The ancient Town of Pembroke dates back to the 11th Century, when the first castle was built. Over the centuries the castle was updated and expanded to become the great structure that can be seen today- the birthplace of Henry Tudor. What more fitting a place is it then to have the War Memorial to the men of the town who lost their lives during both World Wars sited at the entrance to this magnificent fortress. This granite obelisk stands on the green, by the entrance to the castle, and contains the men of the Parishes of St Mary and St Michael in Pembroke and also of the Monkton men who died. Many thanks again to Les Nixon for supplying the excellent photographs of the War Memorial. This page commemorates the men of the town who fell during the Great War. The three sections of the memorial are listed seperately in alphabetical order, so please scroll down to see them all.

Pembroke and Monkton War Memorial

Pembroke (Monkton) War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

Herbert James Brickle, Lance Corporal, 38286, Welsh Regiment. Herbert was the Son of John and Elizabeth Brickle, of 8, Monkton Village, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke into the Army and joined the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Between the 6th and 16th July, 1915 the Divisional infantry landed on Cape Helles and relieved the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove between the 3rd and 5th August 1915, taking part in the 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 the 19th December 1915, whereupon the infantry moved after a weeks rest to the Helles bridgehead, where they faced the last Turkish attacks at Helles. On the 8th January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Helles, and by the 31st January was concentrated at Port Said, where they held forward posts in the Suez Canal defences. On the 12th 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. Herbert was one of many men to succumb to disease on the march into Mesopotamia. He died on 10 Match 1916 aged 39, and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.

W. Cole. Cannot presently be identified.

George Davies, Petty Officer Stoker, 291706, Royal Navy. George was born at Stackpole on 16 May 1879, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ann Davies, later of Mount Pleasant, Pembroke. He served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Ardent, a modern destroyer which was attached to the Fourth Flotilla of the Grand Fleet. Ardent was sunk by German Battlecruisers during the Battle of Jutland on the morning of 1 June 1916. George was killed aboard her along with most of his crew-mates. He was 37 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

John Davies, Sergeant, 21726, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Pembroke, and enlisted at Newport into the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 87 Brigade, 29th Division. The Division moved to Gallipoli via Egypt, landing on the 25th April, 1915. They remained here until evacuation to Egypt on 11 January 1916 and then moved to the Western Front on the 15th March. 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 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 began to reclaim the ground lost earlier in the year. John was killed during the advance, on 29 August 1918. He is buried at Zantvoorde British Cemetery, Belgium.

 

Joshua H. Davies, Private, 402, Welsh Regiment. Joshua was the Son of George and Sarah Davies, of 18, Owen Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He joined the local Territorial Battalion, the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which formed at Carmarthen at the outbreak of war, becoming attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and lost many men due to sickness and disease. Joshua was sadly one of these. He was evacuated to Hospital at Egypt where he died on 28 October 1915 aged just 21. Joshua is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

William Ernest Davies, Private, G/44036, Duke of Cambridge's Own Middlesex Regiment. William was the Son of Owen and Sarah Jane Davies, of 6, Quarry Road, Monkton, Pembroke. He enlisted at Surrey into the Army, and was posted to the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which in October 1915 became attached to 6 Brigade, 2nd Division which was at Loos. In the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Delville Wood and the Battle of the Ancre, and the ensuing Operations on the Ancre. William was killed on the Ancre on 13 November 1916. He was 26 years old and is buried at Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet, France.

William Herbert Davies, Shipwright 1st Class, 346304 (CH), Royal Navy. William was born on the 6th December 1888, the Son of William and Ada Davies, of Prospect House, Monkton. He served aboard HMS Bacchante, a Cressy Class Armoured Cruiser. Bacchante served for a while with the Mediterranean Fleet. In 1906 she was transferred to the North America and West Indies Squadron and served there until she returned to home waters. At the outbreak of the First World War, Bacchante served as the flagship of the Live Bait Squadron, blockading the English Channel from the North Sea to German traffic. She took part in the landing at Anzac Cove during the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915. When the infantry came under fire from Turkish artillery at Gaba Tepe, Bacchante approached close in to shore and fired directly on the gun emplacements in an attempt to silence them. She survived the war, but William died just three months after the Armistice, on 17 February 1919. He was 32 years old and is buried at Monkton, at St. Nicholas Cemetery.

C. Evans. Cannot presently be identified.

Robert Evans, Private, 203064, South Lancashire Regiment. Robert was the Husband of Beattie Evans, of 19, Mansell Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke Dock into the Army, joining the 2/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, part of 172 Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancs.) Division. The Division moved to France between 7 to 22 February 1917, and moved to positions in Flanders. Robert was sadly killed in action just two months later, on 18 April 1917. He is buried at Estaires Communal Cemetery, France. Beattie went on the remarry after the war, becoming Mrs Beattie Stratford.

William Harries, Private, 19394, Oxfordshire And Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. William was born at Pembroke, and was the Son of Martha Fortune (formerly Harries), and Edwin C. Fortune (Stepfather), of Quickwell Hill, St. David's, Pembrokeshire. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Army, and joined the 2nd Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, part of 5 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, and remained there throughout the first winter of the war. In 1915 they took part in the Battle of Festubert, and in September fought at the Battle of Loos, and subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Delville Wood and the Battle of the Ancre, and the ensuing Operations on the Ancre. William was killed on the Ancre on 13 November 1916. He was 24 years old and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Robert Hiatt, Private, 22276, Gloucestershire Regiment. Robert was born at Little Walton, Pembroke, and lived at Wokingham prior to the war. He enlisted at Shipston-on-Stour into the Army, and joined the Southern Cavalry Depot. He later transferred into the 10th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, which moved to France in August 1915 and became attached to 1 Brigade, 1st Division at Loos. The division moved South to the Somme in 1916, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, and at Flers-Courcelette, which is where Robert was killed on 19 August 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

A. Hill. Cannot presently be identified.

George Henry Hill, Petty Officer Stoker, 278128, Royal Navy. George was born at Monkton on 9 May 1875. He joined the Royal Navy as a young man, and moved to Portsmouth, where he married. His wife Elizabeth Hill lived at 65, St. Mary's Road, Kingston, Portsmouth. George was serving at HMS Victory, the Naval Barracks at Portsmouth, when he died on 27 July 1918. He was 43 years old, and is buried at Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery.

Hugh Hill, Private, 15831, South Wales Borderers. Hugh was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hill, of Monkton, Pembroke. He enlisted at Mountain Ash into the Army, joining the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 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. 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. Again they were required for a major offensive, moving South to the Somme, where they fought during the opening of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Albert, then at Bazentin, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the Summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Hugh was killed at Passchendaele on 10 November 1917. He was 34 years old and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

Edgar Lewis, Private, 27957, Suffolk Regiment. Edgar was born at Pembroke, and was the Son of Mrs. H. Cocker, of 66, Northcote Avenue, Southall, Middlesex. Little is known of Edgar, but he had enlisted at Croydon into the Army, and was serving with the 10th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, which was a Reserve Battalion based at Dovercourt, when he died on 14 April 1916. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Harwich Cemetery, England.

R. Lewis. Cannot presently be identified.

John (JJT) Morris, Private, 12839, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Openshaw. He enlisted at Pembroke into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was part of 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. 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. John was killed on the second day of the battle, on 26 September 1915. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

Hubert John Nicholas, Private, 1699, Welsh Regiment. Hubert was born at Monkton, the Son of the late John Nicholas and Annie Roberts, later of Glais, Clydach, Swansea. He had married before the war, and enlisted at Clydach into the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the Pioneer Battalion to the 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved North to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw the division in action again at the Battle of Aubers, and it was still in Flanders when Hubert was killed on 5 August 1915. He is buried at Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium. Hubert's widow remarried after the war, becoming Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Maddock, of 3, Smith Row, Birchgrove, Swansea.

 

John Nicholas, Aircraftman 3rd Class, 19189, Royal Flying Corps. John was the Son of William and Martha Nicholas, of 21, Long Mains, Monkton. He had enlisted into the Royal Flying Corps, where he became an Aircraftman 3rd Class, and was in training at the Recruits Depot when he died on 17 June 1916. John was just 20 years old and is buried at Monkton, at St. Nicholas Cemetery.

C. Roberts. Cannot presently be identified.

John Roberts, Private, 54526, Welsh Regiment. John was the Son of William and Eleanor Roberts, of Taylors Lake, Pembroke. He had attested at Carmarthen into the Army, joining the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the Pioneer Battalion to the 38th (Welsh) Division. The division had moved to France during December 1915 and had spent almost six months in the line near Fleurbaix, before moving to the Somme, where they successfully captured Mametz Wood. They then moved to Ypres, where in 1917 the division captured the Pilckem Ridge, and aided in the capture of Langemarck, before moving to the Armentieres sector for the winter. In April 1918 the division moved to the Somme, and was stationed around Aveluy Wood for the next few months, before taking part in the great 100 days offensive which was to win the war. John was sadly taken ill just days before the wars end. He died on 10 November 1918 aged just 21, and is buried at Awoingt British Cemetery, France.

William James Vaughan, Private, 2462, Welsh Guards. William was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. This was a new regiment, formed in 1915, and joined 1 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. This Division has the distinction of being formed in France in August 1915. The various Guards units that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this fine formation. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on the 25th September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesbouefs Village. They remained on the Somme over that winter, and this is where William was killed on 10 December 1916. He is buried at Bronfay Farm Military Cemetery, Bray Sur Somme, France.

Nurse Williams. Cannot presently be identified.

George Wiltshire, Sergeant, 14835, South Wales Borderers. George was the Husband of F. A. Wiltshire, of 24, Whitchurch Road, Prees, Salop. He served with a Home Service Battalion, 'A' Company, Depot, South Wales Borderers. Very little is known of George but he was taken ill and died on 14 April 1916 aged 40. He is buried at Monkton, at St. Nicholas Cemetery.

Pembroke (St. Mary's) War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

William John Bate, Private, 89263, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was the Son of Richard John and Martha Bate, of 12, West Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He had enlisted at Carmarthen into the Army, and was posted to the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The division had moved to France during December 1915 and had served in the Fleurbaix sector before moving to the Somme in June, 1916. They then fought at Mametz Wood, taking the wood at a high cost, before moving to Ypres where they were to remain for the next twelve months, fighting at the Battle of Pilckem and the Battle of Langemarck. In March 1918 the Germans launched a desperate offensive on the Somme, and the 38th Division moved south to the Somme area to stem the advance. Here they remained until August 1918, when they launched an attack which resulted in the opening of the '100 days offensive' which ultimately won the war. During the coming weeks the Welsh drove on through the Hindenburg Line, up towards the Forest of Mormal, which is where William was killed on 2 November 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France.

Albert George Beddoe, Private, 2564, Monmouthshire Regiment. The only possible man is Albert Beddoe, who was living at Cwm in Monmouthshire when he enlisted into the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which was attached to 83 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. Albert was killed at Ypres on 2 May 1915. The division was virtually annihilated here and was disbanded two weeks later. Albert has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

A. T. Brace. Cannot be positively identified.

Albert Davies, Petty Officer Stoker, 302855, Royal Navy. Albert was born on 2 February 1884 at Pembroke, and served as a Petty Officer Stoker aboard HM Submarine E6. On 26 December 1915 HMS E6 left Harwich to carry out an anti-submarine patrol in the North Sea. As the submarine neared the Sunk Light Vessel she was signalled by a patrolling torpedo boat to keep clear. E6 continued on her course and within view of the torpedo boat struck a mine and disappeared. All aboard were killed including Albert, He is commemorated alongside his former crew members on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

C. Davies. Cannot be positively identified.

James Victor Davies, Private, T/2434, Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment. James was born at Pembroke, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies, later of 44, Wheatstone Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. He enlisted at Guildford into the Army and was posted to the 2/4th Battalion, Queens Regiment, part of 160 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by the 5th August, 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. James was wounded during the first days fighting, and died of wounds aboard a Hospital Ship on 11 August 1915 aged just 18. He was buried at sea, and so is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Albert Dawkins, Private, 228, Royal Munster Fusiliers. Albert was the Son of George and Sarah Dawkins, of 4, North Street, Golden Hill, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke into the Army prior to the war, and was serving with the 7th Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers which formed at Tralee in August 1914. The battalion became part of 30 Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division. On 27 June the Division received orders to prepare for service on Gallipoli, and embarked at Liverpool on 9 July. By the end of the month most units had assembled on Lemnos and between the 6th and 7th August 1915 landed on Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, less the 29th Brigade, which went to ANZAC Cove. The main body made an attack on Chocolate Hill on 7/8 August. Parts of 29th Brigade took part in actions on Sari Bair between 6 and 10 August, and Hill 60 later that month. Albert was killed in action at Hill 60 on 17 August 1915. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

John Dawkins, Corporal, 245980, Durham Light Infantry. John was born at Neyland, but resided at Pembroke prior to the war. He had originally enlisted at Pembroke into the Welsh Regiment, but was transferred to the 1/5th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which was attached to 151 Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. The division moved to France during April 1915 and saw their first action at Second Ypres. It then fought through the Somme Offensive, and also at Arras and Passchendaele, During March, 1918 they were stationed near St. Quentin, and were hit here by the German Spring Offensive of the 21st March, 1918 during the Battle of St Quentin. They took part in a gallant rearguard action during the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and then at the Battle of Rosieres. After suffering terrible casualties, the Division moved north to Flanders to rest and rebuild, but in April the Germans launched an attack in Flanders, around the Lys, and the Division took part in the Battle of Estaires, and the Battle of Hazebrouck. Following a most trying time on the Somme and Lys battlefields, the Division was withdrawn and sent to IX Corps, then on the Aisne, believed to be a much quieter area. This was unfortunately not the case, as the Division was hit hard by a surprise enemy attack, and fought at the Battle of the Aisne, 1918. John was killed here on 27 May 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France.

Ernest Victor Edwards, 2nd Lieutenant (Pilot), Royal Flying Corps. Ernest was born on 2 July 1889, the Son of Ann and David Humphreys Edwards of Towyn House, Main Street, Pembroke. Educated at High School, Middlesbrough, and the County School, Pembroke Dock; on leaving he entered the Civil Service, and eventually became an employee of the Avon Rubber Company in London. Ernest joined the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (T.F.) on 24 April 1908. He served five years with the Colours, and joined the Reserve. He was called up on mobilization in August 1914, and served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Gallipoli, taking part in the landing at Suvla Bay in August 1915, and in much of the subsequent fighting. Ernest was wounded at Gallipoli, and invalided to Egypt. On recovery he rejoined his regiment, of which he was Sergeant, and proceeded with them to Salonika, and subsequently to Palestine, where he saw severe fighting. Ernest then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and was recommended for a commission, and gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 10 February 1918. Sadly he was accidentally killed while flying Avro 504a, Serial A8541 at Ismailia on the 16th of the same month, and was buried there at Ismailia War Cemetery. His Commanding Officer and Adjutant wrote: "I never saw anyone with more backbone; a true Britisher and much loved," and a Cadet wrote: "To live with him was to come under the influence of an exceptional strength of character and a capacity for cheerfulness as amazing as ever present, combined with a wonderful personality.'

Frederick James Flutter, Sergeant, 5834, Cavalry. Frederick was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke and enlisted at Pembroke into the Cavalry, joining the 3rd (Prince Of Wales Own) Dragoon Guards, attached to 6 Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division. The division was formed in September 1914 and moved to Antwerp. They fought at First and Second Ypres, and the Battle of Loos. In April 1917 the division fought during the Battle of the Scarpe, which is where Frederick was killed on 11 April 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

Elmore Wright George, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Elmore was the Son of Lieutenant William W. George, R.A.S.C. and Mary M. George, of Laburnum Villa, Pembroke. He had served in the Pembroke Yeomanry, but in 197 was commissioned into the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the 'Carmarthen Pals'. The battalion had been formed in 1914 from a nucleus of Carmarthenshire men, and in December 1915 had moved to France as part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. They had fought at Fleurbaix, and the famous battle of Mametz Wood, before moving to Ypres, where they successfully captured the Pilckem Ridge, and the village of Langemarck. In April 1918 the division was moved to the Somme area to help steady the line after the German Spring Offensive, and took up positions near Mesnil and Aveluy Wood. On 10 May 1918 the 15th Welsh launched a raid on the German lines within Aveluy Wood, when they were hit by their own artillery fire, which caused many casualties among the battalion. Elmore was killed by the artillery fire that day. He was 23 years old and is buried at Martinsart British Cemetery, France.

Robert George, Private, 18131, Welsh Regiment. Robert was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke and resided at Nantymoel prior to the war. He enlisted at Bridgend into the Army and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The division moved to France in July 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos. They then fought throughout the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and at the Battles of Messines and Third Ypres in 1917. 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. Robert was killed in action here on 24 March 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

D. W. Griffiths. Cannot be positively identified.

L. J. Griffiths. Cannot be positively identified.

William Hopkin Griffiths, Private, 285315, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas Saunders Griffiths, of 5, Rock Terrace, The Green, Pembroke, and the late Eda Griffiths, of Llandeilo. A Chemist by trade, he enlisted at Pembroke into the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which had served in France since February, 1915 attached to the 28th Division, and had fought at Second Ypres and at the Battle of Loos. William transferred at some time to the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which were attached to the 114th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and had just arrived on the Western Front, serving near Armentieres, before being moved to the Somme in June, 1916, where they took part in the Battle of Mametz Wood, the initial assault of which began on 7 July, 1916. It was over a week before the Division cleared the wood, after suffering terrible casualties, and they were sent to Ypres to rebuild. They were at Ypres, north of Boesinghe, when they took part in the Battle of Pilckem, and then the Battle of Langemarck, where William was killed in Action on 23 August, 1917 aged just 20. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Owen Harries, Sergeant, 24091, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Owen was the Son of William and Margaret Harries, of 6, Rose Cottage, Golden, Pembroke. He enlisted at Birmingham into the Army, and was posted to the 2/6th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, attached to 182 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The division landed in France on the 21st May, 1916. The Division moved to the Flanders sector, near Fromelles, where they were to take place 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. Such was the damage to the Division and its reputation that it was not used again other than for holding trench lines until 1917. In March the 51st were one of the Divisions employed in the cautious pursuit of the enemy, when the Germans carried out a deep withdrawal from the area of the Somme to the formidable prepared positions that the British called the Hindenburg Line, in March 1917. On the 17th March, it captured Chaulnes and Bapaume. Later that year it fought at Battle of Langemarck, between the 16th and 18th August 1917, 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, between the 20th November and the 7th December 1917. Owen was wounded at Cambrai, and evacuated to the Base Hospital at Rouen, where he died of his wounds on 17 December 1917. He was 26 years old, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.

Albert John David Howells, Private, 17023, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Albert was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke and was the Husband of Mary Jane Howells, of 42, Station Road, Nantymoel. He enlisted at Bridgend into the Army and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division was formed during September, 1914 and landed at Zeebrugge on the 6th October, 1914. The City was already falling however, and so the Division was moved to Ypres, where they became the first British Division to hold the city. They fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and helped stop the German advance through Belgium, and in March, 1915 fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. During May they fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and at Festubert, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. Albert survived the battle but was wounded later in the year. He died of wounds on 4 November 1915 aged 30, and is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery, France.

C. J. Jones. Cannot be positively identified.

John Jones, Lance Corporal, 9250, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was the Son of John and Mary Jones, of 20, Williamson Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He enlisted at Tonypandy into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The Division was formed during September, 1914 and landed at Zeebrugge on the 6th October, 1914. The City was already falling however, and so the Division was moved to Ypres, where they became the first British Division to hold the city. They fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and helped stop the German advance through Belgium, and in March, 1915 fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. During May they fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and at Festubert, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. John survived Loos, but was killed in action later in the year, on 30 October 1915; He was 30 years old and is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy.

K. Jones. Cannot be positively identified.

Reginald Harry Male, Lance Corporal, 46366, Machine Gun Corps. Reginald was the Son of George Henry and Caroline Fanny Male, of Holland House, Church Street, Malvern, and enlisted at Winchester into the Hampshire Yeomanry. He later transferred into the Machine Gun Corps, serving with their 6th Battalion, attached to the 6th Division. The division had been on the Western Front since the outbreak of war, and had fought at most of the major battles since. In the spring of 1918 the Division was one of those hit by the German Offensive on the Somme, which had been launched on the 21st March, and the Division took part in the Battle of St Quentin. They were moved from the line, and went to Flanders to rest, but the following month the Germans launched another offensive on the Lys, and the Division fought during the Battle of Bailleul, the First Battle of Kemmel, and the Second Battle of Kemmel. During August, 1918 the Allies had recovered sufficiently to be able to launch their own attacks on the Germans, and after a brilliant victory at Villers Brettoneux on the 8th August, attacks were launched at Albert. The 6th Division took part in the Advance in Flanders, before moving south, where they took part in the advance on the Hindenburg Line, during the Battle of Epehy, which is where Reginald was killed on 18 September, 1918. He was 21 years old and is buried at Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt.

Luke McCrann, Lance Corporal, 29785, Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment. Luke was the Son of Thomas and Ann McCrann, of Golden Hill, Pembroke. He enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry, but later transferred to the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. The battalion had been in France since the outbreak of war as part of 7 Brigade, 3rd Division, and had fought at most of the main battles of the war. In November the Division moved south again, where they fought at the Battle of Cambrai, and they were in the area during March, 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British lines, at the Battle of St Quentin and the First Battle of Bapaume. They then fought at the First Battle of Arras, 1918 before being moved to Flanders to rebuild. However the Germans switched the focus of their offensive to Flanders, and the Division were caught up in the worst of the fighting there, at the Battle of Estaires. Luke was killed here on 12 April 1918. He was just 21 years old and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

 

P. A. Nicholls. Cannot be positively identified.

William George Paish, Lance Corporal, 1995, Cavalry. William was born at Trimulgherry, India, and resided at Pembroke prior to the war. He enlisted there into the 17th Lancers, Duke of Cambridge's Own, which was attached to 7 Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division. The division had been in France since attempting to stem the German advance on Antwerp, and had fought at the Battles of Ypres, Loos and Arras. It took part in the opening of the Battle of Amiens, south of the River Somme, on 8 August 1918, which was the battle which turned the course of the war. William was killed that day, on 8 August 1918. He is buried at Manitoba Cemetery, Caix, France.

William George Perkins, Private, 23031, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born at Pembroke and lived at Maesteg prior to the war. He enlisted at Bridgend into the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was part of 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. The division was at Loos when the 10th RWF joined it, and moved to the Ypres Salient, where they fought at the Bluff and at the St. Eloi Craters before moving to the Somme area. They fought at the outset of the Somme Offensive, right through to the final Battle of the Ancre, which is where William was killed on the 13 November 1916. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Phillip Picton, Private, 2189, Welsh Guards. Phillip was the Son of Philip and Elizabeth Picton, of 4, Owen Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke into the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, a regiment which was formed 26 February 1915 by Royal Warrant. The new 1st Battalion joined 3 Guards Brigade, Guards Division. This Division has the distinction of being formed in France in August 1915. The various Guards units that had been with other Divisions were withdrawn to be brought together to create this fine formation. It remained on the Western Front throughout the war and saw its first major action during the Battle of Loos on the 25th September, 1915, remaining in the area during the coming months, where they also fought in the subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In July, 1916 the Division moved to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Morval, capturing Lesbouefs Village. They remained on the Somme throughout the hard winter of 1916/1917, and Phillip took ill here with bronchitis, sadly dying on 10 February 1917. He was 25 years old and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte.

Frederick Crispin Rake, Sapper, 17250, Royal Engineers. Frederick was the Son of Frederick Hockey Rake, of 58, Marine Parade, Brighton. He had married prior to the war, and lived with his wife Mrs. E. A. Rake, at 3, Thomas Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. Frederick enlisted at London into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to their 13th Base Park Company. The company moved to the Mediterranean early in 1915, and was tasked with the building of a military encampment, hospitals and landing piers on Mudros Island, ready for the forthcoming Gallipoli campaign. Frederick must have been sent ashore with a work party at Gallipoli, as he was wounded there in July, and sadly died as a result on 20 July 1915. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Gallipoli. Many thanks to Gil Jones for the photograph.

 

William John Roberts, Private, 35126, South Wales Borderers. William was born in Pembroke, and resided at Kidwelly prior to the war. He enlisted at Llanelli into the 12th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who were attached to the 119th Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. This Division was formed between September and December 1915, composed of bantam units and others which had a mixture of regulation-height and shorter men. Weeding out of very under-sized or unfit men delayed the training programme, and it was not until late spring 1916 that the Division was ready to proceed on active service. The Division moved to France between the 1st and 9th June, and moved to the front near Loos. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. William was killed in action on 4 May, 1917 in the Hindenburg Line area. He is buried at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand.

Percival Lewis Scorey, Warrant Shipwright, 345927, Royal Navy. Percival was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke on the 24 January 1888. He was a Royal Navy regular, serving aboard HMS Curacoa, a Light Cruiser that had been built at Pembroke Dockyards, and launched in May 1917. She was commissioned in February 1918, and so Percival, as a Shipwright, must have been one of the crew that built her, and then was taken on as a crew member. Sadly Percival died at Pembroke on 1 December 1918. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Pembroke (St. Daniel) Churchyard.

James Skone, Private, 36224, Welsh Regiment. The story of James Skone tells a sad part of the towns' history during the Great War, as he was one of two men of Pembrokeshire to be shot at dawn during the course of the war. James was a married man, and the Son of Mrs. Mary Skone, of 13, Thomas Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He was an old soldier, who had been recalled to the colours, and served in one of the regular Welsh Regiment battalions, the 2nd Battalion, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The 1st Division had been one of the first divisions on the Western Front, and had seen action from the initial Battle of Mons in August 1914. They had fought during most of the major battles of the war, and were in the trenches at Gorre, near Bethune on 13 April 1918 when James, allegedly drunk, shot and killed his Sergeant, Edwin Williams. After a Court Martial, James was found guilty of murder, and sentenced to death by firing squad. His punishment was carried out at Hersin at dawn on 10 May 1918. James was by then 39 years old, and was buried at Hersin Communal Cemetery, France. Below is the Shot at Dawn Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum which remembers the men who died in this way. Each stake represents each man shot at dawn during the Great War.

Sydney John Skone, Private, 48899, Lancashire Fusiliers. Sydney was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke, and resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the Army and was posted to the 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, attached to 52 Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. Between the 12th to the 17th July 1915 the Division landed in France. They spent their initial period of trench familiarisation and then holding the front lines in 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, Sydney was wounded here and sadly died as a result on 1 March 1918 aged 29. He is buried at Hermies Hill British Cemetery, France.

John Evan Gordon Thomas, Lance Corporal, 9920, South Staffordshire Regiment. John was born on 27 November 1888 at Neyland, the son of William and Mary Ann Thomas, Grocers, later of Somerset House, Merchant Park, Pembroke. John worked at his fathers Grocery business at Pembroke prior to the war, and enlisted at Wolverhampton into the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. The battalion was a regular army battalion, which had been in India at the outbreak of war, before being recalled to Britain and landing at Zeebrugge on 7 October 1914 as part of 7th Division.  The City was already falling however, and so the Division was moved to Ypres, where it became the first British Division to hold the city. The 7th Division fought during the First Battle of Ypres, and helped stop the German advance through Belgium, and in March, 1915 fought at the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. During May it fought at the Battle of Aubers Ridge, and at Festubert, before taking part in the Battle of Loos in September. The Division took part in the initial assault north of the Vermelles-Hulluch road, facing the Quarries and a series of strong-points. Suffering badly from British cloud gas, which was not moved sufficiently by the gentle breeze, and badly cut up by German machine gun fire and artillery, the Division nonetheless seized the Quarries and only failed to penetrate the third German line due to the relative weakness of the numbers of men that got through. In the summer of 1916, the Division was on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Albert, where it captured Mametz, one of the few successes of 1 July 1916. It then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, and the Attacks on High Wood, playing a successful part in the 'dawn attack', and was also the first unit to move into High Wood. The Division then took part in the Battle of Delville Wood, and the Battle of Guillemont, before spending the winter on the Ancre. In March, 1917 it followed up the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and was pushing through the village of St. Leger on 28 March 1917 when John was killed in action. He was 29 years old, and is buried at St. Leger British Cemetery, France.

 

William James Thomas, Private, 31160, South Wales Borderers. William was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. This was to become the Pioneer Battalion to the 19th (Western) Division. The Division suffered heavy losses at the Somme in 1916 and at Ypres in 1917, and also in 1918 were at the fore-front of many of the great battles. They fought in Flanders during late summer 1918, in the Battle of the Selle, and this is where William Died of Wounds, on 20 October, 1918. He is buried in Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny.

Richard Edward Lewis Treweeks, Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy. Richard was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke, the son of Richard and Gertrude Treweeks. He was a regular officer in the Royal Navy, serving aboard H.M.S. Natal, a Duke of Edinburgh Class Armoured Cruiser which formed part of the Grand Fleet. On 30 December 1915 Natal was lying in the Cromarty Firth with her squadron, under the command of Captain Eric Back RN. Shortly after 3.20pm, and without warning, a series of violent explosions tore through the ship. She capsized five minutes later. The most probable explanation was that a fire had broken out, possibly due to faulty cordite that ignited a magazine. Around 400 men were killed, some in the immediate explosions, others drowned as the ship capsized, or succumbed to the freezing water of the Cromarty Firth. Some bodies were recovered and given a proper burial, but Richard went down with the ship, and so he is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

J. C. Young. Cannot be positively identified.

Pembroke (St. Michael's) War Memorial

The Great War, 1914-1918

C. G. Bowen. Cannot presently be identified.

Ernest Brinn, Lance Corporal, 46723, Royal Engineers. Ernest was the Son of Robert and Elizabeth Brinn, of 14, Kingsbridge, Pembroke. He enlisted at Goodwick into the Army, joining the Royal Engineers, and was posted to the Army Corps Cable Section. Ernest was stationed in the Loos sector during the summer of 1916, and it was here that he was wounded, dying as a result on 9 August 1916. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, France.

Albert E. Colston, Sapper, 506618, Royal Engineers. Albert was born at St. Michael's, Pembroke, the Son of Thomas William Colston. He had married Alice, and they lived together at Bath. Albert was called to the colours at the end of 1916, and joined the Wessex Field Company of the Royal Engineers. Sadly he only served for a month, before he was discharged due to sickness. Albert died on 4 April1917 aged 30, and is buried at Bath (St. James's Cemetery). His widow Alice remarried, becoming Alice V. Keepen and lived at 37, Carlton Road, Bath.

Thomas John Esmond, Rifleman, R/17560, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Thomas was born at Pembroke, and enlisted there into the Army, joining the 1st Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps. The battalion formed part of 99 Brigade, 2nd Division, which had moved to France at the outbreak of 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. In 1915 they took part in the Battle of Festubert, and in September fought at the Battle of Loos, and subsequent Action of Hohenzollern Redoubt. In the summer of 1916 the Division were on the Somme, and this is where Thomas was killed, on 27 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

C. Hardwick. Cannot presently be identified.

Percy Hay, Private, 54497, Welsh Regiment. Percy was born in Pembroke, and enlisted there into the Army. He was posted to the 15th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was known as the 'Carmarthen Pals'. The battalion had been formed from a nucleus of Carmarthenshire men, and in December 1915 had moved to France attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. They had been inaugurated into trench life at Fleurbaix for six months before moving to the Somme in June 1916. In July the 38th Division attacked and captured Mametz Wood after 4 days of heavy fighting, before being moved to Ypres, where it remained for the next year. Here it successfully captured the Pilckem Ridge during the opening of the Battle of Passchendaele, and was then moved to the Armentieres sector over the winter of 1917/18. In March 1918 the Germans launched a last ditch offensive on the Somme, and drove the British back towards Amiens. The Welsh Division was rushed to the sector north of Albert where it held the line over the coming months. On 10 May 1918 the 15th Welsh launched a raid into Aveluy Wood, but were hit by a British Artillery bombardment which had mistakenly fallen onto them. Percy was killed at Aveluy Wood that day. He is buried at Martinsart British Cemetery, France.

Stanley Hood, Private, 22038, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Stanley was the Son of George and Martha Hood, of Slouthy Mill, Pembroke. He enlisted at Holborn, London into the Army, and was posted to the 15th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 113 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. Stanley moved to France with the division in December 1915, and served at Fleurbaix with the division over the coming months. Somehow he was killed on 8 May 1916 aged 24, and is buried at Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez. Whether he was killed during the divisions march to the Somme is presently unknown.

Florance Horgan, Private, 55236, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Florance was born at St. Michael's, Pembroke, and enlisted at Cardiff into the Army, joining the Cheshire Regiment. It is unknown whether he was deemed as unfit for duty at the front, or if he had been wounded, but Florance transferred to the Labour Company of the Kings Liverpool Regiment, which was a Home Service unit. Florance died of sickness on 18 April 1917 and is buried at St. Helen's Cemetery, England.

Arthur Howells, Private, 54118, Welsh Regiment. Arthur was born at Pontardawe, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 18th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was a Bantam Battalion, comprised mostly of men deemed too short for military service, but due to acute shortages of manpower, the Bantams were pressed into service, and the 18th Welsh joined 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division. Late in 1916 they moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, and remained in the area over the winter. In March, 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division were one of the Divisions that followed the withdrawal. Later in the year they took part in the Battle of Cambrai, playing an important role in the attack on Bourlon Wood. Arthur was killed here on 23 November 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

 

George Hughes, Private, 38001, East Lancashire Regiment. George was the Son of John and Mary Hughes, of East End, Pembroke, and the husband of Emma. He enlisted at Pembroke into the Royal Army Service Corps, but later transferred to the 8th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, part of 112 Brigade, 37th Division. Late in July, 1915 the Division landed in France and concentrated near St Omer by the 2nd August, 1915. They took part in the Attack on the Gommecourt Salient, during the first phase of the Battle of the Somme. Two of the Division's infantry Brigades (111 and 112), and the Divisional pioneers were attached to the 34th Division (that had suffered very heavy losses in the attack on La Boiselle in the opening phase of the Somme battle) between the 6th July and the 22nd August 1916. They took part in a number of actions while attached. Upon their return, the 37th Division fought at the Battle of the Ancre. They then moved in March, 1917 and took part in the First Battle of the Scarpe, where they captured Monchy le Preux. They then took part in the Second Battle of the Scarpe, and the Battle of Arleux before moving north to Ypres. Here, they fought throughout Third Ypres, which is where George was killed on 22 September 1917. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. His widow Emma re-married, becoming Emma Reader, of Gooses Lane, Pembroke.

 

A. J. John. Cannot presently be identified.

John Daniel John, Private, 20878, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This is the only man with the correct initials, but the tie with Pembroke is unknown. John was the Son of Daniel B. and Mary John, of Primrose Cottages, Rhos Cilybebyll, Pontardawe. He enlisted at Neath into the 1/6th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The 53rd Division moved to the Mediterranean, landing at Gallipoli on the 9th August. Here they immediately faced the chaotic leadership that was to lead to the ultimate failure of the campaign, and spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. On 11 December, 1915 the Division was evacuated to Mudros, and by 23 December 1915 was moved to Egypt. They remained on the Suez Canal Defences for the next twelve months, and in early 1917 moved into Palestine, where they remained for the duration of the war, fighting at the Battles of Gaza, and successfully capturing Jerusalem. John was killed during the advance on Jerusalem on 7 November 1917. He was just 20 years old and is buried at Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel.Many thanks to Avril Marks for the photograph.

 

Sidney John, Private, 483, Welsh Regiment. Sidney was born at Pembroke and enlisted at Kingsbridge into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the local Territorial Battalion. The 1/4th Welsh became part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. He landed on Gallipoli with the battalion on 9 August 1915, and fought there until being wounded, probably at the beginning of November. Sidney was evacuated to Alexandria for treatment in the large Hospital, but sadly died there on 14 November 1915. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Cyril Gordon Johnson, Shipwright 1st Class, 344857, Royal Navy. Cyril was the Son of William Henry and Anne Johnson, of Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke. He was a regular in the Royal Navy, serving aboard the ancient battleship HMS Goliath. She had been hurriedly re-commissioned from Reserve at the outbreak of war, and early in 1915 was in the Mediterranean, supporting the Allied landings on Gallipoli. On 13 May 1915 Goliath was torpedoed by the Turkish Torpedo Boat Muavanet, and capsized and sank. Cyril was killed during the sinking of the ship that day. He was 29 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Frank Egerton Jones, Private, M/280337, Royal Army Service Corps. Frank was born at Pembroke, the Son of John and Alice Emily Jones. He had enlisted at Tenby into the Pembroke Yeomanry, but had later been transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps. Frank was serving in Egypt when he became attached to 122 Battery, Royal Field Artillery, but he took ill there, and died on 23 October 1918 aged 29. Frank is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

E. M. Morgan. Cannot presently be identified.

James Henry Morgan, Driver, 38442, Royal Engineers. James was born in Pembroke, the Son of Mr. J. and Mrs. M. Morgan, later of 3, North Gate, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest as 24097 Pte, Royal Welsh Fusiliers and later transferred to the Royal Engineers. He was posted to their 127th Field Company, attached to the 22nd Division. The Division crossed to France in early September 1915, with all units being concentrated near Flesselles by the 9th of the month. However it's stay in France was to be very short, as on 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 the 13th December 1915. It remained in the theatre for the rest of the war, taking part in the Retreat from Serbia during December, 1915. Between 10 to 18 August 1916 they fought at the battle of Horseshoe Hill, and around this time, James took ill and was hospitalised. He died on 22 August 1916 and is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.

Walter John Morris, Private, 482, Welsh Regiment. Walter was the Son of John and Ellen Morris, of 3, Harcourt Terrace, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the local Territorial unit, which was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Walter took ill before the division was due to move to the Mediterranean, and died on 18 June 1915. He was just 19 years old and is buried at St. Michael's Cemetery, Pembroke.

Hubert Stanley Cadogan Ogleby, Engine Room Artificer 4th Class, M/6188, Royal Navy. Hubert was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry George Ogleby, of Connaught House, Pembroke. He had married prior to the war, and set up home with his wife Florence Grace Ogleby, at Manascin, Llanfyrnach, Brecon. Hubert served in the Royal Navy, and in 1918 was serving aboard HMS Vehement, a destroyer that had been converted for mine-laying duties. On 1 August 1918 The 20th Destroyer Fleet sailed from the Humber to lay a minefield at the seaward end of one the German-swept channels through their minefield in the Heligoland Bight. All was going to plan and the force was within 20 miles of its objective when, at 23:47 hours, Vehement struck a mine and exploded her forward magazine and blew off the whole forward section of the ship forward of the forward funnel. Vehement was taken in tow by Abdiel and after an hour or so, and when all fires had been extinguished, there seemed every hope of saving the ship. However, at 04:00 hours on the 2nd Vehement's stern suddenly rose into the air and it was clear that the tow could not be continued. After all hull valves had been opened and the survivors taken off, Vehement was sunk by gunfire from Telemachus and Vanquisher. 48 men, including Hubert were killed. Hubert was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

David Marsden Powell, Private, 57402, Worcestershire Regiment. David was the Son of Howell and Mary Jane Powell, of The Manse, Pembroke. He had enlisted at Pembroke into the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, but had since transferred into the 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, attached 74 Brigade, 25th Division. The division had been in France since September 1915. After fighting at Vimy Ridge in 1916 and at Messines in 1917, the Division fought at Pilckem, before moving south again, where they took up positions around Bullecourt in reserve. Here the Division was used to reinforce the badly depleted British units that were hit in the area by the German Spring Offensive of March 1918. They moved north to Flanders on the night of the 30th March, where they took up positions at Ploegsteert again, where they received reinforcements, and rebuilt. However, on 9 April the Germans launched an offensive on the Lys, and the Division was caught up in the terrible fighting here, at the Battles of Estaires, Bailleul, Messines and Kemmel. The Division withdrew to Abeele on 17 April, but on the 25th was ordered back into the line, and took part in the Second Battle of Kemmel. David was killed during the coming fighting, on 26 April 1918. He was 19 years old and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

H. Preece. Cannot presently be identified.

Edward John Shanklin, Private, 9483, Cavalry. Edward was the Son of William and Martha Shanklin, of Hodgeston, Pembroke. He had enlisted in 1912 into the Cavalry, and served with the 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars. At some time during the course of the war, Edward was transferred to the Royal Engineers, and was with them when he was wounded during the last few weeks of the war. He was brought to the Hospital at Wimille for treatment, but sadly died there on 19 November 1918 aged 27. Edward is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.

Thomas Simon, Private, 14745, South Wales Borderers. Thomas was born at St. Michael's, Pembroke, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, part of 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. Between 6 to 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. 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. Thomas was wounded during the drive towards Kut, and died on 23 April 1916. He is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq.

Herbert Sutton, Private, 22087, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Herbert was the Son of Mr. J. and Mrs. A. Sutton, of 2, Station Road, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke into the 1/4th Welsh, but later transferred into the 1/6th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, part of 143 Brigade, 48th Division. The Division moved to France between 22 March and 1 April 1915, and saw its first major engagement at the opening of the Battle of the Somme, holding the line between the 56th (London) and the 31st Divisions, both of which were heavily engaged at Gommecourt and Serre respectively. Two of the battalions of the Division attacked on 1 July 1916, and suffered heavy casualties. They then went into action at the Battle of Bazentin, during the second phase of the Battle of the Somme, and captured Ovillers. They also fought at the Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of the Ancre. In March 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and it was during this advance that Herbert was killed on 16 April 1917. He was just 19 years old and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

George Watkins, Shipwright 1st Class, 344396, Royal Navy. George was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. George William Watkins, of Clevedon House, Holyland Road, Pembroke. He was a regular in the Royal Navy, serving aboard HMS Bulwark, a Formidable Class Battleship.  On 26 November 1914 Bulwark was moored in the estuary of the River Medway when a powerful internal explosion ripped her apart. All of her officers were lost, and out of her complement of 750, only fourteen sailors survived. The most likely cause of the disaster appears to have been overheating of cordite charges stored alongside a boiler room bulkhead, and this was the explanation accepted by the court of enquiry. George was 32 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Nigel Kenneth Williams, Lance Corporal, 200037, Welsh Regiment. Nigel was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Williams, of Main Street, Pembroke. He was another of the local men to enlist into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Nigel had served with the division throughout it ill fated time at Gallipoli, and during their spell in Egypt. In March 1917 the Division marched into Palestine, and fought at the First Battle of Gaza. Nigel was killed soon after, on 19 April 1917. He was 23 years old and is buried at Gaza War Cemetery, Egypt.