On 5 October, after suffering heavy casualties,
the Division moved to Festubert, where it remained until
March 1917. It next saw action at the Battle of Arras,
fighting at the Battle of Vimy in April 1917, and the attack
on La Coulette. Charles was killed at Arras on 22
April 1917, aged 26. He has no known grave, and is
commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.
47
George William Sloper, Private, 17789,
Welsh Regiment
George was the son of George and Laura Sloper, of 54,
Ashley Down Road, Horfield, Bristol. He resided at
Pontarddulais prior to the war, and enlisted at Swansea
into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was
known as the Swansea Pals. The battalion moved to
France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th
(Welsh) Division, and moved to positions at Fleurbaix.
George was killed at Fleurbaix on 27 January 1916, aged
20. He is buried at St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery,
Richebourg-L'avoue, France.
Edwin Edward Smith, Sergeant, 558038,
Royal Engineers
Edwin was the son of George and Clara Smith, of 21,
Moring Road, Tooting, London. Edwin worked with the
GPO prior to enlist into the Royal Engineers in March
1914. At the outbreak of war Edwin was posted to the
29th Divisional Signal Company. The Division fought at
Gallipoli, landing on 25 April 1915, and remained here
until evacuation 11 January 1916. It moved to the
Western Front on 15 March 1915, and saw its first major
action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and
fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering
heavy casualties. In the Spring of 1917 they fought at
the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras
Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres.
Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then
at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood,
Broodseinde and Poelcappelle, before moving to
Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai in
November and December 1917. Edwin was killed at
Cambrai on 30 November 1917. He was 37 years old, and
is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.
48
Joseph Henry Smith, Private, 12479,
Somerset Light Infantry
Joseph was the son of Thomas and Sarah Smith, of
Wem, Shropshire. He lodged with George Baylis at
Pontarddulais prior to the war, working as a labourer.
Joseph enlisted at Llanelli into the army, and was posted
to the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, which was
attached to 11 Brigade, 4th Division. The division was one
of the first to move to France, arriving just in time to join
the hard-pressed Divisions of II Corps at The Battle of Le
Cateau. They then took part in the epic retreat to the
Marne, where the German Offensive was halted, and in
the advance to the Aisne. The Division was then moved
north to Flanders, and took part in the Battle of Messines,
where Units of 4th Division took part in the famous
Christmas Truce while they were still in this area, in
trenches near Ploegsteert Wood. In 1915 the Division
fought at the Second Battle of Ypres, and it was here that
Joseph was killed on 11 June 1915, aged 28. He is
commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial,
Belgium.
49
David Cuthbert Thomas, Second Lieutenant,
Royal Welsh Fusiliers
David was the son of Reverend Evan and Ethelinda
Thomas, of Llanedi Rectory, Pontarddulais. He was
commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh
Fusiliers, and after training was posted to the 1st RWF,
which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. By early
1916 the Division was in position at the Citadel, near
Fricourt, on the Somme. On 18 March 1916, David was in
charge of a working party, which was repairing wire
emplacements in No Man’s Land when he was shot in the
throat. He walked to the First Aid Post for treatment, but
began choking and died shortly afterwards. He was 20
years old, and is buried at Point 110 New Military
Cemetery, Fricourt, France, in Grave D. 3. David was a
close friend of the famed war poets, Siegfried Sassoon
and Robert Graves. His death left Sassoon especially very
angry towards the Germans; an anger which led to his
earning the Military Cross after a series of rash excursions
into German territory. Robert Graves wrote a poem
in memory of David, entitled 'Not Dead', and David is
mentioned in several poems and biographies written by
both men, under the pseudonym of Dick Tiltwood in one.
It was largely David's death that famously soured
Sassoon's attitude towards the war.
50
James Edward Stallard Thomas, Private,
M/305649, Royal Army Service Corps
James was the son of David and Maria Martha Thomas,
of Factory Road, Pontarddulais. He worked as a Black
smiths Striker prior to the war, at the Post Office
Telephone Factory at Pontarddulais. He enlisted on 6
June 1916 into the Army Service Corps, and remained on
Home Service. James became ill, and died at the Military
Hospital at Aldershot on 27 February 1918. He was 21
years old and is buried at Rhydgoch Cemetery, Wales.
Stanley Thomas, Private, 14716,
South Lancashire Regiment.
Stanley was the son of David and S. Thomas of 11,
Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea
on 8 September 1914 into the South Lancashire
Regiment, and was posted to France on 28 September
1915 with the 8th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment,
which was attached to 75 Brigade, 25th Division. The
Division moved to the Vimy area, where they defended
Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916. They
then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on 3 July
near Thiepval, remaining on the Somme for the duration
of the Battle of the Somme. Stanley was killed on the
Somme on 1 October 1916. He was 19 years old and is
commemorated on the Thiep-val Memorial, France. There
was some confusion after his death, as he was initially
reported as wounded and missing, and was reported
to have been in hospital in England. Stanley is not
commemorated on the Pontarddulais memorial.
51
Thomas Edward Thomas, Rifleman, 9867,
Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own)
Edward was born at Pontarddulais in 1883, and became
a Tinworker before enlisting into the Rifle Brigade on 5
May 1903. He married Susannah Mary Hopkins, of 16,
Charles Street, Briton Ferry, on 6 March 1909, and the
couple had five children. Edward served from 1903 until
the outbreak of the Great War, when he was serving in
Ireland with the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, as part of 17
Brigade, 6th Division. On 12 September 1914 the Division
landed at St. Nazaire, and moved to Flanders. Edward
was killed just over a month after landing in France, on 23
October 1914. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Y
Farm Military Cemetery, Bois-Grenier, France. Edward is
not commemorated on the Pontarddulais memorial.
Frederick Wall, Sergeant, 52612,
Cheshire Regiment
Frederick was the son of Charles and Mary Wall, of Much
Wenlock, Shropshire. He married Rhoda Kate Archer at
Bridgenorth in June 1903, before moving to 4, New Road,
Grove End, Pontarddulais, where Frederick worked as a
for forester. Frederick enlisted there in February 1915 into
the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the
Carmarthen Pals battalion, and landed in France with
the battalion on 2 December 1915. Frederick survived
the fighting at Mametz Wood in July 1916, and in
September was transferred into the 1/7th Battalion,
Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to 102 Brigade,
34th Division. Frederick was killed during the Advance in
Flanders, on 14 October 1918. He was 37 years old, and is
buried at Hooge Crater Cemetery,
52
James Samuel Trow, Private, 612319,
London Regiment
James was the son of James and Sarah Trow, of
Pontarddulais. His father had died in 1893, and his
mother remarried George William Lowe in 1899. James
married Mary E. Owen at Pontypridd in 1915. He
enlisted at Pentre into the Army, first serving with
the King's Royal Rifle Corps before being transferred
into the 1/19th Battalion, London Regiment. The
battalion was formed in August 1914 at 76 High
Street, Camden Town., becoming part of 141 Brigade,
47th (2nd London) Division, and moved to France in
March 1915. The Division fought at the Battles of
Aubers, and Festubert during May 1915 and in
September fought at the Battle of Loos. During the
summer of 1916 the Division fought at the Battle of
Flers-Courcelette, and then the Battle of Le Transloy,
where the Division captured Eaucourt l'Abbe, and
took part in Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt.
Early in 1917 the Division moved north to Belgium,
and took part in the Battle of Messines, and then in
November 1917 fought at the Battle of Cambrai.
James was wounded at Cambrai, and died in hospital on
4 December 1917, aged 24. He is buried at Abbeville
Communal Cemetery Extension, France. For information,
the memorial names James Edward Trow, but the
only man of this name that can be traced was a
Railway Platelayer, from Walsall, who was 33 years old at
the outbreak of war. He either served with the
Royal Welsh Fusiliers, or the Army Service Corps, and
survived the war.
53
Albert Edward Ward, Private, 235597,
Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Albert was the son of William and Sarah Ann Ward, of The
Cottage, Pontarddulais. He married Florence Ellis in 1914,
and the couple had two sons, William and Albert. Albert
originally served with the South Wales Borderers, before
being posted to the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers,
which was part of 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division.
Albert probably joined the battalion on the Somme in
1918, and took part in the great advance over the old
Somme battlefields. He was killed in action at the Forest
of Mormal on 4 November 1918, aged 33, and is buried at
Englefontaine British Cemetery, France.
Charles Webb, Sapper, 125214,
Royal Engineers
Charles was born in 1895. He worked as a Coalminer, and
lived at 7, Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais with Emily
Yelling (possibly Yelland). He enlisted into the Royal
Engineers on 19 October 1915, and moved to France
ten days later, joining the 11th Labour Battalion, Royal
Engineers. Charles served on the Western Front until 25
January 1919, when he was demobbed and returned
home. He was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis
soon after, and was awarded a pension of 40 shillings.
Charles died in 1922, too late for commemoration by the
CWGC.
James White
James was born in 1900, the son of Richard and Minnie
White, of The Huts, Pontlliw. No more is presently known
of him.
54
Albert Ernest Williams, Able Seaman,
218031, Royal Navy
Albert was born at Llangynog on 3 November 1884. Prior
to the war he lived with his wife Helen Williams, at 5,
Williams Street, Pontarddulais, Glamorgan. He served in
the Royal Navy, aboard HMS Good Hope, which was
attached to the West Indies Squadron. Albert was killed
when Good Hope was sunk with all hands at the Battle
of Coronel on 1 November 1914. He was 29 years old, and
is commemorated on Panel 3 of the Portsmouth Naval
Memorial, Hampshire.
David Daniel Williams, MM, Private, 12753,
Devonshire Regiment
David was the son of Thomas and Margaret Williams, and
the Brother of Mrs. Catherine Ann Hopkins, of 16,
Dantwyn Road, Pontarddulais. He enlisted at Swansea
into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which was
attached to 23 Brigade, 8th Division. The Division landed
in France on 6 November 1914, and David joined it on 2
May 1915, arriving among a batch of reinforcements.
David saw his first fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier,
before the Division moved to the Somme in 1916, where
they fought at the Battle of Albert. In March, 1917 they
followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line,
and later that year moved to Ypres, fighting at the Battle
of Pilckem, and the Battle of Langemarck. In March, 1918
the Division were on the southern end of the Somme,
and here met the German Offensive head on, at the
Battle of St Quentin. David was killed in the desperate
attempt to stem the German advance on the Somme,
on 25 March 1918. He was 26 years old, and is
commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.
David had been awarded the Military Medal for Bravery
in the Field during his time at war.
55
Ivor Carlyle Williams, Private, 66193,
Cheshire Regiment
Ivor had been born at Milford Haven, the son of John
and Eleanor Williams. By 1911 the family had moved to
11, William’s Street, Pontarddulais. Ivor enlisted at
Swansea on 12 June 1915 into the 15th Battalion, Welsh
Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals
Battalion. On 5 October 1915 he was discharged after
being found to be under age, but re-enlisted on 14
February 1917. Ivor was posted to France during the
spring of 1918, joining the 9th Battalion, Cheshire
Regiment, which was attached to 56 Brigade, 19th
(Western) Division. In 1918 the division was caught up in
the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where
they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle
of Bapaume. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up
in the German attack at Messines. Ivor was wounded at
Messines, and died of his wounds on 29 April 1918. He
was 19 years old, and is buried at Esquelbecq Military
Cemetery, France, in Grave I. B. 27.
Oswald Williams, Ordinary Seaman, Z/5339,
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Oswald was born at Cray, Breconshire on 11 January
1900, the son of Thomas and Anne Williams. At some
time after 1911 the family had moved to Penny Bank,
Craigfawr, Pontarddulais. Oswald enlisted into the Royal
Navy, and was based at the R.N. Depot, Crystal Palace.
He died from disease while undergoing training on 5
October 1918, aged 18, and is buried at Pontarddulais
(Goppa) Calvinistic Methodist Chapelyard, Wales.
56
Thomas Jenkins Williams, Private, 14789,
East Lancashire Regiment
Thomas was the son of Jenkin and Rebecca Williams,
of Plas-Isaf, Waungron, Pontarddulais, and he enlisted at
Swansea into the army. He was posted to France to join the
11th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, which was
attached to 94 Brigade, 31st Division. During December
1915 the Division moved to Egypt, and took part in the
defence of Suez Canal. In March, 1916 they moved to France,
where they saw their major action at the Battle of Albert in
July 1916, and fought in the Battle of the Ancre. It moved to
Arras the following year, where it fought at the Third Battle
of the Scarpe, and helped in the capture of Oppy Wood.
At the beginning of 1918 the Division were in the
St. Quentin sector. It was here that they were among the
Divisions hit by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March
1918 at the Battle of St Quentin. The Division withdrew
west, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume, and then at
the First Battle of Arras. After suffering terrible casualties
the Division were moved to Flanders to rest, but in April the
Germans launched an offensive in Flanders, and the Division
were caught up in the fighting there, at the Battle of Estaires,
and then at the Battle of Hazebrouck where they played a
part in the Defence of Nieppe Forest. In August, 1918 the
war turned in favour of the Allies, and the Division took
part in the Advance in Flanders. Thomas was killed in
Flanders on 12 September 1918, aged 30. He is buried at
Pont-D'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, France.
Photograph of Thomas courtesy of Martin Thomas.
Trevor Lewis Williams, Lieutenant,
Royal Air Force
Trevor was the son of Thomas and Margaret Williams, of Ynys
House, Pontarddulais, and served with 72 Squadron, Royal
Air Force. Number 72 Squadron formed at Netheravon on 2
July 1917 from a nucleus provided by the Central Flying
School and embarked for the Middle East on Christmas
Day, re-grouping in Basra on 2 March 1918. Here, the unit
operated as self-contained Flights allotted to individual
Army Corps using Bristol M1c Bullets, Spad VIIs, Martinsyde
G100s and SE5s to carry out the various tasks required.
Trevor was killed in Persia on 1 January 1919, aged 21, and
is buried at Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq.
57
Poetry Together
Ellis Evans of Trawsfynydd
(1887-1917)
Known as Hedd Wyn, his bardic name,
A shepherd on his father’s farm,
He wrote poems, entered eisteddfodau,
Won bardic chairs.
Called to war in 1917,
To join 15th Battalion Royal Welsh Fuseliers.
In Belgium he finished eisteddfod entry:
Yr Arwr - The Hero,
Signed it Fleur de Lis
And marched to Passchendaele.
The battlefield, a swamp, where Hedd Wyn fell,
Hit by a German shell at Pilckem Ridge.
Dying, he lay in the mud with his comrades.
At the National Eisteddfod,
Chairing of the Bard took place.
Trumpets sounded. Winner announced:
Fleur de Lis.
Trumpets sounded again. Silence fell.
The Archdruid stepped forward ‘winner killed in action six weeks ago.’
The bard’s chair stood empty,
Draped in a black sheet.
‘The festival in tears,
And the poet in his grave,’ said the Archdruid.
By Joshua Huw Smith (Year 9 pupil) and Carole Ann Smith