Neyland and Llanstadwell War Memorials, The Great War, 1914-1918

George Henry Archer, Battery Sergeant Major, 25269, Royal Garrison Artillery. George was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Archer, of Kent, and was the husband of Mrs. E. B. Archer, of 23, Fredrick Street, Neyland. He landed in France on 2 June 1916, with 147th Siege Battery, RGA. George fought throughout the Somme Offensive, quickly rising from Sergeant to Battery Sergeant Major. He was killed at Arras on 7 July 1917, aged 30, and is buried at Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

 

Thomas Henry Banner, M.I.D., Sergeant, 14242, Royal Engineers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Annie Banner, of Sea View, Llanstadwell, and had enlisted at Devonport into the Royal Engineers. He was posted to their 2nd Field Company, which was attached to the 8th Division. The 8th Division was formed during October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. The Division moved to the Western Front in November 1914, a badly-needed reinforcement to the BEF which had been all but wiped out at Ypres. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They then saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier, before moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the Battle of Albert. In March, 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, which is probably where Thomas was Mentioned in Despatches (Gazetted on 18 May 1917). Later that year the Division moved to Ypres, fighting at the Battle of Pilckem, and the Battle of Langemarck. In March 1918 the Division were on the southern end of the Somme, and here met the German Offensive head on, at the Battle of St Quentin. They were pushed back, fighting at the Actions at the Somme Crossings, the Battle of Rosieres, and the Actions of Villers-Bretonneux, before being withdrawn from the line to rest. However, the chosen rest area was soon to be hit by a German attack on their new positions on the Aisne, and fought at the Battle of the Aisne. Thomas was killed here on 27 May 1918. He was 38 years old, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France.

John Bryan Bermingham, Engine Room Artificer 4th Class, M/12333, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Black Prince. John was the Son of Michael and Annie Bermingham, of 27, Kensington Road, Neyland, and he served in the Royal Navy aboard the Duke of Edinburgh Class Cruiser, H.M.S. Black Prince. The Black Prince was attached to the First Cruiser Squadron during the Battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1916. She had become separated from the rest of the fleet when she was spotted by the German Battleship Thuringen, who trained her searchlights onto her, making her a sitting target for the rest of the German fleet. After a desperate 15 minute fight against the odds, the Black Prince blew apart and sank. John was killed aboard her that night. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

James Ethelbert Berry, Private, 1794, Berkshire Yeomanry. James was the Son of James William and Elizabeth Berry, of Marine Villa, Neyland, and he enlisted at Reading into the Berkshire Yeomanry. The Regiment formed part of the 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade, 2nd Mounted Division and moved to Gallipoli during August 1915.  James was killed during the attack on Hill 60 on 21 August 1915. He was just 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Frederick Bevan, Driver, 91785, Royal Field Artillery. Frederick was born at Neyland. Very little is known of him, but he enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their 'A' Battery, 66th Brigade, which was attached to the 13th (Western) Division. Towards the end of February the entire Division concentrated at Blackdown, Hampshire, and on 13 June 1915 sailed for Alexandria. By 4 July, all units had moved to Mudros, and landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. They left and returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915. Soon afterwards the Division was transferred from ANZAC to Suvla Bay, and it was evacuated from Suvla on 19 December 1915, when 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 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. Frederick died of sickness in Kut on 24 June 1916. He is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.

 

Ernest Sidney Blackmore, Private, 71225, Royal Army Medical Corps. Ernest was the Son of Walter John and Agnes Blackmore, of 16, Frederick Street, Neyland. Ernest originally served with the 124th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 38th (Welsh) Division. He transferred to No. 1 Company, Royal Army Medical Corps in September 1915, and served on HMHS Aquitania (a Hospital Ship) from 8 October 1915 until 4 December 1915, when he was hospitalised at Alexandria, suffering from enteric fever, and spent four months recovering before being invalided to England aboard the SS Dover Castle. Ernest survived the war, bad sadly became one of the many influenza casualties which marked the end of the conflict. He died at Aldershot Isolation Hospital on 22 November 1918, aged 23, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Richard James Brown, Private, 536622, London Regiment. Richard was the Son of Richard and Caroline Jane Brown, of 18, High St., Neyland. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Army and joined the 15th Battalion (Prince of Wales Own Civil Service Rifles), London Regiment, which was part of 140 Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division. The Division moved to France during March 1915, and served on the Western Front throughout the war. The new designation of the Division, its Brigades and other constituent units changed from the 2nd London to 47th in mid May 1915. The Division 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. Richard was killed at Cambrai on 6 December 1917. He was 23 years old and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

Charles Augustus Button, Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery. Charles was born in Llanstadwell, Pembrokeshire in 1884.By 1901, he is recorded as lodging at 23, Railway Terrace, Resolven, where he worked as a Railway Clerk. At some time prior to the war, Charles had moved to London, residing at 40 Gordon Avenue, St Margarets (near Twickenham) in 1911, where he worked as a Bank Clerk. Here he played rugby for the local team, Rosslyn Park. Charles enlisted at Twickenham into the Honorable Artillery Company, serving as a Bombardier, service number 624077. He arrived in France on 13 March 1917, where he was commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to their 45th Brigade, which had been in France since 1914 attached to the 8th Division. By the beginning of 1918 Charles was a section Commander in 5th Battery, 45th Brigade, RFA, and saw heavy fighting on the Somme in March and April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive. The battered Division was then moved southwards, to the Aisne, where it was intended for it to rest and rebuild strength. However, the Germans launched a fresh offensive on the Aisne during May 1918, and Charles' Battery were caught up in terrible fighting again, during the Battle of Bois de Buttes on 27 May 1918. Facing a numerically superior enemy force, the 8th Division suffered a large amount of casualties that day, with Charles' 5th Battery putting up a stout resistance throughout the night until, at about 6.30am the enemy appeared on the battery position. Many guns, however, had been put out of action by direct hits before being overhauled. Charles himself was killed just after destroying important maps and documents, and was last seen lying dead in the trenches. He was awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre for his bravery, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial to the missing. His medals were sent to his brother M. E. Button, at 4, Great Eastern House, Neyland, Pembrokeshire. Many thanks to his Great Nephew, James Button, for the extra information, and the photograph of Charles.

Thomas Issac Charles, Engineman, 2716/ES, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler, Dragoon. Thomas was the Husband of M. A. Davies (formerly Charles), of 8, Church Lake Terrace, Neyland. He served aboard the Trawler Dragoon, which was a 30 ton smack. On 20 August 1916 the Dragoon was captured by the German submarine UC10, who sank it by means of a bomb, about 36 miles North-East of Gromer. Thomas survived, probably being taken prisoner, but was sent home when he was taken ill, and died on 29 November 1917. He was 30 years old and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Albert Osman Cole, Sapper, 82555, Royal Engineers. Albert was born in Neyland. He married Sarah Williams at Pontypridd in 1915. (She later remarried, and lived at 3, New Chapel Street, Treorchy). He enlisted at Maesteg into the Royal Engineers, and joined their 34th Signal Company, at Fenny Stratford.  The Company was attached to the 34th Division, which moved to France between 7 and 15 January 1916, and saw its first major action on the Somme, during the Battle of Albert, where it suffered very severe casualties during its part in the attack on La Boisselle. It then took part in the Battle of Bazentin, Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Albert was wounded on the Somme, and brought back to Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. Sadly he died of his wounds on 27 October 1916 and is buried at Birmingham (Lodge Hill) Cemetery.

Thomas George Davies, Engineman, 1620/ES, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler, Othonna. Thomas was serving aboard His Majesty's 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 mens bodies were washed ashore, and so afforded burial. One of these was Thomas George Davies. He is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Thomas Henry Davies, Private, 60663, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Jordanston Hill, and enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Regiment. He joined the 24th Battalion, which had been formed in 1917 by the merging of the Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry, and were attached to the 231 Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. The Division had formed in Egypt in January 1917 and had fought through the Palestinian Campaign, at the Battles of Gaza and the Battle and capture of Jerusalem. Thomas was killed in action during the Third Battle of Gaza, on 27 December 1917. He is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

William James Edwards, Private, 91139, Machine Gun Corps. William was the Son of James and Mary Edwards, of 13, Frederick St., Neyland, and he enlisted at Pembroke into the Army. He was posted to the 24th Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to 24 Brigade, 8th Division. The Division had formed during October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. The Division moved to the Western Front in November 1914, a badly-needed reinforcement to the BEF which had been all but wiped out at Ypres. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, and then at the Battle of Aubers. They then saw further fighting at the Action of Bois Grenier, before moving to the Somme in 1916, where they fought at the Battle of Albert. In March, 1917 they followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and later that year moved to Ypres, fighting at the Battle of Pilckem, and the Battle of Langemarck. William was killed in action at Ypres on 24 November 1917. He was just 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

John G. Elliot, Sapper, 58446, Royal Engineers. John was the Son of John Henry and Annie Elliott, of Hazelbeach, Neyland. He enlisted at Pembroke into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to the 79th Field Company, based at the 'E' Training Centre. The company was attached to the 18th (Eastern) Division, which landed in Boulogne in May 1915, 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. John was wounded on the Somme and sent home for treatment, but he sadly died of his wounds on 4 February 1917, aged just 20, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Henry James Escott, Private, 16619, Royal Irish Regiment. Henry was from Neyland, and enlisted at Milford into the Army. He was posted initially to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, but transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, which was attached to 188 Brigade, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. The Division moved to France, arriving at Marseilles during May 1916 and 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. They then fought at the Battle of Drocourt-Queant, and the Battle of the Canal du Nord. Henry was killed in action during the terrible fighting around the Hindenburg Line positions on 27 September 1918. He is buried at Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, France.

Albert Heber Evans, Private, 31413, Welsh Regiment. Albert was the Son of Thomas Henry and Hester Evans, of Bungalow, Church Lakes, Neyland, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Welsh Regiment. He was posted to the 19th Battalion, which was the Pioneer Battalion of the 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division had landed in France during December 1915 and had spent their first winter in the trenches near Armentieres. In June they marched south to the Somme, where they were tasked with the capture of Mametz Wood. The attack on the wood began on 7 July 1916, but met with fierce resistance. The Division suffered a change in leadership before renewing the attack on 10 July, and within two days of heavy fighting, had secured the wood. The Division suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the line, and moved to Ypres to rebuild. Albert was wounded at Mametz Wood, and evacuated to the Hospital at Rouen for treatment, but he sadly died there on 28 July 1916. Albert was just 19 years old, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.

 

Benjamin George Evans, Artificer Engineer, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Queen Mary. Benjamin was the Son of William Evans, of Martell Factory, Little Newcastle, Pembrokeshire. He was the Husband of K. S. Evans, of 31 Laburnum Grove, North End, Portsmouth, and served in the Royal Navy aboard the Battlecruiser H.M.S. Queen Mary. She was launched in 1912, becoming part of the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron, and took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight in 1914. She was taking part in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916 when she was involved in a ferocious battle with two German Battleships, the Derfflinger and the Seydlitz, but she exploded when she was hit after sustaining direct hits, and sank with the loss of over 1,200 men. Benjamin was one of the lost men. He was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Sidney Picton Evans, Lance Corporal, 488, Royal Engineers. Sidney was born in Llanelli, the son of David and Amelia Evans of Glanmor Road, and enlisted at Neyland into the 1/1st Welsh Field Company, along with two of his brothers. He landed in Gallipoli on 2 August 1915 and was sadly killed in action soon after, on 21 August 1915, during the Defence of Helles. Sidney is buried at Green Hill Cemetery, Gallipoli.

J. Galloway. Cannot presently be identified.

Thomas George Gee, Lance Corporal, 24/1654, Northumberland Fusiliers. Thomas was born at Neyland, the Son of Robert and Mary Gee, later of Newcastle-on-Tyne. He married Annie Gee of Newcastle-on-Tyne prior to the war, and enlisted there into the Northumberland Fusiliers, being posted to the 11th Battalion, attached to 68 Brigade, 23rd Division. Between 21 and 26 August 1915 the Division landed in Boulogne and proceeded to the Western Front, initially concentrating near Tilques. They saw their first major action at the Battle of Albert, where they captured Contalmaison, and then fought at the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Pozieres, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy, where they captured Le Sars. They then moved to Ypres, which is where Thomas was killed on 5 January 1917. He was 38 years old and is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium.

Ernest John Griffiths, Private, S/837, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Ernest was born at Poplar, Middlesex, the Son of John and Mary Griffiths. John and Ernest were sailors, and had moved to 86, Cambrian Road, Neyland prior to the war, where Ernest had enlisted into the Welsh Regiment. He had served his time with the Welsh in India prior to the outbreak of war, and rejoined the colours at Maidstone on 15 September 1914, joining the Royal West Kent Regiment. On 24 October Ernest was posted to their 9th Battalion, and on 10 December 1915 was posted to their 2nd Battalion, which was attached to 34 Brigade, 15th (Indian) Division, and embarked for Mesopotamia to join them. Ernest became ill, and died at Kut on 27 April 1916. He was 33 years old, and is buried at Amara War Cemetery, Iraq. Ernest is not commemorated on either memorial.

Benjamin Thomas Halliday, Rifleman, Y/631, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Benjamin was the son of Joseph Halliday, a Railway Engine Driver from Durham. Ben had been born in September, 1890 in Glamorgan, and resided in Neyland prior to the war. Benjamin was a pre-war regular in the Army, serving with the 4th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, which was in Gharial, India at the outbreak of war. They were rushed home where they became attached to 80 Brigade, 27th Division. The Division was formed in England in October-November 1914, from regular units returning from India, Hong Kong and Canada. On 21 December 1914 it landed in France and proceeded to the Western Front, where it fought at the Action of St Eloi, and at The Second Battle of Ypres. In November, 1915 the Division moved to Salonika, where it remained for the duration of the war. Benjamin though was wounded in France during the early battles of 1915. He returned home for treatment, but sadly died on 30 August 1915. He is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Thomas Hare, Deck Hand, 691DA, Royal Naval Reserve, H M. Trawler Amy. Thomas was the Husband of Elizabeth Hare, of 12, James St., Neyland. He was a native of Dover, but had moved to Milford as he worked as a Deck Hand on the trawler Amy. In August 1914 Amy was requisitioned by the War Ministry for minesweeping duties, and it was while minesweeping off Le Havre on 11 April 1917 that she struck a mine and sank with the loss of her skipper and eight ratings, including Thomas. He was 40 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Percival Arthur Vaughan Harries, Private, 21952, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Percival was the Son of John and Lilly Harries, of Penbryn, Hazel Bank, of Neyland. He had been called up and joined the Training reserve Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, before being posted to the 1/4th Battalion, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, which had returned from duty in Singapore, joining 56 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division in France in June 1917. The Division was by that time at Ypres, where they had taken part in the Battle of Messines. They 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. They moved to Ypres, but were caught up in the German attack at Messines, and at Bailleul, and Kemmel. After suffering terribly again, they moved South to the quieter French sector to rebuild, but were caught up in the German offensive on the Aisne, and fought during the Battle of the Selle, Valenciennes, the Sambre and the Passage of the Grand Honelle. Percival was wounded during the final battles of the war, and returned home for treatment. Sadly he died of his wounds on 11 March 1919 aged just 20, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

John Godfrey Wilson Victor Harris, Private, 2496, King's Liverpool Regiment. John was born at Neyland, the Son of William and Mary Harris. The family later moved to 37, St. Domingo Grove, Liverpool. John enlisted at Liverpool on 2 September 1914 into the 5th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, which moved to France on 22 February 1915 attached to 165 Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division. John was wounded within weeks of moving to France, and died of his wounds on 28 June 1915. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery, France. John is not commemorated on either memorial.

Arthur John Henderson, Engineman, 294ES, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.P.M.S. Lady Ismay. Arthur was an engineman aboard the paddle-steamer Lady Ismay, which was a 220 foot ferry, which had sailed the Cardiff to Weston route prior to the outbreak of war. She was then requisitioned by the Admiralty, and sent to the Thames on war service as a minesweeper, but sunk near Longsand Lightship on 21 December 1915 after she struck a mine which had been laid by the German Submarine UC3. Arthur was lost aboard her, and so he is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Thomas James Hire, Stoker 1st Class, 292159, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Valiant. Thomas served throughout the war as a Stoker aboard H.M.S. Valiant, which was the smaller of the Queen Elizabeth class of Battle ships. She took part in the Battle of Jutland with all her sister ships, but escaped unharmed due in part to her superior speed. In 1916 she collided with Warspite, which put her out of action for a while, but came back into active service within a year. After the war ended she joined the Atlantic Fleet, and survived until 1947 when she was finally scrapped. Thomas served aboard her until taking ill towards the end of the war, and he died at home on 23 November 1918. He was 40 years old, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Thomas Henry James, Rifleman, A/186, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Thomas was the Son of John James, of Houghton Post Office, Neyland. He had worked for the Great Western Railway before the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the Army, joining the 8th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, attached to the 41st Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The Division was to see it's first action during the Action of Hooge, where the Division were the first to be attacked by the German use of flamethrowers. It was probably during this action that Thomas was wounded. He died of wounds on 5 August 1915, but sadly his grave was lost during later fighting, and so he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. He was just 20 years old.

William Thomas John, Private, 54265, Welsh Regiment. William was born at Neyland, the Son of Mrs. Hester John, later of 56, Portfield, Haverfordwest. He enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, 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 moved to France during July 1915, moving 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 1916, 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 then moved north to Ypres itself, where it fought on the Menin Road. William was killed in action here on 20 September 1917, aged only 19. He has no known grave, and so is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

 

Henry Lee, Private, 285355, Welsh Regiment. Henry was born at Wrexham, but resided in Neyland prior to the war. He enlisted at Carmarthen into the Army, joining the Monmouthshire Regiment, but later transferred into the 1/6th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 1st Division as Pioneers. 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. After spending another Winter in Flanders, they were near Estaires when the German Spring Offensive caught them, fighting through the Battle of Estaires. Henry was killed around this time, on 16 April 1918. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

Wynford Llewellyn, Private, 4954, Pembroke Yeomanry. Wynford was born at Church Lakes, Llanstadwell, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Pembroke Yeomanry. The regiment formed in Tenby at the outbreak of war, joining the 1st Mounted Division. In September, 1915 the front line units of the division moved to Egypt, joining the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. The second line unit of the Pembroke Yeomanry moved to Ireland, as part of the force sent to quell the Easter Uprising, and it was here that Wynford was shot by republicans, and died at Grangegorman Hospital on 29 April 1916. He is buried at Grangegorman Military Cemetery, in the Republic of Ireland.

 

Harold Edward Moore, Private, G/118, Royal West Kent Regiment. Harold was the Eldest son of Thomas E. and Elizabeth Moore, of 54, Abbott Road, Poplar, London. He enlisted at Chatham into the army and was posted to the 6th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, which was attached to 37 Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division, and landed in France in June 1915, before taking up positions near Ploegsteert. On 26 September the Division moved to Loos. Harold was wounded while his battalion was in positions near Hulloch. He died of his wounds on 3 October 1915, aged 24, and is buried at Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery, France.

 

David James Nicholas, Able Seaman, Royal Navy. Little can be traced on David, but he served aboard H.M.M.L. 440, with the Royal Naval Transport Section.

James Henry Palmer, Trimmer, 2216TS, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M. Trawler Fulmar. James was the Son of William and Margaret Palmer, of 6, West Lane, Honeyborough, Neyland, and was a fisherman prior to the war. When war broke out, the Admiralty took over the fishing fleet, and so James became a Trimmer in the Royal Naval reserve aboard the Trawler Fulmar. Fulmar was a Grimsby registered vessel, built in 1899 and taken on by the Admiralty in May, 1915. She was sunk by a mine on 17 January 1916 in the Gulf of Sollum, going down with all hands, including James. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

D. J. Petherick. Cannot presently be identified.

Sidney Phillips, Deck Hand, 724DA, Royal Naval Reserve. Sidney was the brother of Mrs. Jones, 32, Charles Street, Neyland. He had played rugby for Neyland prior to the war, while working aboard the Irish Ship, Great Western. Upon the outbreak of war, Sidney joined the Royal Naval Reserve, and became a member of the crew of H.M. Trawler Kirkland, a trawler which had been converted for minesweeping duties. Sidney was killed when Kirkland struck a mine in the North Sea on 20 August 1917. He was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Ernest Clifford Plane, Private, 1782, Welsh Regiment. Ernest was the son of William and Margaret Plane, of 80, Cambrian Road, Neyland. He was underage when he enlisted into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which moved to France soon after the outbreak of war. After being stationed at Calais for several months, the battalion joined the 28th Division, and in October 1915 joined 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division was at Loos at the time, and it was here that Ernest was killed on 30 November 1915. He was just 16 years old, and is buried at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, France. Ernest's brother George was also killed, but neither are commemorated on the Neyland War Memorial.

George Sidney Plane, Sapper, 9047, Royal Engineers. George was the Son of William and Margaret Plane, of 80, Cambrian Road, Neyland and he enlisted at Andover into the Royal Engineers. George was posted to the 26th Field Company, which was attached to the 1st Division, which had been in France since the outbreak of war. After fighting through all of the major battles of the war, the Division had taken part in the great advance of 1918, and had taken part in the Battle of the Sambre just before George was killed in action, sadly just a week before the Armistice, on 4 November 1918. He was 37 years old, and is buried at Mazinghien Communal Cemetery, France. His brother Ernest was also killed, but neither are commemorated on the Neyland War Memorial.

Ivor James Rees, Rifleman, R/3412, King's Royal Rifle Corps. Ivor was born at Llanstadwell in 1892. His family later moved to Goodwick, and Ivor enlisted there into the army. He was posted to the 12th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, which was attached to 60 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. On 22 July 1915 the battalion landed in Boulogne, and moved to the Fleurbaix Sector for trench familiarisation and training. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive, at the Battles of Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and Le Transloy, and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later that year they fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of Langemarck, the Menin Road, and Polygon Wood, before moving south in November, to take part in the Battle of Cambrai. They remained in the area between Cambrai and St. Quentin over the winter of 1917/18 and were attacked there by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, suffering heavy casualties over the coming days. Ivor was killed in action on 29 March 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Ivor is not commemorated on either memorial.

Benjamin John Richards, Carpenter Lieutenant, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Terrible. Benjamin was the Son of Thomas Richards of Neyland, and the husband of Helen Richards of 58A London Road, Portsmouth. He was an experienced sailor, having been a regular in the Royal Navy since before the Boer War, and by 1914 was a Carpenter Lieutenant aboard H.M.S. Terrible, an ancient armoured cruiser. She had seen action on the China Station, and during the Second Boer War, but was laid up afterwards, being brought back into service as a troopship at the outbreak of the Great War. Benjamin sadly died of illness at Portsmouth on 2 May 1917 and is buried at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Kent. He was 58 years old.

Peter Roberts, Private, 42720, Machine Gun Corps. Peter was born at Neyland, the Son of Peter and Lilian Roberts, later of 48 Rawson Road, Seaforth, Liverpool. He enlisted at Glasgow into the Highland Light Infantry, but later transferred into the 140th Company, Machine Gun Corps, attached to 140 Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division. The Division moved to France during March 1915, and served on the Western Front throughout the war. The new designation of the Division, its Brigades and other constituent units changed from the 2nd London to 47th in mid May 1915. The Division 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 Ypres, and it was here, soon after the move north, on 1 February 1917 that Peter was killed. He was just 19 years old, and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium.

William George Roberts, Private, 35322, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. William was born at Neyland, and enlisted there into the Army, joining the Training Reserve Battalion. From there he was posted to the 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. The division had been in France since the outbreak of war, and had fought at most of the major battles that followed. In November 1917 the Division 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, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin and the First Battle of Bapaume. William was killed on the second day of the fighting, on 22 March, 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Many thanks to Alan McMurtrie for the photograph.

William Robinson, Private, 200343, Essex Regiment. William was born at New Milton, the son of William and M. Robinson, later of 41, Parkside, Woodford Green, Essex. He served with the 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment, and was killed during the First Battle of Gaza on 26 March 1917. William was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.

Kenneth Roy Roper, Private, PO/18905, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Kenneth was born at Dorchester on 14 September 1898. He enlisted into the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 12 September 1916, and served at HMS Colleen, the Royal Naval Depot at Queenstown in Southern Ireland. He died at Queenstown on 10 November 1918, and is buried at Cobh Old Church Cemetery, the same cemetery in which many of the dead who were washed ashore after the Lusitania sinking were buried.

William James Russan, Shipwright 1st Class, 342323, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Lavender. William was 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 5 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, Devon.

George Ernest Trevor Saunders, Sapper, 496759, Royal Engineers. George was the husband of Hannah Saunders, of Ioa, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol. He enlisted at Neyland into the Royal Engineers, and was posted to their 457th Field Company, attached to the 62nd Division. The Division concentrated on the Western Front by 18 January 1917, and saw their first action during the Operations on the Ancre. They then followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, before taking part in the Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt, which is where George was killed on 16 April 1917. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery, France.

Oliver James Scurlock, Private, SE/31763, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Oliver was the Son of William H. and Jane Scurlock, of Church Road, Hazelbeach, Neyland. Very little is known of him, but he served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, at No. 2 Veterinary Hospital, Longmoor. He died at home on 29 November 1918, aged just 19 and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Richard Charles Scurlock, Private, 226554, Monmouthshire Regiment. Richard was born at Neyland, the Son of Richard and Lettice Scurlock. He became the husband of Lily Scurlock, of 71 Charles Street, Abertysswg, Cardiff, and joined the Army at Newport, Monmouthshire, where he was posted to the 1st Battalion, Monmouth Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 46th (North Midland) Division. The Division moved to France during February 1915, and saw its first action at the Hohenzollern Redoubt near Loos. The Division suffered large numbers of casualties during the attack, which was its first large-scale action. On 23 December 1915 the Division was ordered to proceed to Egypt, but after many of the units had reached Egypt, the order was countermanded and the units returned to France. Here the Division took part in the Attack on the Gommecourt Salient, which was a diversionary attack on 1 July 1916 intended to draw attention away from the main attack on the Somme, but the Division again suffered large numbers of casualties during the attack. They rested for several months at Arras, and at the end of 1916 took part in Operations on the Ancre. During March 1917 the Division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and then fought in the Battle of Arras, taking part in the Battle of Hill 70. They then moved to Ypres, which is where Richard was killed on 24 June 1917. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

William John Scurlock, Flight Sergeant, 333064, Royal Air Force. William was the Son of William H. and Jane Scurlock, of Church Road, Hazelbeach, Neyland. He had possibly served with the Army Veterinary Corps and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers during the Great War, and remained in the forces after the armistice, serving as a Flight Sergeant with the Royal Air Force. William died on 6 September 1924, aged 27. He is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland. William is not commemorated on either memorial.

William John Sobey, Able Seaman, 238301, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Indefatigable. William was from Neyland, and served as a pre-war regular aboard the Battle Cruiser H.M.S. Indefatigable. As part of the 2nd Battlecruiser Squadron, under the command of Captain C. F. Sowerby at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916, she was hit by a salvo of 11 inch shells from S.M.S. Von der Tann. She was hit first by two shells in the "X" magazine area, blowing out her bottom and causing her to fall out of formation, sinking by the stern. Following more hits in the area of 'A' turret, the forward magazine exploded, and the ship sank quickly, killing all but three of her crew of 1,017. William went down with his shipmates that day, and is commemorated alongside them on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Thomas Stewart, Private, 15416, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Thomas was born at Neyland, and enlisted at Swansea into the Army. He was posted to the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 76 Brigade, 3rd Division. One of the first Divisions to move to France, the 3rd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war, and fought during the opening Battle of Mons, and in the epic retreat, from the Rearguard Action of Solesmes, through the Battle of Le Cateau, and down to the Marne, where the German Offensive was stopped. They followed the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, 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. In 1915 the Division saw action at Bellewaarde and Hooge, and took part in the Second attack on Bellewaarde, and in 1916 fought at the Actions of the Bluff, and at the St Eloi Craters. Thomas was killed at Ypres on 17 February 1916, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Emlyn Cyril Langham Thomas, Private, 70433, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Emlyn was the Son of William and Ann Thomas, of 7, Frederick Street, Neyland. He initially served with the King's Liverpool regiment, but after suffering from being gassed on the Western Front, he was medically downgraded, and joined the Labour Corps. Emlyn died at home as a result of being gassed, on 1 July 1921. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland.

Frederick Collins Thomas, Private, 7543, Dorsetshire Regiment. Frederick was born at Llanstadwell in 1886. He had joined the army some years prior to the Great War, as in 1911 he was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, stationed at Wanowrie Lines, Poona, India. During the Great War he was serving with the Essex Regiment, with the service number 33506. Presently nothing more can be traced of him. He must have died after discharge, and has been 'forgotten' by the CWGC.

George Tomkins, Private, 54284, Welsh Regiment. George was the Son of Thomas and Sarah Tomkins, and the husband of Emily Tomkins, of 3, Church Lakes Terrace, Neyland. He was posted to the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Carmarthen Pals Battalion, attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in France in December 1915, and was posted to the front at Fleurbaix, where it gained valuable trench experience, before marching to the Somme in June 1916, where it fought at Mametz Wood. After a mauling at Mametz, the Division was posted to a quieter sector at Boesinghe, north of Ypres, where it was to remain for the coming fourteen months. On 30 April 1917 the 15th Welsh set out on a massive raid on the German lines at the Mortjelde Estaminet, with 7 officers and 180 men. The raid was a success, but George was killed while in the German trenches, and left behind to be buried by the Germans. After the war his body was moved, and he now lies in Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. He was 21 years old.

Joseph Bowen Vaughan, Able Seaman, 196437, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Defence. Joseph was the Son of W. H. Vaughan, of 15, Frederick St., Neyland, and served as a regular in the Royal Navy, aboard the Minotaur Class Armoured Cruiser, H.M.S. Defence. Defence had been built at the nearby Pembroke Dockyard, and was launched in 1907. At the outbreak of war she was in the Mediterranean, and took part in the pursuit of the Goeben and Breslau. She was the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May, 1916 when she was hit by a salvo from nearby German Battlecruisers, and blew up and sank immediately, taking with her the entire complement of 903 men. One of these was Joseph Bowen Vaughan. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated alongside his former ship-mates on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Charles Edward Warlow, Leading Carpenter's Crew, 345941, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Invincible. Charles was the Son of William and Lettice Warlow, of Neyland, and was a regular in the Royal Navy, serving aboard the Battlecruiser H.M.S. Invincible. She was the first Battlecruiser ever built, and was launched in 1907. At the beginning of the war she took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight, and was then sent to the South Atlantic, where she took part in the Battle of the Falklands. At the Battle of Jutland on 31 May, 1916 she was the Flagship of the 3rd Battlecruiser Squadron, where she was struck by a shell from Lutzow which penetrated her Q-Turret, igniting a flash down to the magazine, which blew her apart. Only six men out of a crew of 1,021 survived the explosion. Charles Edward Warlow was one of the dead. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Arthur Webb, Corporal, 30859, Royal Garrison Artillery. Arthur was the Son of John and Eliza Webb, of Norfolk. He resided at Llanstadwell prior to the war, before joining the 4th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. The Battery moved to France in September 1914, moving to positions in Flanders, near Neuve Chappelle. Arthur was killed while his battery was providing artillery support for the Battle of Festubert on 22 May 1915. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery, Lacouture, France.

 

John Williams, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. John was born at Neyland in 1890, and was married prior to the war. He resided with his wife at1, Ivy Grove, Hull, where he worked as Second Engineer aboard the Steam Trawler Titania, which was registered at Hull. She had been bought by a consortium from Neyland, so John had joined the crew of her while she worked at Milford between 1906 and 1909. She was sold in May 1909, returning to Hull. On 11 May 1915, Titania was captured by a German torpedo boat. Records show that her crew were made prisoners, but John died that day. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. John is not commemorated on either memorial.

Edwin Frank Wood, Private, 67459, Cheshire Regiment. Edwin was the Son of Mrs. Mary Isabella Wood, of 41, Charles St. Neyland, He had worked in the mines at Pantyffynon early in the war, and enlisted at Llandeilo into the army. Edwin was posted to the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was part of 75 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 1916 near Thiepval. They fought throughout the Battle of the Somme, and then moved to Ploegsteert, where they held the line for the months leading up the Battle of Messines in June, 1917. After fighting at Messines, the Division moved north, and 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. They moved north to Flanders on the night of 30 March, where they took up positions at Ploegsteert again, where they received reinforcements, and rebuilt. However, on 9 April 1918 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. On 9 May the Division moved to Fismes, 20 miles SE of Soissons in the Champagne, to give it a chance to rest and rebuild again. However, on 26 May they took up positions south of the Aisne, to guard against a predicted German Offensive. On 27 May the attack hit them, and during the coming days the Division was virtually annihilated. Edwin was captured during this period, and was sent to a Prisoner of War Camp in Poland. Sadly he became ill and died there on 4 November 1918 and is now buried at Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. He was just 19 years old. Many thanks to Peter Bennett for the photograph.

 

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World War Two, 1939-1945

William George Aldous, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. William served in the Fishing Fleet aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. Sydney drowned when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941. He was 46 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Phillip James Allen, Engineman, LT/265 E.U., Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service). Phillip was the Husband of E. M. Allen of Neyland. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard HM Trawler Lord Inchcape, which was a Hull Trawler, taken over by the Admiralty in August 1939. She was sunk on 25 October 1940 after hitting a mine, but was raised and repaired, and saw further service during the war on anti-submarine duties and minesweeping. Phillip died on active service on 20 August 1943. He was 44 years old, and is buried at Falmouth Cemetery, Cornwall.

Leonard Hubert Barnard, Serjeant, 837988, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Leonard was the Son of William Frederick and Florence Barnard; husband of Margaret Barnard, of Neyland. He served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was a Territorial unit, attached to 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed in Normandy in June 1944, and took part of the break out from the beach-head. Leonard was killed in action in Normandy on 19 July 1944. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

Sydney Beare, Cook, Fishing Fleet. Sydney was the Husband of Caroline Maud Beare, of Neyland, and was a fisherman aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. Sydney drowned when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941. He was 60 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William James Boast, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. William served aboard the Steam Trawler Charmouth, a Milford Haven registered trawler. She survived the war, being credited with shooting down one German bomber with her single deck mounted machine gun. Sadly on 14 November 1946, nine of the fourteen crewmen aboard Charmouth were killed when a mine became entangled in their nets and exploded. William was 65 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. A note on the Milford Haven Trawlers website says that William's body was brought to Milford Haven for burial, but the CWGC record him on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Richard Job Thomas Brown, Flying Officer (Observer), 120912, Royal Air Force. Richard was the Son of Joseph Harold and Lucy Elizabeth Brown of Neyland, and the husband of Ethel Brown, of Chiswick, Middlesex. He served as an Observer with 39 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was equipped with the Bristol Beaufort, in an anti-shipping role, flying from Malta. Richard was killed when his aircraft was brought down over Italy on 30 November 1942. He was 26 years old, and is buried at Catania War Cemetery, Sicily.

James Cecil Cole, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. James was born in Neyland in 1909, the Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Cole. He was the husband of Florence A. Cole, of Hafod, Swansea, and worked aboard the Swansea registered Fishing Vessel Caerphilly Castle. James died when Caerphilly Castle was lost at sea on 27 January 1941. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

J. H. Collins. Cannot be positively identified, as there were three men of this name.

William Henry Dunn, Private, 4032741, The King's Shropshire Light Infantry. William was the Son of Albert John and Beatrice Dunn, of Neyland. He served with the 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, which was based on the Maginot Line at the outbreak of war, taking part in the retreat to Dunkirk. After evacuation, the battalion was rebuilt, and moved to North Africa. They fought in the Western Desert, before taking part in the invasion of Sicily and Italy in 1943. William was killed in Italy on 24 April 1943. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Massicault War Cemetery, Italy.

M. Evans. Cannot be positively identified.

Benjamin Griffiths, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Benjamin was the Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Griffiths. He served aboard the Fishing Vessel Exeter, a Lowestoft registered trawler. Benjamin drowned when Exeter was lost at sea on 29 March 1941. He was 50 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Leslie Victor Holmes, Signalman, 14206519, Royal Corps Of Signals. Leslie was the Son of Albert and Melinda Jane Holmes, Of Johnston. Little is known of his war service, except that he served with the Royal Corps of Signals during the war. Leslie died on active service on 2 September 1942, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland, He was just 19 years old. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

Albert Leonard John, Corporal, 3969337, South Staffordshire Regiment. Albert was the Son of Albert Victor and Jennette John of Neyland, and the Husband Of Florence Harries John, Of Pembroke Dock. He served with the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, which fought in the Burma campaign. Albert died in Burma on 23 June 1944. He was 27 years old, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Gilbert John, Private, 13013816, Pioneer Corps. Gilbert was the Son of Thomas R. John and Mary E. John, and the Husband of Gertrude John, Of Neyland. He served with the Auxiliary Military department of the Pioneer Corps during the war. No more is known, but Gilbert died on 3 October 1940, aged 47, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

David John Johns, Flying Officer, 202780, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the Son of David John and Emily Johns, and the husband of Nancy Johns, of Neyland. He served as a Pilot with 511 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a specialist long range unit, equipped with the Avro York, and flew from Britain to India as a Trooping flight, later taking part in the Berlin Airlift as part of Transport Command. David was killed during a crash on 6 October 1946. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

W. Johnson. Cannot be positively identified.

Ronald David Johnstone, MC, Captain, 219944, Royal Armoured Corps. Ronald was the Son of Thomas White Johnstone and Annie Johnstone of Neyland, and the husband of Norma Johnstone, of Sketty, Swansea. He had gained his B.A. with Honours (Cantab.) prior to the war, and was commissioned on 25 August 1941 into the 2nd Lothians and Border Horse, Royal Armoured Corps, which moved to North Africa in 1942. Ronald was awarded the Military Cross, for gallant service in North Africa, which was published in the London Gazette of 23 September 1943. By then the Allies had invaded Italy, and were driving towards Rome. Ronald was killed in action in Italy, during a tank battle against the Hermann Goering Panzer Division on 8 June 1944. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Bolsena War Cemetery, Italy.

Aubrey Thomas Grenville Jones, Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 571686, Royal Air Force. Aubrey was born at Neyland in 1921, the son of Margaret Jones (nee Reynolds). He was educated at Pembroke Dock County School, prior to joining the Royal Air Force in 1937. Aubrey became a Flight Engineer with 460 RAAF Squadron, which flew the Avro Lancaster. On 28 April 1944, he was a member of the crew of Lancaster LL-906, which was on a mission from RAF Binbrook for Friedrichshafen, when it was intercepted and shot down by a German Night Fighter. Aubrey was among seven men killed aboard the Lancaster when it crashed in France. He was 23 years old, and is buried in a collective grave at Appenwihr Churchyard, France.

Frederick James Jones, Private, 14578536, The South Wales Borderers. Frederick was the Son of Thomas Llewellyn Jones and Sarah Jones, of Neyland. He served with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was fought in Norway in 1940 as part of the 24th Guards Brigade. The battalion had the honour of being the only Welsh battalion to land on the Normandy beaches on D-Day, 6 June 1944, attached to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division. Frederick was killed three days into the campaign, while his unit was being shelled in a copse on 9 June 1944. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Ryes War Cemetery, Bazenville, France. Many thanks to Shirley Thomas for the photograph.

Frederick William Benjamin Jones, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 96289, Royal Navy. Frederick was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Jones, of Neyland, and served with the Royal aboard HMS Acasta. She was an A-Class destroyer, which had been commissioned in 1929. She was sunk on 8 June 1940 in action against the German warships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, while escorting the aircraft carrier Glorious, which was returning from Norway. Frederick was 20 years old when he died that day, and he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Raymond Evan Jones, Lance Corporal, 3969502, Royal Electrical And Mechanical Engineers. Raymond was the Son of Evan and Lavinia Jones, and the husband of Catherine Sarah Ann Jones, of Neyland. He served in the North African campaign with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, before taking part in the invasion of Sicily. Raymond died in Italy on 18 February 1944. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Anzio War Cemetery, Italy.

A. G. Lawton. Cannot be positively identified.

W. T. Lewis. Cannot be positively identified.

Arthur James Clement Mathias, Private, 4195858, The Monmouthshire Regiment. Arthur was the Son of Frederick Clement Mathias, and of Martha Ann Mathias, of Neyland, and served with the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. The battalion landed on Normandy as part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division in June 1944, and took part in the break out from Normandy. Arthur was killed in Normandy on 18 July 1944. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, France.

Ronald Wilfred McCormick, Drummer, 4186139, The West Yorkshire Regt (The Prince Of Wales' Own). Ronald was the Son of Florence Ann McCormick, and served with the 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. The battalion served in the Far East, taking part in jungle warfare against the Japanese. Ronald was killed in Burma on 7 March 1942. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar.

Leslie Llewellyn Nicholas, Flight Sergeant (Navigator), 1652501, Royal Air Force. Leslie was the Son of William and Letitia Nicholas, and the husband of Phyllis Mary Nicholas, of Neyland. He served with 21 Squadron, Royal Air Force as a Navigator, which was equipped with the fighter-bomber version of the De Havilland Mosquito. In February 1945, 21 Squadron were based at Rosierre en Santerre, near Amiens. On 27 February 1945 Leslie was Navigator in Mosquito VI NS990, flown by Pilot Officer A. C. Adams, when their aircraft was shot down, killing both men. Leslie and his pilot were initially buried at the Communal cemetery at Bergen, but have since been moved to Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. Leslie was 22 years old.

David Edward Ralph, Able Seaman, D/JX 419482, Royal Navy. David was the Son of Edward Lawson Ralph and Minnie Ralph, of Jordanston. He served with the Royal Navy aboard H.M.L.C.T. 2073, a specialised Tank Landing Craft, and had taken part in the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944. David died on active service on 22 June 1945, after drowning in an accident off the south coast. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

Hubert Stanley Rees, Volunteer, British Army Aid Group. Hubert was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Rees, of Neyland, and the husband of Jean Rees, of Tayport, Fife. He served in the Far East with the British Army Aid Group, which was a specialist group, also named MI9, which was created to assist in the escape of Allied POWs from Japanese camps. Hubert was unfortunately caught by the Japanese, and was executed on 29 October 1943 at Hong Kong. He was 43 years old, and is buried at Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.

Thomas Reginald Frederick Roch, Sergeant (Observer), 921751, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the Son of Mr. And Mrs. T. H. Roch of Waterstone. He served as an Observer with the Royal Air Force. Little else is known of his service, but Thomas died on 10 September 1941. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

William John Cephas Rouse, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. William was the Son of William And Katherine Rouse, and the Husband Of Mary Rouse, of Hakin. He had studied for his BSc at London prior to the war, before being commissioned into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was posted to the Royal Navy Base HMS Spurwing, which was a Royal Naval base at Sierra Leone, which had a Royal Naval Air Service runway near Freetown. William died in Sierra Leone on 15 February 1944. He was 33 years old, and is buried at Freetown (King Tom) Cemetery, Sierra Leone.

Edward Albert Stolliday, Engineman, LT/X 421EU, Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service). Edward was the Husband of E. D. Stolliday, of Llanelly. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard HM Trawler Lord Stamp. She was taken over by the Admiralty in August 1939, and used for minesweeping and anti-submarine duties. Edward died when Lord Stamp struck a mine in the English Channel on 14 October 1940. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk.

William Henry Thomas, Fusilier, 4196954, The Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the Son of John Henry and Ann Thomas, and the husband of Dorothy Catherine Thomas, of Neyland. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the Far East, and was killed in action in Burma on 25 February 1943. William was 24 years old, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

William Henry Thomas, MID, Seaman, LT/JX 186620, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son Of Frederick And Lilian Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Florence May Thomas, Of Neyland. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard HM Trawler Argyllshire. She had been hired by the Admiralty in September 1939 and converted for anti-submarine duties, joining the 11th Anti Submarine Striking Group. She took part in the Norwegian campaign in April/May 1940 and then the evacuation of Dunkirk. William died when Argyllshire was sunk by a torpedo from a German E-boat off Dunkirk on 1 June 1940. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk. William was Mentioned in Despatches for Norway.

Ernest Charles Underwood, Engineman, LT/X 5919ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest served with the Royal Naval Reserve aboard HM Trawler Fleming. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. Ernest died when Fleming was sunk by a German air attack in the Thames Estuary on 24 July 1940. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk.

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Post World War Two Casualties

John Richard William Mathias, Private, 22459549, Welch Regiment. John was born on 8 November 1932. He enlisted after the Second World War into the Welch Regiment, and embarked with the 1st Welch for Korea on 19 September 1941. On 12 November, the Welch moved up to Chongdong-Ni and relieved the Gloucesters. The battalion remained in Korea until 31 October 1952, and took part in heavy fighting there. John was evacuated wounded from Korea, and died in Japan on 28 July 1952. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Yokohama British Commonwealth Cemetery, Japan.

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World War Two Civilian Air Raid Casualties

Miss Elvira Margaret May Evans. Elvira was the Daughter of Margaret and of the late W. Evans. She died at Kensington House, Hazelbeach, Llanstadwell during an Air Raid on 11 June 1941. She was 46 years old.

Mrs. Margaret Evans. Margaret was the widow of Mr. W. Evans, and the mother of Elvira. She died at Kensington House, Hazelbeach, Llanstadwell during an Air Raid on 11 June 1941. She was 80 years old.

Miss Margaret Mary Griffiths. Margaret was the Daughter of C. H. Griffiths, and of Esther Muriel Griffiths. She died at Kensington House, Hazelbeach, Llanstadwell during an Air Raid on 11 June 1941. She was 17 years old.

Mrs. Esther Muriel Griffiths. Esther was the wife of C. H. Griffiths, and the mother of Margaret. She died at Kensington House, Hazelbeach, Llanstadwell during an Air Raid on 11 June 1941. She was 44 years old.

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