Narberth War Memorial
The Great War, 1914-1918
Edward Arnold Frederick Allen, Private, 6386, Royal Fusiliers. Edward was born at Foochow, China, the Son of Edward Launcelot Baugh Allen and Blanche Adelaide Allen, of Blackhaldern, Narberth. He enlisted into the 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which were attached to the 54th Brigade, 18th (eastern) Division. The 10th RF were also known as the Stockbrokers Battalion, due to their main bulk being made of of City businessmen. They transferred to the 111th Brigade, 37th (London) Division before moving to France at the end of July, 1915, and saw their first major attack during the attack on Gommecourt, which was a diversionary attack for the main Somme Offensive. During the first couple of days of the Somme Offensive, another Division, the 34th, had suffered terrible casualties, and so Edward was transferred to the 34th Division temporarily, along with the other men of the 111th Brigade. They then fought at the Bazentin, Pozieres and Flers-Courcelette, before returning to their own Division, when they fought at the Battle of the Ancre. Edward was wounded at the Ancre, and was transferred to the 11th Casualty Clearing Station at Varennes, where he Died of Wounds aged just 22 on the 21st November, 1916. Edward is buried at Varennes Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Lionel Raymond Whateley Allen, Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers. Lionel was the younger brother of Edward, and was also born in China, the Son of Edward Launcelot Baugh and late Blanche Adelaide Allen, of Blackadern, Narberth. Lionel had received a commission and served in the 9th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had been founded at Pembroke Dock in October, 1914 and was used as a Training Battalion. Lionel would have been attached to another Battalion in France, but as yet the unit is unknown, and he was Killed in Action at the Battle of Bapaume on the 27th March 1918, aged 21. Lionel is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Ernest Bowen, Private, 200043, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Son of Mrs. Mary Bowen, of Church House, Robeston Wathen, Narberth. He enlisted at Narberth into the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The 15th were the Carmarthenshire (Service) Battalion. The 15th Battalion was raised by the Carmarthenshire County Committee during October 1914. They became part of 114th Brigade, 38th Welsh Division on the 29th April 1915. The brigade landed at Havre during December 1915. They fought through some of the hardest and most famous battles of the Great War-at Mametz during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Pilckem Ridge during the battle of Passchendaele. During March 1918, the 15th Battalion was in reserve at The Laundry, Erquinghem. On the 6th March they relieved the 13th Welsh in support trenches at Houplines. Eight men were wounded by gas on the 9th March, and for the next few days the area was continually shelled and gassed by the Germans. After taking part in the initial defence in Flanders, the Division was rushed to the Somme, where they were positioned north of Albert, in the heart of the old 1916 Battlefields. Here they fought in the heroic defence of the lines, which prevented the German breakthrough, until the tide was turned on the 8th August, by an Australian victory at Villers-Brettoneux. The Allies now held the initiative, and quickly began pushing the Germans back toward the Hindenburg Line, and on the 18th September the Division took part in the Battle of Epehy. Ernest was Killed in Action this day, aged 23. He had been attached to the 114th Trench Mortar Battery, and was at the forefront of the fighting when he was killed, and he is now buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery.
Mansel Bowen, Private, 307166, Lancashire Fusiliers. Mansel was the Son of Richard and Mary Bowen, of Big House, Cold Blow, Narberth, and he enlisted at Narberth into the 2/8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, who were attached to the 197th Brigade, 66th Division. The Division landed at Le Havre on the 28th February, 1917 and moved to the Flanders Coast. At the end of September they moved south and fought at Third Ypres, during the Battle of Poelcappelle, where Mansel was Killed in Action on the 9th October, 1917 aged 37. His body was lost on the battlefields, and so he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Reginald Burgess, Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Reginald was the Son of Walter and Edith Burgess, of Blaenmarlais, Narberth. Reginald had served with the Army Cyclists Corps, but had transferred into the Royal Flying Corps, and served in 22 Squadron. The Squadron had arrived in France in June, 1916 and flew the outdated FE2b aeroplane, and flew reconnaissance missions. Reginald was Killed in Action not long after arriving in France, on the 7th July, 1916 aged 24, and is buried at Douchy-Les-Ayette British Cemetery.
Albert Butler, Private, 38373, Welsh Regiment. Albert was born at Stepney Green Middlesex, and had moved to Narberth to live prior to the outbreak of war. Albert enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 9th Battalion the Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had formed at Cardiff in August, 1914 and were attached to the 58th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division moved to France in July 1915, and moved to an area North of Loos, near Festubert, where they fought in the Battle of Loos. Albert was Killed in Action here, on the 25th September, 1915 and is buried at Brown's Road Military Cemetery, Festubert. Not on Memorial.
Edwin Osbourne Davies, Private, 10611, Welsh Regiment. Edwin was the Son of Alfred Davies and Lettice Maddox Phillips Davies, of Sessions Court, St. James' St., Narberth, and had enlisted into the 2nd Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which had been in France since the first action at Mons, with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. They fought from Mons in the rearguard action south toward the Marne where the German Offensive was stopped, and after pushing the Germans back to the Aisne, moved to Ypres, where they fought at First Ypres and Gheluveldt. Edwin was Killed in Action during the first winter at Ypres, on the 3rd January, 1915, aged just 21. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue. His brother Frank also fell.
Frank Victor Davies, Private, 47247, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frank was the Son of Alfred and Lettice M. Davies, of St. James St., Narberth. He had enlisted at Goodwick into the 15th Welsh Regiment later transferring into the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which were a reserve Battalion based in the UK. This shows that Frank was wounded, and returned home, being unfit for service on the front and he sadly died at home, aged 17, on the 19th September, 1917. Frank is buried at Narberth Cemetery. His brother Edwin also fell.
George Elwyn Davies, Private, 282284, Lancashire Fusiliers. George was the Son of William and Elizabeth Davies, of Brynmor, Templeton. He enlisted at Narberth into the 2/7th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, which formed part of the 197th Brigade, 66th Division. The Battalion landed at Havre on the 28th February, 1917, and the Division moved North of Ypres by the 26th June 1917, in preparation for an attack on the Flanders Coast. Due to the disastrous occurences at Third Ypres, the operation was cancelled, and the Division moved to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Poelcappelle. George was wounded at Poelcappelle, and brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, where he sadly Died of Wounds on the 11th November, 1917 aged just 22. He is buried there at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Narberth Museum.
John Davies, Private, 54297, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born and resided at Narberth, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion was formed during September, 1914 as part of the 58th Brigade 19th (Western) Division, which moved to France in July 1915, and moved to an area North of Loos, near Festubert, where they fought in the Battle of Loos. They later fought at the Somme, during the Battle Albert, and went in on the 3rd July, taking the Village of La Boiselle, and they fought through the remainder of the 1916 Somme Offensive, before spending a hard winter on the Ancre. In 1917 the Division moved north, and took part in the opening operation of Third Ypres, the Battle of Messines, where John was Killed in Action on the 7th June, 1917. He is buried at Wytschaete Military Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Thomas Maurice Davies, Sergeant, 6017, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born on the 23rd October, 1879 at Penffordd, Bletherston. Thomas worked at Narberth Post Office prior to 1898, and served with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment. In 1899 the Battalion was sent to South Africa to fight in the Boer War. Thomas was awarded the QSA and KSA for his time in South Africa, and moved to India with the 2nd Welsh in 1902, not returning to Wales until 1905. In 1908 he married Elizabeth Morgan of Tenby, and resided at Lodge Gate, New Hedges, Tenby, with Thomas working there as a Postman. Thomas re-enlisted at Pembroke Dock at the outbreak of WW1, into the 8th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were part of the 40th Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. In January, 1915 the Battalion became the Divisional Pioneers, and in June, 1915 the Division embarked for the Mediterranean, and from there to Gallipoli via Mudros, landing at ANZAC Cove between the 3rd and 5th August, 1915. On Gallipoli, the Division fought in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell’s Top and Hill 60, before moving to Suvla Bay, from where they were evacuated in January, 1916. After being moved to Egypt, the Division was sent to Mesopotamia, as part of a force to relieve the Siege of Kut el Amara. Thomas was Killed in Action here, at Abu Romans Mound, near Sannyiat, Mesopotamia, aged 36, on the 23rd April, 1916. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Basra Memorial. Not on Narberth Memorial.
Arthur Stanley Dayson, Lance Corporal, 320871, Welsh Regiment. Arthur was the Son of John and Mary Ann Dayson, of Blaendynfi, Port Talbot, Glam. Prior to the outbreak of war, he is shown as residing in Narberth, and he enlisted at Bridgend into the Glamorgan Yeomanry, which had formed there at the outbreak of war, as part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade. In November, 1915 the Brigade were dismounted, and embarked for Egypt, landing by March, 1916 where they were absorbed into the 4th (Dismounted) Brigade. On the 2nd February, 1917 in Egypt, the Glamorgan Yeomanry merged with the Pembroke Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, and the Battalion joined the 231st Brigade 74th (Yeomanry) Division. Up till this time Arthur had been serving on the Suez Canal defences, but upon the creation of the 74th Division, they marched into Palestine, and fought in the Battles of Gaza, and the capture of Jerusalem. Arthur was wounded during the capture of Jerusalem, and sadly Died of Wounds there on the 2nd December, 1917 aged 32. He is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Arthur Ethelred Evans, Private, 260436, Gloucestershire Regiment. Arthur was born at Llandewi Velfrey. He enlisted at Fishguard into the South Wales Borderers, but later transferred into the 12th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, which was attached to the 95th Brigade, 32nd Division. The Division landed in France on the 21st November, 1915 and four weeks later the Brigade transferred to the 5th Division. The 5th Division was a hardened unit that had fought in France since the Battle of Mons. In March, 1916 they took over the line between St. Laurent-Blangy and the Southern end of Vimy Ridge, but moved south to the Somme in July, 1916. They fought at High Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy during the Somme Offensive and on the 5th October left the area for a ‘quieter’ sector at Festubert. In March, 1917 they took part in the Battle of Vimy, and the Battle of the Scarpe, during the Arras Offensive, and on the 7th September were relieved, and moved to Ypres. Here they fought through Third Ypres, and it was during the Battle of Polygon Wood that Arthur was Killed in Action on the 2nd October, 1917. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Benjamin Albert Evans, Private, 307167, Lancashire Fusiliers. Benjamin was the Son of Price Evans, of 40, Mackworth St., Bridgend, Glamorgan. Not much is known of him except that he served in the 2/8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which had landed at Havre on the 28th February, 1917 as part of the 197th Brigade, 66th Division. The Battalion was disbanded in France on the 31st July, 1917 after suffering heavy casualties during the German Spring Offensive, so Benjamin must have been returned home before this date, probably due to wounds, transferring to the 533rd Agricultural Company, Labour Corps. He died at home on the 7th February, 1919 and is buried at Molleston Baptist Chapelyard, Narberth South.
Frederick O. Evans, Private, 350, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was the Son of Thomas Rees Evans and Mary Ann Evans, of Providence Hill, Narberth. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were formed in Carmarthen in August, 1914 as part of the South Wales Brigade. Frederick Died at home on the 17th February, 1915 aged only 22, and is buried in Narberth Cemetery.
Tom Luther Evans, Private, 10539, Welsh Regiment. Tom was born at St. Clears, and resided prior to the outbreak of war in Narberth. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, who formed part of the 84th Brigade, 28th Division. The Division was made up of regular army units that had been brought back to the UK at the outbreak of war. They arrived at Marseilles on the 18th January, 1915 and moved to the Ypres sector. Tom was wounded at Ypres, and Died of Wounds on the 4th February, 1915. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial.
William Evans, Private, 51596, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of Isaac and Mary Evans, of Cold-Blow, and the husband of Martha Evans, of Plas Cottages, Church St., Narberth. There is not much information available on him, but he served in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This was a Home Service Battalion that had began the war at Pembroke Dock. They moved to Headquarters at Wrexham on the 9th August, 1914, and moved to Litherland near Liverpool in May, 1915. The Battalion moved to Ireland to deal with the rebellion during August, 1917 and remained there for the duration of the war, stationed at Limerick. William died at home on the 26th April, 1921 aged 52, and is buried at Narberth Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
William Henry Evans, Private, 61652, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llanddewi, the son of Mrs Theodosia Evans, of Plaindealings, Llanddewi, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 24th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. The 24th Welsh were formed in Egypt during February, 1917, from two dismounted Regiments- the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry and the Glamorganshire Yeomanry. They formed part of the 231st Brigade, 74th Yeomanry Division, and were sent to France in May 1918, landing at Marseilles on the 7th May. The 74th Division were fighting in the Battle of Epehy in September, 1918, and the 24th Welsh were tasked with the capture of the German stronghold of Gillemont Farm. The Farm formed part of the Outpost Defences of the Hindenburg Line, and the Welsh suffered terrible casualties here. One of them being William Evans, who was killed in action, aged just 21, on the 21st September, 1918. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so William is remembered on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, on Panel 7. Not on Memorial.
Albert Victor Eynon, Private, 15052, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born in Llanddewi to Thomas and Mary Eynon, of Henllan Lodge. He enlisted at Tonypandy, into the 10th Battalion, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The 10th RWF were originally formed at Wrexham during September, 1914, forming part of the 76th Brigade, 25th Division. The Division moved to France , landing at Boulogne on the 27th September, 1915. It is uncertain when Albert joined the Battalion, but he was with them during the Battle of Passchendaele, when he mortally wounded. He Died of Wounds, aged 25, on the 30th September, 1917, and was buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, No. 3, in Grave I. J. 33. Not on Memorial.
Willie James Eynon, Private, 302364, Manchester Regiment. Willie was born in Llanddewi, to Anne Eynon, of 1, Llandaff Row. He enlisted in nearby Narberth, and became a Private in the 2/8th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. The 2/8th Manchesters were formed at Ardwick during August, 1914, and becae part of the 199th Brigade, 66th Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front during March, 1917, taking part in actions on the Flanders Coast, before moving to Ypres. At Ypres, they fought in the Battle of Poelcappelle, where Willie was Killed in Action on the 4th August, 1917. He was 24 years old, and was buried in Coxyde Military Cemetery, Grave II. D. 13.
Not on Memorial.
David Griffiths, Private, 20115, Grenadier Guards. David was the Son of Thomas and Martha Griffiths, of Pontshawe Mill, Narberth, and the husband of Nora May Griffiths, of Camerton House, High St., Mountain Ash, Glamorgan. David enlisted at Mountain Ash into the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, who landed at Le Havre on the 27th July 1915, and in August were attached to the 2nd Guards Brigade, Guards Division. The first test for the Guards was at the Battle of Loos in September, 1915 onwards, and after a brief rest period in early 1916, they moved to the Somme, where they fought in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. David was Killed in Action during the battle, between the 14th to the 17th September, 1916, aged 36. He was buried in Serre Road Cemetery, No. 2, but the location of his grave was lost, and so he is remembered by a Special Memorial in the Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Arthur Irving, Driver, 5526, Royal Field Artillery. Arthur was the Son of John and Mary Irving, of Church St., Narberth, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Field Artillery, where he served in their "C" Battery, 88th Brigade. The 88th Brigade served with the 19th (Western) Division, and crossed to France during July, 1915. The Division fought in most of the major actions of the war from here on. They fought during the Battle of Loos, and then moved south to the Somme, where they captured La Boisselle. They fought through most of the Somme Battles of 1916 before being moved to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Messines, which was the opening phase of Third Ypres, or Passchendaele, then at the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and at Passchendaele Village itself. After terrible casualties, they moved to a ‘quieter’ area east of Bapaume, but were caught there during the opening of the German Spring Offensive of the 21st March, 1918 and were decimated during the ensuing Battles of St. Quentin and Bapaume. They were removed from the area, and moved north again to Ypres, where they again came under heavy attack, during the Battles of Messines, Bailleul and Kemmel. By now the Divisional casualties were severe, and they were moved south to the Aisne, in another ‘quiet’ sector, but they were again caught up in the action, during the Battle of the Aisne, where Arthur was wounded. He Died of Wounds on the 5th June 1918 aged 32, and is buried at Marfaux British Cemetery.
Hector James, Private, 1991, Monmouthshire Regiment. Hector was born at Narberth, and had enlisted at Aberbargoed into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. The Battalion were formed in Newport in August, 1914 as part of the Welsh Border Brigade, Welsh Division. In February, 1915 they moved to France, attached to 84th Brigade, 28th Division. They first saw action during Second Ypres, which is where Hector was Killed in Action on the 8th May, 1915. His body was lost on the battlefield, and so he is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
John William James, Sapper, 387278, Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. John was the Son of Ann James, of Gate House, Llawhaden, Narberth, and enlisted at Maesteg into the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, and served in their 4th Siege Company. The RMRE were a Special Reserves Regiment, which were formed way back in 1539. In WW1, they worked alongside the Royal Engineers, and were in Flanders when John was wounded, either during the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, or at Second Ypres. He Died of Wounds on the 28th April, 1915 aged 29, and is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.
Richard Jenkins, Private, 201048, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the Son of the late William and Elizabeth Jenkins, of Llawhaden, Narberth, and had enlisted at Llanelli into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were formed at Carmarthen in August, 1914 as part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17th April, 1915 they were attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July sailed from Devonport for the Mediterranean. On the 9th August the Division landed at Gallipoli and fought there for the remainder of the year, until being evacuated in December, 1915 after suffering heavy casualties. They then fought in the Palestinian Campaign where Richard was wounded near Gaza. He Died of Wounds on the 20th April, 1917 aged just 21, and is buried at Deir El Belah War Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Henry John, Private, 202910, South Lancashire Regiment. Henry was born near Clynderwen to Mr. & Mrs. T. John, of Brynhill. He enlisted at Nantwich into the 2/4th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment, which formed part of the 172nd Brigade, 57th Division. The Battalion were in the trenches at Armentieres, in Northern France, in mid 1917, and it was here that Henry suffered serious wounds. He Died of Wounds, aged 32, on the 7th June, 1917, and was buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Cemetery, in the burial ground of the Military Hospital there, in Grave IV. C. 14.
Joseph John, Private, 645, Australian Imperial Force. Joseph was born at Broomhill, Minwear, Narberth in 1893, the son of Catherine Ann John, later of Amberley House, Pembroke. He had emigrated to Australia with his cousins prior to the outbreak of war, aged only 17, and enlisted at Perth, NSW on the 12th March, 1915 into the 28th Battalion, Australian Infantry, who were attached to the 7th Brigade, 2nd Australian Division. Joseph landed on Gallipoli on the 5th September, 1915 and was wounded in the thigh on the 19th, which required him to be evacuated and sent to Egypt for treatment. On the 15th January, 1916 Joseph returned to his unit, and on the 16th March, 1916 the Battalion embarked at Alexandria to France, disembarking at Marseilles on the 21st March. In France, the Australian Imperial Force were posted to the line near Fleurbaix, where they were initiated into the rigours of trench warfare on the Western Front. In mid July, the ANZACS were sent to the Somme, where they were to take the formidable German positions at Pozieres Ridge. The first attack was carried out successfully by the First Division, and on the 27th July, the Second Division replaced them at Pozieres. Joseph was posted as missing during the continued fighting at Pozieres, and was finally certified as Killed in Action on the 29th July, 1916 during a Court of Enquiry held on the 16th February, 1917. He was 22 years old, and is remembered on the Villers-Brettoneaux Memorial. Not on Memorial.
Evan Tom Jones, Private, 43634, Worcestershire Regiment. Evan was born at Llanwennog, the Son of David and Mary Jones, later of Llettyrwenol, Cwrtnewydd, Llanybyther. He enlisted at Narberth into the 2/8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, which had landed in France on the 28th May, 1916, attached to the 182nd Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The Division saw their first major action during the diversionary attack on Fromelles on the 19th July, 1916. They suffered terrible casualties, for no gains, and were not used again until March, 1917 when the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line, and captured Chaulnes and Bapaume. In Ausgust, 1917 the Division moved north and fought at the Battle of Langemarck g Third Ypres, then fought at the Battle of Cambrai during November and December, 1917. They were caught up in the German Spring Offensive of March, 1918 at the Battle of St. Quentin, and the Battle of Rosieres, where they defended the area around Ham, near St. Quentin, in the face of ferocious German onslaught. After suffering heavy casualties, the Division moved to Flanders, but were caught up in the German Offensive there, fighting at the Battles of Estaires, Hazebrouck & Bethune. During August, 1918 the Germans were halted mainly due to an Australian Victory at Villers Brettoneux, and the tide turned in favour of the Allies. The 61st Division too part in the Final Advance in Flanders, then pushed south, where Evan died, aged 19, during the Final Advance in Artois 1918, on the 5th October, 1918. He is buried in Leuze Communal Cemetery.
Harry Jones, Private, 10048, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Harry was born at Narberth, the Son of John and Henrietta Jones, of 9, Cambridge St., St. Thomas, Exeter. He enlisted at Exeter into the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. At the outbreak of war, the Battalion were stationed at the Curragh, Ireland. They landed at Le Havre on the 15th August, 1914 as part of the 14th Brigade, 5th Division, and were among the first British troops to see action in France, at the Battle of Mons, on the 23rd August, 1914. They retreated south toward Le Cateau, where they put up a gallant stand which slowed the German advance, and then retreated towards the Marne, where the German Offensive was stopped dead. The BEF pushed the Germans back to the Aisne, and fought a battle here that was to help form the lines of the Western Front for the duration of the war. After the Battle of the Aisne the Division moved to Flanders, and fought at La Bassee, and then at Messinnes in 1914. They fought at First Ypres in 1914 and Second Ypres in 1915, and remained in Flanders for the remainder of the year. On the 12th January, 1916 the Battalion transferred to the 95th Brigade but remained in the 5th Division, moving to a sector north of Arras, between St. Laurent Blangy and Vimy. They remained here until moving to the Somme, where they fought at High Wood, Guillemont Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and left the Somme on the 5th October, 1916, moving to Festubert to rebuild. In March, 1917 the Division fought during the Battle of Vimy, which was the opening stage of the Arras Offensive, and they also fought at La Coulotte and the Scarpe, where they took Oppy Wood. Harry was Killed in Action at Oppy Wood, aged just 22 on the 19th July, 1917 and is buried at Roclincourt Military Cemetery. Not on 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 were raised under a blaze of publicity after the Royal Warrant on 26th February, 1915. After being formed, they became part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August, 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, before being brought south to the Somme in 1916. During the Somme Offensive the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, where Thomas was Killed in Action on the 26th September, 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Ronald Hastings Lascelles, D.S.O., M.I.D., Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Horse Artillery. Ronald was the only son of A. H. Lascelles of Narberth and of Mrs. Lascelles of North Cheriton, Templeton. He had served in the South African War, and at the outbreak of WW1 was serving with the Royal Horse Artillery, which had the purpose of providing light artillery support for the Cavalry Divisions on the Western Front. Not much is known of Ronald’s service, but he Died of Pneumonia on the 16th February, 1919 aged 38, and is buried at Charlton Cemetery, Greenwich.
David James Lewis, Captain, Welsh Regiment. Cannot Presently be Identified.
George Palmer Lewis, Private, 2020, Berkshire Yeomanry. George was born at Narberth, the Son of J. R. Lewis and Mary M. Lewis, and had enlisted at Reading into the Berkshire Yeomanry. In August, 1914 the Berkshire Yeomanry were stationed at Reading as part of the 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade. In September they moved into the 2nd Mounted Division, and in April, 1915 moved to Egypt, where they were dismounted and sent to Gallipoli. George was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on the 28th May, 1915, aged 30, and is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
William Albert Lewis, Private, M/286086, Royal Army Service Corps. William was the Husband of Mary Ann Lewis, of Church St., Narberth. Not much is known of his war service, but he served with the Motor Transport arm of the Royal Army Service Corps, and died at home on the 17th March, 1920 aged 35. William is buried at Narberth Cemetery.
William Herbert Lewis, Lance Corporal, 103485, Royal Engineers. William was born at Ludchurch, Narberth, the Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Lewis, of 2, Gwendraeth House, Saron, Ammanford, Carmarthen. Prior to the war, William was residing at Pontllanfraith, Monmouthshire, and enlisted at Newport into the Royal Engineers, being posted to the 178th Tunnelling Company. The Tunneling Companies had been formed as a direct result of German mining at Givenchy, where a section of line held by the Indian Corps was blown up on the 20th December, 1914, resulting in the loss of a large section of the British front line. On formation the 178th Company moved to the Fricourt sector of the Somme. They moved up to try to mine enemy positions in High Wood as the advance progressed in July 1916. In March 1918, the Company was spread in Fins, Gouzeaucourt and Heudicourt, when the enemy bombardment struck these places. After this the Company was engaged in Tortille bridge demolition, and other defensive activities during the German Offensive. William Died of Wounds during this terrible period, on the 28th May, 1918 aged 33, and is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt. Not on Memorial.
William John Lewis, Sapper, 108017, Royal Engineers. William was born at Llawhaden, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Engineers. William was posted to their 123rd Field Company, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had arrived in France during December, 1915 and had moved to the sector near Armentieres. They were to remain here until June, 1916 when they were sent to the Somme, charged with the capture of Mametz Wood. The initial assault took pace on the 7th July, but it was over w week until the wood had been captured, and this was seen as a failure by the British High Command, who ordered the badly depleted Division out of the line. They moved to Ypres, where they were to take part in Third Ypres, and it was here that William was Killed in Action, on the 18th June, 1917. He is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery.
George David Llewellyn, Private, 38605, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. George was born at Narberth, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Welsh Regiment. He later transferred, either as a result of wounds, or of illness which required him to be unfit for front line duties, into the 2nd (Garrison) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were used for Garrison Duties at Egypt. George died in Egypt on the 4th March, 1917 and was buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
George E. Matthews, Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy. George served in the Royal Navy aboard H.M.S. Sable. She was a Destroyer of the Romola Class, and was launched on the 28th June, 1916, armed with three 4 inch guns, and with a range of 40% more than the previous class of destroyer. George sadly Died on the 18th October, 1918 at Edinburgh, and is buried at Dalmeny and Queensferry Cemetery.
David Oliver Morgan, Private, 10180, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was the Son of John and Elizabeth Morgan, of Aely Cryn, Narberth, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion were at Malta at the outbreak of war, and were rushed back to England, landing at Southhampton on the 3rd September, 1914. Here they were attached to the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division, and sent to Belgium, landing at Zeebrugge on the 7th October, 1914, with the intention of aiding the siege of Antwerp. However, Antwerp was falling by the time they arrived, and so the Division moved to Ypres, becoming the first British Troops to garrison the City, taking up positions west of Ypres. The German sweep to the sea came thundering towards Ypres on the 19th October, 1914 and was stubbornly repulsed by the well trained British Regulars. David was Killed in Action on the 20th October, 1914 aged 35. His body was never recovered from the battlefields, and so he is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Not on Memorial.
William Henry Morgan, Private, 2524, Australian Imperial Force. William was the Son of Lewis and Mary Morgan, of Robeston Wathen, Narberth, and had emigrated to Australia, where he worked as a Blacksmith. William enlisted at Bathurst, NSW on the 6th June 1916 into the 54th Battalion, Australian Infantry. His papers show him to have been 33 years and 5 months old, and that he trained for 9 years with the 7th Welsh Territorials. He embarked from Australia on the 30th September, 1916 and arrived at Plymouth on the 19th November. On the 22nd December William arrived at Etaples, and joined his unit on the 10th February, 1917 in the field. On the 15th March William was wounded, suffering gunshot wounds to the face and hands and was sent via the 15th Australian Field Ambulance to Hospital. On the 5th April he left Hospital, rejoining the Battalion on the 15th, but just a month later he was wounded again, and after months of treatment was transferred to the 5th Divisional Headquarters staff, as he was not fit enough for the infantry. In October, 1917 William was granted leave, and spent two weeks back home, and on his return to the front he was made Shoeing Smith. William was court martialled on the 25th January, 1918, for stealing a bag of oats, and he was found guilty and sentenced to 70 days Field Punishment Number 2. He rejoined his Battalion on the 14th April, as the German Spring Offensive was under way, and reverted to Private due to his misconduct. He was immediately seconded for duty with the 2nd Division HQ. Traffic Control, but was admitted to Hospital on the 22nd October, suffering from Influenza. William died of influenza on the 4th November, 1918 aged 36, and is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension. Not on Memorial.
Oliver Nicholas, Private, 10540, Welsh Regiment. Oliver was born in Wiston, the Brother of Albert Nicholas, of St. James St., Narberth, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. At the outbreak of war, the Battalion were at Bordon, as part of the 3rd Brigade 1st Division. The Division was one of the first to arrive in France, and fought from the opening Battle of Mons, through the epic fighting retreat of the BEF towards the Marne, where they stopped the German Offensive in its tracks. The BEF pushed the Germans back to the Aisne, and fought an action there which set up the positions of the Western Front for the duration of the war. The Division mved north to Ypres in October, where they fought in the successful defence of the City during First Ypres, and so stopped the German move to the sea. After a hard Winter in Flanders, the Division took part in the Battle of Aubers, and then fought at Loos in September, 1915. Oliver was Killed in Action during the Battle of Loos on the 25th September, 1915 aged 25, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
Frank Esmond Owen, Private, 416, Welsh Regiment. Frank was the Son of Mrs. Mary Jane Owen, of St. James St., Narberth, and had enlisted at Narberth into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were formed at Carmarthen in August, 1914 as part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17th April, 1915 they were attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July sailed from Devonport for the Mediterranean. On the 9th August the Division landed at Gallipoli, where Frank was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on the 11th August, 1915 aged only 22. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial.
Frederick William Owen, Sergeant, 346, Welsh Guards. Frederick was born at Narberth, the Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Owen, later of 38, Ewenny Rd., Maesteg, Glam. He enlisted at Maesteg into the Grenadier Guards, but when the Welsh Guards were formed by Royal Warrant in 1915, he transferred into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards were raised under a blaze of publicity after the Royal Warrant on 26th February, 1915. After being formed, they became part of the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division, which was formed in France in August, 1915. Their first taste of battle was at Loos, before being brought south to the Somme in 1916. During the Somme Offensive the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and at Morval. The Guards followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917 and later fought during Third Ypres, at Pilckem, the Menin Road, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village. After the offensive had been called off, the Guards moved south where Frederick was Killed in Action during the Battle of Cambrai, on the 1st December, 1917 aged 27. He is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Thomas James Peregrine, Corporal, 200021, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of William and Jane Peregrine, of High St., Narberth. He had served during the war with the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was part of the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had fought on the Western Front since landing in France in December, 1915, fighting on the Somme at Mametz Wood, at Ypres during the Battles of Passchendaele, and through the German Spring Offensive on the Somme. They played a big part in the great advance towards, and eventually through the Hindenburg Line in 1918 which resulted in the Allied Victory. Thomas died of war related illness on the 3rd September, 1920 aged 34. He is buried at Narberth Cemetery.
William Peters, Private, 22471, Welsh Regiment. William served with the 4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. Very little is known of him, except that he was seconded to the Royal Engineers, and Died of Sickness in Salonika on the 29th November, 1918. William is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria.
John Evan Phillips, Private, 337, Pembroke Yeomanry. John was born in Robeston Wathen. He enlisted at Narberth into the Pembroke Yeomanry, probably the 2/1st Battalion, and Died at home on the 12th August, 1916. He is buried at Robeston Wathen Churchyard.
Thomas Aston Phillips, Private, 931114, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Thomas was born at Narberth on the 11th July, 1875. Thomas must have worked at Whitland prior to the war, and the family then emigrated to Canada, where Thomas worked as a Rancher. On the 4th April, 1916 Thomas enlisted at Fernie, British Columbia, into the CEF, and upon arriving in France was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, part of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. The Division saw heavy fighting at Mount Sorrel, south of Ypres, during June 1916, then moved to the Somme, and fought at Flers, Thiepval, Le Transloy and the Ancre. They were in the Arras sector in 1917, and took part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, staying in the area until October 1917 when they moved to Ypres, fighting at Passchendaele village. In 1918 they moved south, taking part in the turning point of the war, the Battle of Amiens, on the 8th August, 1918 and stayed on the offensive, pushing north-east toward the Scarpe and the Canal Du Nord, where they captured Bourlon Wood. Thomas was Killed in Action during this later battle, on the 29th September, 1918. He was 43 years old, and is buried at Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery. His brother William Lewis Phillips also fell, as did his cousin William Bowen Stephens. Not on Memorial.
William Lewis Phillips, Private, 931120, Canadian Infantry. William was the brother of Thomas Aston Phillips. He had been born at Droslyn Farm, Crinow, Narberth on the 18th September, 1879, the tenth child of Benjamin and Phoebe Phillips. William emigrated to Canada in 1911, with his brother Thomas and his sister Annie Laurie and they set up home in Fernie, British Columbia. Annie married sometime after this, and set up home at Walterdale, Edmonton, Alberta. William enlisted at Fernie, British Columbia, on the 28th June, 1916 into the 54th Battalion (Central Ontario Regiment), which was attached to the 11th Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. William embarked for England on the 25th January, 1917 aboard the S.S. Grampion, and arrived on the 6th February, 1917. He moved to France on the 17th May, 1917 and joined his Battalion north of Arras, where they had just fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, where the Canadian Corps managed to capture the almost impregnable German positions on Vimy. In August they fought at the Battle of Hill 70 near Lens, and then moved to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele, where the Canadians captured Passchendaele Village. In 1918 the German Spring Offensive swept through the British lines, first on the Somme, and then in Flanders. The Canadians took part in the Battle of Amiens in August that saw the war turn in the favour of the Allies, where they assaulted German positions at Villers Brettoneux alongside their Australian Colonial allies. They then swept forward, fighting at Damery and Drocourt-Quent, and assaulted the mighty Hindenburg Line, in the Battle of the Canal du Nord. William was killed in action here on the 28th September, 1918. He was 39 years old, and is buried at Bourlon Wood Cemetery, France. Not on Memorial. Photo courtsey of Maple Leaf Heritage Project.
Thomas Picton Purser, Private, 6785, Honourable Artillery Company. Thomas was the Son of Mrs. M. A. Collins (formerly Purser), of Suffolk House, Narberth, and the late Mr. W. E. Purser. He enlisted at Armoury House, London into the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, which was stationed at Finsbury in August, 1914 attached to the 1st London Division. On the 20th September, 1914 the Battalion landed at St. Nazaire, transferring to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division on the 10th November. They fought with the Division at Wytschaete, and took part in the unofficial ‘Christmas Truce’ of 1914, and remained in the area for all of 1915, fighting at Hooge, Bellawaarde, the Bluff, and St. Eloi. On the 9th July, 1916 the Battalion transferred to the 190th Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, and fought with them during the latter stages of the Somme Offensive at the Ancre. In March, 1917 the Division fought in the Arras Offensive, and captured Gavrelle during the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where Thomas was wounded. Thomas Died of Wounds the next day, aged just 20, on the 17th April, 1917 and was buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension.
Thomas H. Rees, Driver, 4405, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was born in Cork, and had moved to Narberth prior to the war. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Field Artillery, and was attached to their 'D' Battery, 75th Brigade, which was part of the 16th (Irish) Division, however their stay with the Division turned out to be brief. In August, 1915 the Battery transferred to the Guards Division, and fought with them at the Battle of Loos. In June, 1916 the Division moved south, taking part in the Battles of Flers-Courcelette and Morval during the Somme Offensive, and after remaining on the Somme over the winter of 1916/17 they followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. Later in the year, the Guards Division took part in Third Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge. Thomas was Killed in Action after the Battle of Pilckem, on the 2nd September, 1917. He is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery.
William Reese, Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Not much is known about William, except that he had been commissioned into the 15th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. The 15th Battalion was the Carmarthenshire Battalion. Raised as part of the Welsh Army Corps, the Carmarthenshire Battalion fought in some of the major actions of the war. The Battalion was first raised in Swansea during October and November, 1914, by the Carmarthenshire County Committee, attached to 129th Brigade, 43rd Division, and was composed at first of men recruited from Lancashire. Recruiting in Lancashire was stopped at the end of 1914, and all subsequent recruiting was carried out in Carmarthenshire and South Wales. The preliminary training of the battalion was carried out at Rhyl. From 28th April, 1915 the Battalion became attached to 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, part of K4. In the summer of 1915 the Battalion moved with the remainder of the Welsh Division to Morn Hill Camp, Winchester, where it completed its training and equipping, and embarked for France from Folkestone on December 5th, 1915, disembarking at Boulogne the same day. During the winter and spring of 1916 the Battalion held nearly every section of the British line from Givenchy on the La Bassée Canal to Laventie, about six miles South of Armentières. At the end of May, 1916, the Battalion moved South with the remainder of the 38th (Welsh) Division to the Somme area, in readiness for the First Battle of The Somme, which commenced on July 1st 1916. The 38th Division was tasked with the taking of the infamous Mametz Wood. The first attack on Mametz Wood was on 7th July, when the division lost heavily in 'Death Valley' during the advance on the 'Hammer Head'. The next attack went in on the 10th, and by 14th July the wood was cleared - but at the cost of over 5,000 casualties in the 38th (Welsh) Division. It is probable that William served at Mametz, and returned home suffering from illness. He Died on the 2nd February, 1917 and is buried at Carmarthen Cemetery.
Lewis George Roblin, Second Lieutenant, Northumberland Fusiliers. Lewis was the Son of George Lewis Roblin and Ada Mary Roblin. He was commissioned into the Northumberland Fusiliers, and was posted to their 1st Battalion, which was part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Division. The Division had been in France since the Battle of Mons, and had also fought at Solesmes and Le Cateau, before taking part in the epic retreat south to the Marne. The German Offensive was halted at the Marne, and they made a strategic withdrawal to the Aisne, where the British again met them in Battle. They then moved to Flanders, where they took part in the Battles of Le Bassee and Messines during First Ypres, and was in the area when the famous Christmas Truce was held. In 1915 they fought at Bellewaarde and the Bluff, and remained in Flanders over the next twelve months, fighting in the 1916 actions at the Bluff and the St. Eloi Craters. In June, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, and fought at the Battles of Albert, Bazentin, Delville Wood and the Ancre, and in 1917 moved to positions north of Arras, where they fought at the Battles of the Scarpe and Arleux. Later that year, they fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of the Menin Road and Polygon Wood, and moved south in October, where they fought at the Battle of Cambrai. Lewis would have joined the Battalion around this time, and would have spent the winter of 1917/18 in positions near St. Quentin. On the 21st March, 1918 the Germans launched their last ditch offensive, and swept through the thinly held British lines at St. Quentin and Bapaume, pushing the Allies back over the old Somme Battlefields. The Division were then moved to Northern France, where they were again hit by a fresh German Offensive in Flanders, pushing the Allies back from Estaires, Hazebrouck and to Bethune. Lewis was Killed in Action during these desperate days, on the 5th May, 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
John Clement Rowlands, C.Q.M.S., 8998, Northamptonshire Regiment. John was the Son of John Rowlands, of Narberth, and enlisted at Woolwich into the 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. At the outbreak of war, the Battalion was in Alexandria. They were sent home, and arrived in England in October, 1914, where they were attached to the 24th Brigade, 8th Division. The Division moved to the Western Front in November, and saw their first action at Neuve-Chappelle during March and April, 1915. During May they fought at the Battle of Aubers, and then moved south to Loos, where they fought at Bois Grenier in September, 1915. John died there aged 29, on the 26th November, 1915, and is buried at Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension.
David Salmon, Private, 31204, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. David was born at Narberth, the Son of John and Sarah Salmon, (and the brother of Evan below) of Lowlands, Narberth. He enlisted at Carmarthen with his brother, originally into the Royal Field Artillery, with consecutive service numbers 98763 and 98764. Both brothers then transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had served on the Western Front since the 7th August, 1914, and by early 1916 were stationed on the Somme. David was wounded in February 1916, and Died of Wounds on the 6th February aged 21. He is buried at Point 110 New Military Cemetery, Fricourt.
Evan Salmon, Private, 31203, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Evan was born at Narberth, the Son of John and Sarah Salmon, (and the brother of David above) of Lowlands, Narberth. He enlisted at Carmarthen with his brother, originally into the Royal Field Artillery, with consecutive service numbers 98763 and 98764. Both brothers then transferred into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. The Division had served on the Western Front since the 7th August, 1914, and by early 1916 were stationed on the Somme. Evan was Killed in Action just a day after his brother, on the 7th February, 1916 aged 23. He is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension.
Thomas Stephens, Private, 10525, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of James and Dinah Stephens, of Ashfield Farm, Narberth, Pembrokeshire; husband of A. E. Adams, of 7, Brighton Rd., Gorseinon, Glam. He enlisted at Pembroke Dock into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. At the outbreak of war, the Battalion were at Bordon, as part of the 3rd Brigade 1st Division. The Division was one of the first to arrive in France, and fought from the opening Battle of Mons, through the epic fighting retreat of the BEF towards the Marne, where they stopped the German Offensive in its tracks. The BEF pushed the Germans back to the Aisne, and fought an action there which set up the positions of the Western Front for the duration of the war. The Division mved north to Ypres in October, where they fought in the successful defence of the City during First Ypres, and so stopped the German move to the sea. After a hard Winter in Flanders, the Division took part in the Battle of Aubers, and then fought at Loos in September, 1915. In June, 1916 the Division moved south to the Somme and fought through most of the Battles here from Albert to Morval. In March 1917 they followed up the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, and in the Summer moved to the Flanders Coast in preparation for a planned offensive there. The Offensive was cancelled when the Battles of Third Ypres had ground to a halt in the Flanders mud, and the 1st Division were sent to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle for Passchendaele village. Thomas was wounded at Ypres, and brought to the Base Hospital at Etaples, where he sadly Died of Wounds on the 15th November, 1917 aged 24. Thomas is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery.
William Bowen Stephens, Private, 282274, Lancashire Fusiliers. William was born in Llanddewi, to Catherine Stephens, later Catherine Thomas of the Parkylan Inn, Llanddewi. William enlisted at Cardiff, into the 2/7th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which formed part of the 197th Brigade, 66th Division. The Battalion landed at Havre on the 28th February, 1917, and had moved north with the Division to the Flanders Coast by the 26th June 1917. William was killed in action before the move to Flanders, aged just 21, on the 18th April, 1917. His Battalion must have been involved in trench familiarisation in the Loos area before the move to Flanders. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial, Panel 45 & 46. Photo courtesy of Narberth Museum. Not on Memorial.
Leonard George Strange, Private, 24096, Grenadier Guards. Leonard was born at Bradfield, the Son of Henry and Margaret Strange, of Hampstead Norris, Newbury, Berks, and the husband of the late Martha Jane Strange. He worked for the G.W.R., at Narberth, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, which was attached to the 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Division at the outbreak of war, stationed in Chelsea, and they swiftly moved to France, and took up positions around Mons. Here, they fought at the opening Battle of the War, and in the epic retreat south through Landrecies and Villers-Cotterets to the Marne, where the German attack was halted. The Germans then withdrew north, and the BEF met them again at the Battle of the Aisne. The Division then moved north to Ypres, and fought through First Ypres, and then fought at the Battle of Festubert in November, 1914. They then spent their first winter in Flanders. On the 20th August, 1915 the Battalion transferred to the newly formed 1st Guards Brigade, Guards Division, and the Guards Division saw their first action at the Battle of Loos in September, 1915. The following year saw them move south, and they fought at the Battle of the Somme, at Flers-Courcelette and Morval. After spending the winter of 1916/17 on the Somme, the Guards Division followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917, and then moved north, where they trained to take part in the Battles of Third Ypres. Here they fought at the Battles of Pilckem, the Menin Road, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele, and were then moved south. Their next attack was as part of the Battle of Cambrai, where Leonard was Killed in Action on the 1st December, 1917. He was 29 years old, and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.
Arthur Evan Rideout Thomas, Corporal, 372, Australian Imperial Force. Arthur was born at Narberth, the Son of Richard and Agnes Thomas, later of Newport House, South Cliff Gardens, Tenby. Prior to the war, he had served for three years with the Artists Rifles, and had then emigrated to Australia. Arthur enlisted on the 22nd February, 1915 at Liverpool, NSW into the 18th Battalion, Australian Infantry, which were part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Australian Division. The Battalion left Australia in May, 1915 bound for Egypt, and after several months spent training there landed on ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli on the 22nd August, 1915 to reinforce the badly depleted First Division who had been there since landing on the 25th April. Just days later, the Battalion took part in the Battle for Hill 60, where Arthur was wounded. He sadly Died of Wounds on the 27th August, 1915 aged 26. He was buried at sea, and so is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial. Not on Memorial.
George Lionel Thomas, Private, G/31604, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). George was the Son of William and Ellen Thomas, of 1, Railway Terrace, Narberth, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Border Regiment. He subsequently transferred into the 7th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), which were part of the 53rd Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. On the 25th May, 1915 the Division landed at Boulogne, and fought in most of the main Battles on the Western Front, fighting on the Somme in 1916, the Battle of Arras, Third Ypres, and the desparate period of the German Spring Offensives of 1918. After the tide of war had turned in favour of the Allies, after the brilliant Australian Victory at Villers Brettoneux on the 8th August, 1918, the Allies took the initiative and swiftly pushed the Germans back to the Hindenburg Line, and ultimately through it to victory. George was wounded at the first stage of the Hindenburg Line Offensive, during the Battle of Epehy, and Died of Wounds on the 29th September, 1918 aged only 18. He is buried at Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension.
Sidney Vaughan Thomas, Private, 48409, South Wales Borderers. Sidney was born at Ludchurch, the Son of Margaret Thomas, of 5, Wells Rd. Terrace, Narberth. He enlisted at Swansea into the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which landed at Havre on the 25th September 1915 as Pioneer Battalion to the 25th Division. In July, 1916 the Division took part in a big German attack on Vimy Ridge, and after withdrawing for rest and further training moved to the Somme, fighting at the Battle of Albert, Bazentin, Pozieres and the Ancre. In the early part of 1917 the Division moved north to Ploegsteert, and took part in the Battle of Messines in June 1917, before moving to Ypres and fighting at Pilckem Ridge. After Third Ypres, the Division were moved first to Givenchy then to positions near Bullecourt, where they were caught up in the initial assaults of the German Spring Offensive on the 21st March 1918. Sidney was Killed in Action on that day, on the 21st March, 1918 aged only 19, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial. Not on Memorial.
William Thomas, Private, 48948, Royal Army Medical Corps. William was born at Cilgerran, the Son of David and Margaret Thomas, and the Husband of Daisy Victoria Thomas, of Narberth. He was a Schoolmaster at Llandewi when he enlisted at Carmarthen, into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was posted to their 'F' Company. Not much is known of William’s war, but he Died at home of Sickness on the 22nd March, 1916 aged 27, and is buried at Narberth Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
Gwilym Watkins, Private, 321, Welsh Regiment. Gwilym was the Son of Mrs. E. Watkins, of Park Terrace, Narberth. He enlisted at Narberth into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which were formed at Carmarthen in August, 1914 as part of South Wales Brigade. On the 17th April, 1915 they were attached to the 159th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and in July sailed from Devonport for the Mediterranean. On the 9th August the Division landed at Gallipoli, where Gwilym was Killed in Action the following day, on the 10th August, 1915 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.
Hugh Williams, 2nd Lieutenant, Pembroke Yeomanry. Hugh was the Son of Mr. J. and Mrs. M. Williams, of Landers Hook, Treffgarne, and the husband of Anna Williams, of Old Gate House, Robeston Wathen, Narberth. He was commissioned into the Pembroke Yeomanry, and was attached to the 7th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, attached to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. The Division were at Ypres from October, 1915 onwards, until moving to the Somme to take part in the big offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert, Bazentin, Delville Wood and the Ancre. In March, 1917 they fought in the Battle of Arras, at the Scarpe and at Arleux, and then moved to Ypres later in the year, where they fought during the Battle of the Menin Road, and Polygon Wood. In November they fought in the Battle of Cambrai, and lost many men over the coming months in the area. The Division were still in the area of Cambrai and St. Quentin when the German Spring Offensive hit them, and they then moved north to Flanders, where they were hit again, fighting at the Battles of Estaires and Hazebrouck. They had been pushed back toward Bethune, when Hugh was Killed in Action, aged 29 on the 28th July, 1918. He is buried at Sandpits British Cemetery, Fouquereuil. Not on Memorial.
Thomas Arthur Williams, Private, 372792, London Regiment. Thomas was born at Narberth, the son of Daniel Williams. Thomas lived at Clynderwen with his wife Frances E. Williams, at Crosslanes. He enlisted at Clynderwen into the 8th Battalion (Post Office Rifles), the London Regiment, part of the 140th Brigade, 47th Division. The Division was on the Somme in 1916, taking part in the Battle of Le Transloy, when Thomas was Killed in Action aged 33, on the 7th October, 1916. He is buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery, Grave I. E. 21.
William Williams, Sergeant, 207204, Royal Engineers. William was the Son of John and Ruth Williams, late of Mardy, Glam. The family had moved to Narberth, but William returned to Mardy to enlist in the Royal Engineers, where he was posted to the 174th Tunneling Company, due to his mining experience. On the 20th December, 1914 ten small mines were blown under the positions held by the Indian Corps at Givenchy, enabling the Germans to capture the ground almost unopposed. As a result of this, the British decided to create their own tunnelling companies, and in February, 1915 8 Tunneling Companies were formed. William served in the 174th Tunneling Company, which moved upon formation to Houplines, and Rue-Du-Bois. They moved to the Somme in July, 1915 , taking over French mine-workings at La Boiselle and Carnoy. In October that year they concentrated on workings at Mametz, and when the Somme Offensive had begun, they moved to positions near the Ancre facing Beaumont-Hamel. The German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917 saw the 174th Coy move to positions east of Bapaume, and this is where William died, aged 41, on the 8th September, 1917. He is buried at Favreuil British Cemetery. Not on Memorial.
World War Two, 1939-1945
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