Fishguard War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918

Percy George Adolph, Private, 13150, Welsh Regiment. Percy was born at Llangwm, the only son of George and Mary Adolph, who later moved with their young son to live at Continental, Goodwick, Fishguard. Percy enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were in India at the outbreak of War, with the Meerut Division. They returned to England, landing at Plymouth on 22 December, before being attached to 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division landed at Le Havre during January 1915, and took up positions east of Ypres. Here they took part in the Second Battle of Ypres, and this is where George was Killed in Action, aged 18, on 17 February 1915. He is remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.

Thomas Allkins, Private, 97512, Royal Army Medical Corps. Thomas was born in Battersea, but enlisted at Fishguard, into the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving in 'N' Company. This Company were based in the U.K., and Thomas Died of Sickness in Blackpool where they were stationed. He is buried in Blackpool Cemetery, Lancashire. Thomas is not commemorated locally.

John Barron, Private, 11756, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, and resided at Fishguard before the War. He enlisted at Cardiff into the 8th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, who left Britain on 7 June 1915, bound for Gallipoli. The Division landed at ANZAC Cove on 3 August 1915 and fought alongside the ANZAC forces at the Battle of Sari Bair. This is where John was Killed in Action, on 7 August 1915, aged 21. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. John is not commemorated locally.

James Bateman, Private, 16170, Welsh Regiment. James was born at Llanwnda, but resided in Fishguard at the outbreak of War. He enlisted at Ferndale into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who were the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. James fought at Gallipoli with the Division, where they suffered heavy losses, until being finally evacuated between 8-9 January 1916. They manned the trenches at the Suez Canal defences for several weeks, before moving to Mesopotamia on 12 February 1916, marching to attempt to relieve the Siege of Kut. After several battles, the Division took part in the capture of Baghdad before pushing North through the country, and it was here that James was Killed in Action, on 23 April 1916. He is remembered on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. James is not commemorated at Fishguard.

George Batin, Private, 22841, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. George was born at Fishguard, the son of Thomas and Lettice Batin, later of Trewrach, Dinas Cross. He enlisted at Fishguard into the 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to 16 Brigade, 6th Division. The Division was in Ireland at the outbreak of War, and was shipped to France, landing at St. Nazaire on 10 September 1914. The BEF was still fighting the desperate rearguard action on the Aisne, and so the 6th Division was rushed to support them there, before moving North to Flanders. They next fought at Hooge, before being brought South to the Somme. By now, due to the tremendous amount of casualties, George had been attached to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, in the 1st Division, and they were in the thick of the fighting, fighting at Pozières, when George was mortally wounded. He was brought back to the Casualty Clearing Station at Albert, but Died of Wounds on 27 July 1916, aged 31. He is buried in Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Griffith Batin, Ordinary Seaman, J/52871, Royal Navy. Griffith was the younger brother of George (see above), the son of Thomas and Lettice Batin. He was born at Fishguard, and enrolled into the Royal Navy, serving aboard H.M.S. 'Mersey', which was a 'Humber Class' Monitor, used as an offshore gun battery by the Royal Navy, especially designed as a low draught ship, suitable for service in coastal waters and rivers. Griffith Died of Disease at Tanzania on 2 November 1916, and is buried at Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery, Tanzania.

J. S. Burnnand. Cannot presently be identified.

Peter Vaughan Clay, Second Mate, Mercantile Marine. Peter was born at Fishguard, the husband of Esther Clay (nee George), of Gate House, High Street. He served in the Mercantile Marine, as Second Mate aboard the S.S. 'Sonnie', (London). On 11 August 1917, the Sonnie was torpedoed and sank by a German U-Boat, and Peter drowned. He was 61 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Percy Montgomery Craddock, Rifleman, 552288, London Regiment. Percy was the son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Craddock, of Hampstead, London and the husband of Lucy Craddock, of Pentervin Pontvane, Fishguard. He was employed on the staff of the Bolivar Railway, Venezuela, before enlisting in 1915 into the 2/16th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles). The battalion was attached to 179 Brigade, 60th (London) Division. On 30 May 1918, the Battalion left for France, where it joined 89 Brigade, 30th Division on 30 June 1918. They were in the Flanders sector, and took part in the great offensive from August onwards, but Percy took ill, and was sent to No. 14 General Hospital at Wimereux, where he Died of Sickness on 20 October 1918, aged 34. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France. Percy is not commemorated locally.

Jeremiah Cullanhan, Private, 87850, King's Liverpool Regiment. Jeremiah was born at Bandon, Co. Cork., the son of Jeremiah and Jane Cullanhan, of Castletown, Kennigh, Co. Cork and the husband of Margaret O'Grady (formerly Cullanhan), who later lived at Castlemore, Crookstown, Co. Cork.. Jeremiah lived in Goodwick prior to the War, and enlisted at Chatham, into the army. He was posted to the 11th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, the Pioneer battalion to the 14th (Light) Division. The Division had the dubious honour of being the first Division to be attacked by flamethrowers in the War, at Hooge, and afterwards fought on the Somme, and then moved to Ypres, fighting at Passchendaele. Jeremiah probably joined the battalion early in 1918, and was Killed in Action on the third day of the German Spring Offensive, during the Battle of St. Quentin, on 23 March 1918 aged 28. He is remembered on the Pozières Memorial, France. Jeremiah is not commemorated locally.

Gwyn Havard Davies, Private, STK/1431, Royal Fusiliers. Gwyn was born in Newport, the son of Evan and Maria Jemima Davies, later of Gorlan, Fishguard. He enlisted at Cardiff into the army, and was posted to the 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, who were attached to 11 Brigade, 37th Division. The Division fought at the diversionary attack on Gommecourt during July 1916 and then at the Battle of the Ancre. After spending the Winter on the Somme, they moved North to Arras, and fought in the Battle of the Scarpe, where they took the strongly defended town of Monchy-le-Preux. Gwyn was Killed in Action during the Battle, on 11 April 1917, and is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France. Gwyn is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Gwilym Rees Davies, Rifleman, 228274, Monmouth Regiment. Gwilym was born at Abercych, the son of Mrs. Rachel Davies, of Penrhiw, Pontselly, Boncath. He enlisted at Pontypridd into the 1st Battalion, Monmouth Regiment, which had been one of the earliest Territorial units on the Western Front. By the time Gwilym joined them, they had become the Pioneer battalion to the 46th Division. The Division fought at Loos and Gommecourt, where they suffered terrible casualties. After some minor roles during the remainder of 1916 and 1917, they followed the retreating German Army back to the Hindenburg Line, and Gwilym was Killed in Action during this period of stalemate, on 11 April 1917. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.

John Davies, Able Seaman, Z/ 1889, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. John was born at Goodwick, the son of Mr. T. Davies, of Casnewydd, Goodwick. He enlisted into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, serving aboard the SS Baron Jedburgh. The ship was at Canada when John was taken ill. He Died on 21 October 1918, and is buried in Sydney (Harwood Hill) Cemetery, Canada.

W. G. Davies. Cannot be identified.

William John Davies, Deck Hand, 15108DA, Royal Navy. William was born at Fishguard, the son of John and Martha Davies, of Sea View, Penwallis. He served in the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard HM Trawler Gambri. The Gambri was lost with all hands off the British Isles on 18 January 1918, and aboard her was William, who was 28 years old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

William Owen Davies, Sergeant, W/902, Royal Field Artillery. William was the son of Owen and Harriet Davies, of Fishguard. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Field Artillery, and was sent to France where he was posted to 'A' Battery, 122nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. William came through the bloodbath of Mametz Wood unscathed, unlike many others of the Division, and the Division was sent North to Ypres to take part in the Passchendaele Offensive. William was Killed in Action during the build up to the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, on 27 July 1917, aged 28, and is buried at Canada Farm Cemetery, Belgium. William is not commemorated at Fishguard.

 

Daniel Donovan, Private, 1344, Royal Munster Fusiliers. Daniel was born at Ballydehob, Co. Cork, the son of Patrick and Catherine Donovan, of Lisheen, Creagh, Ballydehob. He possibly worked on the Irish Ferries, and enlisted at Goodwick into the 1st Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. The Battalion formed part of 48 Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division. The Division fought with distinction on the Somme in 1916, but Daniel was Killed in Action just before the Division moved South to the Somme, on 27 July 1916, aged 36. He is buried in Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France. Daniel is not commemorated locally.

Robert Dyke, Private, 16588, South Wales Borderers. Robert was born at Barry, Glamorgan. He resided in Fishguard prior to the outbreak of War, and enlisted back in Barry, into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion had fought at Tientsin, China at the outbreak of war, before returning to Britain where it joined 87 Brigade, 29th Division, and took part in the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915. Robert fought at Gallipoli, and arrived at Marseilles with his Battalion on 29 March 1916. Robert fought at the Somme, Ypres and Cambrai, and survived for most of the tumultuous times of 1918, but sadly was Killed in Action during the Advance in Flanders on 19 August 1918. He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

Eric Adrian Ellen, Captain, East Lancashire Regiment. Eric served in the 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, who were in South Africa at the outbreak of War. They shipped back to England, then to France where they joined 24 Brigade, 8th Division, and fought in the Battles of Neuve Chappell, Aubers Ridge and Loos, before they moved to the 23rd Division until the end of June 1916 when they returned to the 8th Division. They fought on the Somme throughout July 1916, and remained there throughout the bleak winter of 1916/1917, stationed around the Somme Canal area. Eric was Killed in Action on 30 January 1917, and is buried at Hem Farm Military Cemetery, Hem-Monacu, France.

David Albert Evans, Private, 49014, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Cilgerran, the Son of Enoch and Letitia Evans, of Plain, Kilgerran, but resided and enlisted in Fishguard. He served in the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, a Home Service Battalion, which remained in the UK for the duration of the War.  David became ill with pneumonia while stationed at Rhyl, and died on 14 February 1917. He was buried in Cilgerran (St. Llawddog) Churchyard. His brother, James Samuel Evans, was killed at Loos in September 1915.

Edgar Evans, Private, 54514, Welsh Regiment. Edgar was born at Mathry and was the husband of Phoebe Davies (formerly Evans), of Cambrian Inn, Fishguard. He enlisted at Fishguard into the army, and was posted to the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the Pioneer Battalion of the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division arrived in France at the end of November 1915 and was stationed around Armentieres, before moving South to the Somme in June 1916. They famously captured Mametz Wood during July 1916 and suffered terrible casualties, which necessitated them being removed from the Battle and sent North to Ypres to recover. Edgar was mortally wounded at Ypres, and was brought to No. 46 Casualty Clearing Station at Mendinghem, where he Died of Wounds on 25 May 1917, aged 30. He is buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Edwin Evans, Gunner, 725752, Royal Field Artillery. Edwin was born in Fishguard, the son of William and Maria Evans, of 5, Vergam Terrace, Fishguard. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted into 'B' Battery, 98th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 22nd Division. The Division was in France during September, 1915 but were soon to embark at Marseilles for Salonika, arriving by 13 December 1915. They remained there for the duration of the War, and Edwin Died there of sickness on 19 October 1917, aged just 23. He is buried in Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Salonika.

James Harries Evans, Private, 9882, Royal Fusiliers. James was born in Mathry, the son of John and M. M. Evans, later of Drim, Goodwick. He enlisted at Fishguard into the army, and was posted to the 13th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of 111 Brigade, 37th Division. The Division fought at Gommecourt and the Ancre during the Somme offensive, before moving to Arras, where they took the village of Monchy-le-Preux. It was during the Second Battle of the Scarpe that James was Killed in Action, on 25 April 1917, aged just 21. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.

John Martin Fitzmaurice, Private, 13856, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. John was born at Cong, Co. Mayo, the Son of Edward and Ellen Fitzmaurice. Edward worked for the GWR, and had moved with Ellen to 37, New Park St., Castlefields, Shrewsbury, while John worked at Fishguard Harbour for several years prior to the war. John had possibly been a reservist with the Welsh regiment, but had enlisted at Shrewsbury into the 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion was attached to 16 Brigade, 6th Division, and moved to France on 10 September 1914, and had reinforced the BEF on the Aisne, before moving to 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. John was killed here on 26 April 1917. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, France.

Rhys Edward Francis, Third Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Rhys was born at Merthyr Tydfil, the son of John and Elizabeth Francis. He moved to Fishguard where he married Mary Francis (nee Miles), of Awelfan, Fishguard. Rhys served in the Mercantile Marine as Third Engineer aboard the S.S. 'Paddington' (London). The Paddington was sunk by a German U-Boat on 21 July 1917, and Rhys was drowned. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

T. Garnon. Cannot be identified.

Walter John George, Mate, Mercantile Marine. Walter was born at Fishguard, the son of Mr. E. George, later of 94, Wyndham Crescent, Canton, Cardiff. He served in the Mercantile Marine, as mate aboard the S.S. "Poldown" (Cardiff). The Poldown was lost at sea on 9 October 1917, either as a result of a mine strike, or German submarine attack, and Walter was drowned, aged 38. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Walter is not commemorated locally.

David William Griffiths, Private, 33986, South Wales Borderers. David was born and resided in Fishguard. He enlisted at Haverfordwest, initially into the South Wales Borderers, but transferred into the 14th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division arrived in France during the end of November 1915 and were posted around the Armentieres sector, before moving to the Somme in June 1916. They suffered terrible casualties at Mametz Wood, and were sent to Ypres to recover, before taking part in the Passchendaele Offensive. They took the strongly fortified Pilckem Ridge at the end of July 1917 and fought on toward Langemarck, where David was badly wounded.and was sent to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Dozinghem, where he Died of Wounds on 30 August 1917. He is buried there, at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

George Malcolm Nixon Harman, DSO, Major, Rifle Brigade. George was born in London on 14 November 1872, the Son of Lt. Gen. Sir George B. Harman, KCB, and of Helen Margaret Harman. He was educated at Marlborough and Sandhurst, and was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade on 7 November 1891. George was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for 'exceptional services, both military and political' in 1902.  He served in various campaigns in Africa prior to marrying May Davies Jones, of Pentower, Fishguard, at St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, on 21 October 1913. At the outbreak of the Great War, he was in India with the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, which returned to Britain, joining 25 Brigade, 8th Division. The battalion landed in France on 6 November 1914, and moved to positions near Laventie. George was killed by a shell at Laventie on 28 November 1914. He was 42 years old, and is buried at Laventie Communal Cemetery, France. George is not commemorated locally.

 

 

Edgar Harries, Able Seaman, Z/3081, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Edgar was the son of Thomas and Margaret Harries, of Trelimmin, St. Nicholas, Fishguard. He served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, aboard the S.S. Manchuria, which had been procured by the I.M.M. in 1915 to make up for wartime losses. Edgar was Killed in Action on 17 October 1917, during a battle with a German U-Boat. The Manchuria survived the battle, but Edgar was buried at sea that day. He was just 19 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Thomas Owen Harries, Private, 1955, Australian Infantry. Thomas was born at Fishguard, the son of Mrs. Winifred Harries, 63, High Street, Fishguard. He emigrated to Australia in 1913, working as a Farmer, and enlisted there at Liverpool, New South Wales on 23 January 1915. He joined the 5th Reinforcements for the 13th Battalion, which embarked at Sydney aboard HMAT Kyarra on 13 April 1915 bound for Gallipoli via Egypt. Thomas joined the Battalion on Gallipoli on 13 July 1915, and was badly wounded at the Battle of the Nek on 9 August 1915. A Hospital Ship brought him, along with many others, back to Lemnos to the Army Hospital, but he Died of Wounds there on 23 August 1915 aged 22. He is buried in Portianos Military Cemetery, Lemnos.

Meager Hearn, Private, 26259, Lancashire Fusiliers. Meager was born in Cardiff. He resided in Goodwick prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Royal Field Artillery. He later transferred into the 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, who were attached to 74 Brigade, 25th Division. The Division landed in France on 26 September 1915, and were posted to the Vimy area, where they defended Vimy Ridge against a German attack in May 1916, then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on 3 July 1916 near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme,  and then moved to Plougsteert, where they held the line, until taking part in the Battle of Messines in June 1917. Meager was killed in action during the Battle of Messines, on 7 June 1917. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Meager is not commemorated locally.

Fred Hoare, Lance Corporal, 51168, Welsh Regiment. Fred was born at Membury in Devon, the son of Mr. and Mrs. K. H. Hoare, of The Poplars, Dalwood, Kilmington, Devon. He married Ivy Gladys Hoare, of The Bungalows, Penslade, Fishguard and enlisted at Axminster, Devon into the Welsh Regiment. Fred must have been wounded whilst with the Welsh, as he was transferred to a Home Company of the Labour Corps, and Died at home on 25 September 1918, aged 27. He is buried at Dalwood (St. Peter) Churchyard, Devon. Fred is not commemorated locally.

Frederick Honer, Rifleman, 925, Royal Irish Rifles. Frederick was born at Fishguard, and enlisted at Belfast into the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, part of 25 Brigade, 8th Division. The Division fought at Neuve Chappelle, the Battle of Loos and on the Somme in 1916 before fighting at Passchendaele in late 1917. On 3 February 1918 the battalion was transferred to 107 Brigade, 36th (Ulster) Division. The Division was caught up in desperate fighting, after the German Spring offensive in Flanders, when Frederick was Killed in Action on 29 April 1918. He is buried at New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Frederick is not commemorated locally.

 

Reverend Thomas Howell, Chaplain, Army Chaplain's Department. Thomas was born in Newport, the  son of Howell and Mary Ann Howell, of Fishguard. He volunteered to serve as a Chaplain with the army, and was attached to the 6th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion was attached to the 20th Light Division, and had fought on the Somme in 1916, and at Passchendaele in 1917, before being moved to positions near Arras, where they took part in the Battle of Cambrai. The Division had suffered terribly at Welsh Ridge, and the on 1 December 1917 were tasked with the capture of the fortified village of Gonnelieu, on the Hindenburg Line. The attack was repulsed by the Germans, and Thomas was Killed in Action here that day, aged 33. He is buried in Fifteen Ravine Cemetery, Villers-Plouich, France. Thomas is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Francis Henry Howells, Sapper, 241786, Royal Engineers. Francis was born on 10 December 1890, the son of Mark and Mary Howells, of Puncheston, Fishguard. He married Rose Ellen Howells, of 33, Manchester Road, Swindon, and enlisted at Penarth into the 209th Field Company, Royal Engineers on 26 February 1917. They were attached to the 34th Division, who had been in France since January 1916. The Division fought on the Somme, and at Arras, where Francis was Killed in Action at Divisional Headquarters on 19 April 1918, aged 37. He is buried at Mont Noir Military Cemetery, St. Jans-Cappel, France. Francis is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Graham Howells, Gunner, 371373, Royal Garrison Artillery. Graham was born at Fishguard, the son of David and Margaret Howells, of Ropewalk, Fishguard. He enlisted at Fishguard into the 171st Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, which formed part of the British forces in Italy. Graham was Killed in Action on 3 September 1918, aged 23, and is buried in Barenthal Military Cemetery, Italy. Graham is not commemorated at Fishguard.

 

John Howells, Gunner, 7305, Royal Field Artillery. John was born at Fishguard, and enlisted at Glasgow into the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted into 'A' Battery, 85th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, part of the 18th Division, which landed at Boulogne on 25 May 1915. They were heavily involved during the Battle of the Somme, and John was Killed in Action during the Battle of the Ancre, on 16 November 1916. He is buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, Authille, France. John is not commemorated at Fishguard.

John Henry Porter Hunt, Private, 21049, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Barry Island, and resided at Fishguard. His parents Edward and Bessie Hunt, later lived at Mosterton, Misterton, Dorset. John Enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Carmarthen Pals battalion, which trained at Rhyl and Winchester, before moving to France in December 1915 attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. After several months in the trenches at Fleurbaix and Givenchy, the Division marched South to the Somme, where they were used in the attack on Mametz Wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties in the attacks on the Wood, and it was here that John was Killed in Action on 11 July 1916, aged only 18. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. John is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Thomas Evan James, DCM, Private, 27478, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Fishguard, the son of David and Mary Ann James, of Penlanwynt, Pontvane, Fishguard. He enlisted at Tonypandy into the army, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had been in France since the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division fought in the rearguard actions from Mons, the Marne and the Aisne through to First Ypres, where they stopped the German's at Gheluveld. They then fought at Aubers Ridge and Loos, and at several smaller battles throughout the Winter of 1915/16, where Thomas was to gain his Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry in volunteering to cut through the enemy's wire within a few yards of his parapet, and carrying out his objective in spite of his patrol being seen and fired on. (London Gazette 15.3.16)' The Division moved South to the Somme, where they fought in several of the minor Battles during the great offensive in 1916. Thomas was Killed in Action during the Battle of Bazentin, on 15 July 1916, aged 22, and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Thomas is not commemorated at Fishguard.

David Bevan Jenkins, Fireman, Mercantile Marine. David was born in Fishguard, the son of William Stephen Jenkins and Margaret Jenkins, of The Cottage, Fishguard. He served in the Mercantile Marine, as Fireman aboard the S.S. "Franz Fischer" (London). The Franz Fischer was attacked by a German Zeppelin on 1 February 1916, and David was Killed in Action during the attack, age 27. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. David is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Frederick Clifford Jenkins, Boy, J/27364, Royal Navy. Frederick was the son of W. S. Jenkins, J.P., and Margaret Jenkins, of The Cottage, Fishguard. He enlisted into the Royal Navy, serving aboard H.M.S. Viknor, an armed merchant cruiser of the 10th Cruiser Squadron. On 13 January 1915, while on active service in the North Sea, she struck a mine off Tory Island and sank with the loss of all hands. Frederick was just 19 years old, and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

W. John, Cannot be identified.

Cecil Hugh Jones, Captain, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Cecil was the eldest son of Sir Evan Davies Jones, Bart., and Cecilia Anne Jones, of Pentower, Fishguard. He was J.P. for the County of Pembroke, barrister of the Inner Temple, and M.A. of Cambridge. Cecil was commissioned into the 11th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 67 Brigade, 22nd Division, which moved to France in September 1915, but was promptly sent to Marseilles, and embarked for Salonika, arriving in late November 1915. The Division stayed there for the duration of the war, and it was at Salonika, during the Battle of Doiran, that Cecil was Killed in Action on 18 September 1918, aged 31. He is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Salonika. Many thanks to Dean Freeman for the photograph.

 

Evan Davies Jones, Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Evan was the son of Sir Evan Davies Jones, Bart., and his wife, Cecilia Ann Jones, of Pentower, Fishguard. He was an M.A., Cambridge (Trinity), and joined the Royal Flying Corps, serving firstly as a Pilot with No. 2 Squadron in France. Evan was then posted to 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Armstrong Whitworth FK8. Evan was flying aircraft number C3522, engaged on a Close Offensive Patrol, with Observer, 2nd Lieut W Smith on 2 April 1918, when the aircraft was shot up by machine-gun fire from the ground. The Aircraft crashed and was wrecked, with both occupants killed. Evan was 25 years old, and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

James Jones, Private, 204719, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. James was born at Nevern, the son of Thomas and Mary Jones, of Penveidir Isaf, Pontvane, Fishguard. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment, but later transferred into the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had been in France since December 1915, and in July 1916 had famously captured Mametz Wood. After suffering heavy casualties at Mametz, the Division moved via Hebuterne to Boesinghe, north of Ypres, where they remained until taking part in the Battles of Pilckem Ridge and Langemarck in July and August 1917. The Division was then posted to a quieter sector around Armentieres, where t wintered, and it was here that James was mortally wounded. He Died of Wounds, aged 25, on 3 March 1918, and is buried at Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France. James is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Robert Henry Jones, Private, 57513, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Robert was born at Fishguard, to Captain Thomas Jones (Master Mariner) and Catherine E. Jones. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment, but later transferred into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. Robert fought with the Division through the Battles of Loos, the Somme and Passchendaele, but was Killed in Action aged 31, on 20 October 1918, during the Battle of the Selle. He is buried in Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, France

Samuel George Jones, Private, M2/121139, Army Service Corps. Samuel was born in Fishguard, and enlisted at Goodwick into the 569th Mechanical Transport Company, Army Service Corps. Samuel served in the Mesopotamian Campaign, and Died of Sickness in Mesopotamia on 16 June 1916. He is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq.

James Kehoe, Private, 6969, Royal Irish Regiment. James was born in Co. Wexford, the son of the late James and Bridget Kehoe, and the husband of Mary Doran (formerly Kehoe) of Rochestown, Taghmon, Co. Wexford. He enlisted at Goodwick into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, which moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to the 3rd Division. The battalion was virtually destroyed during the Battle of La Bassee. They transferred to 12 Brigade, 4th Division, and fought at Second Ypres, and James was mortally wounded at some time during the Battle. He was brought back to the Duchess of Westminster's Hospital (No.1 B.R.C.S) at Le Touquet, where he Died of Wounds on 13 May 1915, aged 33. James is buried at Le Touquet-Paris Plage Communal Cemetery, France. James is not commemorated locally.

Nicholas John Lambert, Private, 43013, Welsh Regiment. Nicholas was born at Co. Wexford, and enlisted at Fishguard into the army. He was posted to the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. The Division left Britain on 13 June 1915 bound via Alexandria for Gallipoli, landing initially at Cape Helles on 6 July 1915. After being evacuated from Helles on 8 January 1916, they moved to the Suez Canal, before being sent to Mesopotamia on 12 February 1916. After the Battle of Kut, the Division marched onto Baghdad, which they took, before marching North through the country. Nicholas died on 4 July 1916 in Mesopotamia, and is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. His grave is marked by a Special Memorial. Nicholas is not commemorated locally.

Thomas Lancashire, Private, 6973, Royal Irish Regiment. Thomas was born in Manchester, the son of Mrs. Grace Lancashire, of 2, Clarissa Place, Cheetham, Manchester. He enlisted at Fishguard into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, who moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to the 3rd Division. The battalion was virtually destroyed during the Battle of La Bassee, and transferred to 12 Brigade, 4th Division. They took part in the Second Battle of Ypres, and it was here that Thomas was Killed in Action, on 24 April 1915, aged 33. He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Thomas is not commemorated locally.

David Lewis, Gunner, 667, Royal Garrison Artillery. David was born at Pembroke, the son of Lewis Lewis and Phoebe Lewis. The family moved to Whitland where David was brought up, but he then married Mary Lewis, of Bridge Street, Lower Fishguard, and lived at Fishguard prior to the outbreak of War. He enlisted at Fishguard into the 114th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, and served on the Western Front. David was Killed in Action aged 31, on 5 August 1917. He is buried on the Somme, at Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, France

Thomas Lewis, Private, 26809, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Fishguard, and enlisted at Bridgend into the army. He was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France during July 1915, and saw it's first action at The Battle of Loos, during December 1915. They played an important part in the opening of the Battle of the Somme, by taking Ovillers village, and fought through the Somme offensive, until moving North to Ypres in 1917. At Ypres, the Division fought at the Battle of Messines, and it was here that Thomas was Killed in Action on 19 July 1917. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

W. P. Lewis, Cannot be identified.

Reginald John Hamilton Longman, Private, 26598, Wiltshire Regiment. Reginald was born at Hastings, the son of Francis and Louisa Longman, of Portland, Dorset, and the Husband of Mabel Longman, of 137, St. Leonard's Road, Windsor. He enlisted at Fishguard into the Dorsetshire Regiment, but later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, part of 21 Brigade, 30th Division. The Division was blooded at the Battle of the Somme during the summer of 1916, before moving to Arras the following year. It then took part in the Battle of the Scarpe, which is where Reginald was mortally wounded. He was evacuated to the 32nd Casualty Clearing Station at Saulty, where he Died of Wounds, aged 29, on 11 April 1917. He is buried at Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, france.

William Joseph Marchant, Private, 37076, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. William was born at Devonport on 11 September 1898, the son of William and Emily Marchant. The family later moved to 10, Asterley Street, St. Thomas, Swansea. William resided at the Bungalow, Goodwick prior to the war, and enlisted at Fishguard on 15 February 1917 into the army. He was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who were attached to the 75th Division in Palestine. William sailed for Egypt on 23 November 1917, and joined the Battalion during January 1918 where he became a Lewis Gunner. The Division were fighting in the Jordan Valley when William was wounded on his first day of action. He Died of Wounds the following day, on 10 April 1918, aged just 19, and is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. William is not commemorated locally.

William George Mathias, Guardsman, 1210, Welsh Guards. William was born at Letterston. He resided in Fishguard prior to the outbreak of War, and enlisted at Bridgend into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The battalion had been formed after the Royal Warrant of 26 February 1915, and joined the 3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division in France during the summer. They saw their first major action during the Battle of Loos in September 1915. William did not make it to France though, as he Died at home on 20 May 1915. He is buried in Fishguard (Hermon) Baptist Burial Ground.

George David Morgan, Private, 231768, Royal Fusiliers. George was the Husband of Mary Ann Amelia Woods (formerly Morgan), of 4, Berkley Street, Lambeth, London. He enlisted at Westminster into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of 86 Brigade, 29th Division. The Battalion were in Calcutta at the outbreak of War, but returned to England, before landing in Egypt on 16 March 1915. THey landed at Cape Helles on 25 April 1915 and stayed there until evacuation on 2 January 1916. On 29 March 1916, the Division landed at Marseilles and stayed on the Western Front thereafter, fighting on the Somme and at Passchendaele. George was wounded at some time, possible at tthe early stages of the Passchendaele Offensive, as he Died of wounds on 26 August 1917, aged 32. He is buried at Lambeth (Tooting) Cemetery, London.

Maurice Morgan, Private, 45153, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Maurice was born at Fishguard. He was the Brother of Miss Elizabeth S. Morgan, of 79, Mattison Road, Harringay, London. He enlisted at Harringay, Essex, into the army, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion had been in France since the outbreak of war attached to 19 Brigade, and had taken part in the retreat from Mons to the Marne. It then fought at the First battle of Ypres, and transferred on 31 May 1915 to the 27th Division. The battalion transferred again on 19 August 1915 to the 2nd Division, then on 25 November that year they again transferred to the 33rd Division. The 2nd Battalion, RWF fought at the opening of the Somme Offensive, and at the Arras Offensive, before moving North to Ypres. Maurice was Killed in Action at Ypres on 26 November 1917. Maurice is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. He is not commemorated at Fishguard.

John James Morris, Bombardier, 371094, Royal Garrison Artillery. John was born in Fishguard in 1896, the first son of Benjamin and Martha Morris of 8, Wallis Street, Fishguard. John enlisted at Fishguard into the Pembrokeshire Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to the 16th Heavy Battery, which was attached to the 16th (Irish) Division. The Division concentrated around Bethune, and served at the Battle of the Somme from July 1916 until moving North to Ypres, where they fought at the Battle of Passchendaele. John was Killed in Action aged 21 on 11 September 1917 alongside two other men of his Gun Battery. He is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium.

Charles Edwin Norris, Private, 16773, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Charles was born in Calstock, Cornwall. He enlisted at Goodwick into the army. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, part of 82 Brigade, 27th Division. The Division landed in France on 21 December 1914, and saw it's first action at St. Eloi, South of Ypres. Charles was wounded at St. Eloi, and brought to Dickebusch where he Died of Wounds on 19 March 1915. He is buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Charles is not commemorated locally.

Norman Howell Owen, Captain, Royal Army Service Corps. Norman was Son of John Morgan Owen, of The Grange, Wooden, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, and the late Margaret Elizabeth Owen. Again, little is known of Norman, but he Died, aged 31, on 1 March 1919. He is buried in Fishguard Church Cemetery. Norman is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Benjamin Phillips, Lance Corporal, 2330, Australian Infantry. Benjamin was born at Fishguard, the son of William Phillips. He emigrated to Australia, where he enlisted at Rockhampton, Queensland on 4 April 1916. Ben embarked 'unofficially', being discovered as a stowaway on the H.M.T. Star of Victoria, and was re-attested aboard. Upon arrival at Marseilles on 17 May 1916, Ben was attached for duty with the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company, but he had several spells of sickness throughout his first year in France, and spent a lot of time in various Hospitals. Benjamin was promoted Lance Corporal on 26 February 1918, but was Killed in Action just a few weeks later, on 26 February 1918, aged 36. Benjamin is buried in Hersin Communal Cemetery Extension, France. His personal effects and medals were sent to his brother John, who by then was resident in Blaengarw, Glamorgan. Benjamin is not commemorated at Fishguard.

James John Phillips, Private, 3804, Welsh Regiment. James was the son of William Phillips, of Bwlch-Y-Rhos, Goodwick, and the husband of Edith Phillips, of 5, Jubilee Terrace, Wallis, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. He enlisted at Fishguard into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 84 Brigade, 28th Division. On 23 October 1915 they transferred to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, becoming the Divisional Pioneers during May 1916. The Division fought at Aubers Ridge, and Loos, before moving South to the Somme, where they fought throughout the whole battle, with James being Killed in Action during the latter stages of the offensive, on 31 December 1916, aged 23. He is buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery, France. James is not commemorated at Fishguard.

William Phillips, Private, 13557, South Wales Borderers. William was born at Fishguard, the son of Mary Evans, of Foundry House, Rope Yard, Fishguard. He enlisted at Newport, Monmouth into the army, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was in China at the outbreak of War, and were returned to Britain, where it was attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. On 16 March 1915 the Division embarked at Avonmouth for Egypt, from where they sailed via Mudros for Gallipoli, landing on 25 April 1915 at Cape Helles. The 2nd SWB fought formidably at the Battles of Krithia and Achi Baba, and William was Killed in Action there, aged 33, on 28 June 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. William is not commemorated at Fishguard.

Thomas Henry Pitman, Cororal, 57583, Royal Garrison Artillery. Thomas was born at Fishguard, the son of Henry and Winifred Pitman, later of Dorset House, Cwmllynfell. He enlisted at Brecon into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to the 5th/6th Trench Mortar Battery. Not much is known of Thomas' service on the Western Front, but he was Killed in Action, aged 23, on 9 May 1918. He is buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, France. Thomas is not commemorated at Fishguard.

John Price, Private, 35495, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. John was born at Hay's Castle, Pembs, the son of Joseph and Lydia Price, later of 12, Victoria Avenue, Fishguard. John enlisted at Fishguard, into a Training Reserve Battalion, and was then transferred into the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which became part of 8 Brigade, 3rd Division on 19 October 1915 following a spell with the 25th Division. The battalion then fought at Second Ypres, the Somme, and Passchendaele and Cambrai, before being heavily involved in the desperate defences during Spring 1918 after the German Offensive. The German Spring Offensive started on 21 March 1918, and just three days later, on 24 March 1918, John was Killed in Action. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

William M. Richards, Pioneer, 130559, Royal Engineers. William was born at Mathry, the son of Joseph and Hannah Richards, later of Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, and the husband of Hannah Richards, of 27, Cranbury Avenue, Southampton. William enlisted 'In the Field', into the South Wales Borderers, but was transferred into the Royal Engineers, serving in 'F' Special Company. The Special Companies were Chemical Warfare Engineers, which handled Gas Shells to be fired from Stokes Mortars. William was Killed in Action on 6 April 1917, during the build up to the Battle of Vimy Ridge, part of the main Battle of Arras, while his Company were situated in the Souchez Valley. He was aged 36, and is buried in Zoave Valley Cemetery, Souchez, France.

Edgar Llewellyn Roberts, Private, 1271, Guards Machine Gun regiment. Edgar was born in Fishguard, the son of Llewellyn and H. Roberts, of Anchor House, Fishguard. He enlisted at Fishguard into the Welsh Guards, and served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards in France from May 1915 onwards, seeing action at Loos, the Somme, and at Passchendaele. On 1 March 1918 the Guards Division formed four Machine-Gun Companies, which were then reformed by Royal Warrant into the Guards Machine Gun Regiment on 10 May 1918. Edgar was transferred from the Welsh Guards into the 5th Battalion, Guards Machine Gun Regiment, but was seriously wounded not long after. He Died of Wounds at home on 14 May 1918, and is buried at Fishguard (Tabernacle) Congregational Chapelyard.

Thomas R. Roberts, Private, 5896, Leinster regiment. Thomas was born at Fishguard, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Army Service Corps. He transferred into the 1st Battalion, Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), part of 29 Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli, before being evacuated to Salonika where they spent 11 months before returning to Egypt, and fighting in the Palestinian Campaign, where Thomas was mortally wounded. He Died of Wounds on 10 October 1918, and is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

William Rowland Roberts, Lance Corporal, 72741, Sherwood Foresters. William was born in Scleddy on 17 March 1891, the son of William and Ann Roberts, of The Post Office, Dwrbach. He enlisted at Haverfordwest on 27 January 1915 into the Army Service Corps, but later transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), part of 71 Brigade, 6th Division, in November 1917. The Division fought at Hooge, and at the Somme, before fighting at Loos and the Battle of Cambrai, where William joined them. In Spring 1918 they were in Flanders, and fought in the Battles of Kemmel, where William was Killed in Action on 19 April 1918, aged 27. Due to the terrible conditions, and the ferocity of the fighting at the time, his body was lost, and so He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

Benjamin Samuel, Private, 22819, King's Own Royal Lancaster regiment. Benjamin was born at Merthyr, and resided at Fishguard. He enlisted back in Merthyr into the army. Benjamin was posted to the 1/5th Battalion, (King's Own) Royal Lancaster Regiment, which landed in France on 3 March 1915 as part of the West Lancs Division. After spells with the 28th and 1st Divisions, they moved on 7 January 1916, to 166 Brigade, 55th Division. The Division fought near Arras in early 1916, before moving to the Somme on 25 July 1916 at Guillemont, spending the rest of 1916 on the Somme. In October 1916 the Division moved to Ypres, in the Railway Wood sector, where they stayed for over 6 months, before moving just North of Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of Pilckem. After a short refit, they returned to Ypres and fought at the Battle of the Menin Road, then moved South to Cambrai, where they took part in the main attack. In the Lempire-Ronssoy sector. On 30 November 1917 the German's counter-attacked, and the 1/5th Battalion were annihilated. Benjamin was Killed in Action that day, along with most of his Battalion, and his body was lost in the mayhem that followed. He is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

William John Slocombe, Master, Mercantile Marine. William was born at Swansea, the son of Agnes Slocombe and the late William Slocombe. He resided at Fishguard with his wife Margaret Slocombe (nee Houghton), who later moved to 65 Island Road, Garston, Liverpool. William was Master of the S.S. 'Dartmoor' (South Shields). The Dartmoor was a defensively armed ship, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat about 35 miles from Fastnet in the Atlantic on 17 May 1917, and sank with the loss of 25 crewmen, including William. They are remembered together on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Charles Smallman, Private, 11628, Devonshire Regiment. Charles was born in Brecon, and later moved to Fishguard. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, which landed in Le Havre on 21 August 1914. In France the Battalion joined 8 Brigade, 3rd Division, and fought at the Battle of Mons, and the rearguard actions down towards the Aisne. They moved North after consolidation of the Western Front lines, to Messines, fighting at First Ypres. They stayed in the Ypres sector throughout the beginning of 1915, and it was here that Charles was wounded. He came back to England via the various Field Hospital's in France, finally to the large Military Hospital at Oxford, where he Died of Wounds on 3 May 1915. He is buried in Oxford (Botley) Cemetery. Charles is not commemorated locally.

Albert L. Thomas, Sergeant, 3107, Life Guards. Albert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas, of Fishguard, and served in the 2nd Life Guards. The Life Guards were one of the elite Regiments in the British Army, and mobilised for war during August 1914, being attached to the 7th Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division in France. The Division landed at Zeebrugge during October 1914, fighting at Antwerp and First Ypres. During 1915 they fought at Second Ypres and at Loos, and in 1917 fought at Arras. They helped to push the German's back in late 1918, ending up at Waterloo at the end of the War. Some of the men of the Regiment were then attached to the West African Frontier Force, and Albert was one of these. He was in Nigeria attached to the 4th West African Service Brigade when he Died on 11 January 1919. He is buried at Oshogbo Cemetery, Nigeris. Albert is not commemorated locally.

A. S. Thomas, Cannot be identified.

Alfred William Thomas, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Alfred was born at St. David's, the Husband of Hetty Isabella Thomas, of 2, Lloyd's Terrace, St. Dogmaels. He resided at Fishguard during the War, and was Second Engineer aboard the SS Memnon, a Liverpool registered Merchant steamer. On 12 March 1917, Memnon was 20 miles SW from Portland Bill, in the English Channel, when she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by the German submarine UC-66, with the loss of six lives. Alfred was one of the men killed that day. He was 39 years old, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Edwin Thomas, Private, 302289, Manchester Regiment. Edwin was born at Dinas Cross, and enlisted at Cardiff into the army. He was posted to the 2/8th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, which was attached to 199 Brigade, 66th Division. The Division was initially used as a feeder for the depleted units at Gallipoli, but concentrated on the Western Front in March 1917 as a Division in it's own right. After initiation on the Flanders Coast, it moved South to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Poelcappelle, where Edwin was Killed in Action on 8 October 1917. His body was lost in the mire, and Edwin is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

 

James Thomas, Corporal, 79635, Royal Garrison Artillery. James was born at Fishguard, and enlisted at Cheltenham into the Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in the 241st Siege Battery. The Battery was at Arras during the Summer of 1916, and James was wounded there, before being brought back to Etrun, where he Died of Wounds on 1 June 1916. He is buried there at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France.

 

John Miles Thomas, Private, 29500, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Fishguard, and enlisted at Tonyrefail into the army. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had fought at Tientsin, China, before being recalled to Britain, where it joined 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division took part in the Gallipoli landings, landing at Helles on 25 April 1915. After a hard campaign at Gallipoli, they were evacuated on 2 January 1916 and were shipped to Marseilles via Egypt, arriving on 29 March 1916. The 2nd SWB fought at Beamont Hamel on 1 July 1916, suffering heavy casualties, and then at the Battle of Arras, before moving to Ypres, where they fought in the Battle of Langemarck. John was Killed during the fighting here, on 16 August 1917. His body was lost in the mud of Flanders, and he is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Joseph Henry Thomas, Private, 62360, Welsh Regiment. Joseph was born at Fishguard, and enlisted there into the army. He was posted to France, where he joined the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The Battalion had formed at Cardiff in September 1914 as part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division, and had been in France since July 1915. It had taken part in the Battle of Loos in 1915, and the Battle of the Somme the following year. In the summer of 1917 the Division took part in the Battle of Messines, and the Battle of Passchendaele. On 21 March 1918 the Division was caught by the German Spring Offensive, and suffered terrible casualties over the coming days, before being withdrawn to Ploegsteert Wood to rebuild. However, a fresh attack hit them there, and the Division suffered terrible casualties in Flanders during the chaotic first few weeks of the attack. Joseph was Killed in Action in Flanders on 18 April 1918 and is buried at Haringe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Morgan Thomas, Private, 307393, Sherwood Foresters. Morgan was born at Mathry, the son of Mrs. Dora Thomas, later of 22, Brodog Terrace, Fishguard. He enlisted at Fishguard into the army, and was posted to the 2/8th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nott's and Derby Regiment), part of 176 Brigade, 59th Division. The Division were sent to Ireland in April 1916 to quash the rebellion there, before landing in France in February 1917. In France they followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, before moving to Ypres, where they fought in the Battle of the Menin Road. The Division turned North, to take Polygon Wood, alongside the 4th Australian Division, and it was at Polygon Wood that Morgan was Killed in Action, on 26 September 1917, aged 25. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

Morgan Thomas, Private, 46380, Welsh Regiment. Morgan was born at Lewis, Isle of Man, and resided in Fishguard prior to the War. He enlisted at Fishguard into the army, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. Morgan fought with the Division at Loos, the Somme, and Passchendaele. In Spring 1918, when they were caught up in the German Offensive,. Sometime during this terrible period, Morgan was wounded and captured. He Died of Wounds as a Prisoner of War in Germany on 21 May 1918, and is buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Photograph courtesy of Michael Bloy.

Duncan Edward Tozer, Stoker, 2927T, Royal Naval Reserve. Duncan was born at Torquay. He resided at Fishguard, and enlisted into the Royal Naval Reserve, serving aboard HMS Defence. She was an armoured cruiser, which had been built at Pembroke Dockyard, and launched on 24 April 1907. She was stationed in the Mediterranean at the outbreak of War. Defence then became the flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron, commanded by Rear Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, and took part in the Battle of Jutland. At Jutland, the Defence had badly damaged the German Cruiser Wiesbaden, and was closing in for the kill when she was hit by two salvoes from other German Cruisers nearby. She exploded and sank almost immediately with the loss of all hands, on 31 May 1915. One of these men was Duncan, and he is remembered alongside his shipmates on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Ronald Claude Tozer, Private, 11410, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Ronald was the brother of Duncan, and was also born at Torquay, and resided at Fishguard, enlisting at Wrexham into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers prior to the outbreak of War. On 11 August 1914, the Battalion landed at Rouen, attached to 19 Brigade, and fought at the Battle of Mons and the retreat to the Marne. After the succesful British attack on the Aisne, the BEF was moved to positions east of Ypres. After fighting at First Ypres, the 2nd RWF moved to positions at La Cordonnerie, and this is where Ronald was Killed in Action, on 13 November 1914. He is buried in Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, France.

Joseph Waugh, Private, 55317, Royal Fusiliers. Joseph was born in Fishguard, the son of John and Mary Clara Ann Waugh, of Brig-y-Don, High Street, Fishguard. He enlisted at Fishguard into the Army Service Corps, then transferred into the 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which was attached to 36 Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division moved to France at the end of May 1915, fighting at Ploegsteert and Loos that year. They fought on the Somme in 1916, before moving back to Arras, and fought in the Battle of Arras, at the Scarpe, where Joseph was Killed in Action, aged 24, on 3 May 1918. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.

Henry Francis Wood, Private, 6610, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Henry was the eldest of six children of Henry and Sophia Wood of Victoria Avenue, (latterly Brodog Terrace) Fishguard. The family had moved to the town from Wargrave near Maidenhead, Berkshire around 1910. Henry enlisted at Maidenhead into the 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment prior to the war, and being a regular soldier moved to France with the battalion on 13 August 1914, attached to 6 Brigade, 2nd Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, the 2nd Division fought at the Battle of Mons, and retreating southwards, fought at the Affair of Landrecies, the Rearguard Actions of Villers-Cotterets, and at the Battle of the Marne where the German offensive was stopped. The Germans retreated north, and the BEF met them, fighting at the Battle of the Aisne. The 2nd Division were then moved to Flanders, where they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, when the German sweep through Flanders was stopped. On 30 October 1914 the battalion was in the trenches at Molenaarelsthoek, near the Zonnebeke to Becelaere road, when they were heavily shelled by the Germans, causing eleven casualties. Henry was killed during the shelling that day. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. His brother Sidney George Wood also fell.

 

Sidney George Wood, Private, 11829, Welsh Regiment. Sidney was born at Frimley, Surrey and moved with his parents J. H. and Sophia Wood, to 11, Victoria Avenue, Fishguard. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 13th (Western) Division. The Division assembled on Salisbury Plain, and left Britain on 13 June 1915, bound for Gallipoli via Alexandria, and landed at Cape Helles on 6 July 1915. They transferred to ANZAC Cove on 3 August 1915, and fought in the Battle of Sari Bair. This is where Sidney was Killed in Action, aged 27, on 8 August 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. His brother Henry also fell.

Herbert Charles Wray, Private, 33799, Welsh Regiment. Herbert was born at Bollington, Hampshire, and resided at Fishguard prior to the War. He enlisted at Fishguard into the army, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1916. They moved to the Somme early in 1916, where they took part in the assault on Ovillers-la-Boiselle on 1 July 1916. Herbert was Killed in Action at Ovillers, on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, on 1 July 1916. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

James Hamilton Langdon Yorke, MC, Captain, Welsh Regiment. James was the Son of Mr. J. C. Yorke, J.P. of Langton, Durnbach, Pembrokeshire, and the husband of Violet Mary Yorke (nee Vincent), of 8 Argyll Mansions, Chelsea, London. Educated at Haileybury and Oriel College Oxford, James joined the Pembroke Yeomanry while still a graduate, and at the outbreak of war was employed by the British South Africa Company. James resumed his service in the Pembroke Yeomanry, who had been in Egypt since March, 1916. On 2 February 1917, they merged with the Glamorgan Yeomanry to form the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 321 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division moved into Palestine at the beginning of 1917, and moved up through the country, fighting at the Three Battles of Gaza, before moving in on Jerusalem. James was Killed in Action during the Battle of Jerusalem, on 27 December 1917, aged 33, and is buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery. James is not commemorated at Fishguard.

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