Due to the sheer number of men commemorated on the Milford Haven War Memorial, it has been split into several sections, otherwise a single page would prove too long and difficult to negotiate. The men commemorated on this page served in the Armies of the British Empire, who died during both World Wars.

Milford Haven War Memorial

Members of the Army who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918

Charles E. Badrick, Sergeant, 50140, Royal Engineers. Charles was born at Milford, and had enlisted in the town into the Royal Engineers. After training at Chatham, he was posted to the 98th Field Company, Royal Engineers, attached to the 21st Division. The Division crossed to France between 2 and 13 September, 1915, and its first experience of battle was calamitous. Having been in France for only a few days, lengthy forced marches brought it into the reserve for the British assault at Loos. GHQ planning left it too far behind to be a useful reinforcement on the first day, but it was sent into action on 26 September, whereupon it suffered over 3,800 casualties for very little gain. The Division remained in the Loos sector over the coming winter, and it was here that Charles was killed in action on 1 December 1915. He is buried at Chappelle-D'Armentieres New Military Cemetery, France. Many thanks to Bob Kettle for the photograph of Charles' grave, and to Mark Badrick for the photograph of his Great Uncle Charles.

 

Harold Picton Bamkin, Second Lieutenant, Suffolk Regiment. Harold is missing from the Milford Haven War Memorial. He was born on 10 November 1895, the Son of Ernest Picton Bamkin and Lilian Margaret Bamkin, of Thornton Hall, Milford Haven. He was educated at Dulwich College, and had entered Jesus College, Oxford prior to the outbreak of war, but instead joined the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, before gaining a commission into the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment in September 1914. The battalion became attached to 35 Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division, which landed at Boulogne on 31 May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They remained here over the coming months, and it was while here, on 19 July 1915, that Harold was killed whilst attempting to rescue one of his men from No Mans Land. Harold was buried at Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery, near Ploegsteert, Belgium. He was just 20 years old.

 

Thomas Frederick Bevans, Private, 48852, Lancashire Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of John and Mary Ann Bevans, of 15, Albion Street, Milford Haven. He had enlisted at Carmarthen into the army, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Lancashire |Fusiliers, part of 86 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on 25 April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on 11 January, 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on 15 March 1915. The Division took part in its first major action in France during the 1916 Somme Offensive, and fought at the Battles of Albert and Le Transloy, suffering heavy casualties. In the Spring of 1917 they fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, and then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle, before moving to Cambrai. Here they fought at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December, 1917 before moving back to Flanders early in 1918. The German Spring Offensive hit the British on the Somme on 21 March, 1918, and hit in Flanders just weeks later. The 29th Division fought at the desperate defensive battles of Hazebrouck, which is where Thomas was killed in action on 12 April 1918. He was just 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

 

Stanley T. Bowen, Sergeant, 11, Welsh Regiment. Stanley was the only son of Alfred and Hannah Bowen, of Prendergast, Haverfordwest, and was the husband of Gertrude Clarke. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 4th Welsh prior to the outbreak of war, and by the outbreak had been promoted Serjeant. The battalion formed part of the Territorial Force, and was reformed for war in August 1914, becoming attached to 259 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on 9 August. Here the division was immediately thrown into action, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Stanley was one of several hundred casualties within the 4th Welsh during these first few days on Gallipoli. He was killed in action on 10 August 1915 aged 29, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. His widow later remarried, and became Gertrude M. McNeill, of Erindale, Ontario, Canada.

 

John Brown, Private, 34710, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. John was born at Haverfordwest, and enlisted at Milford into the army. He was first posted to the Cheshire Regiment, with the service number 306051, before being posted to the 1/6th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. The battalion was part of 143 Brigade, 48th Division, and in November 1917 sailed for Italy, where it remained for the duration of the war, taking part in actions on the Asiago Plateau- the Battle of Asiago and the Advance from Asiago, with the infantry of 143 Brigade becoming the first British soldiers to enter the home territory of the Central Powers. John died after the Armistice, on 20 November 1918. He is buried at Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery Extension, Italy.

George Henry Harris Brownhill, Private, 18694, Duke of Edinburghs Wiltshire Regiment. George was the Son of G. H. and Maria Brownhill, of 8, Brick House, Pill, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Welsh Regiment, but was then posted to the 5th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, which formed part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division had fought at Gallipoli, and remained there until being evacuated in January 1915, from where it moved to Egypt, where it was posted to the Suez Canal defences. In 1916 the Division moved to Mesopotamia, and took part in a long and terrible struggle against the Turks for the remainder of the war. George died here on 28 August 1918, aged 23, and is buried at Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery.

John Charles Burr, Private, 54031, Welsh Regiment. John was born in Hull, but was working at Milford prior to the outbreak of war, where he enlisted into the Army. He was posted to the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment as a reinforcement, which was known as the Swansea Pals, and was in France as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. John would have joined the battalion after the fighting at Mametz Wood, and moved with the battalion to new positions north of Ypres, near Boesinghe, in August 1916. Here the Welsh Division took over the line running along the Canal Bank, and were to remain here for the coming twelve months leading up to the Battle of Passchendaele. John though was killed in action while the Swansea Pals were in the line on 1 November 1916. He was buried at Essex Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Many thanks to Bob Kettle for the photograph below.

 

Percy Edmund Carpenter, Gunner, 79298, Royal Garrison Artillery. Percy was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, of Great Yarmouth, and the husband of Henrietta Louise Carpenter, of 5, The Grove, Chapel Field, Norwich. His ties to Milford are unknown. Percy served with the 6th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, and was probably in France by early 1915. Percy probably served on the Somme in 1916, and was killed during the Battle of Messines on 20 June 1917. He was 36 years old, and is buried at La Plus Douve Farm Cemetery, Belgium.

Frederick William Clarke, Sapper, 47409, Royal Engineers. Frederick was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Clarke, of 2, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to the 98th Field Company, attached to the 21st Division. The Division crossed to France between 2 and 13 September, 1915, and its first experience of battle was calamitous, being in France for only a few days, lengthy forced marches brought it into the reserve for the British assault at Loos, where it was sent into action on 26 September, and suffered over 3,800 casualties for very little gain. They moved to the Somme in 1916, and fought at the Battle of Albert, and it was here that Fred was killed on 14 July 1916. He was 26 years old. Fred has no known grave, and is one of the 74,000 missing commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Howard Cleevely, Private, 14388, Welsh Regiment. Howard was the Son of Frank and Clara Cleevely, of Milford Haven. He had enlisted at Milford into the Army, and joined the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the 'Butterfly Division' crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. Howard was wounded at the Ancre, and evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station for treatment, but sadly died of his wounds on 6 November 1916. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

 

Samuel Bradfield Cozens, Private, 145969, Machine Gun Corps. Samuel was the Son of Mrs. Eveline Cozens, of the Post Office, Cosheston, Pembroke. He was called up into the army late in 1917, and after training was posted to the 17th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, attached to the 17th (Northern) Division. In March, 1918 the Division were on the Somme, and faced the German Spring Offensive there, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, and retreated back, fighting at the First Battle of Bapaume. After a period out of the line to rest and rebuild, the Division moved to the southernmost sector of the Somme area, where they fought at the Battle of Amiens on 8 August 1918, a day which saw the war swing in the favour of the Allies. The Allies then advanced on the Somme, and the Division fought at the Battle of Albert later that month, which marked the beginning of the advance to victory. Samuel was killed during the first week of the great advance, on 28 August 1918. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. Samuel is also commemorated on the Cosheston Memorial.

 

Joseph Curtis, Rifleman, 2524, Liverpool Regiment. Very little is known of Joseph, but he originally served with the 3/5th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment on home service. He was later transferred to the 430th Company, Labour Corps. Joseph survived the war, but sadly died as a result of his war service on 3 January 1921. He is buried at Bath (Locksbrook) Cemetery, England.

Edward James Davies, Private, 38356, Welsh Regiment. Edward was born at Hubberston, and enlisted at Milford into the Army, joining the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion formed part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division, and between 6 and 16 July 1915 landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on 19 December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On 8 January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by 31 January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On 12 February, 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. Edward was killed during the opening of the move into Mesopotamia on 9 February 1917. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Mesopotamia.

Frederick Davies, Private, 39740, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Frederick was the Son of George Lorne and Mary Davies, of 9, St. Peter's Road, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which had been in France since the outbreak of war. By the time that Frederick joined the battalion, they had fought throughout the Battle of Loos and the Somme Battles, and had become attached to 19 Brigade, 33rd Division. Frederick then fought with the battalion at the Battle of the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, during Third Ypres, and this is where he was killed on 30 November 1917, aged 22. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

James Davies, Gunner, 141181, Royal Garrison Artillery. James was the Son of Tom and Elizabeth Davies, of Haven Head, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to its 230th Siege Battery. The Battery formed on 12 August 1916, and moved to France soon after, taking up positions near Bellewaarde, outside Ypres the following summer. James was killed in action at Ypres on 5 September 1917. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Ypres Town Cemetery Extension, Belgium.

 

William J. Davies, Sergeant, D/20358, Cavalry. William was the Husband of M. E. Davies, of 57, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. Little is known of him, but he had originally served with the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons during the war, before being transferred to the 6th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, possibly as a result of wounding. The 6th Dragoons had served on the Western front for the duration of the war. William died on 12 March 1919 at the age of 37, and is buried at Chiseldon Cemetery, England.

William Davies, Gunner, 447, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was the Son of William and Ellen Davies, of Upper Road, Thornton, Milford Haven. He had enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, joining their newly formed 68th Siege Battery, based at Hubberston, and moved to France with the battery in 1916. Williams' time in France was to be short however, as he was killed at Arras on 25 May 1916. William was 22 years old, and is buried at Fauborg D'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.

 

Hubert Francis Day, Second Lieutenant, Royal Fusiliers. Hubert was the Son of John Henry and Margaret Day, of 128, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He was commissioned into the Honorable Artillery Company, before joining the 11th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which formed part of 54 Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division. On 25 May 1915 the Division landed in Boulogne, and didn't see it's first major action until July, 1916 when it took part in the Battle of Albert. They then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Trones Wood, and moved on to the Battle of Delville Wood. In October they took part in the Battle of the Ancre Heights, and captured Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and during the subsequent Operations on the Ancre, before spending the winter on the Somme. In March, 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and in May took part in the Third Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive. July, 1917 saw the Division at Ypres, where they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, where they helped capture Westhoek, and then they fought at the Battle of Langemarck. Hubert was killed here on 10 August 1917. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. His brother John Henry was also killed.

 

John Henry Day, Sapper, 47403, Royal Engineers. John was the Son of John Henry and Margaret Day, of 128, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to its 13th Division Signal Company, attached to the 13th (Western) Division. On 13 June 1915 the first transports carrying the Division left port, and moved to Alexandria. By 4 July, all units had moved to Mudros, preparatory for landing on Gallipoli. Between 6 and 16 July 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between 3 and 5 August, 1915, taking part in the Battles of Sari Bair, Russell's Top, and Hill 60, ANZAC. John was killed during this period of intense fighting, on 9 August 1915. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. His brother Hubert Francis was also killed.

Walter Dayes, Lance Corporal, 18184, Canadian Infantry. Walter was born on 12 July 1893, the Son of Walter and Winsor Dayes, of 22, Dewsland Street, Milford Haven. He had emigrated to Canada prior to the war, and worked there as a miner. Walter was one of the first to enlist in Canada, sensing the call of the British Government to it's Imperial Allies, he enlisted at Valcartier on 18 August 1914, joining the 1st Battalion (Western Ontario), Canadian Infantry, which was attached to the 1st Canadian Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. The Division arrived in England in October 1914, and after training at Salisbury Plain, embarked for France in February 1915. The Division moved to the Ypres Salient in April, and faced its first real test during the defence of St. Julien beginning on 22 April, where the Canadians withstood German attacks, aided, for the first time, by the use of poison gas, and finally retired to secondary positions on 26 April, where they held on until 4 May. Two weeks later, the division was in action again at Festubert, aiding in a diversionary offensive by the British armies, and the Canadians suffered 2,200 casualties for gains of only 600 yards. Another futile attack was launched at Givenchy in June 1915, after which the division moved to Ploegsteert. Walter was killed in action at Givenchy on 15 June 1915, aged 22. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France.

 

Charles Dunn, D.C.M. Nothing more can be traced of Charles, except that he was the son of Thomas and Maria Dunn, of Hill Mountain, Burton.

William Edwards, Sapper, 15442, Royal Engineers. William was born at Milford, and enlisted at Pennar into the Royal Engineers. After receiving his training, he was posted to the 11th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 2nd Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, the 2nd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. They moved to Belgium, where they 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, and remained there throughout the first winter of the war. William died in Flanders on 11 January 1915. He is buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue, France.

 

C. Evans, Royal Garrison Artillery. Nothing can be traced about this man at present.

Leslie Evans, Gunner, 371230, Royal Garrison Artillery. Leslie was the Brother of Nellie Warr, of 2, Hill Street, Hakin. He was another local man to enlist into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to its 68th Brigade. Little else is known of Lewslie, but he died of wounds in France on 3 May 1917, and is buried at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Thomas Davies Evans, Serjeant, 91534, Royal Engineers. Thomas was born at Lampeter, but resided at Milford prior to the war. He enlisted at Bridgend into the army, and was posted to the 151st Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was formed at the end of 1914 as part of the 38th (Welsh) Division. The division crossed to France in December 1915, and took the line near Fleurbaix, where it remained until June 1916, when it began the long trek south to the Somme. In July 1916 the Division fought at Mametz Wood, suffering heavy casualties in the capture of the wood, before being moved to the Boesinghe sector, north of Ypres. They remained here for the coming year, and fought at the Battle of Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917, and also during the resulting Battle of Langemarck. Thomas was killed around this time, on 4 September 1917. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Many thanks to Gil Jones for the photograph below.

 

Richard Flynn, Private, 37701, Welsh Regiment. Richard was the youngest Milford soldier to be killed during the war. He was the Son of Richard Flynn, of 37, Priory Road, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and joined the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the 'Butterfly Division' crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and it was during the initial assault that Richard was killed, on 25 September 1915. He was just 15 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

 

Henry Watkins Foster, Private, DM/2/129945, Army Service Corps. Henry was the Son of Henry Simmonds Foster and Caroline Foster, of Kings Cross, London. He had married prior to the war, and lived with his wife, Gertrude Foster, at Temprance Hall, Charles Street, Milford Haven. Henry enlisted at Milford into the Army, and was posted to the Army Service Corps, and was posted to East Africa with his unit, where the British colonial troops were fighting against German troops in German East Africa. The campaign proved fruitless for the British until the Armistice was declared. The Germans fought a guerrilla war, using a small number of troops to keep a numerically superior British and Empire force tied down for the full four years of the war, only surrendering after the Armistice of 1918. Henry died of sickness in East Africa on 23 October 1916. He was 43 years old, and was buried at Taveta Military Cemetery, Kenya.

Charles W. Galvin, Private, 24111, Royal Fusiliers. Charles was born at Milford Haven, but by the time of the outbreak of war he lived at Twickenham, where he enlisted into the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The battalion landed at Le Havre on 24 July 1916 where it was attached to 190 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Division moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, and the resulting Operations on the Ancre. In April 1917 the Division were at Arras, and fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Gavrelle. They then fought at the Battle of Arleux, before moving north to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Their next major action was at Cambrai, during the Action of Welch Ridge, and they were still in the area when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive, and fought at the Battle of St Quentin, and then the First Battle of Bapaume. In August, the Division took part in the Battle of Albert, which marked the beginning of the great offensive which was to end the war. Charles was killed during this time, on 27 August 1918. He is buried at A.I.F. Burial Ground, Flers, France.

 

Frederick John Gibson, Sergeant, 200030, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was the Son of John and Madeline Gibson, of Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Fred served with the battalion during its time at Gallipoli, and was with them during the evacuation, moving to Egypt. At the beginning of 1917 the British launched an offensive into Palestine, and the 4th Welsh fought at the First Battle of Gaza, which is where Fred was killed on 27 March 1917. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Egypt.

 

William Starbuck Griffith, Major, Royal Army Medical Corps. Little is known of William, but he is also commemorated on the Pembrokeshire Royal Garrison Artillery. Memorial He was a Doctor in Milford, and died on 23 July 1915 in a Nursing home at Swansea. William was buried at Milford Haven Cemetery, with an escort of 300 soldiers of he Brecknock Battalion.

 

 

Alfred Phelps Hancock, Private, 16226, Welsh Regiment. Alfred was the Son of Frederick and Elizabeth Hancock, of 37, Point Street, Hakin. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and joined the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the 'Butterfly Division' crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and this is where Alfred was killed on 7 June 1917. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

 

William Ronald Hastings, Private, 78599, Welsh Regiment. William was the Son of Robert and Annie Hastings, of 13, Chapel Street, Milford Haven. Very little is known of William, as he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but he served with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. It is not known if William served in France, but he died in 1919, probably as a result of his war service.

Theophilus Henry Hicks, Corporal, 30959, Welsh Regiment. Theo was the Son of Thomas and Louisa Hicks, of Church Road, Hubberston, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was in India at the outbreak of war, and were quickly recalled to Britain, where it joined 84 Brigade, 28th Division. The Division formed in England between December 1914 and January 1915 from regular units returning from India, Singapore and Egypt. During January 1915 it moved to France, landing at Le Havre and moved to the Western Front, where it saw its first major action during the Second Battle of Ypres. Following serious casualties at Ypres, a Composite Brigade was formed, composing of the 2nd Battalion, the Buffs, 2nd Battalion, the Cheshires, 1st Battalion, the Welsh, and 1st Battalion, the York and Lancaster. It was dissolved on 19 May 1915, and the formation assumed its normal configuration, taking part in the Battle of Loos. During October 1915, the Division embarked at Marseilles, and proceeded to Egypt, and in November moved on to Salonika where the Division then remained. Theo must have died of wounds during the journey to Marseilles on 11 October 1915, as he is buried at Les Gonards Cemetery, Versailles, France. He was 32 years old.

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

 

Harry Hoad, Private, 14332, Welsh Regiment. Harry was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Hoad, of 124, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and was posted to the Middle East to join the 24th Battalion (Pembroke & Glamorgan Yeomanry), Welsh Regiment, which had been formed in Egypt in 1917 as part of 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. In the spring of 1917 the Division begun their advance into Palestine, and Harry fought with the battalion at the Second Battle of Gaza. He was killed during the Third Battle of Gaza, on 6 November 1917, at the age of 30. Harry is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Many thanks to British War Graves for the photograph.

 

Leonard Hodgkinson, Private, 48828, South Wales Borderers. Leonard was born at Milford, and enlisted at Porth into the 8th Welsh. He then transferred into the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers at some time, which was in France as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division. Leonard was killed in action during the final phase of the war, during the drive towards the Hindenburg Line on 1 October 1918. He is buried at Savy British Cemetery, France.

Thomas William Hodgkinson, Private, 1830, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Mrs. Mary Annie Hitchings, of 195, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He had enlisted at Pontypridd into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli, and was evacuated from Suvla on 19 December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On 8 January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by 31 January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On 12 February, 1916 the Division began to move to Mesopotamia, to strengthen the force being assembled for the relief of the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. By 27 March, the Division had assembled near Sheikh Saad and came under orders of the Tigris Corps, and then took part in the attempts to relieve Kut. However, after these efforts failed and Kut fell, the British force in the theatre was built up and reorganised. The Division then fought at the Battle of Kut al Amara, then at the capture of the Hai Salient and the capture of Dahra Bend. They took part in the passage of the Diyala, in the pursuit of the enemy towards Baghdad, and it was around this time that Thomas was wounded. He died of his wounds on 12 January 1917, aged 22, and is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.

Edward Hoggins, Private, 7180, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Edward was the Husband of Rachel Ellen Hoggins, of 4, Castle Terrace, Milford Haven, and enlisted at Milford into the 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who were stationed at Tipperary at the outbreak of war, attached to 16 Brigade, 6th Division. On 10 September 1914 the Division landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, and arrived in time to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF on the Aisne, before the whole army was moved north into Flanders. Edward was killed soon after, on 24 October 1914. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Many thanks to Bob Kettle for the photograph.

 

George Robert Hooper, Lance Corporal, 150909, Royal Engineers. George was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hooper, of Plymouth, and the husband of Kate Hooper, of 7, Warwick Road, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Inland Water Transport Company of the Royal Engineers, probably due to his experience working at Milford Docks, and was posted to France, where he worked at Dunkirk docks. George is recorded as having died of wounds at Dunkirk on 3 September 1917. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery, France.

 

Daniel Horn, Private, 11723, Cavalry. Daniel was born at Milford, the Son of George and Agnes Horne, later of 129, Norfolk Street, Mount Pleasant, Swansea. He served with the 8th (Kings Royal Irish) Hussars, which were part of the 9th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division towards the end of the war, having served in France from November 1914 onwards. Daniel died, probably of influenza, while serving as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany on 25 February 1919. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany.

Thomas Henry James, Private, 44331, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Harry and Edith James of 199, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and was posted to the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which formed part of 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late Spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France between the 1st and 9th June, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Thomas was killed during this period of stagnant warfare, on 5 September 1917. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France.

 

Arthur Merchant Jeffs, Private, 633841, London Regiment. Arthur was the Son of Daniel and Ellen Jeffs, of Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and first served with the 15th Battalion, London Regiment, before being transferred into the 20th Battalion (Blackheath and Woolwich), London Regiment, part of 141 Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division. The Division moved to France in March 1915, and fought at the Battle of Aubers, and the Battle of Festubert during May 1915 and in September fought at the Battle of Loos, and subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. They were north of Arras when the Germans attacked Vimy Ridge, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Le Transloy, where the Division captured Eaucourt l'Abbe, and took part in Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. Early in 1917 the Division moved north to Belgium, and took part in the Battle of Messines, and then in November 1917 fought at the Battle of Cambrai. In March 1918 the Division were situated near St. Quentin, and faced the German Spring Offensive here on 21 March, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin, and then in the rearguard action at the First Battle of Bapaume. In August 1918 the British attacked on the Somme, and the Division fought in the Battle of Albert, and pushed on towards the Hindenburg Line over the coming weeks. Arthur was killed during the push forward on 30 August 1918. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France. His gravestone bears the enscription on the base '16 years chorister St. Catherine's Church, Milford Haven, South Wales.'

 

 

Jack John, Private, 68123, Cheshire Regiment. Jack was born at Milford, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment. After training he was posted to the 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was attached to 15 Brigade, 5th Division. The Division had been in France since August 1914, and had fought in most of the major battles thereafter, before moving to Italy after the Battle of Passchendaele. They were recalled hurriedly to France, once the enemy had made an attack in overwhelming strength on 21 March, and fought in the Battle of Hazebrouck, playing a vital part in the Defence of Nieppe Forest. On 14 August, 5th Division was withdrawn for rest and placed in GHQ Reserve. Two weeks later it entered into what became a series of complex, endless, overlapping Allied attacks that forced the German Army into retreat. Fighting through Albert (back on the old and devastated Somme ground of 1916), to Irles, and Beugny. Jack was killed during the advance, in the attack on the Canal du Nord, on 27 September 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

 

William Arthur John, Private, 79940, Royal Army Medical Corps. William was the Son of William and Elizabeth John, of 6, Lower Cromwell Terrace, Priory, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was posted to the Far East. Little else is known of William, but he died in India on 10 October 1918 aged 22, and is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India.

James Frederick Joyce, Gunner, 371334, Royal Garrison Artillery. James was the Son of Joseph and Emma Joyce, of Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and joined its 171st Siege Battery, moving to Italy in 1917. James was fatally wounded on the Italian Front, and died of his wounds on 3 September 1918 aged 21. He is buried at Barenthal Military Cemetery, Italy.

Arthur Gerald King, Private, 39646, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Arthur was the Son of Mrs. Mary Amanda King, of 5, Martle Hall Road, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which landed in France in August 1914. The battalion was attached to 19 Brigade, and spent the war being posted from one Division to another, and fighting in some of the bloodiest battles of the Western Front. By early 1917 the brigade was attached to 33rd Division, and took part in the Battle of Arras. Arthur was killed at Arras on 27 May 1917, aged just 20. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

 

Thomas George Lewis, Private, 76697, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Thomas was the Son of Mr. G. W. and Mrs. F. A. Lewis, of 47, St. Anne's Road, Hakin. He had originally enlisted into the 4th Welsh, but was then posted to the 23rd Works Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, on Home Service. Thomas died on 21 May 1917 aged just 19, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

William Henry Lewis, Private, 1228, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Swansea, and must have worked at Milford before enlisting at Cardiff into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment prior to the outbreak of war. The battalion was one of the first in France, as part of 3 Brigade, 1st Division, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, and it was here that William was killed on 2 April 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.

 

William John Lisk, Private, 14752, Welsh Regiment. William was from Swansea, and must also have worked at Milford prior to the war. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, which had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. William was killed during that first winter, on 25 January 1915. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L'Avoue, France.

 

George Little, Private, 29507, West Yorkshire Regiment. George was the Husband of Mrs. L. Little, of 29, Surtees Street, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. He had been born in Edinburgh, before moving to Milford Haven in the years before the war, and enlisted there into the 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, attached to 18 Brigade, 6th Division. On 10 September 1914 the Division landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, and arrived in time to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF on the Aisne, before the whole army was moved north into Flanders. Here they took part in the Action of Hooge during June, 1915, and in 1916 moved to the Somme, where the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. George was killed at Le Transloy on 12 October 1916, and is buried at Bancourt British Cemetery, France.

 

William Marchant, Rifleman, 316215, Monmouthshire Regiment. William was the Son of Mr. H and Mrs. S. A. Marchant, of 10, Brick Houses, Pill, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and joined the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 46th (North Midland) Division. The Division had fought at Loos in 1915 and Gommecourt in 1916, and also at Arras in 1917. Their greatest moment came in 1918 when they took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line, and captured a vital crossing at Riqueval. William was killed during the advance to the Hindenburg Line on 8 October 1918. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Sequehart British Cemetery No. 1, Aisne, France.

Clifford Mathias, Private, 14374, Welsh Regiment. Clifford was the Son of Jonathan and Emma Jane Mathias, of 9, Murray Road, Pill, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the 'Butterfly Division' crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. Clifford was killed during the fighting at Ovillers on 7 July 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. He is also commemorated on his parents gravestone at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

 

James Hubert Mathias, Private, 14326, Welsh Regiment. James was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Mathias, of 7, Greville Road, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and joined the 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, known as the Cardiff Pals, attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by 9 September. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on 27 October 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, although the final artillery units were still coming in as late as 13 December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between 10 to 18 August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then between 13 to 14 September 1916 at the battle of Machukovo. Between 24-25 April and 8-9 May 1917 the Division fought at the battle of Doiran, and the lines then remained static for several months. James became ill with malaria during this peaceful period, and returned home for treatment, sadly dying on 26 June 1918. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

John Mathias, Sergeant, 45, Royal Garrison Artillery. John was the Husband of Mary Mathias, of 175, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He had enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and joined their Pembroke Company, on Home Defence at Milford. He died aged 41 on 18 November 1915, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

Maurice Miller, Gunner, 371383, Royal Garrison Artillery. Maurice was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Miller, of 90, Charles Street, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and joined their newly formed 68th Siege Battery. The Battery moved to France in March 1916, and fought through the Somme offensive. It then moved north to support the Battle of Arras, and it was at Arras that Maurice was killed on 30 April 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Ste. Catherine British Cemetery, France.

Driver Albert Mills, W/4580, Royal Field Artillery. Albert is not commemorated on the War Memorial at Milford Haven, but he was born on 29 August 1876, and raised there, the Son of Joseph Mills and Anne Harries, of The Priory, Steynton. He was also the Grandson of Abraham Mills, the coxswain of the lifeboat 'The Friendship'. Albert was known in the family as a 'wild one', and served in the Boer War. He was married, and had six children, but had left his family at Milford when he moved to the Rhondda to work as a Carpenter and Joiner at the Tram Depot in Porth. In 1913 his wife and six children moved to join him at Porth, and by the outbreak of the Great War another child was on its way. Albert volunteered for service in August 1914 and joined the Royal Field Artillery. He was posted to the Welsh Division, which was being formed in North Wales, and the following year his unit was renumbered A Battery, 121st Brigade, attached to the newly formed 38th (Welsh) Division. In December 1915 the division moved to France, taking up positions in the line in Flanders. After several months here it was moved south to the Somme, and took part in the successful capture of Mametz Wood. Here it was so badly decimated that the division was sent to positions north of Ypres, at Boesinghe, where it was to remain for the next 12 months, until taking part in the successful Battle of Pilckem on 31 July 1917. During this time, Albert had undergone several spells of 'Field Punishment Number One', which involved him being bound to the wheel of an artillery limber for several hours a day. His reputation in his family was being held firm. Following the fighting at Pilckem Ridge, the division was moved to a quieter sector on the Lys to rest. It was here, on 25 September 1917 that Albert was to surprisingly drown whilst bathing in the River Lys. He was 41 years old, and was buried at Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France. (Details courtesy of his Granddaughter Ray Constance).

Joseph Mills, Private, 5892, Welsh Regiment. Joseph was the Son of John and Jane Mills, of Woodland, Little Haven, and the Cousin of Albert Mills (above). He enlisted at Milford into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, but was later posted to the Labour Corps, with the army number 483046. Joseph died whilst on home service, on 15 November 1918. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Photograph courtesy of Ray Constance.

 

Arthur George Munning, Bombardier, 371111, Royal Garrison Artillery. Arthur was born in 1897, the son of Harriet Munning, of 173, Church Road , Gorleston, Norfolk. He had moved to Hakin with his brother William prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 68th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He moved to France with it in March 1916, and fought through the Battles of the Somme, Arras and Passchendaele. Arthur was killed in action during the German Spring Offensive on the Somme on 5 April 1918. He is buried at Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. His brother William died of wounds in June 1917. Many thanks to Joanne Rees for the photograph of Arthur, and also for the photograph of William, who is commemorated on the Milford Navy page.

 

 

Richard Nichols, Private, 1822, Irish Guards. Richard was the Son of George and Ellen Nichols. He had been born at Plymouth, and lived at Milford before travelling to Waterford to enlist into the Irish Guards. At the outbreak of war, Richard was with their 1st Battalion, attached to 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, the 2nd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. They moved to Belgium, where they 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. Richard was killed at Ypres on 26 October 1914. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

 

Frederick Charles Noakes, Private, 40718, Cheshire Regiment. Frederick was the Son of David and Martha Noakes, of Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, attached to 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Battalion had fought at Loos by the time that Frederick joined them, and took part in the opening of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines, and fought on the Menin Road and at Polygon Wood, before moving up to Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele Village itself. In 1918 they were caught up in the German Spring Offensive near St. Quentin, where they suffered terrible casualties, and fought at the Battle of Bapaume. Frederick was fatally wounded during the ensuing fighting, and evacuated to Calais for treatment, where he sadly died of his wounds, aged just 20, on 16 April 1918. Frederick is buried at Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte, France. Many thanks to Bob Kettle for the photograph.

 

Reginald Norman, Private, 200616, Welsh Regiment. Reginald was the Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Norman, of 13, Ingate Street, Beccles, Suffolk. He lived at Milton prior to the war, and enlisted at Fort Hubberstone into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the local Territorial unit. The battalion formed part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, and landed on Gallipoli in August 1915, remaining there until the evacuation. It then fought in Egypt, and took part in the advance into Palestine in March 1917, remaining there for the duration of war. Reginald was wounded soon after the Division had taken part in the capture of Jerusalem, and died of his wounds on 3 January 1918. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

John Patrick O'Loughlin, Bombardier, 51134, Royal Field Artillery. John was born in Clare, Ireland, and was the Son of Joseph and Margaret O'Loughlin, who moved the family to Telegraph Cottage, Milford Haven. John was an early enlistee into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their 46th Brigade, which was attached to the 14th (Light) Division. The Division was to see its first action during the Action of Hooge, where the Division were the first to be attacked by the German use of flamethrowers. They then fought at the Second attack on Bellewaarde. John had barely been in France for a few weeks when he was killed on 25 April 1915. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Vieille-Chappelle New Military Cemetery, Lacoutre, France. Many thanks to Bob Kettle for the photograph below.

 

Alfred George Owen, Private, 534892, London Regiment. Alfred was the Son of William John Owen and Mary Ann Owen, of Parkhurst, 20, Waterloo Road. He worked as an Income Tax Clerk at Cardiff prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 2/15th Battalion (Prince of Wales Own Civil Service Rifles), London Regiment, which formed part of 179 Brigade, 60th (2/2nd London) Division. The Division fought in Salonika for much of the war, but on 30 May 1918 Alfred's Battalion left the Division and moved to France, arriving at Audruicq by 22 June, and joining 90 Brigade, 30th Division, which had been decimated during the German Spring Offensives. In August the Allies gained a huge victory over the Germans at Villers Brettoneux on the Somme, and from then on they were on the offensive. The 30th Division took part in the Advance in Flanders, which is where Alfred was killed on 3 October 1918. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

James Owen, Gunner, 371069, Royal Garrison Artillery. James was born at Steynton, and enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, joining their 68th Siege Battery. The Battery landed in France on 31 March 1916, and took part in the Somme Battles, before moving to the Arras Sector. James was killed during the Battle of Arras on 30 April 1917. He is buried at Ste. Catherine British Cemetery, France.

Henry Paxton Palmer, Pioneer, 46356, Royal Engineers. Henry was the Son of Robert Paxton Palmer and Amelia Palmer, of 8, Bridge Street, Hakin, and enlisted at Milford into the Royal Engineers. He was posted to their 23rd Signal Company, which was attached to the 1st Division, which had been one of the first elements of the B.E.F. to land in France at the outbreak of war. The Division saw action during the epic retreat from Mons, and at First Ypres during 1914. In 1915 it fought at Loos, and was on the Somme in 1916. In the spring of 1917 the Division moved to Flanders, and it was here that Henry was killed on 27 May 1917. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Belgium. Many thanks to Gil Jones for the photograph below.

 

William Martin Peterson, Corporal, 3772, London Regiment. William was the Son of John and Mary Peterson, of Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Army, and was posted to the 14th Battalion (London Scottish), London Regiment, attached to 168 Brigade, 56th (London) Division. The Division were on the Somme in 1916, and fought at the diversionary attack on Gommecourt then at Ginchy, Flers and Morval, where they captured Combles. William was killed on the Somme on 22 October 1916. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Maroeuil British Cemetery, France.

 

Cyril Powell, Gunner, 371234, Royal Garrison Artillery. Cyril was the Son of George and Sarah Powell, of 184, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and joined its 354th Siege Battery. The Battery landed in France on 22 May 1917, and fought at Third Ypres later that year. It was on the Somme by the summer of 1918, and was supporting the Australian and Canadian offensive near Villers Brettoneux when Cyril was killed on 11 August 1918. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France.

 

Patrick Quinn, Lance Corporal, 6827, Royal Irish Rifles. Patrick was born at Pembroke, but resided at Milford prior to the war. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Army, and joined the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, which was 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. They then moved to the Warloy area and attacked on 3 July near Thiepval. Patrick was killed near Thiepval on 9 July 1916. He is one of the 74,000 missing of the Battle of the Somme, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Frederick George Scotton, Sergeant, 32653, Royal Garrison Artillery. Frederick was born at Hubberston, and enlisted at Milford into the newly formed 137th Siege Battery. Royal Garrison Artillery. The battery moved to France during August 1916, at the height of the Somme offensive. It is not known what happened to Frederick, but he died during the time of the Battle of Arras, on 26 April 1917 in Hospital at Etaples. He was buried at the vast Etaples Military Cemetery, France.

 

Daniel J. Smith, Bombardier, 25374, Royal Garrison Artillery. Daniel was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Smith, of Matson Lane, Gloucester, and the husband of Margaret Alice Smith, of 10, Priory Villa, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and moved to France attached to their 95th Siege Battery. Daniel was killed soon after arriving in France, during the Battle of the Somme on 31 July 1916. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Bronfay Farm Military Cemetery, Bray Sur Somme, France.

 

Ernest Smith, Private, 44669, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the Son of the late James and Almenia Smith, of Milford Haven, and was married before joining the army at Milford Haven. Ernest joined the 11th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was called the Cardiff Pals, and was part of 67 Brigade, 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by 9 September. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on 27 October 1915 the Division, having been moved by train to Marseilles, began to embark for Salonika. It completed concentration there in November, although the final artillery units were still coming in as late as 13 December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between 10 to 18 August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, then between 13 to 14 September 1916 at the battle of Machukovo. Between 24-25 April and 8-9 May 1917 the Division fought at the battle of Doiran, and then on 18 September 1918 at the Second Battle of Doiran. Ernest died of wounds suffered at Doiran on 28 September 1918 aged 23. He is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria. His widow remarried, and became Mrs. C. A. Haselgrove-Spurin (formerly Smith), of Old Post Office, Taffswell, Cardiff.

 

William Edward Sweeney, Private, 14758, Machine Gun Corps. Very little is known of William, but he was a member of the Machine Gun Corps, and died at Milford on 10 April 1917. William is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Albert James Thomas, Private, 26567, Royal Fusiliers. Albert was the Son of Arthur and Mary Thomas, of 27, Priory Road, Milford Haven, and enlisted at Milford into the Army. Albert was posted to the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, part of 190 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Naval Brigades were originally sent to Antwerp and Dunkirk in September and October, 1914 to guard against invasion by the Germans. However Antwerp fell to the Germans soon after, and so many of the RND units were withdrawn to England. After a lengthy period of refit and training the Division moved to Egypt preparatory to the Gallipoli campaign. Landing on 25 April 1915, the Division fought throughout the Campaign on Gallipoli. They were transferred from the authority of the Admiralty to the War Office on 29 April 1916, and was redesignated the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division on 19 July 1916. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles between 12 and 23 May 1916 and moved to positions on the Somme, where it took part in the Battle of the Ancre, which is where Albert was killed on 13 November 1916. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, France.

G. H. Thomas, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. This man cannot be positively identified at present.

James George Thomas, Bombardier, 371331, Royal Garrison Artillery. James was born at Steynton, and enlisted at Milford into the Royal Garrison Artillery. He joined its 11th Siege Battery, and moved to France on 21 April 1915. James probably served through the Battles of Loos, and at the Somme in 1916, before being killed during the Battle of Arras on 24 May 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

 

James Henry (Harry) Thomas, Lance Corporal, 17430, Royal Fusiliers. Harry was the Son of W. and Dorothy Orchard, of 1, Priory Hill, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Army, and joined the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which had been in France since the outbreak of war, attached to 17 Brigade, 6th Division. On 10 September 1914 the Division landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, and arrived in time to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF on the Aisne, before the whole army was moved north into Flanders. Here they took part in the Action of Hooge during June, 1915, and in 1916 moved to the Somme, where the Division fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. The following year saw them at Arras, where they fought at the Battle of Hill 70, and then during the Battle of Cambrai later in the year. In the spring of 1918 the Division was one of those hit by the German Offensive on the Somme, which had been launched on 21 March, and the Division took part in the Battle of St Quentin. Harry was killed during the build up to the German offensive, on 8 March 1918. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, France.

 

Henry Percival Watkins, Lance Corporal, 5948, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Henry was the Son of Benjamin Thomas and Elizabeth Louisa Watkins, of 190, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He had originally enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 4th Welsh, with the service number 354, but was posted to the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment along with a large batch of other men of the 4th Welsh, and the new battalion was attached to 182 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The Division landed in France on 21 May 1916, and moved to the Flanders sector, near the village of Fromelles, where they took over the line from the 38th (Welsh) Division. Here the battalion took part in a combined attack with the 4th Australian Division, as a diversion to the main attack on the Somme, but it was a slaughter, with thousands of lives lost needlessly. The 2/7th Warwicks had reached their objective of the German front line trench, but immediately found that they were alone, and surrounded by Germans were annihilated. Henry was 25 years old when he was killed that day, on 19 July 1916. Like many of the other men killed during the battle he has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

Bernard Westenborg, Gunner, 20282, Royal Garrison Artillery. Bernard was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. H. Westenborg, of Wellington Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. Bernard worked on the Swansea Trawlers and Fishmarket prior to the outbreak of war, and enlisted at Swansea into the Royal Garrison Artillery, being posted to their 17th Heavy Battery in France. Little is known of Bernard's service, but he was killed in action on the Somme on 8 August 1916. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

 

Wilfred John Wiles, Private, 41796, South Wales Borderers. Wilfred was the Son of George Criton Wiles and Gertrude Wiles, of Milford Haven, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion had fought in China and at Gallipoli in the early years of the war, and by the summer of 1916 were on the Somme as part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The battalion suffered terrible casualties during the weeks leading up to the Battle of the Somme, and also during the advance towards Y-Ravine on the opening day of 1 July 1916. Wilfred was one of many reinforcements to join them after the Somme offensive, and he saw action with them during the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive. The Division then moved further north to Ypres. Here they fought at the Battle of Langemarck, and then at the Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle, before moving to Cambrai. They fought at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December, 1917 before moving back to Flanders early in 1918. The German Spring Offensive hit the British on the Somme on 21 March, 1918, and hit in Flanders just weeks later. The 29th Division fought at the desperate defensive battles of Estaires, Messines, Bailleul and Kemmel, before the war turned in favour of the Allies after a series of successes on the Somme in August. The Division then took part in the Offensive in Flanders, where they took part in the Action of Outtersteene Ridge, and then at the Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Courtrai. Wilfred was fatally wounded during the final stages of the war. He died of his wounds on 8 October 1918, and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France.

 

Ivor Carlyle Williams, Private, 66193, Cheshire Regiment. Ivor was the Son of John and Eleanor Williams, of 11, William's Street, Pontardulais. The family had moved from Milford to Pontardulais prior to the war, and Ivor enlisted at nearby Swansea into the army. He was posted to the 9th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, attached to 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. Ivor probably joined the battalion in France at some time after the Loos and Somme Battles, and would have fought at the Battle of Messines in June 1917. In the Spring of 1918 the division was caught up in the German Spring Offensive on the Somme, and was decimated, before being moved to positions near Ploegsteert to rest and rebuild. Fatally, they were hit again, by a fresh offensive in April, and during the desperate fighting that followed in the Battle of Kemmel, Ivor was fatally wounded. He died of his wounds, aged just 19, on 29 April 1918, and is buried at Esquelbecq Military Cemetery, France.

 

John Williams, Private, 26566, Royal Fusiliers. John was born at Abercastle, Mathry, and enlisted at Milford into the Army. He was posted to the 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which were attached to 36 Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. The Division landed at Boulogne on 31 May 1915, and took over the line at Ploegsteert Wood. They then moved south and fought in the Battle of Loos, and the subsequent actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and remained there until March 1916. By June they were in position at the Somme, and attacked Ovillers on 2 July. They fought at Pozieres and Le Transloy, which is where John was badly wounded. He was evacuated to the military hospital at Boulogne for treatment, but sadly died of his wounds there on 7 October 1916, aged 24. John is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.

 

David Joseph Wood, Private, 267198, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. David was the Husband of Ellen Wood, of Fern Cottage, Johnston. He enlisted at Milford into the army, and was one of several local men posted to the 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, part of 182 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The Division had been in France since 21 May 1916, moving to positions at Fromelles, where it was virtually decimated. Such was the damage to the Division that it was not used again other than for holding trench lines until 1917, when it followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, capturing Chaulnes and Bapaume. Later that year it fought at Battle of Langemarck, as part of the Third Battle of Ypres, and in late August and early September it was involved in the efforts to push the line forward at positions around Schuler Farm and Aisne Farm near Kerselaar. The Division then moved south, where it was to take part in the Battle of Cambrai. 61st Division was initially held in reserve and was still in the area when the enemy made a determined counterattack on 30 November. The Division was ordered up to reinforce the units under attack in the area of La Vacquerie and for some days was involved in a hard fight to stem the enemy attack. During March, 1918 the Division was holding the forward zone of defences in the sector northwest of Saint Quentin, in the area of Ham and lost many men as it fought a chaotic but ultimately successful withdrawal back over the Somme crossings over the next ten days. David was one of many men lost in the first days of this terrible fighting. He was killed in action at the age of 25, on 22 March 1918, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

 

Army Personnel of World War Two, 1939-1945

Leonard Hubert Barnard, Serjeant, 837988, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Leonard was the Son of William Frederick and Florence Barnard of Milford, and the husband of Margaret Barnard, of Neyland. He served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Battalion had spent most of the war on home service, but landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944 as part of the reinforcing troops. During the coming weeks, the Welsh Division fought several actions during the break-out of the Normandy Beachhead, and Leonard was killed here on 19 July 1944. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

Robert Burder, Private, 3957370, the Dorsetshire Regiment. Robert was the Husband of Hortensia R. L. Burder, of Dover, and served with the Welch Regiment, before being transferred to the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. The battalion had served on Malta for much of the war, and had been brought back to Britain to take part in D-Day, landing on 6 June 1944 attached to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division. Over the coming weeks, the Dorsets took part in heavy fighting during the break-out from the beachhead, and it was during this fighting that Robert was killed on 30 July 1944. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

Colin Davies, Corporal, 4209021, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Colin was the Son of William George and Eliza Jane Davies, of Haverfordwest, and the husband of Barbara Yvonne Davies, of Pope Hill, Haverfordwest. He served with the 7th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Colin landed with the Division on Normandy at the end of June 1944, and fought through the break-out from the beachhead and through the drive into Belgium and Holland. He survived the Battle of the Bulge, but was killed during the advance into the Reichswald, Germany on 13 February 1945. Colin was 27 years old, and is buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

Edward Thomas William Davies, Fusilier, 14761466, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Edward was the Son of William George and Gladys Mabel Davies, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Edward landed with the Division on Normandy at the end of June 1944, and fought through the break-out from the beachhead and through the drive into Belgium and Holland. He survived the Battle of the Bulge, but was killed during the advance into the Reichswald, Germany on 16 February 1945. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Thomas J. L. Davies, Private, 3971521, the Welch Regiment. The records of the Army Roll of Honour confirm that Thomas Davies was killed on 2 December 1942 while serving with the Welch Regiment. For some reason he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Arthur Ernest Richard Dow, Private, 14731002, Welch Regiment. Arthur was the Son of Kezia Dow, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment. The Battalion served with the 14th Army in Burma, against the Japanese, and it was in Burma that Arthur was killed on 20 May 1945. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Dennis Joseph Fitzpatrick, M.M., Serjeant, 401023, Royal Armoured Corps. Dennis was born on 4 March 1906 at Weymouth, and enlisted into the Cavalry of the Line on 31 January 1927. After postings with the King's Dragoon Guards, 5th Irish Dragoon Guards, and the 15/19th Hussars, he was finally posted to the 11th Hussars in March 1938. He served with the regiment in Palestine from July to September 1938, for which service his General Service Medal was sent to his mother in October 1945. He continued his service with the 11th Hussars at the outbreak of war. Dennis fought through the North African, Italian and Western Europe Campaigns, and gained the Military Medal for gallantry in North Africa. The citation for his award read; 'On April 7th, Sgt. Fitzpatrick was in charge of a mortar section mounted in a White Scout Car under command of an Armoured Car Troop Leader. Near Djedida he heard German voices and realised that the troop had been ambushed by a strong force hidden in the olive groves. He quickly warned the Troop Leader and almost at once the troop came under heavy fire from two 88mm guns only 400 yards away and many machine guns. The Troop Leader's car was knocked out and Sgt. Fitzpatrick, finding it impossible to turn round, ordered his men to dismount just before his own car was knocked out. For the next hour he led his men, encouraging them and crawling through the cornfields under intense fire and later pursued by infantry. Eventually he got them into safety and under cover of darkness the whole section returned to our lines. By his quick action and fine leadership he saved the lives of his men. Sgt. Fitzpatrick has served in the Western Desert since the outbreak of hostilities and at all times he has shown complete disregard for his personal safety. I recommend that he be awarded the Military Medal.' Dennis then landed with the Regiment in Normandy on D-Day, and fought up though Northern France. through Belgium and into Holland. Dennis was taken captive on September 8, 1944, along with three other 2 troop members between St Nicholas and Kemseke, Holland, during a meeting with a German Mk IV Special Tank, but escaped from his captors, and returned to Britain. He returned to Germany in August 1945, but sadly on 8 September 1945, Dennis was fatally injured in a traffic accident only weeks after returning back to the regiment after escaping captivity. He was 39 years old, and is buried at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. His medals were sold at auction in 2003. Many thanks to David Eason for the photographs of Dennis' battledress jacket and grave.

 

Geoffrey Garrett, Corporal, 2136922, Royal Engineers. Geoffrey was the Son of Mr. And Mrs. Richard Garrett, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Engineers in Mesopotamia. Little else is known of him, but he died on 14 August 1942 aged 29, and is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. He was a qualified architect.

Archibald Glenton, Corporal, 7887997, Royal Armoured Corps. Archibald was the Son of Joseph and Adelaide Glenton, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment. Archibald landed on Normandy on 7 June 1944, and fought until his death on 26 September 1944, during the drive through Holland. Archibald was 24 years old, and is buried at Valkenswaard War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Wilfred George Hall, Lance Bombardier, 1796106, Royal Artillery. Wilfred served with 37 Coast Observer Detachment, Royal Artillery, which was stationed at Singapore. He was captured during the surrender of Singapore during February 1942, and survived two years in captivity before dying on 12 September 1944. Wilfred was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial. Many thanks to Andy Garnett for the photograph.

 

Frank Reginald Hastings, Lance Corporal, PLY/X 100676, Royal Marines. Frank was the Son of Frank and Jessie Hastings, Of Milford Haven, and served with No.40 Royal Marine Commando. The Commando's baptism of fire was at Dieppe on 19 August 1942. After suffering severe losses, the survivors were evacuated, and 40 Commando was rebuilt before being sent to the Mediterranean. It was sent to Sicily in July 1943 and a little later in September it saw action at Pizzio. Later that year the Commando was in action Termoli in October, and in 1944 was embroiled at Anzio. Frank was killed in Italy on 18 January 1944. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.

Stanley George Hughes, Serjeant, 1669099, Royal Artillery. Stanley was the Son of William and Sarah Hughes, Of Milford Haven, and the husband Of Gwendoline Petera Sheppard Hughes, Of Milford Haven. He served with the Royal Artillery, and died on 13 June 1941 aged 37. Stanley is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

G. R. James, Royal Artillery. Cannot be identified.

William Richard James, Serjeant, 847074, Royal Artillery. William was the Son of George Evan James and Ethel May James, of Hakin, and served with 8 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment was stationed as part of the Hong Kong Garrison, and William was present in the desperate fighting for the city during December 1941. William was one of many prisoners captured when the British garrison surrendered to the Japanese on Christmas Day 1941. He survived four years of captivity, but died on 10 September 1945, at the age of 25, after being released from captivity. William is commemorated on the Sai Wan Memorial, Hong Kong.

Howard Clifford Jenkins, Guardsman, 2735429, Welsh Guards. Howard was the Son of James Howard Jenkins and Georgina Hetta Jenkins, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Battalion fought during the fall of France in 1940, and after withdrawal spent the next four years in Britain, before taking part in the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Howard was killed during the fighting around Caen on 11 August 1944. He was 27 years old, and is buried at St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery, France. Many thanks to No. 3 Welsh Wing Air Cadets for the photograph.

 

Thomas William King, Rifleman, 841864, the Royal Ulster Rifles. Thomas was the Son of Henry Dickson King and Hilda King, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles. The battalion was part of the 3rd Division and landed on the Normandy beaches on 6 June 1944. Thomas was killed during the Battle of Normandy, on 9 July 1944. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

William J. Lewis, Driver, 3914700, Royal Army Service Corps. Very little is known of William, but he served in North Africa with the Royal Army Service Corps, and died in Tunisia on 30 June 1943. William is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Lionel Edward Lowman, Trooper, 7943830, Royal Armoured Corps. Lionel served with the 147th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps which converted from the 10th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment. The regiment was equipped with the Churchill tank, and landed in Normandy as part of XXX Corps in June 1944. Lionel took part in the advance through Northern France into Belgium and Holland, and saw action during Operation Market Garden, when XXX Corps advanced towards the Rhine Crossings at Arnhem. Lionel died after the end of the war in Europe, on 12 June 1945, aged 34, and is buried at Hamburg Cemetery, Germany.

John Frederick Lyons, Corporal, 3909039, South Wales Borderers. John was the Son of Rose Lyons, of Hakin, Milford Haven, and the Husband of Gladys May Lyons. He served with the 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, and died on 15 February 1941. John was 21 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

Charles Edward Mansell, Serjeant, 8730677, the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Charles was the Son of Edward John and Beatrice Mansell, of Milford, and the husband of Mary A. Mansell, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He served with the 5th Battalion, KSLI, which was raised in 1939, and trained at various places in Shropshire and remained on Home Defence duties for most of the war. Charles was probably attached to the 2nd KSLI, as they were the only battalion of the Regiment to serve in the Far East, and he died on 14 June 1942 aged 25. Charles is buried at Delhi War Cemetery, India.

Ernest Trevor Martin, Fusilier, 14205147, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Ernest was the Son of Thomas Percy and Emily Ellen Martin, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battalion was part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and spent most of the war on home service. It landed on Normandy at the end of June 1944, and after fighting in the break-out from Normandy, took part in the drive into Belgium and Holland, into Germany, where it saw considerable action fighting around the Reichswald Forest. Ernest was killed here on 29 March 1945 aged just 22, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

John Percival Mathias, Captain, 177652, Parachute Regiment. John was the Son of Thomas Henry and Maggie Mathias, and the Husband of Gladys Emma Mathias, Of Milford Haven. He originally served with the 10th Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was converted to the 6th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. John took fought with the battalion in North Africa, and took part in the landings at Sicily, and was killed on 10 September 1943 during the invasion of mainland Italy, when HMS Abdiel was bombed and sank in Taranto Harbour. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy.

Howell Charles Morris, Lieutenant, 222124, Royal Artillery. Howell was the Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Charles E. Morris and P. A. Morris, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Artillery. He volunteered early in the war for service with the newly formed Army Commando, and after passing his training at Achnacarry, was posted to No. 9 Commando. 9 Commando were sent to North Africa, to take part in Operation Torch, the Allied Landings on North Africa. They were then sent back to Britain, before moving back to the Mediterranean, and took part in the invasion of Italy. Howell was killed during the Italian campaign on 2 April 1945. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy.

Peter Edward Pettit, Fusilier, 14435777, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Peter was the Son of Joseph and Virtue Pettit, of Johnston, and served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Peter landed in Normandy with the Division at the end of June 1944, and took part in the subsequent fighting in the break-out from the Beachhead. He was killed on 14 August 1944 aged just 18, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France. His brother William also died, just two months later.

William James Pettit, Corporal, 4204894, Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the eldest Son of Joseph Samuel Pettit and Virtue Pettit, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battalion fought in the Far East, in India and Burma, and it was in Burma that William died, just two months after his younger brother Peter, on 25 October 1944. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Clifford V. Potter, Gunner, 858027, Royal Artillery. Not much is known of Clifford, but he served with 370 Coast Battery, Royal Artillery. The Battery was stationed at Hilpsford battery at Barrow, Cumbria, under Western Command. Clifford died on 7 December 1942, aged 32, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, England. He possibly died at sea.

Margaret Zena Mary Price, Private, W/82980, Auxiliary Territorial Service. Margaret was the Daughter of Arthur James Oliver and Florence E. Oliver, Of Milford Haven, and was the Wife of Lieutenant A. B. Price. Margaret died on 3 February 1944, aged 23, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Little else is known of her.

 

William Thomas Prior, Fusilier, 4196946, Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the Son of Thomas and Rosamund A. E. Prior, of Milford Haven, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The battalion was stationed in India at the outbreak of war, and it was here that William died on 1 May 1940. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Delhi War Cemetery, India.         

Luigi Rabaiotti, Driver, T/143012, Royal Army Service Corps. Luigi was the Son of Giovanni and Maria Rabaiotti of Bardi, Italy, and the Nephew of Giuseppe Rabaiotti, Of Milford Haven. He served with the 656 Ambulance Division Troops Company, RASC, and died in Italy after the war on 2 January 1946. Luigi was 26 years old, and is buried in the Rabaiotti Family Vault at Bardi Communal Cemetery, Italy.

Wilfred Harold John Reed, Private, 3908455, the South Wales Borderers. Wilfred was the Son of Wilfrid Harold John and Elizabeth Reed of Milford, and the husband of Kathleen Reed, of Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He served as a regular, with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was sent to Norway to counter the German invasion in 1940, and saw some terrible fighting, in conditions alien to the British troops. Wilfred was killed in Norway on 2 May 1940, aged 24, and is buried at Ballangen New Cemetery, Norway.

Thomas Alfred George Roach, Fusilier, 3977237, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Cecilia Roach, and the Husband of Norah Ivy Roach, of Hakin. He served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, part of the 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade. The 6th Battalion fought in the Tunisian Campaign in North Africa and the 2nd Battalion took part in the landings on Sicily and then Italy, where some units of the 2nd Battalion took part in the fighting at Monte Cassino. Thomas was killed in Italy on 18 January 1944. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Orvieto War Cemetery, Italy.

Albert Frederick Thomas, Gunner, 1796242, Royal Artillery. Albert was the Son of Richard and Phoebe M. Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and served with 89 Battery, 35 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The Battery served in the Dutch East Indies, and saw hard fighting during the Japanese invasion. Albert was taken prisoner by the Japanese sometime in March 1942, and died on 14 May 1942, aged just 20. He is buried at Jakarta War Cemetery, Indonesia.

Charles William Thomas, Fusilier, 4196674, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Charles was the Son of Richard Charles and Margaret Ellen Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Charles served with the battalion in Burma, fighting against the Japanese, and died there on 5 May 1944. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar.

William Henry Thomas, Fusilier, 4196954, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the Son of John Henry and Ann Thomas, and the husband of Dorothy Catherine Thomas, of Neyland. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers in Burma and India, and died there on 25 February 1943. William is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

George Henry Whitfield, Lance Bombardier, 1082599, Royal Artillery. George was the Son of Frederick Walter and Gertrude Ellen Whitfield, Of Milford Haven, and served with 75 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery. George was killed during the invasion of Italy on 14 August 1944. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Florence War Cemetery, Italy.

Vivian Francis Williams, Lance Serjeant, 3957411, the Welch Regiment. Vivian served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment, as a regular soldier. At the outbreak of WW2, the 1st Welch was stationed in North Africa, at Mersa Matruh. The Battalion was then sent to Crete, where it was decimated during the German airborne assault of the Island from 16 February 1941 - 31 May 1941, and the few remnants of the battalion were withdrawn to North Africa. The survivors were then caught up in Rommel's drive through the desert, and fought a desperate rearguard action, retreating over several hundred miles of desert between 28 January 1942 and 20 May 1942. Vivian was killed during this retreat, possibly on 14 February 1942. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.