Milford Haven War Memorial, the Great War, 1914-1918

Thomas Anderson, Engineman, 380ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of James and Mary Anderson, of Aberdeen, and the husband of Annie Anderson, of 21, Murry Road, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye, and drowned when she struck a mine near Dunmore, off the coast of Ireland on 20 April 1917. Thomas was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Edwin Anthony, Trimmer, 546TS, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of John and Elizabeth Anthony, of Hubberstone, Milford Haven, and the husband of Beatrice Maud Anthony, of Hubberstone Green. He served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Drumtochty, which was used to patrol the English Channel. John died on 5 March 1916, aged 28, and is buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery. Drumtochty sunk later in the war when she struck a mine in the Channel on 29 January 1918, with the loss of eleven of her crew of thirteen.

 

Joseph Houghton Ashton, Engineman, 147TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Joseph was the Son of William and Elizabeth Ashton, of Liverpool, and the husband of Ellen Ashton, of 3, Brick Houses, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Carew Castle, and was killed when she struck a mine off Hartland Point on 12 June 1917. Joseph was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Ernest Axford, Trimmer, 302TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Grandson of William Axford, of Milford. His mother died when he was young, and Ernest was adopted by Simon and Elizabeth Davies, of 15, Perrotts Terrace, Barn Street, Haverfordwest. He served with the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard HM Trawler "Kirkland". She was requisitioned during August 1914, for service as a mine sweeper. Ernest was drowned when the Kirkland struck a mine off Fugla Skerry, Papastour, Shetlands, on 20 August, 1917. He was 21 years old, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Many thanks to Shirley Thomas for the photograph.

 

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.

 

Joseph William Banner, DCM, Private, 9954, Worcestershire Regiment. Joseph was born at Milford Haven, the Son of James and Elizabeth Banner. He was the husband of the late Maria Maud Banner of Chatham, Kent. Joseph was a pre-war regular in the army, serving with the 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. At the outbreak of war, the battalion moved to France as part of 5 Brigade, 2nd Division, and took part in the Battle of Mons, and the subsequent retreat to the Marne, where the German drive on Paris was stopped. The Division then moved to Ypres, where the Worcesters gained fame for their part in the Battle of Gheluveld, when the German attack towards the Channel ports was stopped. Joseph was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his part in this action. He was later wounded, and died of his wounds on 16 November 1914, aged 28. Joseph is buried at Railway Chateau Cemetery, Belgium. Joseph is not commemorated on the Milford Haven memorial.

 

Albert Baxter, Trimmer, 5894TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was serving as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye, when she sank after striking a mine off Dunmore, Southern Ireland, on 20 April 1917. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Edwin Berry, Private, 291979, Northumberland Fusiliers. Edwin was born at Milford Haven. He enlisted at Cardiff into the army, and was posted to the 1/7th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, which was attached to 149 Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. The Division moved to France 16 April 1915, and served with distinction on the Western Front throughout the war, moving to Ypres, where they took part in the Second Battle of Ypres from April to June 1915. During the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy. After spending a winter on the Somme, they moved north to Arras, where they took part in the Arras Offensive of April 1917, and fought at the First Battle of the Scarpe, capturing the Wancourt Ridge. They then fought at the Second Battle of the Scarpe, and it was during this action that Edwin was killed on 26 July 1917. He is buried at Guemappe British Cemetery, Wancourt, France. Edwin is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

William Walter Berryman, M.I.D., Deck Hand, 208DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. William James Berryman, and the husband of Ellen Holtby Berryman, of 122, Robert Street, Milford Haven. William served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Apley, and had been Mentioned in Despatches during his time at war. He was killed on 6 December 1917 when Apley struck a mine off the Isle of Wight. William was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Alexander Blackhall, Engineman, 2044ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Son of William and Christina Blackhall, of 156, High Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when Speedwell sunk on 28 October 1916. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. His brother George also drowned in the sinking.

George Blackhall, Deck Hand, 3985DA, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of William and Christina Blackhall, of 156, High Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served with his brother Alexander aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank on 28 October 1916. George was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

John Herrald Bowen, Sergeant, 7682155, Military Foot Police. John had served with the Rifle Brigade during the war, and at some stage transferred to the Military Foot Police. He had married Rosina Hughes at Haverfordwest in December 1908, and the couple lived at 15, Starbuck Rd., Milford Haven.  John remained in Israel after the war, and sadly died there on 29 September 1920. He was 39 years old, and is buried at Haifa War Cemetery, Israel.

 

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.

 

William John Bowtle, Stoker 1st Class, K/15916, Royal Navy. William was from Milford, and served aboard HMS P.60. She was a 'Q-Ship' which operated out of Chatham. William was one of two of her crew to be killed on 4 January 1918, probably during an exchange of fire with a German craft in the English Channel. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Tillingham (St. Nicholas) Churchyard.

William Henry Broome, Engineman, 83ES, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband of Annie Jane Broome, of 219, Robert Street, Milford Haven. For some unknown reason he served as William Thomas, as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Carlton. William was killed on 21 February 1916 when Carlton struck a mine off Folkestone. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

Sydney Doggett Bryant, Deck Hand, 10534DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Sydney was born in Cardiff on 20 May 1894, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bryant, of 21, Margaret Street, Bute Docks, and was educated at St. Monica Council School, Cathays. He worked at Sessions & Co. prior to the war. Sydney married Elizabeth Mary Cottiers, and she gave birth to their son Sydney Thomas Bryant on 22 March 1915. The young family lived at 247, Left Mynachdy Road, Mynachdy, Cardiff. Sydney enlisted on 15 November 1915 into the Royal Navy, and served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize. Sydney was killed when she was sunk during a battle with the German submarine U-48 on 14 August 1917. Sydney was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Alexander Buchan, Engineman, 3439ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Husband of Mary Roger Buchan, and served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith. Alexander drowned when Ladysmith was lost in a gale of the West Wales coast on 27 December 1915. He was 63 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

James Walter Buck, Deck Hand, DA/15469, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of George Walter Buck, and the husband of Gladys Ethel Barrett (formerly Buck), of 10, Warwick Road, Milford Haven. He had been born at Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, and lived at Milford whilst serving aboard HM Drifter Petrel. James died after the war, on 10 March 1919, at the age of 38. He is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photo.

 

F. W. Burnford, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

James Peter Burns, Deck Hand, 3706SD, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Burns, of Barrow-in-Furness. He served aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she was lost on 28 October 1916. James was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Richard Eldon Bush, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Naval Air Service. Richard was the Son of Philip Wathen Bush and Maria Louisa Bush, of The Old Manor House, Keynsham Bristol. Richard learnt to fly the Caudron Biplane, at the Royal Naval Flying School, Eastchurch, gaining his Aviators Certificate on 20 August 1915. He was one of the first airmen to be based at Fishguard Naval Air Station RNAS, and on his first flight there took off in a Sopwith Baby seaplane, N1033, on the morning of 22 April 1917 on a test flight, carrying a full load of bombs, but sadly the seaplane failed to gain height at take off and struck power cables, which sent it crashing into the cliff face. At great risk to himself, a saldier of the King's Liverpool Regiment who had been watching, pulled Richard out of the burning wreckage, and he was taken to the nearby Bay Hotel, where he was treated by a local Doctor. Sadly Richard succumbed to his terrible injuries, and died on 24 April 1917. He was 26 years old, and was buried with full military honours at Keynsham Cemetery, England. Many thanks to Antony Bush for the photographs.

 

 

Walter Henry Byard, Deck Hand, 2909DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Walter was the Husband of Alice Byard, of Priory Village, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was killed when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. Walter was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Herbert Byford, Leading Stoker, K/19069, Royal Navy. John was the Husband of Mrs. Jennings (formerly Byford), of Beach Road, Pill, Milford Haven. He served aboard the pre-dreadnought Battleship HMS Goliath. Goliath had been built for service in the Pacific, and was obsolete by the outbreak of the Great War. Nevertheless, her powerful firepower made her of use to the ground forces which were landed on Gallipoli from 25 April 1915 onwards, and Goliath spent the last few months of her life in action here, before being sunk by the Turkish torpedo boat Muavanet on 13 May 1915. John was drowned when Goliath sunk that day. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

David John Carpenter, Deck Hand, 2766DA, Royal Naval Reserve. David was the Son of Henry and Mary Carpenter, of 5, Hill Street, Hakin, and served as Deck Hand aboard the 'Q-Ship' HMS Prize. He was killed when Prize was sunk during an action against the German submarine U-48 in the Atlantic on 15 August 1917. He was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Thomas Wilfred Chope, Chief Petty Officer, 172371, Royal Navy. Thomas was the Son of the late Thomas and Mary Ann Chope, of Portsmouth, and the husband of Daisy Beatrice Chope, of 53, Whitecliffe Avenue, Copnor, Portsmouth. He served as Chief Petty Officer aboard HMS Bulwark, which was a pre-dreadnaught Battleship of the Formidable Class. On the morning of 26 November 1914, Bulwark was anchored safely in the estuary at Medway, when a terrific explosion ripped her apart, and she sank with the loss of 740 lives. A Naval Court of Enquiry found that the explosion was probably caused by an overheating cordite charge, stored near one of the boiler room bulkheads. Thomas was 37 years old when he died that day. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

John Charles Chudley, D.S.M. and Bar, Chief Steward 2nd Class, L/1943, Royal Navy. John was the Husband of Florence Ellen Chudley, of North East Street, Northam, Devon. John was another of the brave men serving aboard the 'Q-Ship' HMS Prize, and during his time on the ship, had gained the honour of being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice, first in the London Gazette of 22 June 1917, and the second on 14 September 1917. Sadly he was killed in action when Prize was sunk by the German submarine U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Charles Clarke, Second Hand, 206SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the son of J. T. L. Clarke, of Milford. He served as Second Hand aboard H.M. Trawler Corientes. Corientes had been requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1915, and was fitted with a 6 pounder gun before entering service as a minesweeper. On 23 June 1917, she was patrolling off Malin Head, Ireland, when she struck a mine, and sank with all hands. Charles was one of the men lost aboard her, and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Edwin Mark Clarke, Deck Hand, SD/82, Royal Naval Reserve. Edwin was born on 5 May 1896, and was the husband of Gladys Gertrude Clarke, of Milford Haven. Edwin served aboard HMS Q22, which was another of the Q-Ships to sail from Milford during the war. He died aboard Q22 when she was attacked and shelled by the German Submarine UC-47 on 22 April 1917. Edwin was brought back to Milford, and was buried with full military honours at Milford Haven Cemetery.

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.

 

Charles Reginald Clemo, Shipwright 2nd Class, M/16543, Royal Navy. Charles was one of the few Royal Naval regulars serving aboard HMS Prize. He was the Son of Charles and Elizabeth H. T. Clemo, of Duke Street Inn, Duke Street, Devonport, and was a native of Hayles, Cornwall. Charles was killed when Prize was sunk by U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

E. Cole, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas Collins, Deck Hand, 2877SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Peter and Delia Collins, of Fair Hill Road, Galway. He served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Thomas was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Henry Collins, Private, 17255, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Milford Haven. He resided at Swansea prior to the war, and enlisted there into the newly formed Swansea Pals Battalion, the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. After training at Rhyl, the battalion moved to Winchester in the summer of 1915 as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France in December 1915, and was initiated into trench warfare at Fleurbaix. In July 1916 the Division made its famous attack on Mametz Wood, and it was here, on 10 July 1916, that William was killed. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. William is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

Timothy Connor, Leading Seaman, D/1868, Royal Naval Reserve. Timothy was the Husband of Bridget Connor, of 26, Howe Street, Bootle, Liverpool. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and he drowned when Evangel struck a German mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917. He was 42 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

Leopold Coulet, Deck Hand, 13SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Leopold served aboard HMS Idaho, an Auxiliary Patrol boat based at Milford. Leopold died on 22 April 1917 and is buried at Cobh Old Church Cemetery, Ireland. No more is presently known.

Edwin Cox, Cooks Boy, Mercantile Marine. Edwin was born at Swansea, and was the Son of Edwin and Florence Cox (nee Risk). The family moved to 12, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, where Edwin joined the Mercantile Marine as a Cooks Boy, aboard the London Registered SS Sandhurst. Edwin drowned, as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine UB 72, 6 miles NW off Corsewall Point, when Sandhurst was sunk with the loss of all hands. He was just 15 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

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.

 

William Charles Crisp, Second Hand, 434DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Samuel and Emma Crisp, of Halesworth, Suffolk, and the husband of Fanny Winifred Scott (formerly Crisp), of 5, Prioryville, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Lydian, and was killed when she was sunk by a mine explosion off South Foreland on 18 September 1915. William was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William James Crumplin, Private, 15039, Dorsetshire Regiment. William was born at Milford Haven. He resided at Weymouth, Dorset prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 5th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, which was attached to 34 Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division. The Division first saw action during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, and remained there until the evacuation on 21 December 1915, when they moved to Egypt. During July 1916 the Division landed at Marseilles, and then spent remainder of the war on the Western Front, fighting at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. William was killed here on 26 September 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. William is not commemorated on the Milford Haven 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.

Alexander Davidson, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Alexander was born at Milford Haven, the Son of the late Alexander and Elizabeth Davidson, and the Husband of Mary Davidson (nee Thomas), of 23, Brigstocke Terrace, Ferryside. He served in the Mercantile Marine aboard the S.S. Boltonhall, which was a 3,535 ton defensively armoured steamship owned by the West Hartlepool Steam Navigation Company. On the 20th August, 1918 the ship was 34 miles off Bardsey Island when she was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. Five crewmembers died including the 57 year old Alexander Davidson. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, alongside his fellow crewmen. Alexander is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

Albert Davies, Trimmer, 6189TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son of William Davies, of Hakin, and the husband of Esther Davies, of Lower Thornton, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was killed when she was sunk by a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. Albert was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

George Sidney Davies, Petty Officer Stoker, ES/1669, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of Mrs. E. Davies, of 29, Gwilia Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He had served aboard HM Trawler Peter Lovet during the war, and died at Milford on 20 April 1919. George was 30 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

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.

 

R. Davies, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas Davies, Stoker 1st Class, SS/113558, Royal Navy. Thomas was born at Milford Haven, the Son of William and Esther Davies. The family later moved to 37, Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Thomas served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Warrior. Warrior was a Duke of Edinburgh-class armoured cruiser, which had been built at Pembroke Dock, and was stationed in the Mediterranean at the outbreak of war. Warrior was transferred to the Grand Fleet in December 1914, and took part in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. She was heavily damaged during the Battle, after which she withdrew and was later abandoned and sank in a rising sea. Thomas was killed during the battle. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Thomas is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

Thomas George Davies, Engineman, 1620/ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was serving aboard HM Trawler Othonna as an Engineman. The Othonna was sunk when she struck a mine off Fife Ness on 20 April, 1917 which had been laid by UC41 just a day earlier. All hands were drowned, but some of the men's bodies were washed ashore, and so afforded burial. One of these was Thomas George Davies. He is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

 

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.

 

John Donovan, Private, 10543, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Milford Haven in 1891. He resided at 6, Ordell Street, Cardiff prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment, Special Reserve on 11 November 1909. On 4 November 1911 John joined the Regular Army, and was posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John went to France with the 2nd RWF at the outbreak of war, and was wounded at High Wood on 31 July 1916. After returning home to recover, he was posted to the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to the 3rd Division, joining them on the Somme on 19 September 1916. John was killed during the Battle of the Ancre Heights on 13 November 1916. He is buried at Queen's Cemetery, Puisieux, France. John is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

Stuart Duncan, Deck Hand, 7391DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Stuart was the Husband of Elizabeth Beaven (formerly Duncan), of 12, Corton Street, Aberdeen. He served aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she sank on 27 December 1915. Stuart is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

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.

George Samuel Dunn, D.S.M., Chief Engineman, 92ES, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Husband of Caroline Dunn, of 12, Brooke Avenue, Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Drifter Silvery Harvest. George had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the notification of which appeared in the London Gazette of 5 April 1918. Sadly George was drowned soon after, when Silvery Harvest was lost in a collision off Berry Head on 16 May 1918. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Harry Dyer, Seaman, 3945B, Royal Naval Reserve. Harry was the Son of William and Sarah Dyer, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Mina Dyer, of 61, Waterloo Road, Hakin. He served aboard HMS Laurentic, which was an ocean liner, belonging to the White Star Line. Laurentic was used for transatlantic travel between Liverpool and Canada, and being in Canada at the outbreak of war, was requisitioned for the transport of Canadian Troops to Britain. In 1915 she was converted to an armed transport ship, and sunk when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 25 January 1917. Over 350 of her crew were lost, one of whom was Harry Dyer. He was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Alexander Edward, Trimmer Cook, 314TC, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Father of James Edward, of 57, Commerce Street, Lossiemouth, Morayshire, and the husband of Isabella Edward. He served aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and was drowned when she sank on 27 December 1915. Alexander was 59 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Arthur Edwards, MM, Bombardier, 64876, Royal Field Artillery. Arthur was born at Milford Haven, and served as a Policeman prior to the war. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Field Artillery, and joined the 112th Battery, 24th Brigade R.F.A., attached to the 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. Arthur was killed during the next few days terrible fighting, on 25 March 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Arthur had won the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field during his time on the Western Front. Arthur is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial, but at nearby Dale.

 

John Edwards, Private, 9214, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Milford Haven, the Son of Thomas and Mary Edwards. The family later moved to 126, Hindercafn Road, Pen-y-Graig, Rhondda. John enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Regiment prior to the war, and went to France in December 1914 with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh regiment, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders.John was wounded early in January 1915, and died at Lillers on 26 January 1915. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, France. John is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

John Evans Edwards, Private, 278199, Royal Air Force. John was the Son of Benjamin and Mary Edwards of Milford, and the husband of Gertrude E. Edwards, of 88, Portfield, Haverfordwest. He had been conscripted into the Royal Air Force, and was based at the Armament School when he died of influenza on 22 October 1918. John was 35 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

John Robinson Edwards, Private, 23080, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born at Hubberston, Milford Haven, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Battalion 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 Division crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, moving to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, which is where John was killed in action, on 25 September 1915. He has no known grave, and is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France. John is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

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.

 

Charles Edwin Evans, Private, 37728, Welsh Regiment. Charles was the Son of Edwin Evans, of 51, Priory Road, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The 9th Welsh attacked positions on the northern edge of the Loos battlefield, but suffered terrible casualties. Charles was one of the many men killed on the opening day of the Battle, on 25 September 1915. He was just 19 years old. Charles has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

 

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 Leslie, 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.

 

William Evans, Driver, 24474, Royal Field Artillery. William was born at Milford Haven, the son of Stephen and Anne Evans. Not much is known of Williams' ties with Whitland, but he probably worked with the GWR, and enlisted at Tonyrefail into the Royal Field Artillery, being posted to 'B' Battery, 33 Brigade, part of 8th Division. The 8th Division was a regular army unit which moved to the Western Front during September 1914. It was formed of units brought back from around the Empire, and fought at all of the major actions of the war, at Neuve Chappelle, Aubers, and Bois Grenier, before moving to take part in the Somme Offensive. It was during the Battle of Le Transloy that William was Killed in Action on 7 November, 1916 aged 34. He is buried at Pozieres British Cemetery. William is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial, but at Whitland.

 

James Ferguson, Deck Hand, 1482SD, Royal Naval Reserve. James served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk in action with the German Submarine U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Albert Fisher, Able Seaman, 232272, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of Robert G. Fisher, of Kents Hill Cottage, Thorpe-le-Soken, Clacton-on-Sea. He served as Able Seaman aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

Donald McKenzie Fowler, Deck Hand, 3983DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Donald was the Son of James and Margaret Masson Fowler, of 90, Victoria Road, Aberdeen. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and was killed when Ferndale was sunk on 27 December 1915. Donald was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Alexander C. Garden, Deck Hand, DA/3984, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Son of Alexander Garden, of Lossiemouth, Morayshire. He was also serving as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale when she was lost on 27 December 1917. Alexander's body was recovered from the sea, and he is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. His brother John also died aboard Ferndale. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

John Alexander Garden, Second Hand, 1156SA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of Alexander Garden, of Lossiemouth, Morayshire. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, alongside his brother Alexander, and was killed alongside him when she sank on 27 December 1915. John was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Charles Arthur Garnish, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Garnish, of Brentwood, and the husband Margaret Jane Garnish, of Brentwood, Essex. He served as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Kirkland, and was drowned when she was mined on 20 August 1917 off Fugla Skerry, Papastour, Shetlands. Charles was 47 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

George Geddes, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Husband of Margaret Jane Geddes, of Tarwathie, South Pringle Street, Buckie, Banffshire. He served as Skipper of HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank of the coast of Ireland on 28 October 1916. George was 45 years old, and is buried at Kilscoran Church of Ireland Churchyard, Ireland. His son George also drowned in the sinking.

George Geddes, Trimmer, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the son of George and Margaret Jane Geddes, of Tarwathie, South Pringle Street, Buckie, Banffshire. He served with his father aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and drowned alongside him when she sank on 28 October 1916. George was just 18 years old, and is buried alongside his father at Kilscoran Church of Ireland Churchyard, Ireland.

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. William was the Son of Doctor George Griffith of Milford, and the daughter of Alfred Starbuck. He was a Doctor at Milford, and lived at Milford House, Milford Haven, with his wife Ada Mabel Starbuck (nee Tweedie), who was from Edinburgh. William served with the local Territorial force prior to the war, and was in command of military medicine in the Dale area after the outbreak of the Great War. The strain of military service proved too much for William, and he died on 23 July 1915. William is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. He was 47 years old.

 

Alexander C. Gordon, Engineman, 2537ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Husband of Elspeth Gordon, of 7, Main Street, Inverallochy, Aberdeenshire. He served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and drowned when she sunk on 27 December 1915. Alexander was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Herbert Arthur Greenacre, Trimmer, TS/1700, Royal Naval Reserve. Herbert was the Son of George and Louisa Greenacre, of Martham, Norfolk. He served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Weymouth II, and sadly died at Milford on 3 June 1915 aged 48. Herbert is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

James William Samuel Grice, Engineman, 2376ES, Royal Naval Reserve. James was serving as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Evangel, when she was lost following a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. James is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

John William Grimston, Engineman, 377ES, Royal Naval Reserve. John was another crewman aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and drowned when she was lost following a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. John is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

 

Albert Hamilton, Private, 24831, Hampshire Regiment. Albert was born at Milford Haven, the Son of Mrs. J. Hamilton. The family later lived at West Street, Hambledon, Hampshire. Albert enlisted at Portsmouth into the 14th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, which was attached to 116 Brigade, 39th Division. The Division moved to France at the end of February 1916, and on 30 June 1916 it took part in a costly attack in the area of Richebourg l'Avoue. The Division moved to the Somme in August 1916, where it fought at the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where they captured the Schwaben Redoubt, and helped capture Regina Trench. They then fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained on the Somme over the winter. In 1917 the Division was at Ypres, and fought at the Battle of Pilckem, the Battle of Langemarck, and the Battle of the Menin Road. Albert was killed on the Menin Road on 26 September 1917. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Albert is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

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. This photograph of Alfred was left at Milford Cenotaph on Armistice Day, 2010.

 

Ernest James Harding, Deck Hand, 2958TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Son of Ernest and Catherine Harding, of 12, Marble Hall, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was drowned when she was lost following a mine explosion in the English Channel on 25 March 1917. Ernest is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Louis Harper, Officer's Cook 2nd Class, L/6386(CH), Royal Navy. Louis was born at Greenwich on 4 May 1894, and served as Cook aboard HMS P 60, based at Milford. P60 was another of the famous Q-Ships to have been based at Milford throughout the war, and although she survived the conflict, Louis is one of several of her crew to have been killed during an engagement on 4 January 1918. He was 24 years old, and is buried at West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium.

David Daniel Harries, J89047, Seaman, Royal Naval Reserve. David was born at Ystrad on 9 November 1892, possibly the son of William and Louisa Harries, of Wolfscastle, Welsh Hook. No more is currently known about him.

Thomas Harries, Deck Hand, 9630DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of William and Helen Harries, and the husband of Annie Harries, of Hakin Villa, 4, Wellington Avenue, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Loch Shiel. Thomas was killed when Loch Shiel struck a mine off Milford on 26 September 1916. He was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

W. H. Harries, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

John Harvey, Engineman, ES/99, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Catherine Harvey, of 10, Pill Road, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Falmouth III, which was used for minesweeping duties around Dover Docks, and was killed when she sunk after striking a mine laid the previous morning by German submarine UC-5, on 19 November 1915. John was 41 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

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.

Stephen Ebenezer Havard, Private, 2261, Australian Imperial Force. Stephen was born at Milford Haven. He had served with the Welsh Regiment for twelve years, prior to emigrating to Australia. He enlisted at Liverpool, NSW on 8 June 1915 into the 4th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, which was at the time fighting at Gallipoli, as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Australian Division. Stephen landed at Gallipoli on 31 July 1915. As an experienced soldier, he had required only basic training, and had been promoted Sergeant. On 6 August 1915 the 4th Battalion made a gallant attack on the Turkish positions at Lone Pine, and over the coming days fought a terrible battle. Stephen was one of many men of the battalion Killed at the Battle of Lone Pine, between 6 and 9 August 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli. Stephen is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

James Hendry, Second Hand, 1158SA, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Husband of Margaret Hendry, of 161, High Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank on 28 October 1916. James was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Henry Thomas Henshall, D.S.M., Ordinary Telegraphist, J/48097, Royal Naval Reserve. Henry was the Son of Henry and Elizabeth Sarah Henshall, of 21, Glenthorn Grove, Sale, Cheshire. He was another of the brave crew of the Q-Ship HMS Prize, and had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his gallantry, which was listed in the London Gazette of 14 September 1917. Sadly however, Henry was killed during the sinking of Prize by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

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 of Harry's grave.

 

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 Horne, 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. Photograph courtesy of Michael Bloy.

George Humphrey Horton, Engineman, 376ES, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of the late Thomas Bryant Horton, of 106, Lakedale Road, Plumstead, London, and the husband of Florence Horton, of 70, Norwich Road, Lowestoft. He served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Yucca, George was killed when Yucca was sunk on 24 May 1918. He was 42 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Edmund Sydney Howells, Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps. Edmund was the Son of Canon Edmund and Mrs. Emily Maud Blanche Howells, of The Vicarage, Milford Haven. He had previously served with the Welsh Regiment in France, before becoming a pilot in 120, Squadron Royal Flying Corps. The Squadron was formed at Lympne in January 1918, and trained with the DH 9, but Edmund was killed in an accident while flying Armstrong Whitworth FK 3 A1505, on 27 March 1918. Edmund was just 19 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. His Observer, 2nd Lieutenant John Armstrong, was also killed in the accident. Edmunds obituary in 'Flight Magazine' reads; 'Lieutenant EDMUND SYDNEY HOWELLS, R.F.C., who was killed accidentally, while acting as flying instructor, on March 27th, was the eldest son of the Rev. E. Howells, B.D., vicar of Milford Haven. He was educated at the King's School, Worcester, where he represented the school on the river, and was passing from the sixth form to Oxford when the war broke out. He received a commission in the Welsh Regiment directly from the O.T.G., and served with it in France, being wounded in 1916. On recovery he returned to his regiment on another front, where he was transferred to the R.F.C., and served for some time in Egypt. Last year he was recalled to act as instructor at home.'

 

Lewis Hughes, Private, 81771, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Lewis was the Son of Edward Lewis Hughes and Emma Louisa Hughes, of Milford Haven. He had been born in Auckland, New Zealand, and was the husband of Mrs. L. E. Hughes, of 29, Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland. Lewis enlisted into the Otago Regiment, New Zealand Infantry, which was part of the 1st Brigade, New Zealand Division. He had probably served at Gallipoli in 1915, then on the Western Front from 1916 to 1918. He became ill towards the end of the war, and died of pneumonia on 28 October 1918. Lewis was 30 years old, and is buried at Tidworth Military Cemetery, England. Lewis is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

John William Humphries, Third Mate, Mercantile Marine. John was the Son of Ellen Louisa Humphries, of 13, Dartmouth Gardens, Milford Haven. He served as Third Mate aboard the SS Bulgarian, a Glasgow registered vessel. John died aged 24 on 20 January 1917, when Bulgarian was sunk by a German submarine. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Lumsden Inch, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of Annie and the late Robert Inch, of Leith, and the husband of Susan Amelia Inch, of 21, Ouse Street, Weaste, Manchester. He served as Skipper aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. John was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

N. James, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas James, Leading Stoker, 292153, Royal Navy. Thomas was one of the few regular Naval men on the Milford War Memorial. He was the Husband of Sarah James, of Blackbridge, Milford Haven, and served aboard HMS Warrior. She was a Duke of Edinburgh Class armoured cruiser, which had been built at Pembroke Dockyards. She joined the Grand Fleet at the outbreak of war, as part of the 1st cruiser Squadron, and took part in the greatest naval battle of all time, the Battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1916. Warrior played a brave part in the battle, but was worn down by heavy German fire. Many of her crew were killed during the battle, but for a while she remained afloat, being taken under tow by HMS Engadine. She sank the following day, with 743 of her crew having been rescued. Thomas was one of the unlucky ones however. He was killed on 31 May 1916 aged 38, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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 1 and 9 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.

 

George James Jarrett, D.S.M. and Bar, Petty Officer, 222863, Royal Navy. George was one of the regular Royal Naval personnel serving aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice during the course of the war, the first being listed in the London Gazette of 22 June 1917, and the second on 14 September 1917. However, by then George had been killed in action when Prize was attacked and sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Hugh Jenkins, Private, 4651, Manchester Regiment. Hugh was born at Milford Haven. He enlisted at Fleetwood, Lancashire into the 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment. At the outbreak of war the battalion was at Jullundur, India, as part of the 8th (Jullundur) Brigade, 3rd (Lahore) Division. The Division left India on 29 August 1914 as part of the Indian Corps and moved to France, landing at Marseilles on 26 September 1914. It served on the Western Front until leaving France on 10 December 1915, whereupon it moved to Mesopotamia. Hugh was killed during the attempt to relieve the besieged town of Kut on 8 March 1916. He is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Hugh is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

William John Jenkins, Private, 9593, South Wales Borderers. William was born at Milford Haven, the Son of Stephen and Sarah Jenkins. The family later moved to 3 North Road, Newbridge, Monmouth, where they had another son, Thomas. William enlisted at Brecon into the 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers in 1907, and in 1911 volunteered to serve with the 2nd SWB. The battalion was in China at the outbreak of war, and William took part in the capture of Tientsin from its German garrison. The 2nd SWB returned to Britain to join 87 Brigade, 29th Division, and took part in the landings on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. William was evacuated sick from Gallipoli and attached to the Army Service Corps at Mudros. He as invalided to England via Rouen, and was then transferred to the Labour Corps. William took ill and died on active service on 1 July 1918. He is buried at Barrow-in-Furness Cemetery, Cumbria. His Brother Thomas also fell during the war. William is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

David Thomas Job, Engineman, 84ES, Royal Naval Reserve. David was the Son of John and Elizabeth Job, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Mabel Job. David served as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Lydian, and was killed when she struck a mine and sank off South Foreland on 18 September 1915. David was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

John Jones, Deck Hand, 265DA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of John Jones, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Ethel Jones, of 43, Moffatt Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler James Hunniford. Little is known of her, but John died on 17 June 1918, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John Samuel Jones, Leading Stoker, K/14751, Royal Naval Reserve. John was born in Shrewsbury on 6 October 1893, the Son of John and Martha Jones, later of 37, Urban Terrace, Wellington. He served aboard HMS Minotaur, which was an armoured cruiser, which was used mainly for convoy escort duties, but had fought at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. Little is known of John, or why he is commemorated on the Milford War Memorial, but Minotaur was scrapped at Milford after the war. John died on 5 July 1918 at the age of 24, and is buried at Wellington General Cemetery, Shropshire.

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.

 

Colin Kerr, Deck Hand, 258DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Colin was serving as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Helgian. Colin drowned when Helgian struck a mine in the Aegean on 6 September 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

Nicholas King, Seaman, 6829A, Royal Naval Reserve. Nicholas was the Son of Nicholas and Delia King, of Claddagh Parade, Galway, and served as Seaman aboard HMS Prize. He was killed in action at the age of 22, when Prize was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Harold Edgar Kipps, Telegraphist, London/Z/4620, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Harold was the Son of Arthur E. and Ada S. Kipps, of 3, Albert Road, Brockley, London. He was educated at Strand School, London, and Matriculated at London University. He served as Telegraphist aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and drowned when Evangel sank after striking a mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917. Harold was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Charles Benjamin Lake, Second Hand, 602DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of John and Mary Lake, of Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, and the husband of Lilly Lake, of 54, Gipsy Road West Norwood, London. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Trawler Apley, and was killed when she struck a mine off Worthing on 6 December 1917. Charles was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick Lake, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of Frederick and Susan Lake, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Nellie Lake, of Great Yarmouth. He served as Skipper aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Frederick is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

G. M. Law, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

John Henry Lawrence, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Nephew of Sarah Jane Jenkins, of Summerhill, Letterston. Nothing more can be found of him.

Simon R. Lawrie, Trimmer, 2252TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Very little is known of Simon, except that he served aboard HM Drifter Gellyburn, and died on 10 September 1919. He is buried at Aberdeen (Trinity) Cemetery, Scotland.

George Lees, Deck Hand, 4871DA, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of George and Jane Lees, of 1, Old Pier, Stonehaven. He served aboard HMS Sabrina, a Victorian iron hulled gunboat. George died on 25 February 1916 aged 29, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Nothing further is known of how he met his fate.

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.

 

Frederick W. Limbrick, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was Skipper aboard HMS Unity. He unfortunately drowned while being ferried to Unity in a small boat in a gale at Rosslare Harbour on 4 October 1916. He is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

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.

 

Edward James Lumsdaine, Corporal, 48, Royal Garrison Artillery. Edward was born at Penzance in 1882, the Son of James and Caroline Lumsdaine. The family later moved to Milford Haven, where they lived for several years before moving to 1, White Street, Swansea. Edward married Mary Daly at Swansea in 1905, and the couple moved back to Milford, where Edward served as a Terrritorial Soldier, the Pembroke Royal Garrison Artillery, based at Milford. He became ill with Pulmonary Tuberculosis while on active service at Stack Rock, and was sent to the Beechwood Hospital at Newport, Monmouth, where he died on 28 August 1916, aged 34. Edward is buried at Swansea (Danygraig) Cemetery. Sadly, his widow Mary died the following year, leaving their seven children to be sent to an Orphanage at Bristol. Many thanks to Bev Lewis, of Swansea, for the photograph. Edward, like his two brothers, is not commemorated at Milford.

 

James Lumsdaine, Private, 17756, Welsh Regiment. James was born at Lowestoft in 1883, the son of James and Caroline Lumsdaine. The family had resided at Milford for several years before moving to 1, White Street, Swansea. James married Lucy Maud Evans at Swansea in 1908, and after a spell living back at Milford, the couple set up home at 17, Porttennant Road, Swansea prior to 1914. James was one of the original men to enlist at Swansea in August 1914 into the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Swansea Pals Battalion, attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The battalion trained at Rhyl and Winchester, before moving to France in December 1915, taking up the line near Fleurbaix, Northern France. James was one of the earliest casualties of the battalion, when he was killed on 27 January 1916. He was 32 years old, and is buried at St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue, France. James, like his two brothers, is not commemorated at Milford.

 

Leslie Lumsdaine, Sapper, 86574, Royal Engineers. Leslie was born at Milford Haven in 1895, the Son of James and Caroline. The family later moved to 1, White Street, Swansea. Leslie originally enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry, but was later transferred into the 185th Tunneling Company, Royal Engineers. The Company was on the Somme over the winter of 1915/1916, preparing mines under the German lines, in preparation for the forthcoming Somme Offensive of 1 July 1916. At around 14.00 on 4 February 1916, the Germans fired a mine opposite trench 120 and launched a gas attack on the men of 185th Tunnelling Company, killing their Commanding Officer and 17 sappers. Leslie was one of the dead men. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, France. Leslie, like his two brothers, is not commemorated at Milford.

 

Kenneth Norman MacDonald, Deck Hand, 14514DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Kenneth was born at Lochcarron, Ross on 25 September 1897, the Son of Kenneth and Catherine Macdonald, of Yorke Cottage, Plockton, Rossshire, and was educated at Plockton Higher Grade School and at Aberdeen Grammar School. He was a student of Aberdeen University when war broke out, studying Arts and Medicine, and enlisted into the Royal Naval Reserve on 12 September 1916, where he was posted aboard HMS Prize. Kenneth was killed when Prize was sunk by the U-48 on 14 August 1917. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Mair, Deck Hand, 7273DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of James and Margaret Mair, of Aranmore, Portknockie, Banffshire. He served aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, based at Milford. William was one of the crewmen who lost their lives when Ladysmith was lost in a Gale off the West Wales coast on 27 December 1915. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Jonathan James Manthorpe, Deck Hand, 2967DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Jonathan was serving aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize when she was destroyed by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

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.

Albert Martin, Stoker 1st Class, K/9641, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of Richard Edward and Ellen Martin, of 10, Hakinville, Milford Haven. He was a pre-war regular in the Royal Navy, serving aboard HMS Amphion. She was an Active Class light cruiser, and was assigned as leader of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla with the Harwich Force, defending the eastern approaches to the English Channel. On the afternoon of 5 August 1914, she investigated a trawler, which was acting suspiciously in the English Channel. She turned out to be a German minelayer, and was pursued and sunk by Amphion, in the first naval engagement of the war. After further action against another German vessel, Amphion was returning to Harwich, but struck a mine and sunk on the morning of 6 August 1914. Albert was one of the men killed when the mine exploded, becoming one of the very first British casualties of the Great War. Albert was buried at Shotley (St. Mary) Churchyard, Suffolk. He was 26 years old.

John Marvelly, Engineman, 1734ES, Royal Naval Reserve. John was born at Llandeilo on 12 May 1861, the son of William and Elizabeth Marvelly (nee Thomas).Some years prior to the war he had moved to Milford Haven, where he worked as a fisherman, and lived with his wife, Harriet Marvelly, at 26, Dartmouth Street, Milford. John joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 21 January 1915, and trained at HMS Vivid, before being posted as an engineman aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II. John was killed when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. John was 57 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Algernon Douglas Hamilton Mason, Private, 45526, Machine Gun Corps. Algernon was born at Milford Haven, the Son of Robert Farrer Mason and Elizabeth North Mason. The family later lived at 18, Lansdowne Street, Hove, Sussex. Algernon enlisted at Chichester into the 14th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, but was later transferred into the 156th Company, Machine Gun Corps. Algernon was wounded on the Somme in September 1916, and was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Rouen for treatment. He died of his wounds there on 3 October 1916, aged 21, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Algernon is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

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.

 

Frederick James Mathias, Second Hand, 1882SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of Jonathan and Emma Jane Mathias, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Alice Mathias, of Lliswerry, Newport, Monmouth. He served aboard HM Drifter Active III, and was killed when she struck a mine off Milford Haven on 15 October 1917. Frederick was 27 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

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.

 

Thomas Henry McDougall, Second Hand, 2414SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Mary Rea McDougall, of Glasgow, and the husband of Winnie McDougall, of 43, Great North Road, Milford Haven. He served aboard HMPMS Ludlow, which was a Patrol Ship, operating in the North Sea. Thomas was killed when Ludlow struck a mine on 29 December 1916. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

David McKay, Able Seaman, Z/4837, Royal Naval Reserve. David served with Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Reserve, which was attached to the Royal Naval Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli during 1915, The Division was 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. David was killed just weeks later, on 14 June 1916. He is buried at Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

 

Andrew Smith McRuvie, Trimmer, 3668TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Andrew was the Son of George McRuvie, of 25, Menzies Road, Torry, Aberdeen, and served aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith. He was drowned when Ladysmith sunk on 27 December 1915 during a gale off the Welsh coast. Andrew was 24 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Peter William Medway, Deck Hand, DA/2449, Royal Naval Reserve. Peter was the Son of William and Susan Medway, and the husband of Annie Catherine Medway, of 10, Vicary Street Pill, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was drowned when she hit a mine of St. Anne's Head and sank on 25 March 1917. Peter was 29 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

Edward Arthur Merchant, Signal Boy, 201SB, Royal Naval Reserve. Edward was the Son of Lilly Merchant, of 13, Rudkin Street, Leicester, and served as Signal Boy aboard HM Trawler Evangel. He was drowned when Evangel struck a mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Edward was just 17 years old.

Albert Ernest Miller, Telegraphist, J/25820, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of Harry and Catherine Stanton Miller, of 39, Ashton Street, Brighton. He was Telegraphist aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk by U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. Albert was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

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 was born at Milford on 29 August 1876, 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, and moved to the Somme in June 1916, 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 drown whilst bathing in the River Lys. He was 41 years old, and was buried at Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France. Albert is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial. (Details courtesy of his Granddaughter Ray Constance).

 

 

Hubert Ernest Mills, Engineman, 2504ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Hubert was born at Little Haven around 1878, and served during the Great War in the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard HM Trawler Fulmar. Fulmar was a Grimsby-registered 231 ton vessel, which had been built in 1899 and hired in May 1915 y the Admiralty. She was sunk by a mine on 17 Jan 1916 in the Gulf of Sollum, with the loss of all hands. Hubert was 38 years old, and is commemorated on Panel 19 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

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.

 

Frederick James Milne, Trimmer, 5906TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of George and Helen Milne, of 46, College Bounds, Aberdeen, and served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye. Frederick was killed when Loch Eye struck a mine off Dunmore, Southern Ireland, on 20 April 1917. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Henry Miners, Skipper, 101SA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband of Caroline Miners, of 2, Marble Hall, Milford Haven. He served in the Merchant Fleet, but was attached to the Royal Naval Reserve, as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Norman II, which was taken over by the Admiralty in 1915 for use as a Minesweeper. William died on 18 April 1918, but it is unknown if it was as a result of active service, and is buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Devon. He was 35 years of age.

Robert Mitchell, Deck Hand, 3989DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of James and Mary Ann Watt Mitchell, of Lossiemouth, Morayshire. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ferndale. Robert drowned when Ferndale sunk on 27 December 1915. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Clifford William Moore, Leading Telegraphist, 35507, Royal Naval Reserve. Clifford was born at Neyland, and served with the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard HMS Apollo. Apollo was a second-class Apollo-class protected cruiser launched in 1891 and converted to a minelayer in 1909. They formed a mine-laying squadron from 1914 until 1915, when Apollo was disarmed and served in secondary roles. She was broken up in 1920. Nothing else is presently known of him.

Benjamin Lewis Morgan, Trimmer Cook, 1003TC, Royal Naval Reserve. Benjamin was serving aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

William John Munning, Deck Hand, 9838DA, Royal Navy. William was born in 1895, the son of Harriet Munning, of Gorleston, and the Brother of Frank Harcourt Munning C.B.E., and of Hannah Munning, of Rosebury House, Gorleston, Norfolk. A resident of Hakin, he served as Deck Hand aboard HMPMS Redcar. Redcar was a Paddle Minesweeper, and was based at Dover. William was badly wounded when Redcar struck a mine off Gravelines on 24 June 1917, and died the following day. He was buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery, France. His younger brother Arthur was killed in 1918, while serving with 68th Siege Battery, RGA. Many thanks to Joanne Rees for the photograph of William.

 

James Murphy, Sailor, Mercantile Marine. James was born at Milford Haven. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the SS Henley, a London registered steamer. On 10 April 1918, Henley was 25 miles from the Lizard, Cornwall, and en-route from Barry to St. Nazaire with a cargo of coal, when she was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine UB-109, and sunk with the loss of six lives, including James, who was 56. All six men are commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. James is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

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.

 

Willie John Nightingale, Ordinary Seaman, VR/3260, Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. Willie was the Son of William Sr. and Sarah Jane Ross Nightingale, and was a Canadian serving aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye. He was killed when she struck a mine off Dunmore, Ireland on 20 April 1917. Willie was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Halifax Memorial, Canada.

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 Welsh Regiment, 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 Northcott, Second Hand, 1244SA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of M. J. Northcott, of 42, Bolton Street, Brixham, Devon. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was killed when she struck a mine off St. Anne's Head on 25 March 1917. John is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. He was 51 years of age.

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.

 

Charles Picton Owens, Engineman, 4846ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Owens, of 40 Prendergast, Haverfordwest, and the Husband of Lilian Owens, of 12 City Road, Haverfordwest. He served as Engineman aboard HM Drifter Active III, and was drowned when she struck a mine off St. Anne's Head on 15 October 1917. Charles was 27 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick Albert Owens, Able Seaman, Wales/Z/58, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Frederick was the Son of Thomas and Elsie Owens, of 62, Cellar Hill, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Able Seaman aboard HMS Queen Mary, which was a Lion Class battlecruiser. Upon commissioning, she joined the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron. On 28 August 1914, she took part in the 1st Battle of Heligoland Bight. She was under refit at the time of the Dogger Bank battle, so she did not take part in that engagement, and after completing her refit, she re-joined the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron. Frederick was killed when Queen Mary was sunk by heavy German gunfire which exploded her magazines, at the Battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1916. He was just 19 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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 Walter Payne, Engineman, 331ES, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Frank Payne, of Bristol, and the husband of Edith Matilda Payne, of 5, Priory Terrace, Milford Haven. He was serving as Engineman aboard HM Trawler Apley, when she struck a mine off the Isle of Wight on 6 December 1917 and sank with all hands. William was 35 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Robert Frank Peel, Trimmer, 2136TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of Peter and Josahanna Peel, of Great Yarmouth, and the husband of Sophie Peel, of 29, Well Street, Great Yarmouth. He served as Trimmer aboard HM Trawler Loch Shiel, and was killed when she blew up and sank off St. Anne's Head on 26 September 1916. Robert was 41 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William George Pengelly, Leading Seaman, 5236B, Royal Naval Reserve. William served aboard HM Trawler Nodzu. William was killed during an accident aboard Nodzu on 13 April 1917. He was 21 years old, and was buried at St. Martin-By-Looe (St. Martin of Tours) Churchyard, Cornwall.

George Albert Perrin, Deck Hand, 3940SD, Royal Naval Reserve. George served aboard HM Trawler Eider. He died on 14 March 1917 and is buried at Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery.

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.           

 

James Charles Phillips, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. James was Skipper aboard HM Trawler Lydian, and was killed when she struck a mine and sank off South Foreland on 15 September 1915. James is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

William Richard Picton, Deck Hand, 14850DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Richard William Picton, and the husband of Florence Mary Picton, of 14, Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock. He served as Deck hand aboard HM Drifter Active III, and was killed when she sank after striking a mine off Milford Haven on 15 October 1917. William was 28 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Robert F. Pirrie, Deck Hand, 12025DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of William and Margaret Pirrie, of 21, Shorehead, Stonehaven, and the husband of Jane Pirrie, of 72, High Street, Stonehaven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Trawler Loch Eye, and was drowned when Loch Eye struck a mine and sank off Dunmore, Ireland, on 20 April 1917. Robert was 36 years old, and is buried at Dunnottar Cemetery, Stonehaven, Scotland.

Henry Herbert Portch, Lieutenant, Royal Navy. Henry was the Son of Samuel Henry and Sarah Elizabeth Portch. He served aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was destroyed by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Henry was 34 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

W. B. Potter, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

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.

 

Josiah Pratt, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Josiah was the Brother-in-law of S. M. Pratt, of 4, Milton Terrace, Pill, Milford Haven. He served as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was killed when she struck a mine off Lough Swilly on 19 April 1917. Josiah was 48 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Henry Rackley, Seaman, 3128B, Royal Naval Reserve. Very little is known of this man, but he married Grace Richards at Haverfordwest in 1909. He served aboard HMS Europa, a Diadem Class cruiser, which saw service during the Gallipoli campaign. He died on 22 July 1915, and is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Archibald Radmore, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Archibald served as Skipper aboard HM Trawler Blacklyn. Very little can be found on Blacklyn, but Archibald died on 11 May 1917 aged 41, and is buried at Lowestoft (Beccles Road) Cemetery.

Charles Ralph, Trimmer, TS/2041, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Charles Ralph and Jane McLeod Ralph, of 13, John Street, Lossiemouth, Morayshire. Charles served as Trimmer aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and drowned when she was sunk on 21 December 1915. Charles was just 17 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Thomas Ravey, Deck Hand, 2513SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was another of the crewmen aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize. He was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Henry Brynmor Raymond, DCM, Sergeant, 8997, Royal Field Artillery. Henry was the Son of George and Esther Raymond, of Milford Haven. He enlisted at Bournemouth into the Royal Field Artillery, and served in France with their 72nd Army Brigade. Henry was obviously a brave and efficient soldier. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, which was gazetted on 13 February 1917, 'For conspicuous devotion to duty. He has rendered very valuable services throughout, and by his devotion to duty has shown a fine example to all ranks.' Henry died on 28 October 1918, aged 32, and is buried at Cambrai East Military Cemetery, France. Henry is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

Henry James Revell, Deck Hand, 8061DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Henry served as one of the crewmen aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize. He was killed when Prize was destroyed by U-48 on 14 August 1917, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

William Richards, Petty Officer Stoker, K/4163, Royal Navy. William was the Son of Edmund Maline Richards and Susan Richards, of 2, Oak Villas, West End, Lower Richmond Road, Mortlake, Surrey. He served aboard HMS P.60, which was another of the Milford based Q-Ships, and died when a depth charge exploded whilst P60 was attacking a German submarine on 4 January 1918. William was 27 years old and is buried at Pembroke Dock (Llanion) Cemetery.

 

James Rimmer, Deck Hand, 8735DA, Royal Naval Reserve. James was born in Fleetwood on 11 April 1883, the son of Thomas Rimmer (a fisherman), and the stepson of Margaret Alice Rimmer (nee Greenish). He was married to Sarah Alice Rimmer (nee Scotton), and had five children; William F, Mildred, Mary Ellen, Eva D and Agnes A, who all lived in 12, Prospect Place, Milford Haven. James served aboard HM Drifter Pearl III, which was a hired net drifter, which was active in the Gallipoli Campaign. James died on active service on 17 December 1915, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon. Many thanks to Sian Moran for the information.

Alexander Ritchie, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander lived at 37, Waterloo Road, Hakin, and served aboard HMS Idaho. Nothing else is presently known of him, as there were four men of that name killed during the course of the war, and none are obviously identifiable as him.

James David Rees Roberts, Petty Officer 2nd Class, 147492, Royal Navy. James was the Husband of Mary Roberts, of 41, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. He was a long serving regular in the Royal Navy, being awarded the China Medal, for the 1900 campaign, and was the holder of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. James was posted to HMS Laurentic during the Great War, and was sadly among the men drowned when she struck a mine of the North Irish coast on 25 January 1917. He was 43 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. 

Henry Rooke, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Henry was the Husband of Mary Elizabeth Rooke, of 35, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Dragon II, and died on 8 October 1918 whilst at Dublin. Henry is buried at Dean's Grange Cemetery, Dublin.

George J. Rudge, Cook, Mercantile Marine. George was born in Hull, but resided at Milford prior to the war. He served as Cook aboard the Steam Trawler Victoria, a Fleetwood registered vessel. He was killed, aged 56, on 1 June 1915 when Victoria was attacked and shelled by a German U-Boat. George is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William James Russan, Shipwright 1st Class, 342323, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Lavender. William was born at Milford Haven, and the Husband of Mary Ignatius Russan, of 11 Hawthorne Terrace, Queenstown, Co. Cork. He was a pre-war regular in the Royal Navy, and served aboard H.M.S. Lavender, which was a Flower Class Minesweeper, that had been launched in 1915. She was on active service when she was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel on the 5th May, 1917 by UC75. William died in the sinking of the ship that day. He was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. William is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

Wilfred John Salisbury, Telegraphist, Bristol/Z/9620, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Wilfred was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Salisbury, of 17, Clifton Road, Rugby. He served as Telegraphist aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was drowned when she was sunk off Milford with all hands on 25 March 1917. Wilfred was 18 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Edward Sanders, V.C., D.S.O., Lieutenant Commander, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Edward Helman Cooke Sanders and Emma Jane Sanders, of Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. He had worked his way swiftly through the ranks of the Mercantile Marine at an early age, and held the Extra Master's Certificate, before serving with the RNR, aboard various Q-Ships based at Milford. His story is told in more detail on the Pembrokeshire Heroes page of this site, but William had gained the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Service Medal by the time of his death, when his Q-Ship, HMS Prize was sunk by the German submarine U-48 on 14 August 1917. William was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

William Albert Shoebottom, Trimmer Cook, 500TC, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of William and Harriett Shoebottom, of Birmingham, and the husband of Helen Shoebottom, of 6, Wellington Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as Trimmer Cook aboard HM Trawler Merse, and was killed when she struck a mine of the West Coast of Scotland on 22 May 1917. William was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Harry James Smith, Second Hand, 1231SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Harry was the Son of Edward Smith, of 15, New Street, Plymouth, and the husband of Frances M. M. Dyson (formerly Smith), of Guardy Loop, Black Bridge, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Senator, and was killed when she struck a mine off the North coast of Ireland on 21 May 1917. Harry was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Robert Strachan Smith, Engineman, 2298ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Robert was the Son of Walter and Helen Smith, of 100, Bon-accord Street, Aberdeen, and was a native of Fraserburgh. He served aboard HM Drifter Ferndale, and was drowned when she was lost with all hands on 27 December 1915. Robert was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Frederick Charles Smy, Private, 24163, Dorsetshire Regiment. Frederick was born at Milford Haven, the Son of James and Bertha Smy. The family later moved to Plymouth, where Frederick lived with his wife Lily. Frederick enlisted at Plymouth into the army, and was posted to the 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, which was attached to 50 Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. During July 1915 the Division landed in France, and moved to the southern area of the Ypres salient. Here they took part in fighting at the Bluff during February 1916 before moving south, where they fought at the Battle of Albert, where the Division captured Fricourt at heavy cost during the opening of the Somme Offensive. They then saw action during the Battle of Arras, at the First and Second Battles of the Scarpe and the Capture of Roeux, before moving back to Ypres, and taking part in the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele. In March 1918 the Division were on the Somme, and faced the German Spring Offensive there, and took part in fierce fighting over the coming days. Frederick was killed on the Somme on 1 April 1918. He was 31 years old, and is buried at Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Frederick is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial, but is commemorated at St. Charles's Church, Plymouth.

 

Benjamin Arthur James Stanfield, Deck Hand, 2767DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Benjamin was the Son of James and Mary A. Stanfield, of 34, St. Annes Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Evangel, and was killed when she struck a mine in the English Channel on 25 March 1917 and was lost with all hands. Benjamin was 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

John (Stevo) Stevenson, Skipper, Mercantile Marine. Stevo was from Milford, and served as Skipper of the Steam Trawler Victoria, a Fleetwood registered vessel. He was killed on 1 June 1915 when Victoria was attacked and shelled by a German U-Boat. Stevo is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Also killed were Stevo's nephew, James Jones, who went on the boat for a trip, Albert Cole, Chief Engineer, of Milford (who is not commemorated on the War Memorial), George Rudge of Hook, and Frank Slade of Haverfordwest.

 

 

 

Walter Percy Stobart, Mechanician, MB/1991, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Walter was the Son of T. C. Stobart and Emily Stobart, of 6, Minstead Road, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, and was the husband of R. E. Stobart, of Penns Lane, Erdington, Birmingham. HE served as Mechanician aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Walter was 31 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Hugh Adrian Innys Blyth Stokes, MC, Second Lieutenant, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry. Hugh was born at Milford Haven in 1894, the Son of Hugh Innys Stokes and Kate May Stokes. The family then moved to 46, Baker Street, London. Hugh originally enlisted into the 10th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and landed in France on 31 July 1915. He was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry on 30 October 1917, before being posted to their 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 5 Brigade, 2nd Division. The Division had been in France since the outbreak of war, and Hugh joined them in time for the Battle of Cambrai. They were still in the area when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive on 21 March 1918, and were caught up in the terrible fighting which ensued. In August they took part in the launching of the great offensive, and took part in the great offensive which was to ultimately win the war. On 1 October 1918, Hugh was badly wounded while leading his company. His gallantry earned him the Military Cross, the citation of which tells the tale; 'While forming up for the attack near Rumilly on October 1st, 1918, he was wounded but remained with his platoon and advanced with it to the attack. Under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from three sides he reorganised his men into groups, thereby avoiding many casualties and enabling the advance to proceed. Later, when further advance became impossible, he, though wounded a second time, stayed and encouraged his men until every other wounded man had been got away. He showed great courage and devotion to duty.' Hugh was evacuated back to Britain, but died of his wounds on 28 November 1918, aged 24. He is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, England. Hugh is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

Sidney Stratford, Deck Hand, 2929DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Sidney was serving aboard HM Trawler Lobelia II, and was drowned when she sank on 19 April 1917. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Arthur Laing Tait, Deck Hand, 1142SD, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was born in 1895 at Lerwick, the son of Andrew and Mary Tait, and was serving aboard HM Trawler Emley. He drowned when she was lost with all hands on 28 April 1918, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Robert Tarraway, Petty Officer, 153498, Royal Navy. Robert was the Son of Harry Tarraway, and the husband of Lillie Tarraway, of 31, Blight's Row, Redruth, Cornwall. He was among the crewmen of HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Robert was 41 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Thomas Vaux Taylor, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified, but he married at Haverfordwest in 1909.

Tom Thacker, Deck Hand, 8060DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Tom was the Son of Mrs. J. Thacker, of White Horse Corner, Carlton Colville, Suffolk. He was another of the crewmen aboard the Q-Ship HMS Prize, and was killed when she was sunk by U-48 on 14 August 1917. Tom was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Alfred Claude Thomas, Private, 12285, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Alfred was the Son of Mrs. A. Thomas, of St. Ishmael's, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the army, and was posted to the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 76 Brigade, 25th Division, and landed at Boulogne on 27 September 1915. The Brigade then moved to 3rd Division, which was at Ypres. The 10th RWF saw their first action at Bellewaarde and Hooge, and took part in the Second attack on Bellewaarde. During 1916 the Division fought at the Actions of the Bluff, and at the St Eloi Craters. They were then moved south to the Somme, where they were to take part in the great Battle of the Somme, and fought there at the Battle of Albert, and at the Battle of Bazentin, where they captured Longueval. Alfred was killed here on 20 July 1916. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France. Alfred is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

Charles Edward Thomas, Petty Officer Stoker, 1356U, Royal Naval Reserve. Charles was the Son of Daniel H. and Sarah E. Thomas, of Milford Haven, and the husband of Harriet Ann Thomas, of 3, Concrete Cottages, Pill, Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Helgian, and was killed when Helgian struck a mine in the Aegean and sank on 6 September 1917. Charles was 38 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Francis Howell Thomas, Private, 59858, Machine Gun Corps. Francis was born at Milford Haven, but resided at Swansea prior to the war. He enlisted there into the Welsh Regiment, before being transferred to the 14th Company, Machine Gun Corps, 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. In July, 1916 they moved to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of Delville Wood, and then the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. They remained on the Somme over the winter, and it was there that Francis was killed, on 8 January 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Francis is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

Frederick Thomas, Private, 27342, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was the Son of James and Annie Thomas, of Upper Lodge, Castle Hall, Milford Haven. He enlisted at Pembroke into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers, before moving South to Loos, where they fought during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt. Frederick was wounded at Loos in March 1916, and sent to the Base Hospital at Rouen. He died there on 10 March 1916, aged 18, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Frederick is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

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

Harry (James Henry) 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.

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.

 

John Thomas, Second Hand, 2295SA, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Mrs. L. T. Thomas, of 126, Severn Grove, Canton, Cardiff, and had been born at Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Drifter Boy Harold, and was killed aboard her when she was lost on 3 March 1916. John was 39 years old, and is buried at Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

John Thomson, Deck Hand, Royal Navy. John was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomson, of 27, High Street, Burntisland, Fifeshire. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she was lost in a gale off the Welsh coast on 27 December 1915. John was 39 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Albert Henry Tucker, Skipper, Mercantile Marine. Albert was the Son of John and Eliza Jane Tucker, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Miriam Berry Tucker, of 43, Dewsland Street, Milford Haven. He was Skipper of the 'Friendship', and was drowned when she was sunk by a German submarine on 13 February 1917. Albert was 42 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Lawrence Vaughan, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, 20264, Royal Air Force. Lawrence was living at 122, Priory Road, Milford when he joined the Royal Air Force. After training as an Air Mechanic, Lawrence was posted to 79 Squadron in France, which flew the Sopwith Dolphin. Until the end of the war it carries out fighter patrols and ground attack missions with Dolphins and after the Armistice moved to Germany as part of the occupation forces, disbanding there on 15 July 1919. Lawrence died in Germany of influenza on 5 February 1919. He is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Photograph courtesy of Michael Bloy.

William Herbert Vincent, Deck Hand, 681DA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of Alice Knight (formerly Vincent), of Lower Drang, Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, a 'Q-Ship' commanded by William Sanders, VC. William was killed when Prize was sunk in action against a German submarine in the Atlantic, on 14 August 1917. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Harold Leslie Watson, Mechanician, MB/1904, Royal Naval Reserve. Harold was the Son of John Henry and Annie Watson, of Broadmoor, Crowthorne, Berks., and was another crewman aboard HMS Prize. Harold died aboard Prize when she was sunk in action against a German Submarine in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Robert Watson, Private, 9037, Lincolnshire Regiment. William was born at Milford Haven in 1893, the son of William John and Caroline Watson. He enlisted at Grimsby in 1910 into the 3rd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. When war broke out, he was posted to their 1st Battalion, which was attached to 9 Brigade, 3rd Division, and landed at Le Havre on 14 August 1914. They fought during the opening Battle of Mons, and retreat to the Marne, where the German Offensive was stopped. They followed the German withdrawal to the Aisne, where they met them in battle, and stopped the advance on Paris. The Division then moved north to Flanders, and took part in the Battle of La Bassée, and at the Battle of Messines, which were a prelude to the First Battle of Ypres. They took part in the famous Christmas Truce on 25 December 1914 and remained at Ypres throughout the winter. William married Margaret Colebrook on 4 May 1915 while home on leave, and returned to France in July 1915. Margaret stayed at their home at 55, Granville Street, Grimsby. On 14 November 1915 the 1st Lincolns transferred to 62 Brigade, 21st Division, which had been decimated at Loos. William was killed soon after, on 21 March 1916. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France. William is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

 

James Watt, Deck Hand, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of James and Barbara Watt, of 112, Main Street, Gardenstown, Banffshire. He was among the crew of HM Drifter Speedwell V, and drowned when she was lost with all hands on 28 October 1916. James was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

Albert George Wiles, Trimmer Cook, 4773TS, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son of George and Gertrude Wiles, of 4, Warwick Road, Milford Haven. He served as Trimmer Cook aboard HM Trawler Lord Airedale. Albert lost his life when Lord Airedale struck a mine and sunk off Harwich on 29 November 1916. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Wilfred John Wiles, Private, 41796, South Wales Borderers. Wilfred was the Son of George Criton Wiles and Gertrude Wiles, of4, Warwick Road, 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.

 

Ernest Evan Williams, Private, 372305, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ernest was born at Milford Haven, the Son of Mary Ann Williams, later of 49, South Park Street, Pembroke Dock. He worked as a Schoolmaster at Pembroke Dock prior to the war. Ernest enlisted at Cardiff on 25 October 1915 into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was attached to the 3rd Western General Hospital at Cardiff. By 21 May 1917 Ernest had become too ill to work, and was struck off the strength of the RAMC, his papers showing that he had caught an infection during his service. Ernest was treated in a Sanatorium for the next year, sadly dying on 23 June 1918, aged 25, at Newport Hospital, Gwent. Ernest is not commemorated by the commonwealth War Graves Commission, so his place of burial is not yet known. Ernest is not commemorated on the Milford Haven Memorial.

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.

 

W. J. Williams, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Alexander Williamson, Deck Hand, 4819DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Alexander was the Son of Alexander and Susan Williamson, of 154, Harmony Row, Govan, Glasgow. He served as Deck Hand aboard HMS Prize, and was killed when Prize was sunk in combat with a German submarine in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

C. Wilson, Royal Naval Reserve. Cannot presently be identified.

Gilbert John Wilson, Deck Hand, 15235DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Gilbert was the Son of Gilbert John Wilson, of Brixham, Devon, and the husband of Gertrude Wilson, of 15, Albion Street, Milford Haven. He was another of the crew of HMS Prize, and died when she was sunk in action against German submarine U-48 in the Atlantic on 14 August 1917. Gilbert was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William James Winchester, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband of Elizabeth Winchester, of 43A, Penny Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool. He was Skipper aboard HM Trawler, Evangel, and died on 25 March 1917 aged 39. William is buried at Liverpool (Toxteth Park) Cemetery.

James Wiseman, Deck Hand, TS/3159, Royal Naval Reserve. James was the Son of Mrs. Mary Wiseman, of I, Donald Place, Forbes Street, Aberdeen. He served as Deck Hand aboard HM Drifter Progress, which was a patrol boat. James died at Milford on 24 July 1915 aged 41, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

William Wiseman, Trimmer Cook, 313TC, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of James Watt Wiseman and Elizabeth Wiseman, of 110, Main Street, Gardenstown, Banff. He served as Trimmer Cook aboard HM Drifter Speedwell V, and was drowned when she sank on 28 October 1916. William was just 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

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.

 

John Wood, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Husband of Helen Donaldson Wood, of 21, Reidhaven Street, Portknockie, Banffshire. He served as Skipper of HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she was lost on 27 December 1915. John was 51 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William George Wood, Second Hand, 1898SA, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son of John and Jessie Wood, of Portknockie, and the husband of Beatrice Wood (nee Mair), of 16, Park Street, Portknockie, Banffshire. He served as Second Hand aboard HM Drifter Ladysmith, and was drowned when she was lost on 27 December 1915. William was 49 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

William Young, Engineman, 2031ES, Royal Naval Reserve. William was another of the crew of Speedwell V, serving as Engineman. He died on 28 October 1916, some ten months after the loss of the vessel, and is buried at Kilscoran Church of Ireland Churchyard, Ireland.

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