Haverfordwest is the County Town of Pembrokeshire, and serves as the main Market Town for the County. Sitting on the Tidal Limited of the Western Cleddau, Haverfordwest has an ancient History, with its Norman Castle dating from the 1100's. The majority of the town, comprising the old parishes of St Mary, St Martin and St Thomas, lies on the west bank of the river. On the left bank are the suburbs of Prendergast and Cartlett. The Town is the site of the Pembroke County War Memorial, but also has a War Memorial to the men of Haverfordwest Town, which is sited outside the Chapel of Withybush Hospital. The Memorial is made up unusually of glazed ceramic tiles. Many thanks to Paul Childs for supplying the photograph of the Memorial used below.

I have found that there are just as many men of Haverfordwest who are not commemorated on this Memorial as those who are, and so this page is split into two sections. The first is to commemorate the men who are on the Memorial. The second is half-way down the page, and commemorates the men who are not on the Memorial. Many of these men lived in Haverfordwest, and why they are not commemorated is a mystery. Some where born there and moved away, other possibly had no surviving family to inform the War Memorial Commitee of them.

Haverfordwest War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Alfred Arran, Private, 2001, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was the Son of John and Mary Arran, of 41, Quay St., Haverfordwest, and the Husband of Sarah Arran, of 5, Maeryerngran Cottages, Priory Street, Carmarthen. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the  8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On the 7th June, 1915 orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. On the 13th June, 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By the 4th July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry 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 the 3rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair. Alfred was killed in action here on the 8th August, 1915. He was 36 years old. Alfred has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William Arran, Private, 78532, Royal Fusiliers. William was the Stepson of Mrs. Thomas, of 9, Holloway Street, Haverfordwest. William enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Army Service Corps, and had the Regimental Number T2/017640. William later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which was attached to the 17th Brigade, 6th Division. The Division had been on the Western Front since 1914, and had fought through most of the major Battles. In the spring of 1918 the Division was one of those hit by the German Offensive on the Somme, which had been launched on the 21st March, and the Division took part in the Battle of St Quentin. They were moved from the line, and went to Flanders to rest, but the following month the Germans launched another offensive on the Lys, and the Division fought during the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle of Kemmel, and the Second Battle of Kemmel. During August, 1918 the Allies had recovered sufficiently to be able to launch their own attacks on the Germans, and after a brilliant victory at Villers Brettoneux on the 8th August, attacks were launched at Albert. The 6th Division took part in the Advance in Flanders, before moving south, where they took part in the advance on the Hindenburg Line, during the Battle of Epehy, and then at the Battle of the St Quentin Canal. Once the Line had been breached, the Division took part in the Battle of Beaurevoir and the Battle of Cambrai, before the final Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle, where they saw the end of the war out. William was killed in action less than a week before the end of the war, on the 5th November, 1918. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Cross Roads Cemetery, Fontaine-au-Bois, France.

Ernest Axford, Trimmer, 302TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Adopted son of Simon and Elizabeth Davies, of 15, Perrotts Terrace, Barn Street, Haverfordwest. He served with the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard H.M. Trawler "Kirkland". She was requisitioned during August 1914, for service as a mine sweeper. Ernest was drowned when the Kirkland struck a mine off Fugla Skerry, Papastour, Shetlands, on the 20th August, 1917. He was 21 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

George Alfred Baillieux, Private, 389, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Lambert Francis and Eliza Anne Baillieux, of 3, St. Mary's Street, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was formed in Carmarthen in August, 1914 and joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses here. George was taken ill on Gallipoli, and evacuated by Hospital Ship to the Military Hospital at Lemnos, where he sadly died on the 29th September, 1915. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Portianos Military Cemetery, Lemnos, Greece.

James Allen Bevan, Driver, T4/254138, Army Service Corps. James was the Son of James and M. Bevan, of 1, Ebenezer Row, Haverfordwest. He served with the Army Service Corps, and was posted to Salonika, where he served as a Driver with the 857th Horse Transport Company. James died at Salonika on the 24th November, 1918 aged 23, and is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria.

Robert Frederick Bishop, Private, 17141, Coldstream Guards. Robert was the Son of John Henry and Emma Bishop, of Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, which was stationed at Aldershot at the outbreak of war, attached to the 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Division. In August 1914 the Battalion moved to France, and saw their first action at the Battle of Mons, and 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 joined the 2nd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, on the 25th August, 1915. 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 the 25th 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. Robert was killed in action here on the 29th September, 1916. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Guard's Cemetery, Lesboeufs, France.

Richard Boswell, Private, 36328, Welsh Regiment. Richard was born in Haverfordwest, and was the Husband of Charlotte Boswell, of 7, Lilleshall Street, Newport, Monmouth. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers. They remained in the area over the winter, and it was here that Richard was killed on the 3rd January, 1916. He was 40 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

Stanley T. Bowen, Sergeant, 11, Welsh Regiment. Stanley was the only son of Alfred and Hannah Bowen, of Prendergast, Haverfordwest, and the husband of Gertrude M. McNeill (formerly Bowen, nee Clarke), of Erindale, Ontario, Canada. He had enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. Stanley was killed in action here on the 10th August, 1915, aged 29. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Austin Pugh Cook, Lieutenant, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Austin was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Cook, of 21, Bridge Street, Haverfordwest. He had been commissioned into the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and served with the 2nd Royal Marine Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October, 1914 to guard against invasion by the Germans. However Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and so many of the RND units were withdrawn to England. After a lengthy period of refit and training the Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign. Landing on the 25th April, 1915 the Division fought throughout the Campaign on Gallipoli. They were transferred from the authority of the Admiralty to the War Office on 29th April 1916, and was redesignated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on the 19th July, 1916. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles between the 12th and 23rd May, 1916 and moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and the resulting Operations on the Ancre. In April, 1917 the Division were at Arras, and fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Gavrelle. They then fought at the Battle of Arleux. Austin was killed in action near Gavrelle on the 26th July, 1917. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Naval Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle, France.

Benjamin James Charles, Private, 86460, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Benjamin was the Son of John and Elizabeth Charles, of 79, Dew Street, Haverfordwest. He had enlisted at Haverfordwest into the South Wales Borderers, but had later transferred into the 6th Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment, which was attached to the 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division. The Division had fought on the Somme in 1916, and at Third Ypres and Cambrai. It relieved 42nd (East Lancashire) Division in the front line at Givenchy and Festubert on the 15th February, and faced numerous strong enemy raids in March. April was at first much quieter, but it was a lull before the storm, as the Germans launched another offensive here, with the Division taking part in the Battle of Estaires, successfully fighting at the First Defence of Givenchy, the single most famous action that the Division fought. Benjamin was wounded during the Battle of Estaires, and died on the 29th April, 1918 as a result. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Pernes British Cemetery, France.

John B. Codd, Private, 46477, Welsh Regiment. John was born at St. Ishmael’s, and enlisted into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, which is where John was killed on the 7th June, 1916. John has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

George Cole, Private, 44192, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of William and Hannah Cole, of 9, Bethany Row, Narberth Road, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late Spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France between the 1st and 9th June, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. George was wounded here, and died of wounds on the 25th April, 1917 aged 23. He is buried at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand, France.

Harold Edmund Collins, Sapper, 15477, Royal Engineers. Harold was the Son of James and Mary Collins, of Northgate, Haverfordwest, and the husband of Bessie Collins, of Welcheston Lodge, Woolhope, Hereford. He had enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to their 5th Field Company. The Company was sent to the Western Front with the BEF at the outbreak of war, and took part in the fighting at Mons, and in the epic retreat south to the Marne. The Germans were stopped at the Marne, and the BEF followed their retreat back north to the Aisne, where they met in Battle. Harold was wounded here, and died of wounds on the 9th October, 1914. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Soupir Churchyard, France.

Francis Newton Allen Cromie, C.B., D.S.O., Captain, Royal Navy. Francis was the son of Captain Charles Francis Cromie, of Cincinatti, Ohio. Charles served with the Hampshire Regiment, and was the Consul General, at Dakar. Francis was the husband of Mrs. Cromie, of 9, Old Park Rd., Clapham Common, London. His maternal Grandparents lived in Haverfordwest, and were Thomas Ince Webb-Bowen who married Catherine Luther Anne Bowen Allen. Francis had taken part in suppressing the Boxer Uprising in Peking, and then joined the Royal Navy Submarine Service in 1903. In 1915 he navigated the submarine HMS E19 through Oresund into the Baltic Sea, to prey on iron ore transports from Sweden to Imperial Germany. Francis was the commander of the British submarine flotilla in the Baltic during World War I, and in May 1917 he was appointed the Naval Attaché in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) 1917 was the year of the Russian Revolution, and Francis was captured by the Revolutionists.  On the 31st August, 1918 Francis was shot dead in front of the British Embassy in Petrograd. He was 36 years old, and is remembered on the Archangel Memorial in Saint Petersburg. Francis had been highly decorated throughout his Naval Career. He was a Chevalier, Legion of Honour; Order of St. Vladimir with Swords (Russia); Cross of St. George (Russia). Awarded Royal Humane Society's Medal (1906). He was also Mentioned in Despatches during the Boxer Rebellion.

C. Davies, Private, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.

David Davies, Private, 8828, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, which 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. David was wounded during this time, and was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Boulogne for treatment, but he sadly died of wounds there on the 27th October, 1914. He is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.

Henry Davies, Private, 26934, Welsh Regiment. Henry was born at St. Martins, Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was in India at the outbreak of war, and was recalled to Britian, where it joined the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshires, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on the 19th May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. Henry was killed in action just before the Division was pulled from the line to embark for Salonika, on the 2nd October, 1915. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

Robert Lloyd Davies, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. Robert was the Eldest son of J.M. Lloyd Davies and Maud Davies of 'Glanafon', Haverfordwest. He was commissioned into the Royal Engineers, and served with the 129th Field Company, attached to the 24th Division. They moved to France during August, 1915 and marched to positions near Loos, where they took up reserve positions for the main Battle of Loos. The Division were sent into battle on the 26th 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. Robert was killed in action here on the 12th April, 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Thomas Picton Davies, Private, 30919, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of the late James and Maria Davies, of 47, Old Bridge, Haverfordwest. He lived at Swansea prior to the war, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, which is where Thomas was killed on the 3rd July, 1916. He was 38 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

William Charles Ronald Davies, Private, 200098, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mr. W. A. and Mrs. E. A. Davies, of 2, Cambrain Place, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. 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 the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd 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 they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. William was killed in action during the Third Battle of Gaza, on the 3rd November, 1917. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Egypt.

Charles John Randles Dawkins, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Charles was the Only son of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Randle Dawkins, of Redhill, Haverfordwest. He was educated at Haverfordwest Grammar School and at Clifton College, and was a B.A. and LL.B. of Cambridge, having taken a First in Law and a second in the Historical Tripos. Charles was commissioned into the Welsh Regiment at the outbreak of war, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, which was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, which is where Charles was killed in action, during the initial attack of the 25th September, 1915. He is 24 years old, and is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert, France.

Gerald Alexander Dutton, Second Lieutenant, South Staffordshire Regiment. Gerald was commissioned into the South Staffordshire Regiment, and was posted to the 4th Battalion, which was a Home Service unit, stationed at Jersey until 1916. Sadly Gerald was accidentally killed by a bomb explosion during training on Jersey, on the 5th May, 1916. He is buried at St. Peter Churchyard, Jersey.

Edgar Edwards, Private, 5352, Welsh Regiment. Edgar was the Son of Mrs. Martha Edwards, of 101, Albert Town, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. Edgar was killed soon after landing, on the 10th August, 1915 during the Battle of Sari Bair (Attack on Scimitar Hill). He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

John Robinson Edwards, Private, 23080, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Hubberston, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, which is where John was killed in action, on the 25th September, 1915. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

John Lloyd Farrow, Private, 408, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of John and Susannah Agnis Farrow, of 8, Old Bridge, Haverfordwest, and he enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, which moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 and arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. 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. John was killed in action during this terrible period, on the 26th November, 1915. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Lala Baba Cemetery, Gallipoli.

John Henry Gambold, Private, 16586, North Staffordshire Regiment. John was the Son of Mrs. M. A. Gambold, of Golby Scott, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment, with the Regimental Number 11828, but was transferred into the 7th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, which was attached to the 39th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On the 7th June, 1915 orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. On the 13th June, 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By the 4th July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry 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 the 3rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair, where John was killed in action on the 6th August, 1915 aged just 21. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

George Frederick Gibbon, Private, G/18198, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. George was the son of Mrs M. Gibbon of 2, Horns Lane Haverfordwest. He had enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers, with the Regimental Number PS/9328, and then transferred into the 7th Battalion., Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment. The Battalion was attached to the 53rd Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. On the 25th May, 1915 the Division landed in Boulogne, and didn’t see it’s first major action until July, 1916 when it took part in the Battle of Albert. They then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Trones Wood, and moved on to the Battle of Delville Wood. In October they took part in the Battle of the Ancre Heights, and captured Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and during the subsequent Operations on the Ancre, before spending the winter on the Somme. In March, 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and in May took part in the Third Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive. July, 1917 saw the Division at Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, where they helped capture Westhoek, and then they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and at the First Battle of Passchendaele, followed by the Second Battle of Passchendaele. In 1918 the Division were stationed south of the Somme, and were one of the Divisions hit there by the German Spring Offensive, which was launched on the 21st March, 1918. They fought at the Battle of St Quentin, and suffered terrible casualties, and then took part in the Battle of the Avre and the Actions of Villers-Bretonneux. George died on the 5th May, 1918 and is buried at Grand-Seraucourt British Cemetery, France.    

Cyril Norman Green, Driver, 122243, Royal Field Artillery. Cyril was born at Pembroke Dock, the Son of John and Bessie Rundle Green, later of 7, Bridge Street, Haverfordwest. Cyril had moved around West Wales, living at Tenby, Brecon, and Haverfordwest, which is where he enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery, serving with the 55th Division Ammunition Column, attached to the 55th (West Lancashire) Division. The complete Division was reformed in France between the 3rd and 27th January, 1916 in the Hallencourt area. It relieved the French 88th Division south of Arras, in the area Wailly- Bretencourt by the 16th February. Trench warfare commenced, with many raids and minor operations. Relieved by the 11th (Northern) Division on the 25th July, the 55th now moved south and took up a place in the front line opposite the village of Guillemont. Here they fought at the Battle of Guillemont and the Battle of Ginchy. There was a short period of rest at Ribemont from the 12th to the 17th September, and then the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and the Battle of Morval. Relieved by 41st Division on the 28th September, the Division withdrew to the area of Buire and Ribemont, before relieving the 29th Division in the Ypres salient in October 1916. It was destined to remain in this area for almost a year, stationed near Railway Wood. Cyril was wounded at Railway Wood, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Boulogne, where he died of wounds on the 11th March, 1917. He was just 21 years old, and is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.

Archie Griffiths, Private, G/5868, Royal Sussex Regiment. Archie was the Son of William and Maria Griffiths, of 44, Dew Street, Haverfordwest. He enlisted in September, 1914 into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, which was attached to the 2nd 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. Archie was killed in action whilst the Division was near Arras, on the 30th June, 1916, just prior to their move to the Somme. He was just 20 years old, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.

Frederick Griffiths, Private, 111677, Tank Corps. Frederick was born at St. Davids, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Field Artillery, with the Regimental Number 263376. He was transferred into the Tank Corp sometime after 1916, and served with the 11th Battalion. Frederick was killed in action during the period of the offensive against the mighty Hindenburg Line, on the 27th September, 1918. He is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.

Ivor Griffiths, Private, 445, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born at St. Davids, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion was formed at Carmarthen during August, 1914 and was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, and fought at the Battle of Sari Bair, where Ivor was wounded. He was evacuated from Gallipoli, and brought to Gibraltar for treatment, but sadly died at sea of his wounds on the 4th September, 1915. Ivor was buried ashore, at Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery.

Walter James Griffiths, Lance Corporal, 302, Welsh Regiment. Walter was the Son of William and Maria Griffiths, of 44, Dew Street, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was formed at Carmarthen during August, 1914 and was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, and fought at the Battle of Sari Bair, where Walter was one of many men of the Battalion killed on the 10th August, 1915. He was just 21 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Frederick Hardaker, Private, 57424, Suffolk Regiment. Frederick was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hardaker, of 135, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He had enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Lancashire Fusiliers, with the Regimental Number 50879, but had been transferred into the 12th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, which was attached to the 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division was to see it’s first action during the Action of Hooge, where the Division were the first to be attacked by the German use of flamethrowers. They then fought at the Second attack on Bellewaarde. In July, 1916 they moved to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of Delville Wood, and then the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and in March, 1917 followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. May saw them at Arras, where they took part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, and later at the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and then they were sent to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, the First Battle of Passchendaele and the Second Battle of Passchendaele. In the Spring of 1918 the Division were near St. Quentin, and were hit there by the German Spring Offensive, launched on the 21st March. The Division fought at the Battle of St Quentin, and the Battle of the Avre, and during these two actions, the Division suffered very severe casualties, losing almost 6,000 troops. XLVI and XLVII Brigades, RFA, lost all their guns. The Division was withdrawn from the line and placed on the construction of a new defensive line in the rear. On the 26th April, the infantry battalions were reduced to a training cadre. Various units were temporarily attached, before the Division was moved to England for re-establishment, on 17 June 1918. The refreshed Division moved back to France and joined the Second Army between the 2nd and the 6th July, 1918. They then fought at the Battle of Ypres, 1918, and were in Flanders for the Armistice. Frederick died of sickness (probably influenza) at home on the 3rd May, 1919. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Prendergast Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

Frederick A.B. Harper, Deck Hand, 3925DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick served with the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard H.M. Trawler, Northern Angler. There is very little information available on Frederick, except that he died on the 8th February, 1919 aged 34. He is buried at St. Martin’s Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

J. Harries, Private, North Staffordshire Regiment. Cannot positively be identified, but is one of these two men below, as no men named Harries served with the North Staffs.

John Harries, Private, 203540, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. He served with the 9th Battalion, which was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were 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, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. After suffering terribly again, they moved South to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, and fought during the Battle of the Selle, Valenciennes, the Sambre and the Passage of the Grand Honelle. John must have been wounded during the early part of the year, during the German Offensive. He was evacuated home for treatment, but sadly died of wounds on the 6th August, 1918. He is buried at St. Thomas A Becket Churchyard, Haverfordwest.

John Henry Harries, Private, 1444, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of the late James Henry and Elizabeth Harries, of 14, Prospect Place, Haverfordwest. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh regiment, which was attached to the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshires, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on the 19th May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. John was killed in action at Loos, on the 2nd October, 1915. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.

Seth John Harries, Private, 320015, Welsh Regiment. Seth was born at Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the Pembroke Yeomanry, with the Regimental Number 251. The Pembroke Yeomanry was attached to the South Wales Mounted Brigade, and moved to Egypt in 1916 where it was dismounted, and used for duties on the Suez Canal defences. In early 1917 the Battalion was merged with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th (Pembroke & Glamorgan Yeomanry) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to the 231st Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division had formed in Egypt in January, 1917 and had fought through the Palestinian Campaign, at the Battles of Gaza and the Battle and capture of Jerusalem. Seth was killed during the Third Battle of Gaza, on the 6th November, 1917. He is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel.

Stanley Higgs, Private, 30805, Welsh Regiment. Stanley was the Son of Ronald Stanley Higgs, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Christina Higgs, of High Road, Whetstone, London. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was at India at the outbreak of war. It was recalled to Britain, where it joined the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Stanley was wounded at Ypres, and died of wounds on the 21st April, 1915. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium.

William Hooper, Private, 29137, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of George and Martha Hooper, of Haverfordwest, and the husband of Mary Jane Hooper, of 60, Tirdu Road, Morriston, Swansea. He enlisted at Swansea into the 14th (Swansea Pals) Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. William was killed in action at Mametz Wood on the 12th July, 1916, aged 34. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Alfred Heywood Howard, Captain, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, and was attached to the 4th Battalion at the outbreak of war. The Battalion was the Carmarthenshire Territorial Battalion, and was formed at Carmarthen on the 4the August, 1914, attached to South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. In November 1914 the Brigade moved to Tunbridge Wells, and then in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 the Battalion was posted to the 159th Brigade, 53rd Division at Bedford, and on the 19th July, 1915 sailed from Devonport for Mudros, arriving on the 5th August. From here the Division moved to Gallipoli, and on the 9th August, 1915 landed at Suvla Bay. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, which is where Alfred was killed on the 10th August, 1915. Alfred has no known grave, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

David Alfred Hughes, Private, 44743, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the Youngest son of the late James and Ann Hughes, of 75, Dew Street, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 18th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was a Reserve Battalion, on Home Service. David died of sickness at home on the 7th May, 1916. He was 29 years old, and is buried at St. Mary Church Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

James Henry Hurlow, Private, 54160, Welsh Regiment. James was born at Prendergast, and enlisted at Swansea into the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Raised at Cardiff on the 23rd October, 1914, the Battalion moved to Rhyl as part of 129th Brigade, 43rd Division. On the 29th April, 1915 the formation became 114th Brigade, 38th Division, and in August 1915 moved to Winchester. During December 1915 the Division landed at Havre, and 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to 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, which is where James was killed in action on the 31st July, 1917. He is buried at No Man's Cot Cemetery, Belgium.

Edwin James, Private, 241468, Welsh Regiment. Edwin was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Watkin James, of 98, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Mountain Ash into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion formed on the 4th August, 1914 at Pontypridd, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. In November 1914 the Brigade moved to Tunbridge Wells, and in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. They joined the 159th Brigade, 53rd Division at Bedford, and then on the 19th July, 1915 sailed from Devonport for Mudros, arriving on the 5th August. From here the Division moved to Gallipoli, and on the 9th August, 1915 landed at Suvla Bay. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd 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, and saw their first action here at the Battle of Gaza. Edwin was killed in action here on the 26th March, 1917 aged just 21. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

George James, Private, 2722, Welsh Guards. George was born at Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Battalion 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 the 25th 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. They remained here for the winter, and it was here that George was killed in action on the 7th March, 1917. He is buried at Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery, France.

Gilbert George James, Private, 42577, Lincolnshire Regiment. Gilbert was born at Uzmaston, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Liverpool Regiment, with the Regimental Number 64124. He later transferred into the 10th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, which was attached to the 197th Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancs) Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front by 16th March 1917 and moved to the Flanders Coast. At the end of September, 1917 they moved to Ypres, and took part in the Battle of Poelcapelle. They then moved south to the Somme, and on the 21st March, 1918 were hit by the German Spring Offensive at the Battle of St Quentin, and moving back west fought at the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and the Battle of Rosieres. Gilbert was taken Prisoner by the Germans in the ensuing mayhem, and he died of captivity on the 29th August, 1918. For some reason Gilbert is remembered on ‘Special P.O.W. Memorials’ at two cemeteries, at Valenciennes (St. Roch) Communal Cemetery, and at Le Quesnoy Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

John Elliott James, Private, 31589, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was attached to the 25th Division as Pioneers. The Division landed in France on the 26th September, 1915, and were posted 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 the 3rd July near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Plougsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June, 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, where they took up positions around Bullecourt in reserve. Here the Division was used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive. John was wounded here, and died of wounds on the 28th March, 1918. He is buried at St. Hilaire Cemetery, Frevent, France.

Sidney James, Private, 76210DA, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Sidney was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. James, of 46, City Road, Haverfordwest. Sidney served with a      Home Service Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and died at home on the 18th December, 1918 aged just 19. He is buried at St. Martin Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

Thomas John James, Private, 1776, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Haverfordwest, the Brother of Richard Bonar James. He enlisted at Aberdare into the 1/5th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets. Thomas was killed in action on the 17th August, 1915 aged 23. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William Hubert James, Private, 36053, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. William was the Son of Richard James, of Barnsley, Redhill, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the Cheshire Regiment with the Regimental Number 4/9038, and later transferred into the 16th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. The Division had been on the Western Front since the early days of the war, and had fought throughout most of the major Battles. On the 14th August, 1918 5th Division was withdrawn for rest and placed in GHQ Reserve, after months of heavy fighting. Two weeks later it entered into what became a series of complex, endless, overlapping Allied attacks that forced the German Army into retreat. Fighting through Albert (back on the old and devastated Somme ground of 1916), the Division was in more or less continuous action until late October 1918, fighting at the Battle of Albert, the Battle of Bapaume, the Battle of Epehy, and the Battle of the Canal du Nord. William was killed in action during the Battle of the Selle, on the 21st October, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

Charles Jenkins, Second Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Charles was born on the 2nd January, 1897, the second son of John Lewis and Bessie Jenkins, of Cleddau Lodge, Haverfordwest. Educated at Haverfordwest Grammar School, Charles then attended the London Wireless College, and from there he enlisted into the Signal Section of the Royal Engineers on the 11th November, 1914. Charles served on the Western Front from January, 1916 and returned to England in July, 1917 to train at Winchester and Oxford. In November, 1917 Charles was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps, and gained his Wings in January, 1918. Charles was sadly killed whilst flying at Upavon, Wiltshire on the 21st March, 1918. He was buried days later at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery, Haverfordwest. His Commanding Officer wrote in a letter to John and Bessie; ‘Your son was a fine and fearless Pilot, very popular, and we feel his loss keenly’.

George Edward Jenkins, Private, 56521, Welsh Regiment. George was born at Prendergast, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 16th (Cardiff) Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 115th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to 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 the Battle of Langemarck. George was killed in action here on the 27th August, 1917. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

John Jenkins, Stoker, 341736, Royal Navy. John was born at Haverfordwest, and was the Husband of Mary Jenkins, of Glanyrafon Road, Pontardulais. He 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 was built by J&G Thompson of Clydebank and launched on April 22, 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 July 26, 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.

James Henry John, Rifleman, S/1027, Rifle Brigade. James was the Son of James and Elizabeth John, of I, Prospect Place, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Barry into the Rifle Brigade, and was posted to their 11th Battalion, which was attached to the 59th Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On the 26th July 1915 the Division completed concentration in the Saint-Omer area, all units having crossed to France during the preceding few days. Early trench familiarisation and training took place in the Fleurbaix area. When the Battle of Loos was launched on the 25th September, 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. Over the winter of 1915/16, the Division remained in positions south of Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel in June, alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Delville Wood, and Guillemont. John was killed during this period, on the 27th August, 1916. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, France.

 

William Thomas John, Private, 54265, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mrs. Hester John, of 56, Portfield, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and then moved north to Ypres itself, where it fought on the Menin Road. William was killed in action here on the 20th September, 1917 aged only 19. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Clement Daniel Jones, Private, G/29321, Middlesex Regiment. Clement was born at Haverfordwest, and had moved to Middlesex prior to the war, living at Willesden. He enlisted there into the 21st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. The Battalion was raised in Islington by the Mayor and Borough on the 18th May, 1915, and in July 1915 joined 118th Brigade, 39th Division. Taken over by the War Office in August, they moved in October 1915 to Aldershot, then in February 1916 to Witley, where the Battalion moved to the 121st Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. During June 1916 the Division landed in France, 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. Clement was wounded at Cambrai, and died of wounds on the 24th November, 1917. He was buried on the battlefield, but his grave must have been lost over the coming few months of fighting in the area, as he is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

D E Jones, Lance Corporal, Welsh Regiment. Cannot presently be identified.

George Frederick Jones, Private, 1140, Welsh Guards. George was the Eldest Son of Henry and Mary Jane Jones, of Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Guards, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, 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 the 25th September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. After a brief rest period, the Division moved for Ypres for a short spell. George was killed in action at Ypres on the 29th April, 1916. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, Belgium.

John Daniel Jones, Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. John was the Son of George and Mary Jones, of Haverfordwest, and the husband of A. M. Jones, of 53, Charlton Road, Blackheath, Kent. John was commissioned into the Royal Field Artillery, and served on the Western Front. It is not known which Battery he served with, but he was wounded at the beginning of 1916, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Le Havre, where he sadly died of his wounds on the 21st February, 1916 aged 45. John is buried there, at Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.

Peter McKenzie Jones, Private, 122194, Machine Gun Corps. Peter was the Son of George and Mary Jones. He was a native of Haverfordwest, but the family had moved to London prior to the war, living at Paddington. Peter enlisted at Woolwich into the Army Ordnance Corps, with the Regimental Number 029162, but was later transferred into the 35th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 35th Division. The Division had moved to France in late January and early February 1916. It saw it’s first major action during the Battle of the Somme, at the Battle of Albert. By December 1916, the Divisional commander (Major-General Landon) reported that the Division was now suffering from low physical and morale standards. This was a result of replacing casualties not with fit 'bantams' but with undersized and weak men. Medical inspections were ordered, and 2784 men rejected from the ranks of the Division. These men were largely posted to the Labour Corps. Their places were filled with men posted from disbanded yeomanry regiments; they had to be quickly trained in infantry methods and a Divisional depot was formed for the purpose. The Division then went back into the line, and followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. Later in the year they moved north to Ypres, and fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. By Spring of 1918 they were back on the Somme, and fought at the First Battle of Bapaume, during the German Offensive. They were then moved back north, and fought later in the year at the Battle of Ypres, and then the Battle of Courtrai, and the subsequent Action of Tieghem. Peter was wounded during Fourth Ypres, and sadly died of his wounds at the Casualty Clearing Station west of Ypres, known as Remy Sidings, on the 16th October, 1918. He was 30 years old, and is buried there, at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Peter is shown as Welsh Regiment on the Memorial.

Thomas Jones, Private, 1756, Welsh Guards. Thomas was born at Robeston Wathen, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards had been formed on the 6th February, 1915 by Royal Warrant, and on the 17th August 1915 embarked at Southampton for France, and they arrived at Le Havre that day. On the 27th September the Battalion left Le Havre for Loos, as part of 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. They fought during the Battle of Loos, before moving to Ypres in June, 1916, which is where David joined the Battalion. In September they moved to the Somme, where they remained until the end of November, fighting at Flers-Courcelette and Morval. Thomas was Killed in Action at Morval on the 26th September 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Thomas Evan Jones, Sergeant, 200005, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Haverfordwest, and served with the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had served at Gallipoli during 1915 attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and by the 23rd 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 they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. Thomas was killed in action during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

Ivor Norman Jones-Parry, Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery. Ivor was the Son of Thomas and Selina Alfreda Jones-Parry, of 5, Hillcrest Rd., Acton, London, formerly of Bank House, Amlwch, Anglesey, and the National Provincial Bank, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Ivor was educated at Llandovery from 1906 until 1909, and at the outbreak of war he was a Second Lieutenant in No. 2 Company, Pembrokeshire Territorial’s. He was commissioned into the Royal Garrison Artillery on the 12th August 1915, and moved to France late in 1916, serving with the 171st Siege Battery. Ivor was killed in action during the Battle of Arras, on the 12th May 1917. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, France.

Stuart Leslie Keppel-Palmer, M.C., Captain, Tank Corps. Stuart was the fourth son of Llewellin Keppel-Palmer, of Haverfordwest and Geneva, and the Brother of Mr. H.G. Keppel-Palmer and Mr. C.M. Keppel-Palmer, of Johnston Hall. Born in 1894, he was educated at Bromsgrove and Winchester, and after unsuccessfully applying to join the Royal Navy, became a Pupil at the Lancaster and Yorkshire Locomotive Works at Horwich. He enlisted into the Royal Engineers in August, 1914 and was commissioned in October that year. Stuart was transferred into the Tank Corps at its formation in 1916, and joined the 3rd Light Battalion. After surviving the inaugural use of the tank on the Somme in 1916, and the abortive attempt to use tanks in the sodden battlefields of Passchendaele in 1917, Stuart was wounded at their next major offensive at the Battle of Cambrai. Sadly Stuart was killed within weeks of the end of the war, on the 3rd October, 1918, when his tank was hit twice by German shells. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gouy, France.

Montague William Leman, Private, 201914, Welsh Regiment. Montague was Born at Uppingham, Rutland, the Son of William and Gertrude Leman, later of Great Yarmouth, and the husband of Ethel Maude Leman, of Uzmaston, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 15th (Carmarthen) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to 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 the Battle of Langemarck. They then moved to Armentieres, where they remained from September 1917 until March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive was launched. The British had been over-run on the Somme, and so in April the Division was moved South, taking up positions North of Albert, from where they weathered the storm of the coming months, until the war turned during the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918. The Germans had now lost the upper hand, and the British regained the lost ground on the Somme after an attack which began on the 21st August, with the 38th Welsh in the midst of the attack during the Battle of Albert, and then moving east, where they fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Then the move began towards the mighty Hindenburg Line, and the Division carried on with their march east, fighting at the Battle of Havrincourt, and the Battle of Epehy. A short rest period ensued, during which time the Canal du Nord was breached, so opening a passage through the Hindenburg Line. The Division then fought at the Battle of Beaurevoir, and moved up towards Cambrai, where they fought at the Battle of Cambrai. Montague was killed in action here on the 8th October, 1918. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Moulin-De-Pierre British Cemetery, France. Montague is listed on the Memorial as Royal Army Medical Corps.

David Lewis, Private, 54277, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Ambleston, and resided at Treffgarne prior to the war. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 15th (Carmarthen) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to clear the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. David was killed at Ypres on the 30th April, 1917. He is buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium.

Thomas Henry Lewis, Private, 27474, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Thomas was the Husband of Martha Jane Lewis, of 1, Queen's Square, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the Welsh regiment, with the Regimental Number 3657, but later transferred into the 1st Battalion, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to the 16th Brigade, 6th Division. On the 10th September, 1914 the Division landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, and arrived in time to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF on the Aisne, before the whole army was moved north into Flanders. Here they took part in the Action of Hooge during June, 1915, and in 1916 moved to the Somme, where the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. The following year saw them at Arras, where they fought at the Battle of Hill 70, and then during the Battle of Cambrai later in the year. In the spring of 1918 the Division was one of those hit by the German Offensive on the Somme, which had been launched on the 21st March, and the Division took part in the Battle of St Quentin. They were moved from the line, and went to Flanders to rest, but the following month the Germans launched another offensive on the Lys, and the Division fought during the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle of Kemmel, and the Second Battle of Kemmel. During August, 1918 the Allies had recovered sufficiently to be able to launch their own attacks on the Germans, and after a brilliant victory at Villers Brettoneux on the 8th August, attacks were launched at Albert. The 6th Division took part in the Advance in Flanders, before moving south, where they took part in the advance on the Hindenburg Line, during the Battle of Epehy. Thomas was killed in action here on the 24th September, 1918. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt, France.

William Benjamin Lewis, Sergeant, G/25075, Middlesex Regiment. William was born at Marloes, but enlisted at Letterston into the 13th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own Middlesex Regiment, which formed part of the 73rd Brigade, 24th Division. The Division were in the St. Quentin sector when the German Offensive (Kaiserschlacht) began on the 21st March, 1918. The British and Allied Armies mounted a desperate defensive action over the whole of the Western Front, with many units being totally annihilated by the German Stormtroopers. The first few weeks of the offensive were total chaos for the British, and William was Killed in Action on the 28th March 1918. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so William is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

William Howard Martin, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of Thomas Henry and Martha Martin, of 14, Kensington Terrace, Barn Street, Haverfordwest. He was commissioned into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and was attached to their 2nd Battalion. The Battalion had been on the Western Front since the outbreak of war, and by early 1916 was attached to the 19th Brigade, 33rd Division. The Division moved to positions on the Southern end of the Somme sector, and fought through the Battles of the Somme, from July, 1916 onwards. They then fought at Arras, at the Battle of the Scarpe and at Bullecourt, before heading to Ypres, and fighting at the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood. William was killed in action at Ypres on the 31st July, 1917 aged 29. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Morgan Mathias, C.S.M., 2, Welsh Regiment. Morgan was the Husband of Edith Alice Mathias, of 14, North Crescent, Haverfordwest. He had served in the South African Campaign, and was recalled to the colours at the outbreak of war, becoming a Company Sergeant Major in the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, at Carmarthen. Morgan was issued the Regimental Number 2. The Battalion became attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division some months later, and moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915, and arrived at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Morgan was killed in action on his second day at Gallipoli, on the 10th August, 1915. He was 39 years old, and having no known grave, is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

John Harold Merriman, Private, 200089, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion became attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division some months later, and moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915, and arrived at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. John was killed in action on his second day at Gallipoli, on the 10th August, 1915. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Edward Morgan, Able Seaman, Wales Z/633, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Edward was the Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Morgan, of 3, Coed Terrace, Waterloo, Talywain, Monmouth. He served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and was one of the thousands of surplus men that the Royal Navy had in reserve, for whom they had no postings for. This surplus of men was called upon to create a Royal Naval Division early in the war, which was to be used as Infantry, fighting on land. Edward joined the Drake Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October, 1914 to guard against invasion by the Germans. However Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and so many of the RND units were withdrawn to England. After a lengthy period of refit and training the Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign. Landing on the 25th April, 1915 the Division fought throughout the Campaign on Gallipoli. They were transferred from the authority of the Admiralty to the War Office on 29th April 1916, and was redesignated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on the 19th July, 1916. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles between the 12th and 23rd May, 1916 and moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and the resulting Operations on the Ancre. In April, 1917 the Division were at Arras, and fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Gavrelle. They then fought at the Battle of Arleux, before moving north to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Their next major action was at Cambrai, during the Action of Welch Ridge, and they were still in the area when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive, and fought at the Battle of St Quentin, and then the First Battle of Bapaume. In August, the Division took part in the beginning of the great advance to victory, at the Battle of Albert, which is where Edward was killed on the 21st August, 1918. He was 28 years old, and is remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

Frederick Morgan, Private, 390, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Morgan, of 34, Dew Street, Haverfordwest. Frederick was one of the many young men of Haverfordwest who joined the local Battalion, the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. By now Frederick had been evacuated to Malta, where he died of sickness on the 5th November, 1915. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

James Morgan, Private, 201447, Welsh Regiment. James was the Son of William and Maria Morgan, of 128, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He was another of the many young men of Haverfordwest who joined the local Battalion, the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd 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 they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. James was killed in action during the First Battle of Gaza, on the 26th March, 1917, aged 36. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

James Henry Morgan, Driver, 38442, Royal Engineers. James was the Son of Mr. J. and Mrs. M. Morgan of 3, North Gate, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to the 127th Field Company, which was attached to the 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by the 9th of the month. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on the 27th October, 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, although the final artillery units were still coming in as late as the 13th December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between the 10th to the 18th August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill. James died soon after of illness, on the 22nd August, 1916. He is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.

John Randall Morgan, Private, 54455, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of Mrs. Sarah Gertrude Evans, of 37, Cartlett, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Port Talbot into the 14th (Swansea City) Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 114th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to 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 the Battle of Langemarck. John was killed at Langemarck on the 5th August, 1917, aged only 19. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

James Oliver, Private, 200189, Welsh Regiment. James was born on the 1st March, 1889, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Oliver, of 18, Spring Gardens, Haverfordwest. James was educated at Haverfordwest, and worked there as a Compositor prior to the war. When war was declared in August, 1914 James enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Welsh Regiment, and joined the 1/4th Battalion, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Just after enlisting, James married Frances Charlotte Hale Davies, daughter of Richard Davies, of 26, Prendergast Hill, Haverfordwest. The Division then moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 and arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack. 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 the 11th December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by the 23rd 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 they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. James was wounded during Operations in the Jordan Valley, and died on the 10th March, 1918. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel.

Francis Leonard Owen, Private, 10021, Royal Fusiliers. Francis was the Son of William Henry and Eliza Owen, of 3, Gloucester Terrace, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the 12th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which was attached to the 17th Brigade, 24th Division. They moved to France during August, 1915 and marched to positions near Loos, where they took up reserve positions for the main Battle of Loos. The Division were sent into battle on the 26th 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. Francis was killed here, in French Flanders, on the 26th January, 1917. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe.

John Owen, Private, 39429, South Wales Borderers. John was the Son of George and Martha Owen, of Clayford, South Dairy, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Monmouthshire Regiment, with the Regimental Number 4667, but later transferred into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the Butterfly Division crossed to France between the 11th and the 21st July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on the 1st July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were 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, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. John was killed here on the 8th May, 1918. He was just 20 years old, and is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery, Belgium.

Levi George Owen, Private, 464, Welsh Regiment. Levi was the Son of Benjamin and Sarah Owen, of 14, Stepney Terrace, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Levi was killed two weeks later, on the 22nd August, 1915. He was 21 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

P. Owen, Able Seaman, Royal Navy. Cannot presently be identified.

Charles Picton Owens, Engineman, 4846ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Owens, of 40 Prendergast, Haverfordwest, and the Husband of Lilian Owens, of 12 City Road, Haverfordwest. He served in the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard H.M. Drifter Active III. Charles died when she was lost at sea on the 15th October, 1917. He was 27 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

George Edward Phillips, Corporal, 27262, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of John and Maria Phillips, of Rose Cottage, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Neath into the Welsh Regiment, and served with the 8th Battalion, attached to the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown in Hampshire. On the 7th June, 1915 orders were received to prepare to move to the Mediterranean. On the 13th June, 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By the 4th July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry 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 the 3rd and 5th August, 1915, taking part in the Battle of Sari Bair, and the Battle of Russell's Top. George was killed in action here on the 8th August, 1915. He was 23 years old, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Ivor Lewis Phillips, Private, 728, Welsh Regiment. Ivor was born at Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was formed there on the 4th August, 1914, as part of South Wales Brigade, Army Troops. In November 1914 they moved to Tunbridge Wells, and then in February 1915 to Scotland on Forth and Tay Defences. On the 17th April, 1915 they joined 159th Brigade, 53rd Division at Bedford. Ivor took ill about this time, and was hospitalised. He died on the 12th May, 1915 and was buried at St. Thomas A'Beckett Churchyard, Haverfordwest.

W Phillips, Private, Pembroke Yeomanry. Cannot presently be identified.

William Phillips, Private, 45761, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Mrs. Hannah Phillips, of 26, City Road, Haverfordwest. He had been born in Llawhaden, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Welsh Regiment, serving with the 16th (Cardiff) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 115th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to 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 the Battle of Langemarck. William was killed in action here on the 4th August, 1917 aged 36. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

William Thomas Phillips, Private, 54384, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. He served with the 16th Battalion, which was attached to the 115th Brigade, 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 the 7th July, but met with fierce resistance, and it took until the 14th July to 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 the Battle of Langemarck. William was killed in action here on the 27th August, 1917. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. He is listed on the Memorial as Pembroke Yeomanry.

Daniel Hugh Reynish, Private, 5217, London Regiment. Daniel was the Son of James and Elizabeth J. Reynish, of 60, Barn Street, Haverfordwest. He lived at Battersea prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 23rd Battalion, London Regiment. The Battalion formed at St. John’s Hill, London during August, 1914 and became attached to the 142nd Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division. The Division moved to France between the 9th and 22nd March, 1915, and served with distinction on the Western Front throughout the war. The new designation of the Division, its Brigades and other constituent units changed from the 2nd London to 47th in mid May 1915. The Division fought at the Battle of Aubers, and the Battle of Festubert during May, 1915 and in September fought at the Battle of Loos, and subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. They were north of Arras when the Germans attacked Vimy Ridge, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Le Transloy, where the Division captured Eaucourt l'Abbe, and took part in Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. They then moved north to Flanders, and it was there that Daniel was wounded soon after arriving there. He was taken to the Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings for treatment, but died of his wounds there on the 27th November, 1916. Daniel was 35 years old, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

James Bowen Richards, Private, 53642, Cheshire Regiment. James was born at Haverfordwest, and enlisted there into the Army. He served with the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to the 15th Brigade, 5th Division. The Division had fought on the Western Front since the beginning of the war, and had seen action in almost every major offensive of the war. James must have been taken Prisoner by the Germans at some stage in 1918, as he died of wounds on the 1st December, 1918, and is buried in Germany at Cologne Southern Cemetery.

James Richards, Private, 41052, Hampshire Regiment. James was born in Haverfordwest on the 6th of July 1895. Sometime between 1915 and 1916, he married a Laugharne woman, Mary Ann Brown, daughter of David and Elizabeth Brown of Frog Street, Laugharne. They set up home in Laugharne, but James had already enlisted into the army, serving as a Private in the 2/5th Battalion, the Hampshire Regiment. The 2/5th Battalion, a territorial Battalion, formed at Salisbury Plain in September 1914, becoming part of 2/1st Hampshire Brigade, 2nd Wessex Division. On the 13 December 1914 they sailed for India, and on 29 April 1917 left for Egypt, arriving at Ismailia on 5 April 1917, where they became attached to 232nd Brigade, 75th Division. The 75th Division Formed in Egypt in March and April 1917, and under special instruction included units of the Indian Army. The assembly of the various units required was slow and the Division did not take final shape until August 1918. Artillery was difficult to provide, and the Division included a brigade supplied by South Africa. The Division served in Egypt and Palestine, taking part in the Third Battle of Gaza during October/November 1917, then the Capture of Junction Station, the Battle of Nabi Samweill and the capture of Jerusalem. At some stage around the time of the Battle of Nabi Samweill, Private James Richards fell ill. In a letter written to his bereaved widow Mary, one of James’s Nurses told Mary how he had died.

‘Ward 4, 21st General Hospital, Alexandria, 9th December 1917.

Dear Mrs Richards,

 Please accept my deepest sympathy with you in your sad bereavement. As I have been nursing your husband and I was with him when he died, I thought perhaps it might help you a little to have some particulars about him. He was admitted to this Hospital on the 3rd suffering from dysentery. On Wednesday evening it was found that he had an appendix abscess, which required immediate operation, and he was transferred to this ward shortly after midnight from the operating theatre. He was very ill indeed, but by morning was considerably better. On Friday he had a very comfortable night and slept well, and was quite bright on Saturday morning when I left him. In the afternoon, he was worse, had a lot of pain and was very ill when I came on duty that night. Everything that could have been done to save him had been done, but without success. He seemed to decide in his own mind that he would not recover, but it did not appear to trouble him. When I asked him for a message for you he said ‘I love my wife so much-until death’. He had very little pain that night and passed quietly away shortly after midnight, 12.55 a.m., Sunday 9th September. He was conscious until about ten minutes before the end. The Congregational Chaplain was with him about 12.30, having previously visited him during the day. Your husband asked me to have his Testament buried with him. I found among his belongings a khaki New Testament, which had been presented to him by the Congregational Church, Haverfordwest, and presuming that was what he wanted, I put it with his remains. There seems to be very little that we can do here to compensate you women in England for being unable to visit your loved ones when they are sick, but of course the distance to Egypt prevents anyone visiting here.

Again assuring you of my sympathy in you sorrow and with kind regards, I remain, yours Truly, M. Buchanan, Staff Nurse.’

James Richards had passed away on the 9th December 1917. His bereaved widow, Mary Ann had already suffered the heartbreak of the death of their twenty one month old daughter Florence Martha Richards who had passed away during September 1917 without James ever having the chance to see his daughter. James was buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery in grave A. 99. He was just 22 years old.  Mary remarried after the war, and was my Great Grandmother. She died in 1976 in Laugharne.

George Garnet Robinson, Private, 306050, London Rifle Brigade. George was the Son of Mrs. F. Taylor, of 61, Worthing St., Beverley Road, Hull. He served with the London Regiment, in the 5th Battalion (London Rifle Brigade). The Battalion formed on the 4th August, 1914 at 130, Bunhill Row, E.C. as part of the 2nd London Brigade, 1st London Division. At the end of August they moved to Bisley, and in September to Crowborough. In November the Battalion left the division and landed at Havre on the 5th November, 1914, and joined the 11th Brigade, 4th Division at Bailleul. The Division 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 then on the 19th May moved to G.H.Q. and formed a composite Battalion with 1/12th and 1/13th Battalions until the 11th August. On the 25th October, 1915 it moved to 8th Brigade, 3rd Division at Hooge, and then on the 10th February, 1916 transferred to 169th Brigade, 56th (London) Division, forming in Hallencourt area. The Division fought at the diversionary attack on Gommecourt then at Ginchy, Flers and Morval, where they captured Combles. They wintered on the Somme, and followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 before fighting in the Battle of Arras. They then moved to Ypres, where they fought at Langemarck, then at Cambrai during the Battle there in October 1917, remaining in the area for the winter. The Division were in the Arras sector when the German Spring Offensive was launched on the 21st March, 1918 and fought at the resulting Battle of Arras. George was killed just prior to the Battle of Albert, on the 12th August, 1918. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Pernois British Cemetery, Halloy-Les-Pernois, France.

Benjamin James Rodney, Gunner, 30002, Royal Field Artillery. Benjamin was born at Prendergast, Haverfordwest. He worked in the Great Western Railway Station at Llanybydder, and enlisted at Preston into the Royal Field Artillery, being posted