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 cenotaph stands on the green by the entrance to the castle, and contains the names of the fallen of the Parishes of St Mary, St Michael and of Monkton. Each relevant Church also houses its own separate memorial, some with slight differences in the names. Many thanks again to Les Nixon for supplying photographs of the War Memorial, and to Mike Berrell for supplying photos of the individual Church Memorials. This page commemorates the men of the town who fell during the Great War. The page is split into the three sections of the memorial, then 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 was a plumber prior to the war, and enlisted at Pembroke into the Welsh Regiment. Herbert was posted to the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 40 Brigade, 13th (Western) Division. During 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 from 3 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, and 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 1916 was concentrated at Port Said, where it 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. Herbert was one of many men to succumb to disease on the march into Mesopotamia. He died on 10 March 1916 aged 39, and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.

W. Cole. Cannot presently be identified.

Benjamin Davies, Private, 235731, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Benjamin was born at Monkton in 1890, the son of William and Esther Davies, of Hundleton. He enlisted at Pembroke into the army, and was posted to the 24th (Denbighshire Yeomanry) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 231 Brigade, 74th Division. The division had fought at the Second and Third Battles of Gaza, and during the capture of Jerusalem in 1917. In June 1918, the 24th RWF were further transferred into 94 Brigade, 31st Division. Upon transfer to the 31st Division, the 24th RWF was sent to Flanders, and helped reinforce the battered forces there which had seen severe fighting since the launching of the German Lys offensive in April 1918. The 31st Division held the line south of the Ypres Salient. Benjamin was wounded during heavy fighting on 28 June 1918, and died that same day, aged 28. He is buried in Cinq Rues British Cemetery, Hazebrouck, France.

 

George Davies, Petty Officer Stoker, 291706, Royal Navy. George was born in Stackpole on 16 May 1871, the son of James and Ann Davies. The family later moved to of Mount Pleasant, Maiden Wells, Pembroke. He served in the Royal Navy at the outbreak of the Great War, in HMS Ardent. The Ardent was an Acasta Class Destroyer, and formed part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet, led by Admiral Sir John Jellicoe. The Grand Fleet played a central role in the Great Battle of Jutland, which began on 31 May 1916, and it was on the second day of the Battle, 1 June 1916, that the Ardent was sunk. An extract from the Official History stated- 'This destroyer now found herself alone, and having escaped with little injury, made away southwards in the hope of finding the rest of her division, which in fact had ceased to exist. What she fell in with was something quite different…. Lieutenant-Commander A. Marsden in the Ardent saw smoke ahead of him, and thinking it came from his consorts, he made towards it. Then the form of a large German ship loomed up, and without hesitation he attacked. Another torpedo was fired at very close range, but before he could see the result he was blinded by the searchlights of four battleships in line ahead. Out of the glare came the inevitable hurricane of shell. In a minute or so the Ardent was a mere mass of scrap-iron, and switching off their lights, the enemy disappeared and left her to sink helpless and in total darkness. She was lost with all hands (12.19) except Lieutenant-Commander Marsden and one man.' George Davies was lost in the sinking, and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon, on Panel 16. He was 37 years old. The memorial in Monkton Priory shows G Davies, whilst the Cenotaph shows J. Davies.

John Davies, Sergeant, 21726, South Wales Borderers. John was born at Pembroke, and enlisted at Newport into the South Wales Borderers. He landed in France in 4 December 1915, and in March 1916 was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which had just arrived after servine in Gallipoli, attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division. 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, fighting throughout the Battle of Passchendael 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 September 1918. He is buried at Zantvoorde British Cemetery, Belgium. The memorial in Monkton Priory Memorial shows G Davies, whilst the Cenotaph shows J. Davies.

 

Joshua H. Davies, Private, 402, Welsh Regiment. Joshua was the Son of George and Sarah Davies, of 18, Owen Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He served with the local Territorial Battalion, the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion 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 9 August 1915. 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. 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 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, aged 26. He is buried at Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet, France.

 

William Herbert Davies, Shipwright 1st Class, 346304 (CH), Royal Navy. William was born on 6 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, aged 32. He 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.

 

Thomas Eynon, Private, 19992, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Hundleton, and was the nephew of Mrs A Beddow, of India Row, Minkton.. He enlisted at Pembroke into the 15th (Carmarthenshire) Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, which was known as the Carmarthen Pals. The Battalion formed part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, and landed in France during December, 1915. They were initiated into trench warfare in Flanders, around Fleurbaix, before moving South prior to the July 1916 Somme Offensive. It was in the period leading up to the Somme Battles that Thomas was to die. He was killed in Action on 13 March 1916 while the Battalion was holding the line near the La Bassee Canal. He was buried in Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France.

 

William George Greenslade, Gunner, 131053, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was born in 1898, the son of Frank and Elizabeth Greenslade, of Whitegate, Hundleton. He enlisted at Pembroke into the 144th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. The Battery moved to France in August 1916, and moved to Ypres. Little is known of William's service, but he was only 19 years old when he died of Wounds, on 21 October 1917. He is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Owen Harries, Sergeant, 240791, 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, which was attached to 182 Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The division landed in France on 21 May 1916, and moved to the Flanders sector, near Fromelles. On 19 July 1916 the division took part in a combined attack with the 4th Australian Division, as a diversion to the main attack on the Somme, but it was a slaughter, with thousands of lives lost needlessly. Such was the damage to the Division and its reputation that it was not used again other than for holding trench lines until 1917, when it took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line. On 17 March, it captured Chaulnes and Bapaume. Later that year it fought at Battle of Langemarck, between 16 and 18 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 20 November and 7 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, aged 26. He is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. The memorial in Monkton Priory shows O. Harries, whilst the Cenotaph shows W. Harries.

 

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 was posted to France on 17 December 1915, joining the 2nd Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, which was attached to 5 Brigade, 2nd Division. In the summer of 1916 the Division was on the Somme, and took part in the Battle of Delville Wood, the Battle of the Ancre, and the ensuing Operations on the Ancre. William was killed on the Ancre on 13 November 1916, aged 24. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. The memorial in Monkton Priory shows O. Harries, whilst the Cenotaph shows W. Harries.

Robert Hiatt, Private, 22276, Gloucestershire Regiment. Robert was born at Little Walford, Warwickshire in 1889. He probably worked at Monkton as a groom prior to the war, and enlisted at Shipston-on-Stour into 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. Robert was killed at Flers on 19 August 1916, aged 27. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Alfred Hill, Private, 15830, South Wales Borderers. Alfred was born in 1888, the son of William and Mary Hill, of Orange Hill Gate, Monkton. He enlisted into the South Wales Borderers, and embarked at Folkestone on 5 September 1915 for France, before being posted to the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and sailing from Marseilles on 30 October 1915 for Egypt, where he joined the 8th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was attached to 67 Brigade, 22nd Division, and took part in the campaign in Mesopotamia. Within eight months, the terrible conditions had caught up with Alfred,a nd he spent time in several hospitals before being invalided home on 23 August 1916. After several months recuperating, Alfred was posted to France, joining the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, and serving with them until being wounded by shell fragments at Ypres in July 1917. Alfred saw further service in France after recovering from his wounds, but the war had taken its toll on his health, and he died at Pembroke in the summer of 1923, aged 31. Alfred died after the CWGC cut-off date for commemoration. He is commemorated on the Pembroke and Monkton cenotaph, but not on the Monkton Priory Memorial. His brothers George and Hugh also fell.

George Henry Hill, Petty Officer Stoker, 278128, Royal Navy. George was born on 9 May 1875, the son of William and Mary Hill, of Orange Hill Gate, Monkton. 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. His brothers Alfred and Hugh also fell.

Hugh Hill, Private, 15831, South Wales Borderers. Hugh was the son of William and Mary Hill, of Orange Hill Gate, Monkton. 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. His brothers George and Alfred also fell.

 

Owen Kennea, Sapper, 51656, Royal Engineers. Owen was the son of George and Margaret Kennea, of 5, Thomas Street, Pembroke. He enlisted on 5 September 1914 at Newport, Monmouth into the Royal Engineers. On 22 October 1914 Owen was posted to the 90th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which from January 1915 onwards was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division, which was to become widely regarded as one of the best in the British Army. Owen landed in France on 13 May 1915, and moved with the company to Steenwerck. Owen looks to have been attached to the staff of a bomb (or hand grenade) making factory in Steenwerck. At around 5.50 p.m. on 27 May 1915, an explosion occurred in the factory, killing or badly wounding a large number of officers and men who were stationed in the immediate locality. Owen was 44 years old when he was killed that day, and is buried in Steenwerck Communal Cemetery, France.

 

Edgar Lewis, Sergeant, 725073, Royal Field Artillery. Edgar was born in Monkton, the son of John and Margaret Lewis. The family later resided at Rose Villa, Jameston, Manorbier. He enlisted at Neath into the 2nd (Glamorgan) Battery, 1st (Welch) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which served with the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Edgar served with the Division throughout their campaign on Gallipoli, and was with the Division in Egypt when he Died on 23 March 1917, aged 31. Edgar is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt in Grave D. 93.

John Mason, Stoker 1st Class, 229299, Royal Navy. John was born on 6 April 1887, the son of James and Hannah Mason, of West Orielton. John was a married man, with two children, who resided with his wife Beatrice Mason (nee Johns) at Waterloo, Pembroke Dock. He had enlisted into the Royal Navy on 6 April 1905, and from 7 September 1915 had served aboard HMS Marmion, a Moon Class Destroyer, which was launched on 28 May 1915. Whilst on patrol off the Shetlands on 21 October 1917, Marmion was involved in a collision with HMS Tirade, another Royal Naval destroyer, and sank. John was one of several seamen to lose his life in the sinking. His body must have washed ashore at Norway, and John is one of several sailors from Marmion to be buried in Fredrikstad Military Cemetery, Norway.

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 in 1889, the son of John and Annie Nicholas, of Priory Terrace, Monkton. The family later resided at Glais, near Swansea after Johns death. Hubert had married before the war, and resided with his wife Martha Elizabeth Nicholas at Boundry Place, Masons Road, Gorseinon, where he worked as a Steel Worker and Roofer. Hubert enlisted at Clydach into the 1/6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was one of the first territorial units to move to France in August 1914. Initially, in late 1914 and early 1915, they were on lines of communication and in July 1915 were based in the Locre and Kemmel area, facing the Germans who were on the high ground at Spanbroekmolen. The battalion was in the trenches, but also doing work repairing trenches etc. Hubert was killed in action near Kemmel on 5 August 1915, aged 26. 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. John was in training at the Recruits Depot at Farnham, Surrey when he died on 17 June 1916, aged 20. John is buried at Monkton, at St. Nicholas Cemetery.

 

David Reynolds, Corporal, 118, Welsh Regiment. David was born at Pembroke in 1890, the son of John and Sarah Reynolds, of Guilderoy, Hundleton. He was an original member of the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial infantry unit. The Battalion formed part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, who sailed from Devonport during July 1915 bound for Alexandria. They landed at Gallipoli on 9 August 1915, and were immediately thrown into the midst of bloody fighting on the Peninsula, and David was killed in Action, just five days later, on 13 August 1915. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial, on Panel 140. His brother-in-law, Albert Clifford, also fell.

Thomas George Roberts, Private, 13540, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Pembroke. He worked as a groom for Colonel Young at Kidwelly prior to the war, and enlisted at Llanelli into the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The Division assembled around Bulford during September 1914. Divisional training was completed near Tidworth, from March 1915, and the 'Butterfly Division' crossed to France between 11 and 21 July 1915, and moved to positions near Loos. The Division fought during the opening attack of the Battle of Loos, and then moved to the Somme, where they took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost, and fought through the Somme Battles of Pozieres and the Ancre in 1916. They then moved North to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines. Thomas was killed at Messines on 23 July 1917. He is buried at Locre Hospice Cemetery, Belgium, in Grave Ref. II. A. 21.

 

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 in 1895, the son of Martin and Frances Vaughan, of India Road, Monkton. He 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, aged 21. He is buried at Bronfay Farm Military Cemetery, Bray Sur Somme, France.


Nurse Williams. This woman cannot presently be identified. She is not named on the Monkton Priory Memorial, just on the Cenotaph.

George Wiltshire, Sergeant, 14835, South Wales Borderers. George was born in 1875 at Batheaston, Somerset. He married Florence Annie Brace at Pontypridd on 25 February 1908, and the couple moved to 21, Mansel Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke, where Florence gave birth to their four children. George was an army reservist at the outbreak of the Great War, and re-enlisted at Pembroke on 30 September 1914 into the South Wales Borderers. He was originally posted to the 5th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, but on 20 March 1915 was instead posted to A Company of the Depot Battalion, South Wales Borderers. On 3 December 1915 George was discharged as medically unfit, and he died at Carmarthen Hospital on 14 April 1916, aged 40. He is buried at Monkton, at St. Nicholas Cemetery. Florence later moved to 24, Whitchurch Road, Prees, Salop.

 

Francis George Wynne, DSO, Major, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Francis was the son of Major Mark Saurin Wynne (of the 81st Regiment) and Susanna Frances Wynne, of Mellaston, Pembroke. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which was part of 94 Brigade, 31st Division. The Division didn't get to France until 27 May 1918, but Francis had been in France since at least early 1916, where he was awarded his Distinguished Service Order for Conspicuous Gallantry. The Citation in the 26 September 1916 edition of the London Gazette reads- 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When the enemy, in overwhelming numbers, attacked our trenches, he remained at his post, though wounded and unable to stand, until the enemy were beaten off. He not only commanded his own company, but took charge of another, the officers of which had become casualties.' Francis was killed in Action on 10 April 1918. He is remembered on Panel 7 of the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

Pembroke (Monkton) War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

 

Charles Albert Henry Ayling, Sergeant (Pilot), 561445, Royal Air Force. Charles was the son of Amelia Ayling, of Cowplain, Hampshire. He married Joan M Morris at Pembroke in 1939, and at the outbreak of war volunteered to serve with the Royal Air Force, training as a fighter pilot. He first served with 43 Squadron in 1939, flying sorties from Acklington, Northumberland and from February to May 1940 flew on patrols from Wick. On 31 May 1940 the squadron returned to Tangmere, and took part in sorties over France, following the German invasion. Charles was forced to crash land his damaged Hurricane after a dogfight over the Somme, and escaped three days later after finding an abandoned Hurricane at Gavray. He fought with the squadron until being transferred to 66 Squadron on 10 September 1940. The squadron was based at Kenley, and operated Spitfires, moving to Southampton the following day. Charles was transferred to 421 Flight on 7 October, but within days was shot down and killed during a dogfight over Hawkinge on 11 October 1940. He was 29 years old, and his body was brought back at the request of his wife to be buried at Pembroke (Monkton St. Nicholas) Cemetery. His brother, Albert Edgar Ayling, was killed whilst training in Canada with the Empire Air Training Scheme on 10 August 1942, aged 19. Although Charles is buried at Monkton, for some reason he is not commemorated locally.

 

William George Brickle, Canteen Manager, C/NX 195, Royal Naval Canteen Service. William was the Son of William and Sarah Brickle, of Monkton, and the husband of Mary Margaret Annie Brickle, of Goodwick, Pembrokeshire. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard HMS Walney. Walney was a former US Coastguard utter, which had been leased to the Royal Navy. She had served on the Atlantic Convoys early in the war, under the command of Western Approaches Command, and was nominated for special duties during Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. Her task was to break into Oran harbour, so she sailed from the Clyde on 26 October 1942, as part of the escort for the military convoy MKF-1 to Gibraltar. On arrival in November, she embarked troops to carry out a landing inside the harbour. The operation commenced on 8 November 1942, but rapidly ran into trouble, when Walney came under heavy fire from shore defences, and rammed the outer, and then the inner booms, causing her to sink after being struck by shells from the French sloop La Surprise. Over 80 of her crew and most of the troops being carried went down with the ship. William was one of the men killed aboard Walney on 8 November 1942. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. He is also commemorated on the Goodwick Memorial.

Eric Brock, Lance Corporal, 2008307, Royal Engineers. Eric was the Son of William and Elizabeth Ann Brock, and the husband of Lucy May Brock, of Pembroke. He served with 284 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers, which was an armoured assault unit. Eric landed on the Normandy Beaches in June 1944, and took part in the break out of Normandy, and the drive north towards Belgium. On 20 October 1944, at a farm on Isabelleweg near the town of Ijzendijke, a horrific explosion occurred, which caused the death of forty-one British and Canadian soldiers and caused injury to another fifty-one some of which would be fatal. One of the dead was Eric. He was killed on 20 October 1944, aged 25, and is buried at Adegem Canadian War Cemetery. The explosion was never fully investigated, but at the time, the men of 284 Assault Squadron were busy repairing and refuelling several tanks, and it is thought that an unstable load of nitro-glycerine had exploded, killing the men.

 

 

Charles Victor Catherall, Sergeant (Observer), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Charles was the Husband of Margaret Catherall, of Monkton, and served as an Observer with 37 Squadron, RAF. The Squadron was a heavy bomber squadron, equipped with the Vickers Wellington. In November 1940 the squadron was transferred to Egypt, via Malta, from where it carried out a number of sorties. Once in Egypt the squadron took part in the campaign in the western desert, supporting the Eighth Army against Rommel and the Afrika Korps. It also took part in the suppression of the Iraqi revolt and sent a detachment to Greece in March 1941. Charles was killed in North Africa on 16 November 1941. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

Francis David Jenkins, Serjeant, 7596419, Royal Electrical And Mechanical Engineers. Francis was the husband of Celia Ann Jenkins (nee Hobbs), of 139, Main Street, Pembroke. He served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was posted to Singapore, where he became attached to the 1st Battalion, Cambridgeshire Regiment. Francis was captured, along with the remnants of his battalion, during the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in December 1941. He died as a Prisoner of War in Japan on 7 April 1945 aged 26, and is buried in Yokohama War Cemetery, Japan.

Thomas Albert Thomas, Guardsman, 2734724, Welsh Guards. Thomas was the Son of William and Elizabeth Thomas of Pembroke, and served with the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Battalion sailed for North Africa on the 5th February 1943, and fought there until moving to Italy early in 1944. Thomas was killed during the fighting at Monte Cerasola on 11 February 1944. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy.

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. Albert was born at Pembroke in 1886, the son of George and Mary Beddoe. He married in 1907, and by 1911 was residing with his wife Lily Beddoe at 10, King Street, Cwm. 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, aged 29. 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.

Arthur Thomas Brace, Seaman, M25849, Royal Navy. Arthur was born at Pembroke on 20 September 1893, the son of Alfred and Eleanor Mary Brace. Prior to the war the family had moved to Main Street, Pembroke, which was his father's home town. Arthur enlisted into the Royal Navy on 11 April 1917, and trained at HMS Victory. His first posting was aboard HMS Empress of India, then to HMS Victory II, and HMS Magic. He was hospitalised in January 1918, and his health never really recovered, so Arthur was discharged from the Royal Navy. He died in Pembroke on 20 September 1921, aged 28. Arthur's death cannot be linked to his war service, and he died after the CWGC cut off date for commemoration. He is buried at Monkton Cemetery, Pembroke.

 

Albert Davies, Petty Officer Stoker, 302855, Royal Navy. Albert was born on 2 February 1884 at Pembroke, the son of William and Sarah Davies. He enlisted into the Royal Navy, 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, who was 31 years old. He is commemorated alongside his former crew members on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

C. Davies. This man cannot be positively identified.

James Victor Davies, Private, T/2434, Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment. James was born at Pembroke, the Son of James and Alice Kathleen Davies. The family later resided at 44, Wheatstone Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. James 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 6 and 7 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, aged 27. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. His brother John was killed in 1918.


John Dawkins, Corporal, 245980, Durham Light Infantry. John was born at Neyland in 1894, the son of George and Sarah Dawkins. The family resided at 4, North Street, Golden Hill, Pembroke prior to the war. John enlisted at Pembroke into the 4th Battalion, 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, aged 22. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France. His brother Albert was killed at Gallipoli in 1915.

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 in 1884, the son of Richard and Margaret Jane Flutter. He had served with the Imperial Yeomanry prior to enlisting at Pembroke into the Cavalry on 27 June 1906, joining the 3rd (Prince Of Wales Own) Dragoon Guards, which was 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, where Frederick was wounded in the shoulder. After recovering in hospital at Camiers, he rejoined his unit on 19 March 1916. In April 1917 the division fought during the Battle of the Scarpe, and this is which is where Frederick was killed on 11 April 1917, aged 33. 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 on 30 October 1917 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. Elmor 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 in 1885, the son of James George. He married Annie Louisa Williams at Bridgend on 20 May 1907, and the couple resided at 55, Vale View, Nantymoel prior to the war. Robert enlisted at Bridgend into the Welsh Regiment, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 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, aged 33. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

L J Griffiths. This man cannot be positively identified.

Osborne William Griffiths, Private, 13425, Coldstream Guards. Osborne was the son of George Llewhellin Griffiths and Edith A. Griffiths of Pembroke. He resided at Carew prior to the war, and enlisted at Hayward's Heath into the Coldstream Guards. Osbourn was posted to the 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, which was attached to 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division. The Division moved to France at the outbreak of war, and fought from the opening Battle of Mons, through the retreat south to the Aisne. The Guards were at the forefront of the fighting in France. On 20 August 1915 the 3rd Battalion transferred to 1st (Guards) Brigade, Guards Division, and took part in the Battle of Loos, which was launched on 25 September 1915. It was probably at Loos that Osbourne was wounded and returned home for treatment. Sadly he died of his wounds on 16 November 1915 aged 34, and is buried at Carew (St. Mary) Churchyard. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

William Hopkin Griffiths, Private, 285315, Welsh Regiment. William was born in Llandeilo, the Son of Thomas Saunders and Eda Griffiths. The family had moved to 5, Rock Terrace, The Green, Pembroke at some time after 1911. A Chemist by trade, William 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 almost 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 20. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

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, the son of Thomas and Mary Ann Howells. Prior to the war he resided with his wife, Mary Jane Howells, at 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 on 4 September 1906 into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and had served in India for several years prior to returning home. At the outbreak of war John was serving with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 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, aged 30. He is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France.

 

Stuart Kirby Jones, Lieutenant, Army Veterinary Corps. Stuart was born at Wavertree, Liverpool in 1888, the Son of William and Alexandrina Jones. He was a Graduate of Liverpool University, becoming a M.R.C.V.S., and resided at Pembroke, where he worked as the Council's Veterinary Inspector. Stuart was gazetted into the Army Veterinary Corps Reserve on 18 November 1911, and when the war broke out he was sent to France attached to the 25th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. The Brigade was attached to the 1st Division, and landed in France at the start of the war. It then moved to positions on the Belgian border, and took part in the Battle of Mons, and the retreat to the Marne. During the resulting Battle of the Aisne, he was seriously wounded by shell fire which shattered his leg, and he died three days later on 18 September 1914, aged 25, at No 2 General Hospital, Versailles. Stuart is buried in Les Gonards Cemetery, Versailles, France.

Reginald Harry Male, Lance Corporal, 46366, Machine Gun Corps. Reginald was the Son of George Henry and Caroline Fanny Male. George was a Postmaster at Pembroke prior to the war, and retired to Holland House, Church Street, Malvern. Reginald 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 21 March 1918, 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, aged 21. He is buried at Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt, France.


 

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, aged 21. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

 

Percival Alfred Nicholls, Shipwright, 343493, Royal Navy. Percival was born in 1885, the Son of James and Rosa Nicholls, of The Green, Pembroke. He served with the Royal Navy during the Great War, aboard HMS Albion, a Canopus Class pre-dreadnought battleship. Albion had served at Gallipoli, where her guns were used to support the landings, and remained in the Mediterranean for the remainder of the war. Little else is known about him as yet, but Percival died at Tregaron in 1920, at the age of 35.

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, aged 23. He is buried at Manitoba Cemetery, Caix, France.

William George Perkins, Private, 23031, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. William was born in 1893, the son of John and Martha Perkins, of The Green, Pembroke. He 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 Esther Ann Lloyd on 13 June 1914, and the couple resided at 3, Thomas Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. Frederick was a regular soldier, and had enlisted at London into the Royal Engineers in 1908, training as an electrician. At the outbreak of war, he 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 was sent ashore with a work party at Lancashire Landing, Gallipoli, and 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.

 

William John Roberts, Private, 35126, South Wales Borderers. William was the son of John Roberts, of 21, Middle Prospect Place, Pembroke. He 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 near the Hindenburg Line on 4 May 1917, aged 30. He is buried at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand, France.

Percival Lewis Scorey, Warrant Shipwright, 345927, Royal Navy. Percival was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke on the 24 January 1888, the son of George and Ellen Scorey. 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 Samford, Suffolk on 1 December 1918, aged 30. He 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 born on 10 June 1879, the son of John and Catherine Skone, of 13, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He was an old soldier, who had been recalled to the colours after having served with the South Wales Borderers, and served in one of the regular Welsh Regiment battalions, the 2nd Battalion, which was 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. His step-brother Sidney John Skone had recently been killed.


Sidney John Skone, Private, 48899, Lancashire Fusiliers. Sidney was born at St. Mary's, Pembroke, the son of John and Mary Skone, of 13, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. Sidney resided at Llanelli prior to the war. He enlisted there into the Army and was posted to the 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which was attached to 52 Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. During July 1915 the Division landed in France, and 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, Sidney was wounded here and sadly died as a result on 1 March 1918, aged 29. He is buried at Hermies Hill British Cemetery, France. His step-brother James was shot at dawn in May 1918.

John Evan Gordon Thomas, Lance Corporal, 9920, South Staffordshire Regiment. John was born on 27 November 1888 at Neyland, where his parents William and Mary were Grocers. The family moved, in 1900, to Pembroke, and lived for many years at Somerset House, Merchants Park, Pembroke. His father was the local agent for Singer Sewing Machines and a leading member of the Pembroke Undenominational Mission Band. On leaving school John was Apprenticed as a Coach Painter, and probably enlisted in the summer of 1914, joining the 7th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.  John first saw action at Gallipoli, landing at Suvla Bay with the battalion on 7 August 1915. The Battalion was withdrawn in December 1915 and transferred to defensive duties in Egypt before being posted to France in July 1916. At some time, John transferred to the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment. He was with them on 28 March 1917 when they launched an attack on Courcelles whilst following up the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. John, along with 129 other ranks, were Killed in Action that day as well as a number of Officers. John was 29 years old and is buried at St Leger British Cemetery, France. The base of his headstone bears the enscription; 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.' Thanks to Trevor Stinton for the additional information.

 

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 in 1883, the son of Richard and Gertrude Treweeks. He was a regular officer in the Royal Navy, and married Dorothy Martha Caistor whilst on leave in January 1914. Richard served 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.

James George Young, Mechanician, 292787, Royal Navy. James was born on 19 February 1881, the Son of William and Rose Young, of Portsmouth. He was the husband of Annie Young, of 30, Williamson Street, Orange Gardens, Pembroke. James served as a Mechanician aboard HMS Hampshire, which was a Devonshire Class Armoured Cruiser. She fought at the battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916, and immediately after the battle, was directed to carry Lord Kitchener from Scapa Flow on a diplomatic mission to Russia. In a strong gale on 5 June 1916, Hampshire struck a German mine, and sank, with the loss of all bar 12 of her crew. Among the dead was James. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Pembroke (St. Mary's) War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

 

Phillip Dennis Byrne, Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 534732, Royal Air Force. Phillip was the Son of Patrick and Frances Byrne, and the husband of Elsie Mary Byrne, of Pembroke. He served with 15 Squadron, RAF, which was equipped with the Bristol Blenheim. Phillip was killed when his Blenheim was shot down over Holland on 26 July 1942. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.

 

H. G. Davies. Cannot be positively identified.

William Mansfield, Corporal, 1326666, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the Husband of Ethel Kate Mansfield, of Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He served during the war with the RAF, and died on 9 March 1945. He was 56 years old, and is buried at Pembroke (St. Daniel) Churchyard.

 

Cyril Henry Monk, Leading Aircraftman, 1079992, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Cyril was the Son of Alice Monk, of Pembroke. He served with the RAF during the war, but died on 15 December 1943. Cyril was 23 years old, and is buried at Pembroke (St. Daniel) Churchyard.

 

I. Morris. Cannot be positively identified.

J. A. Treweeks. Cannot be positively identified.

Edward Donovan Scott Usher, Lance Bombardier, 844167, Royal Artillery. Edward was the Son of John and Beatrice Usher, of Pembroke, and the husband of Phyllis I. Usher, of Pembroke. He served with 95 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Edward was wounded during the campaign in the Western Desert, and died on 3 November 1942. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Heliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt.

Pembroke (St. Michael's) War Memorial, The Great War, 1914-1918


Charles Gordon Bowen, Private, 200080, Welsh Regiment. Charles was born in 1896, the son of George and Fanny Bowen, of 2, Harcourt Terrace, Pembroke. He married Matilda Jane Williams at Pembroke in 1916, and the couple had a daughter, Edith Mary. They set up home at 2, Clifton Villa, Clynderwen. Charles enlisted into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, on 5 May 1913, and on the outbreak of war was called up to the colours. He fought at Gallipoli with the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. On 18 September he was admitted to the 1/1st Welsh Field Ambulance, suffering from pain. He was evacuated to England aboard H.S. Northland a week later, and was hospitalised at Pembroke Dock Military Hospital. Charles was then discharged, and was posted to Scoveston Camp, but took ill, and was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which led to him being discharged from the army on 5 November 1917. He died at Clynderwen on 10 March 1919, aged 22, and was buried at Pembroke (St. Michael) Cemetery on 15 March 1919. Charles has only recently (January 2012) been accepted for commemoration by the CWGC, who will add his name to the Brookwood (1914-1918) Memorial.

 

Ernest Brinn, Lance Corporal, 46723, Royal Engineers. Ernest was the Son of Robert and Elizabeth Brinn, of 14, Kingsbridge, Pembroke. He worked for the Great Western Railway prior to the war, and was based at Goodwick, where he worked as an engine driver. Ernest joined the Royal Engineers on 7 September 1914, and was posted to the 34th Divisional Signal Company. Ernest was due to move to Gallipoli from 4 July 1915, but was transferred, and posted to France, landing on 10 September 1915, where he was attached to the Army Corps Cable Section in France. He was wounded at Loos, and died of his wounds at No. 25 Field Ambulance on 9 August 1916. Ernest was 25 years old, and is buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, France.

 


Frederick James Mansell Bryant, Second Lieutenant, Welsh Regiment. Frederick was born at Pembroke in 1895, the only child of William Hugh Owen Mansell Bryant and Lillian Maude Bryant. The family later resided at Manorbier. Frederick was commissioned into the 1/4th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment, part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division fought at Gallipoli, suffering heavily, and were transferred to Egypt upon withdrawal from the Peninsula. They defended the Suez Canal, before advancing into Palestine in 1917, and it was on the first day of the Battle of Gaza, on 26 March, 1917, that Frederick was Killed in Action. He is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial, Panel 30 to 32. Frederick is not named on the Cenotaph, but is commemorated on St. Michael's Church Memorial.

 

Albert Edward Coulson, Sergeant, 23357, Royal Garrison Artillery. Albert was born in 1893, the son of Ralph and Ada Coulson, of 38, Kent Street, Sculcoates, Hull. He enlisted at Hull into the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was posted to Pembroke Dock prior to the war. On 1 January 1916 the 96th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery was formed at Pembroke Dock, and Albert became a Sergeant with the Battery. On 24 May 1916 the Battery landed in France, and saw its first action on the Somme, during the attack at Gommecourt. It fought on the Somme throughout the remainder of 1916, before being moved to Arras in 1917, and taking part in the Battle of Arras that year. The Battery then transferred to the Canadian Corps, in the Arras sector. Albert was killed when his gun was hit by German counter-battery fire on 23 July 1917. He was 23 years old, and is buried in Loos British Cemetery, France.

 

Thomas John Esmond, Rifleman, R/17560, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Thomas was the son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Esmond, of Orchard Buildings, 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, aged 25. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Charles Henry Hardwick, Driver, 39843, Royal Field Artillery. Charles was born at Pembroke in 1885, the son of Alice Hardwick. Alice later resided at Handsworth, Staffordshire, but Charles remained at Pembroke, and married Sarah Jane Lewis, of East End, Pembroke, in 1917. Charles served with the 42nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the war, which was attached to the 12th (Eastern) Division. He survived the war, but died on 1 March 1919 as a result of his war service. He was 35 years old, and was buried at Pembroke (St. Michael's) Churchyard on 5 March 1919. Charles is not commemorated by the CWGC, and there is insufficient evidence to put him forward for commemoration.

Percy Hay, Private, 54497, Welsh Regiment. Percy was the son of John and Alice Hay, of Belmont Terrace, Pembroke. He enlisted at Pembroke into the Army, and 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 was 21 years old, and 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. On 5 May 1916 the 15th RWF moved into the front line trenches at Fauqissart, in Northern France, for s brief spell on duty. Stanley was killed in action here on 8 May 1916, aged 24. His grave must have been discovered during post war clearances of the battlefield, as Stanley is today buried at Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, France, some distance from where he was killed.

 

Florance Horgan, Private, 55236, Kings Liverpool Regiment. Florance was born at St. Michael's, Pembroke in 1875, the son of John and Mary Horgan. The family later resided at Llandyfodwg, and Florance 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 at Prescot, Lancashire on 18 April 1917, aged 41. He is buried at St. Helen's Cemetery, England.

Arthur Howell, Captain, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was born in in 1891, the son of James and Mary Ann Howell, of 5, Eaton Place, Pembroke. Arthur's father and brothers were employed at Pembroke Dockyards, but Arthur decided to go to sea, joining the Merchant Navy several years prior to the war. Arthur served for the duration of the war, and died of influenza in New Zealand on 18 November 1918, aged 27. Little else is presently known of him, as he is not commemorated by the CWGC. Many thanks to Giles Howell for identifying his Great Uncle Arthur, and for the photograph of him below.

 

Arthur Charles Howells, Private, 54118, Welsh Regiment. Arthur was born in 1890, the son of Thomas and Jane Howells, of 16, Mansel Street, Pembroke. He 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 was 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, aged 27. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France. Arthur is not named on the memorial, but is possibly the man above.

 

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 Hughes, of New Cottage, Royal Oak Yard, Pembroke. 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, aged 31. George has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. His widow Emma re-married, becoming Emma Reader, of Gooses Lane, Pembroke.

 

Albert James John, Private, 45482, Lancashire Fusiliers. Bertie was born at Broomhill, Minwear on 20 October 1898, the son of David John and Catherine Ann John (nee Lewis). The family later resided at St. Florence, and Albert was educated at Greenhill Grammar School. At some time during the war the family had moved again, to Amberley House, Pembroke. Albert enlisted at Carmarthen into the Pembroke Yeomanry, and at some time after 1916 was posted to France, joining the 18th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. The battalion was attached to 104 Brigade, 35th Division, and saw its first major action on the Somme. After being drastically re-manned, the Division then went back into the line, and followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917. Later in the year they moved north to Ypres, and fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. Albert was killed in action at Passchendaele on 22 October 1917, aged 20. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. He had originally been reported as missing two days prior to the official date of his death. His brother Joseph also fell.

 

Joseph Davies John, Private, 645, Australian Imperial Force. Joseph was born at Broomhill, Minwear, Narberth in 1893, the son of David and Catherine Ann John. The family later resided at Tenby, where Joseph was educated, and at Amberley House, Pembroke. Joseph had emigrated to Australia with his cousins in 1910, aged only 17, and enlisted at Perth, NSW on 12 March 1915 into the 28th Battalion, Australian Infantry, who were attached to 7 Brigade, 2nd Australian Division. Joseph landed on Gallipoli on 5 September 1915 and was wounded in the thigh two weeks later, which required him to be evacuated and sent to Egypt for treatment. On 15 January 1916 Joseph returned to his unit, and on 16 March 1916 the Battalion embarked at Alexandria to France, disembarking at Marseilles on 21 March. In France, the Australian Imperial Force were posted to the line near Fleurbaix, where they were initiated into the rigours of trench warfare on the Western Front. In mid July, the ANZACS were sent to the Somme, where they were to take the formidable German positions at Pozieres Ridge. The first attack was carried out successfully by the First Division, and on 27 July 1916, the Second Division replaced them at Pozieres. Joseph was posted as missing during the continued fighting at Pozieres, and was finally certified as Killed in Action on 29 July 1916. He was 22 years old, and is remembered on the Villers-Brettoneaux Memorial, France. His brother Albert also fell.

 

Sidney John, Private, 483, Welsh Regiment. Sidney was born at Pembroke in 1895, the son of Samuel and Margaret John. He resided with his uncle Benjamin Davies at 9, Kingsbridge, Pembroke prior to the war, and enlisted at Pembroke into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the local Territorial Battalion. The 1/4th Welsh became part of 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Sidney 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, aged 20. He is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Cyril Gordon Johnson, Shipwright 1st Class, 344857, Royal Navy. Cyril was born at Milford on 19 April 1886, the Son of William Henry and Anne Johnson. The family later resided at Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke. Cyril 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 Wedgewood Jones, Private, M/280337, Royal Army Service Corps. Frank was born in 1888, the Son of John and Alice Emily Jones, of 3, Bengal Villas, Pembroke. 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.

Edward Morris Morgan, Sapper, 563293, Royal Engineers. Edward was born at Pembroke in the summer of 1879, the son of John and Mary Morgan, of Twopenny Hay, Pembroke. Edward was a schoolmaster prior to the war, and had residences at 6, Holyland Road, Pembroke and at 46, Wiverton Road, Sydenham, Kent, where he taught. He served as a Sapper with the Royal Engineers during the Great War. Edward survived the war, but died as a result of his service on 23 March 1921, aged 41. He was buried at Pembroke (St. Michael's) Churchyard on 28 March 1921. Edward is not named on the St. Michael's Church Memorial, but is named on the Cenotaph. He is not commemorated by the CWGC.

James Henry Morgan, Driver, 38442, Royal Engineers. James was born in Pembroke, the Son of James and Martha Morgan. The family later moved to 3, North Gate, Haverfordwest. James 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, and 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, aged 21, and is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery. James is not named on the St. Michael's Church Memorial, but is named on the Cenotaph.

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, and was attached to the 20th Destroyer Fleet. On 1 August 1918, the 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. It was almost midnight when Vehement struck a mine which exploded her forward magazine, and blew off the whole forward section of the ship. She was later sunk by gunfire from Telemachus and Vanquisher. Hubert was one of 48 men killed in the explosion. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

John Plankington Pelling, Captain, Royal Army Service Corps. Very little is known about John, but he was born at Birkenhead in September 1884, the son of Thomas and Jessie Pelling. He was commissioned into the Army Service Corps on 13 March 1915, and survived the war, being mentioned in despatches in 1917. John married Mabel Jane Thompson in the Wirral during March 1919. He died at Pembroke on 17 February 1920, aged 35. John is not commemorated by the CWGC.

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.

 

Howard Joseph Preece. Howard was born in 1894, the Son of Alfred and Sarah Preece, of 11, Kingsbridge, Pembroke. Little is presently known of him, but he died during November 1915, aged 21, and was buried at Pembroke (St. Michael) Cemetery on 1 December 1915.

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 Jesse and Ann 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, aged 19. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

George Watkins, Shipwright 1st Class, 344396, Royal Navy. George was born on 16 September 1882, the son of George William Watkins and Mary Ann 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, Hampshire.

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.

 

Pembroke (St. Michael's) War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

 

John Stephen Adams, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of Colonel John Loftus Adams, and of Hermione Agnes Caroline Adams, of Holyland, near Tenby. He served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, aboard H.M. Trawler Stella Capella. She was a trawler which had been purchased into the Royal Navy in August 1939 and converted for anti-submarine duties, joining the 12th A/S Strike Force at Belfast. During 1940 she took part in the Norwegian campaign, and in April 1941 joined the 41st A/S Group at Iceland. Stella Capella was on patrol off Iceland on 19 March 1942 when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-701, with the loss of all hands. John was 30 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk. John's parents are buried at Manorbier Churchyard, and John is commemorated on their headstone there.

Wilfred Charles Coles, Warrant Officer Class II (B.S.M.), 754008, Royal Artillery. Wilfred was the Son of Celia Mary Coles, of Pembroke, and served with the 102 (The Pembroke Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Wilfred died on 6 October 1940, aged 35, and is buried at Pembroke (St. Michael) Cemetery.

 

Joseph Craig, Private, 1111315, The East Lancashire Regiment. Joseph was the Husband of Olive May Craig, of Pembroke. He served with the 5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, which landed on the Normandy beaches on 29 June 1944, as part of 59th (Staffordshire) Division. Joseph was killed just over a week after landing in Normandy, on 8 July 1944. He was 29 years old, and is buried at La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres, France.

 

James Ernest Dooley. James was born in 1901, the son of William and Alice Dooley, of East End, Pembroke. He married Gwendoline Scarfe at Pembroke in 1932. Little else is presently known of him, but he died at Pembroke in 1943, aged 41.

Ronald George Hay, Petty Officer Stoker, D/KX 83607, Royal Navy. Ronald was the Son of James and Inez Hay, of Pembroke, and the husband of Gwendoline Avesnes Hay, of Milton, Pembrokeshire. He served in the Royal Navy, aboard HMS Jackal, which was a J-Class destroyer. Ronald was seriously wounded when Jackal was bombed and heavily damaged on 11 May 1942, north-west of Mersa Matruh, Egypt, by German Ju88 aircraft. He died the following day, aged 29, and was buried at sea, and so is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

John Ernest Philip Jeff, Pilot Officer, 88034, Royal Air Force. John was the Son of Ernest and Madge Jeff, of Tenby, and served in 44 Squadron, RAF. The Squadron was part of Bomber Command, and flew the Handley Page Hampden. John was part of the crew of Hampden I, Serial AD864 KM-W, which took off on the night of 2 May 1941 bound for Hamburg. John was killed when the bomber was shot down, and crashed on the River Elbe, between Blankenese and Cranz, on 3 May 1941. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, England. His brother Robert also fell.

Robert Voase Jeff, DFC and Bar, Flight Lieutenant, 39285, Royal Air Force. Robert was the Son of Ernest and Madge Jeff, Of Tenby, and served with 87 Squadron, RAF. The Squadron was a fighter squadron, equipped at the beginning of the war with the Hawker Hurricane, which it flew during the Battle of France in 1940. Robert gained the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal twice, and the French Croix-de-Guerre, during his prematurely short career with the RAF, in which he shot down several German aircraft. He was killed when his Hurricane was lost in combat over Portland Bill on 11 August 1940. Robert is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. His brother John also fell. Robert's Bar to his DFC was awarded after his death; 'This officer was a first class leader who inspired his flight with the offensive spirit and himself shot down five enemy aircraft.'

George William Morris, Private, 4207496, Pioneer Corps. George was the Husband of Constance Sear Morris, of Milton Regis, Kent. He died on 12 October 1944, aged 34, and is buried at Hadley General Cemetery.

Leonard R. J. Phillips, Private, 14572556, General Service Corps. Leonard was the Son of James And Winifred Phillips, of Holyland, Pembroke, and served with the General Service Corps. He died, aged 19, on 4 June 1943, and is buried at Pembroke (St. Michael) Cemetery.

 

Percy Frederick Charles Seear, Corporal, 1280025, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Percy was born at Aldershot in 1908, the son of Percy Charles And Harriett Ellen Seear. By 1911 the family had moved to Main Street, Pembroke. In 1933 Percy married Sylvia Rosalind Thomas, and the couple resided at Pembroke. Percy served during the war with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He drowned in Freshwater Bay on 6 August 1945, aged 37, and is buried at Pembroke St. Michael Cemetery. Percy is not commemorated at Pembroke.

 

R. M. Thomas. Cannot be positively identified.

Copyright © Steven John 2013