Llanelli WW2 Memorial

Due to its industrial roots, Llanelli is the largest town in West Wales. The town played a hugely important role locally in supplying recruits to all three services, army, navy and air force, during the war, and was home to the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was the local Territorial infantry unit. Llanelli has many war memorials scattered throughout the churches and chapels of the town, and also in its suburbs, such as in the villages of Furnace, Bynea, New Dock and Felinfoel. As far as I know, there are no names on the main Llanelli War Memorial, so the men and women commemorated on this page have been brought together using information collected from the CWGC database, newspaper archives, and the Army Roll of Honour. As a result there may well be people who are omitted from this list, for which I apologise, as any omission is not intentional.

Llanelli War Memorial WW2

Islwyn Alban, Gunner, 1138909, Royal Artillery. Islwyn was the son of Thomas and Mary Alban, of 5, Waterloo Street, Llanelli. His parents moved back to their native Llanybydder at sometime before the war, and Islwyn married Elizabeth Jones, of Coedmor, Pencader, in 1942. Islwyn served with the 65th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which had been in France in 1939 as part of the 44th Division of the BEF. The remnants of the 65th Field Regiment were among the thousands of British and French soldiers that were pulled off the beaches of Dunkirk during May and June, 1940. They were then sent to North Africa, and fought at the Battles of Alam Halfa and El Alamein, and were disbanded in North Africa after El Alamein. The 65th Field Regiment, RA went on to serve in Italy, during the Landings at Anzio, and Islwyn was killed in action during the Battle of Anzio on 22 May 1944, during the Allied breakout of the Beach-Head. He was 29 years old, and he is buried in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio.

Henry Christopher Andrews, Warrant Officer Class II, 2209270, Royal Artillery. Henry was the son of Ernest John and Elizabeth Andrews (nee John), of Llanelli. He married Iris Lewis, of Llanelli, in 1931. He served during the war with 527 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was based on the Isle of Wight, providing anti-aircraft defences for the island. Henry survived the war, but died on 8 June 1946, aged 37. Henry is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery. His brother Reginald also fell.

Reginald John Andrews, Bombardier, 2021926, Royal Artillery. Reginald was the son of Ernest John Andrews and Elizabeth Andrews (nee John), of Llanelli. He married Ethel Davies, of Felinfoel, in 1933. He served with 484 (Carmarthenshire) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was an anti aircraft unit, equipped with the Bofors gun. Reginald died in hospital at Neath on 25 September 1940. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery. The battery later embarked for overseas to serve in Egypt and Malta. His brother Henry also fell.

Frank Anthony, Gunner, 2050606, Royal Artillery. Frank was the son of Samuel and Emily Anthony, of Llanelli, and the husband of Margaret Elizabeth Anthony, of Felinfoel. He served with 484 Battery, 4 Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was stationed at Malta from 1941. Frank was killed at Malta on 21 December 1941, when his searchlight was knocked out during an air raid on the island. He is buried alongside two of his fellow crew-members. Frank was 37 years old, and is buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta.

Kenneth Arthur, Private, 14676670, Welch Regiment. Kenneth was the son of David John and Jane Arthur, of Llanelli. He served with the 1/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division spent much of the war on home service, before landing in Normandy on 26 June 1944. They then took part in the struggle to break out of the beach head. Kenneth was one of the first casualties suffered by the 1/5th Welch as they moved up to Brouay on 30 June 1944. He was 19 years old, and is buried in St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.

Frank Henry Eli Ballinger, Lance Corporal, 4032265, Royal Armoured Corps. Frank was born at Llanelli in 1914, the son of Arthur Ballinger and Florence Ballinger (nee Vowles). His father had come to Llanelli as a result of his work as a platelayer for the Great Western Railway and had lived in the town for several years. Frank married Mary Charlotte Bragg at Pembroke in 1936 and the couple went to live in Cardiff. Frank enlisted into the army soon after the outbreak of war and was posted to the 48th Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. Following its formation, the regiment embarked for North Africa as part of the 21st Army Tank Brigade, equipped with Churchill tanks. Frank was killed during one of the final actions of the war in North Africa, on 11 May 1943. The 29-year-old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia.

Albert Barker, Private, 4459450, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Albert was the son of Robert Henry Barker and of Emily Elizabeth Barker (nee Heath), and the husband of Olwen Barker, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Black Watch (Tyneside Scottish), which was attached to the 51st (Highland) Division. The battalion had been in France with the BEF in 1940, and had then served in North Africa and Italy before returning to Britain to prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Albert was killed during the fighting on the Dutch/ German border on 8 February 1945, aged 30, and is buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Jack Bennett, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, FAA/FX 81206, Royal Navy. Jack was the son of William John and Emily Bennett, of Llanelli. He served as an air mechanic aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Hermes. She had been the first ever purpose built carrier, and was in the reserve fleet at the outbreak of war. After being re-commissioned she served in the Western Approaches before heading for Dakar, prior to a move to the Indian Ocean in February 1942. Hermes was attacked and sunk by Japanese dive bombers while leaving Trincomalee on 9 April 1942. Jack was among over 300 men killed in the sinking. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hampshire.

Walter Hamilton Bentley, Private, 5957754, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment. Walter was born at Llanelli in 1917, the son of Albert Bentley and Eleanor Bentley. He married Mary Allan, of 1, Watling Court, High Street, Dunstable in 1940 whilst working at Vauxhall Motors, in Luton, Bedfordshire. Walter served with the 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. He died at Wharfedale, Yorkshire on 8 September 1940, aged 23. Walter has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey, although he is possibly buried in St. Mary Magdalene Churchyard, Creswell, Derbyshire.

John Howell Beynon, Fusilier, 4197024, Royal Welch Fusiliers. John was born at Llanelli,  the son of Sydney Wilfred and Lucy Gwendoline Beynon. The family later moved to Mumbles, and John enlisted into the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The battalion was in Belgium with the BEF at the outbreak of war, and took part in the fighting retreat towards Dunkirk in May 1940. John was killed during heavy fighting around St. Venant on 25 May 1940. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, France.

James Black, Gunner, 3960619, Royal Artillery. James was born at Llanelli in 1918, the son of James and May Black. The family later resided at Pontnewynydd, Monmouthshire, and James enlisted into the 25th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. James was killed during Rommel’s great attack in North Africa, on 20 June 1942. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

Frederick Edward Donovan Bourne, Marine, PLY/X106138, Royal Marines. Frederick was the son of Frederick and Florence Bourne, of Llanelli. He served with No. 48, Royal Marine Commando. The battalion landed on the right sector of Juno beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, as part of the 4th Special Service Brigade. It then launched its assault on the town of Langrune-sur-Mer, which was liberated after severe losses. Frederick was one of forty five men of his unit killed on D-Day. He was 19 years old, and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

David Leonard Bowen, Able Seaman, P/JX 514596, Royal Navy. David was the son of Thomas Ivor and Edith Bowen, of Llanelli. He served aboard the J-class destroyer, H.M.S. Janus. She served on convoy escort duties in the North Sea for a time, prior to being despatched to the Mediterranean in May 1940. On 23 January 1944, Janus was off Anzio, supporting the Allied landings, when she was sunk by a German guided bomb. David was one of 162 men killed in the sinking that day. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

William Benjamin Bowen, Leading Aircraftman, 1029215, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of Thomas David and Margaret Bowen, of Llanelli, and the husband of Irene Bowen, of Loughor. He served with 276 Squadron, RAF, which was an air sea rescue unit, based at RAF Perranporth, and equipped with the Boulton Paul Defiant I. William died on 5 July 1942, aged 22. He was brought home and buried in Llanelli (St. Paul) Churchyard.

William John James Bowen, Bombardier, 2059893, Royal Artillery. William was the son of William John and Catherine Bowen, of Llanelli. He enlisted into the Carmarthen Fortress Engineers, a Territorial Army unit, based at Llanelli and Carmarthen. The unit was mobilised on 24 August 1939, sending one Company to the East and West Blockhouses at Angle, Pembrokeshire, overlooking the anchorage at Milford Haven, and its second Company to searchlight positions at Bonvilston, near Cowbridge. In May 1940, the 2nd Company, at Bonvilston, became 484 (Carmarthenshire) Searchlight Company, RE, and then in August the Company was transferred to the Royal Artillery. The battery was moved to Swansea during the Blitz and remained there until being relieved at the end of September 1940, moving to Plymouth. In November the battery embarked for Malta, arriving via Egypt on 8 January 1941, and took up positions on the island, which had been under air attack since the start of the war. Large scale air raids began in earnest in February 1941, mostly by Luftwaffe units, then later by the Italians. William was killed at 484 Battery HQ at Naxxar, when it suffered a direct hit by cluster bombs on 1 November 1941. He was 24 years old, and is buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta.

William Price Bowen, Gunner, 2065899, Royal Artillery. William was born at Beaufort in 1919, the son of Evan Thomas Bowen and Elizabeth Bowen (nee Price). By 1939 the family was residing at Garden Village, Llanelli, where his father Evan worked as an estate repairer on the Stradey Castle Estate and was a Special Constable in the town. William enlisted into the Carmarthen Fortress Engineers, a Territorial Army unit, based at Llanelli and Carmarthen. The unit was mobilised on 24 August 1939, sending one Company to the East and West Blockhouses at Angle, Pembrokeshire, overlooking the anchorage at Milford Haven, and its second Company to searchlight positions at Bonvilston, near Cowbridge. In May 1940, the 2nd Company, at Bonvilston, became 484 (Carmarthenshire) Searchlight Company, RE, and then in August the Company was transferred to the Royal Artillery. The battery was moved to Swansea during the Blitz and remained there until being relieved at the end of September 1940, moving to Plymouth. In November the battery embarked for Malta, arriving via Egypt on 8 January 1941, and took up positions on the island, which had been under air attack since the start of the war. Large scale air raids began in earnest in February 1941, mostly by Luftwaffe units, then later by the Italians. William was killed during another day of heavy air attacks on 6 April 1942. The 22-year-old is buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta. His parents had by then moved back to 10, Wesley Place, Beaufort.

Kenneth Gwynne Brown, Gunner, 1123328, Royal Artillery. Kenneth was the son of John Gwynne Brown and Ellen Maud Brown, and the husband of Enid Megan Brown, of Llanelli. He served with the 73rd Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment had served in North Africa and Italy before being recalled to Britain to prepare for the Normandy landings. Kenneth was killed while fighting in Germany on 23 February 1945. He was 25 years old, and is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

George Godfrey Burden, Signalman, 2328652, Royal Corps of Signals. George was born in Llanelli in 1917, probably the son of Herbert and Eliza Burden. He served with the 7th Armoured Division Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. George seems to have died at sea on 2 January 1944, aged 26. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey.

Walter Kenneth Joseph Cambridge, Gunner, 1655474, Royal Artillery. Walter was the son of Frederick and Eliza Cambridge, of Llanelli, and the Husband of Winifred May Cambridge (nee Smallwood), of Forest of Dean. He served with 447 Battery, 66 (4th Bn. Gloucestershire Regt.) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery formed part of the anti-aircraft defences around Bristol. Walter died on active service on 16 April 1942, aged 26, and is buried in Lydney (St. Mary) Churchyard.

Victor Oswald Capstick, Private, 5050225, North Staffordshire Regiment. Victor was born at Llanelli in 1918, the son of Frank and Winifred Capstick. The family later resided at  Burton-on-Trent. Victor served with the 2nd Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, which was in Belgium at the outbreak of war, attached to the BEF. Victor was killed during the retreat to Dunkirk on 1 May 1940, aged 21. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, France.

David Arthur Charles, Sergeant (Navigator), 1653100, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David had been educated at Llandovery before joining the Royal Air Force during the war. He was posted to 463 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron, which flew the Avro Lancaster III, based at RAF Waddington. On 11 March 1945 David was part of a crew flying Lancaster LM130 JO-N on a target training mission when the aeroplane crashed, killing David. He was brought home for burial at Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Haydn Rendal Charles, Leading Aircraftman, 933339, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Haydn was the son of Griffith and Mary Charles, of Llanelli. Haydn must have been based at RAF Haverfordwest, as he died there on 21 June 1943, aged 34. Haydn was brought home and buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

William David Christopher, Gunner, 961640, Royal Artillery. William was the son of William Charles and Winifred Christopher, of Llanelli. He served with 7 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was attached to the 8th Army. William was killed just prior to the capture of Bardia on 4 January 1941. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

Sidney Clement, Gunner, 1736452, Royal Artillery. Sidney was the son of Charles and Catherine Clement, of Llanelli, and the husband of Eileen Clement, of Llanelli. He served with 224 Battery, 31 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery provided air defence cover around Edinburgh. Sidney died on active service on 28 January 1942, aged 32, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

William Archibald Henry Clement, Fusilier, 4197593, Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was born at Llanelli in 1918, and served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division remained in Britain on home service for much of the war, before landing at Normandy at the end of June 1944. It then took part in the break out from the Normandy beach head. William was killed in Normandy on 26 July 1944, aged 26, and is buried in Brouay War Cemetery, France.

William John Clement, Able Seaman, D/JX 168866, Royal Navy. William was the son of Matthew and Gertrude Mary Clement, of Llanelli, and served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Vyner Brooke, which had been requisitioned by the Admiralty for troop carrying. When the Japanese invaded Singapore, Vyner Brooke was ordered from Singapore, carrying Nurses and evacuees. She sailed on the night of 12 February 1942, but on entering The Banka Straits was attacked by nine Japanese planes. Vyner Brooke was hit repeatedly, with the Bridge being totally destroyed, and the steering gear out of order, so the Captain gave orders for the ship to be abandoned. In just over twenty minutes Vyner Brooke sank. William is recorded as having died on 14 February 1942, so was probably killed during the attack on the ship. Most of the survivors landed on a beach near Muntok where they set up a camp and commenced tending the wounded. A couple of days later, on 16 February, the survivors were discovered by a Japanese patrol. Those that could walk were lined up and shot, those who were lying wounded were bayoneted to death, with only one survived the bayoneting. The nurses were then ordered to walk into the sea, and on reaching waist height the Japanese machine gunned them. William was 22 years old, and is now remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

John Alan Cole, Lieutenant, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve. John was born at Llanelli on 13 February 1905, the son of John William S. and Ethel Cole. He was a master mariner prior to the war, and had emigrated to Australia, where he lived with his wife, Edna Beryl Cole, at Double Bay, New South Wales, Australia. John volunteered to serve with the Royal Australian Navy, aboard the light cruiser H.M.A.S. Sydney. On 20 November 1941, Sydney was on patrol in the Indian Ocean when she came across a merchant vessel. The vessel lured Australia in closer before opening fire on her, and the two ships commenced battle. The ship turned out to be the German cruiser Kormoran, and after a fierce battle, both ships, severely damaged, drifted apart. Sydney went down that night, with the loss of all of her crew of 645 men. John was 36 years old when he was killed on 20 November 1941, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Robert Conkie, Corporal, 543598, Royal Air Force. Robert was the Husband of Annie Winnifred Conkie, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and was in France at the outbreak of war. On 17 June 1940 Robert was among thousands of people packed onto trains which were stuck in a bottleneck at Rennes, when German aircraft bombed the terminal, killing around 800 people. Robert was among the dead. He is buried in Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, France.

Dennis Austin Crowley, Gunner, 1740398, Royal Artillery. Dennis was the son of Dennis and Ann Crowley, of Llanelli, and the husband of Patricia Mary Crowley, of Harrow, Middlesex. He served with 49 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The unit had fought in North Africa, before taking part in the invasion of Sicily on 24 July 1943. Dennis was killed in Sicily on 9 August 1943. He was 31 years old, and is buried in Catania War Cemetery, Sicily.

Herbert Cutler, Trooper, 14308386, Royal Armoured Corps. Herbert was the son of Percy John and Gazella Cutler, of Stradey, Llanelli. He served with the 9th Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. The regiment landed in Normandy by 19 June 1944, equipped with Churchill tanks. Shortly after its arrival the, 9th RTR took part in Operation Epsom, the push to secure the Normandy Beachhead, and Caen. Herbert was killed in action during the operation, on 10 July 1944, aged 20. He is buried in Ryes War Cemetery, Bazenville, France.

Edward Neville David, Lance Corporal, PLY/X111698, Royal Marines. Edward was the son of Thomas Edward and Mary Annette David, of Llanelli. He served with No. 47, Royal Marine Commando. The unit landed at Gold Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, and fought its way through La Rosiere, before digging in at Escures for the night. On the following day 47 Commando attacked Port-en-Bessin. Edward was killed during the attack on 7 June. He was 19 years old, and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

Abraham Isaac Davies, Gunner, 1817040, Royal Artillery. Abraham was the son of Mrs E. A. Davies, of Llanelli. He served with 6 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment was in the Far East when the Japanese launched their invasion of Malaya in December 1941, and the scattered elements of the regiment saw action in Java and at Singapore. Abraham was taken prisoner by the Japanese at some stage, and died on 23 July 1942, aged 20. He is buried in Jakarta War Cemetery, Indonesia.

Benjamin Gwynmor Davies, Sergeant, 1704708, Royal Artillery. Benjamin was the son of Edwin and Mary Davies, and the husband of Elsie Mary Davies, of Llanelli. He was in the Far East serving with the Royal Artillery, and had been attached to 22 Anti-Tank Regiment, West African Artillery, R.W.A.F.F. Benjamin died in India on 13 April 1945, aged 32, and is buried in Maynamatti War Cemetery, Bangladesh.

Clifford Davies, Seaman, LT/JX200855, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Clifford was the son of Thomas and Blodwen Davies, of Llanelli, and the husband of Susie Davies, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard H.M.S. Ailsa Craig. Clifford died on active service in Scotland on 4 February 1944. He was 29 years old, and is buried in Dunfermline (Douglas Bank) Cemetery, Scotland.

Cyril Smiles Davies, Private, 3963756, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). Cyril was the son of William and Isabel Davies, of Llanelli, and the husband of Glenys Davies, of Llanelli. He enlisted into the army along with his friend Daniel Davies (see below), and served with the 5th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, which had been formed from the 2/5th Battalion, after the original unit had been captured at Singapore. In January 1943 the new 5th Battalion, joined the 1st Army in Tunisia, and fought in North Africa before taking part in the invasion of Italy. Cyril was killed in Italy on 21 November 1944, aged 26, and is buried in Meldola War Cemetery, Italy.

Daniel Davies, Private, 3963757, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). Daniel was the son of William and Jane Davies, of Llanelli. He enlisted into the army with his friend Cyril Davies (see above), and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. The battalion joined the 1st Army in Tunisia, and fought in North Africa before taking part in the invasion of Italy. Daniel was killed at Anzio on 3 June 1944, aged 25, and is buried in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.

David Gwynne Davies, Gunner, 1764663, Royal Artillery. David was the son of David John and Agnes Margaretta Davies, of Llanelli. He served with 20 Battery, 2 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery was in North Africa when David was killed on 17 August 1942. He was 30 years old, and is buried in Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Edgar William Davies, Sergeant, 1420122, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Edgar was the son of William Henry and Kate Augusta Davies, of Llanelli. He served as an Air Gunner, with 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster III, and was based at RAF Metheringham. On the night of 25 November 1943, Edgar was aboard Lancaster JB592, which took off from Metheringham as part of a large bomber raid on Berlin. Early the next day, the Lancaster was shot down over Germany, killing all seven of the crew. Edgar was 22 years old, and is buried alongside his crew at Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

Garfield Davies, Pilot Officer (Air Gunner), 137587, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Garfield was the son of Louisa Davies, and the husband of Constance Willis Davies, of Llanelli. He served as an Air Gunner with 102 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Handley Page Halifax II, and was based at RAF Pocklington. Just before midnight on 12 May 1943, Garfield took off from Pocklington aboard Halifax JB799, which formed part of a large force of bombers sent to raid Duisberg, Germany. The Halifax was shot down over Holland the next morning, and crashed in the North Sea on 13 May 1943. Garfield was killed during the crash. He was 31 years old, and is buried in Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Harry Lawrence Davies, Gunner, 1818704, Royal Artillery. Harry was the son of John Jared and Margaret Davies, of Llanelli. He married Charlotte Annie John at Llanelli in 1936. Harry served with the 21st Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The unit had seen action during the Battle of Britain, before moving to Carlisle. The Regiment sailed aboard the SS Warwick Castle on 7 December 1941, originally heading for Iraq, but were instead sent to Singapore, due to the Japanese invasion of Malaya. Singapore was under attack before they arrived, so the ship was re-directed to Batavia, on the island of Java on 3 February 1942. When Java fell on 23 February 1942 the men of the battery were held at Usapa Besar POW, and was later broken up, and sent to different parts of South East Asia, where the men were used as forced labour. Many of the men subsequently died from disease or accidents in labour camps on the Siam-Burma ‘Death’ Railway, in Japan, Java, Borneo, and Changi Prison. Harry died as a POW on 30 January 1945. He was 45 years old, and is buried in Jakarta War Cemetery, Indonesia.

Hywel Davies, Mess Room Boy, Merchant Navy. Hywel was the son of William and Maria Davies, of Llanelli, and resided in Fishguard, where he served aboard the S.S. St. Patrick (London). She was a Cross Channel ferry that worked the Fishguard to Rosslare route. In 1940 she was attacked by the Luftwaffe while on route, but escaped with no damage. On 13 June 1941 she had left Rosslare, and was passing Strumble Head when she was discovered by German Dive Bombers. The first clutch of bombs went straight through the bridge, and set the ships oil tanks on fire. She sank some time afterwards, with the loss of seventeen crew, a Gunner and twelve passengers. The remainder were rescued and landed at Milford Haven. Hywel died aboard the ship that day, aged just 18, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London, and on his parents grave at Fishguard.

John Arthur Davies, Gunner, 14680197, Royal Artillery. John was the son of Ebenezer and Sarah Davies, of Llanelli. He served with 600 Regiment, Royal Artillery, after having been transferred from the 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. John ‘s unit was advancing through Belgium, when it was ordered to attack a mill near Dunkirk on 15 April 1945, which had been fortified by the Germans. The attack was costly, with John being among 15 men killed or mortally wounded. John was 30 years old when he was killed that day, and is buried in Cassel Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

John Herbert Davies, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1315508, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of John Henry and Margaret Davies, of Llanelli. He served as a Air Gunner with 100 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a heavy bomber unit, based at RAF Waltham, and equipped with the Avro Lancaster III. John was one of six crewmen killed when their Lancaster was brought down over Holland on 29 June 1943. He was 21 years old, and is buried alongside his former crew members at Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Netherlands.

John V. Davies, Able Seaman, D/JX364864, Royal Navy. John was the son of Thomas Samuel and Ethel May Davies, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard the Dock Landing Ship H.M.S. Northway. John had travelled to America with the crew of Northway to take part in her commissioning in February 1944, following her launch on 18 November 1943. He died in America on 18 February 1944, aged 19, and is buried in Portsmouth (Evergreen) Memorial Park, USA. Northway later played an important part in the Normandy landings by ferrying vehicles from Britain to the Normandy beaches.

Llewellyn Bernard Davies, Private, 3964136, Welch Regiment. Llewellyn was the son of William Harman Davies and Agnes Davies, of Llanelli. He served with the local Territorial unit, the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, after almost five years on home service, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. Llewellyn was killed just after the successful capture of s’Hertogenbosh, on 4 November 1944. He was 23 years old, and is buried in Nederweert War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Sidney Davies, Stoker, LT/KX 111474, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Sidney was the son of Gwilym and Blodwen Davies, of Llanelli, and the husband of Muriel Davies, of Felinfoel. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard HM Trawler Arctic Trapper, which was based at Ramsgate. Sidney was killed when she was machine gunned and sank by German fighters off Ramsgate on 3 February 1941. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk.

Thomas Clifford Davies, DFM, Flight Sergeant, 580453, Royal Air Force. Thomas was the son of Thomas John and Mabel Clifford Davies, of Llanelli. He served as a Pilot with 226 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Thomas was a veteran pilot with the squadron, and had flown over France during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940 before the squadron was evacuated from Brest. The squadron converted to Blenheims after returning to England, and began anti-shipping operations. Thomas was killed when his Blenheim IV, Serial Z7291, was shot down by flak, and crashed  into the sea  off Nordeney on 4 July 1941. He was 21 years old, and is buried in Sage War Cemetery, Germany. Thomas was the holder of the Distinguished Flying Medal, which had been awarded to him for operations over France in 1940. His medals surfaced in Canada this year (2013), and were recently sold on ebay.

Thomas John Davies, Private, 4207383, Pioneer Corps. Thomas was the son of John and Julia Davies, of Furnace, Llanelli. He served in North Africa with the Pioneer Corps. Thomas died in Algeria on 20 July 1943, aged 23, and is buried in Dely Ibrahim War Cemetery, Algeria.

David Cecil Devonald, Private, 14796715, Welch Regiment. David was the husband of Mair D Devonald (nee Davies), of Llanelli. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, after almost five years on home service, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. Early in 1945 the division began fighting through the Reichswald. David was killed here on 25 February 1945, aged 24, and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

Raymond Edgar Dolling, Sergeant, 1337861, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Raymond was the son of Fred and Rose Dolling, of Llanelli. He joined the Royal Air Force, and trained as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner, before being posted to 17 Operational Training Unit, which was based at RAF Silverstone. On 18 September 1943, Raymond was flying aboard the Vickers Wellington X, Serial HE324 when it crashed on a training flight, killing all six of its crew. Raymond was 21 years old, and is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

James David Doyle, Lance Corporal, 3910693, Essex Regiment. James was the son of John and Lillian Doyle, of Llanelli, and the husband of Louvaine Doyle, of Pontardawe. He served with the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment. The battalion fought in North Africa, before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. James was killed in Italy on 5 July 1944, aged 26, and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy.

Ralph Drew, Private, 3963214, Welch Regiment. Ralph was the son of Walter and Rose Drew, of Llanelli. Ralph had served during the war with the Welch Regiment, possibly the 4th Battalion, and died on 20 November 1945, aged 25. He is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Alcwyn Edwards, Lance Corporal, 3976735, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). Alcwyn was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Edwards, of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. The battalion had served in North Africa, before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Alcwyn was killed in Italy on 22 May 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.

Trevor Edwards, Private, 3963546, Pioneer Corps. Trevor was the son of Oliver and Gwladys Edwards, of Llanelli, and the husband of Violet Edwards, of Llanelli. He had served during the war with the Pioneer Corps, and died on 12 October 1946, aged 25. Trevor is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Thomas Wilfred Ellis, Warrant Officer II (CSM), 3958893, Welch Regiment. Thomas was the son of George and Bridget Ellis, of Llanelli, and the husband of Megan Ellis. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment. Thomas had served with the 1st Welch in North Africa, before it moved to Italy to take part in the invasion. Thomas was killed during the attack on the Gothic Line on 9 September 1944, aged 32. He is buried in Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy.

Albert Henry Evans, Able Seaman, D/JX 219188, Royal Navy. Albert was the son of George and Margaret Ann Evans, of Llanelli. He served and the Royal Navy, and was based at H.M.S. President III, before being posted aboard the S.S. Florian, a merchant steamship. On 20 January 1941 Florian was on route from Hull for New York when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-94, going down with all 44 of her crew. Albert was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Alfred Robert Evans, Private, 3958788, Welch Regiment. Alfred was born at Llanelli in 1916, the son of Thomas Henry and Mary Ann Evans. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Alfred had been posted as a guard aboard the S.S. Arandora Star, a London registered Blue Star liner, which had been detailed to take German and Italian internees and POW’s to Canada. On 2 July 1940, Arandora Star was sailing north of Ireland when it was torpedoed by the German submarine U-47, which was commanded by Gunther Prien, and sank with the loss of 865 lives. Alfred was 24 years old when he died in the sinking, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey.

Brynmor Evans, Guardsman, 2734644, Welsh Guards. Brynmor was the son of Isaac and Christina Evans of Dafen, and served with the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Guards.  The battalion formed in October 1941, and moved to North Africa in February 1943. Brynmor was killed during their first major engagement, at the Fondouk Gap, on 10 April 1943. He was 22 years old, and is buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Douglas Evans, Private, 14427609, Welch Regiment. Douglas was the son of Gwilym and Elizabeth Mary Evans, of Llanelli. He served with the 1/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division had spent most of the war on home service before landing at Normandy at the end of June 1944. It then took part in the break out from the beach head and the fighting around Caen. Douglas was killed during the capture of Fresney le Vieux on 16 August 1944. He was 18 years old, and is buried in Ranville War Cemetery, France.

Harold Lloyd Evans, Lieutenant, 253650, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Harold was born in Llanelli early in 1920. He married Henrietta McCree, of 234, Bushbury Road, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton in 1942. Harold had been commissioned into the Royal Welch Fusiliers, but after being posted to the Far East was attached to the Headquarters of the 2nd West African Infantry Brigade, R.W.A.F.F. Harold died in Burma on 15 March 1945, aged 25, and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar. His widow Henrietta later moved to Carmarthen, before marrying again and moving to Llanelli.

Ivor Evans, Driver, T/3914590, Royal Army Service Corps. Ivor was the son of John and Gwladis Evans, of Llanelli, and the husband of Winifred Evans, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps, and had taken part in the North African campaign before moving to Italy. Ivor was killed in Italy on 12 July 1944, aged 37, and is buried in Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

Ivor Evans, Fusilier, 3963528, Royal Scots Fusiliers. Ivor was the of Benjamin and Elizabeth Evans, of Llanelli, and the husband of Lilian A. Evans, of Cwm, Monmouthshire. He served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, which was attached to the 15th (Scottish) Division. The division landed in Normandy after D-Day, and took part in the fighting to break out from the beach head. Ivor was killed during Operation Bluecoat, the securing of the high ground of Mont Pinçon, on 4 August 1944. He was 27 years old, and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

Ivor James Evans, Private, 3974776, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Ivor was the son of Gwilym and May Evans, of Llanelli. He served with the 2/4th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which was attached to the 46th Infantry Division. The division fought with the 1st Army in North Africa, before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Ivor was killed in Italy on 6 December 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy.

John Leslie Evans, Private, 1761186, Highland Light Infantry. John was the son of John and Catherine Ann Evans, of Llanelli, and the husband of Winifred Elisabeth Evans, of Llanelli. He served with the 10th Battalion (City of Glasgow Regt), Highland Light Infantry, which was attached to the 15th (Scottish) Division. The division landed in Normandy after D-Day, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the subsequent drive through France and Belgium into Holland. Early in 1945 it entered Germany, and began the last series of battles as the British headed towards Hamburg. John was killed in Germany on 2 May 1945, aged 29, and is buried in Hamburg Cemetery, Germany.

Kenneth Evan John Evans, Flight Sergeant, 1018216, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Kenneth was the son of Emlyn and Martha Evans, of Llanelli. He had worked for the Western Welsh Omnibus Company at Ammanford prior to the war, before enlisting into the Royal Air Force. Kenneth served with 104 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was equipped with the Vickers Wellington II, and was based at Kabrit. The squadron was employed on attacking targets in Italy, flying from Kabrit. Kenneth was reported as missing, presumed killed when his Wellington was lost on 24 February 1942. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

Lewis John Evans, Gunner, 3953853, Royal Artillery. Lewis was the son of William Henry and Margaret Jane Evans, of Llanelli. He served with 484 (Carmarthenshire) Battery, 4 Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was in Malta, forming part of the anti aircraft defences of the island. On 20 April 1942 Malta came under heavy attack by Axis bombers, and suffered a large amount of damage and casualties. Lewis was killed that day. He was 35 years old, and is buried in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Ronald James Evans, Trooper, 3958847, Royal Armoured Corps. Ronald was the of Daniel and Hannah Evans, and the husband of E. M. Evans, of Llanelli. He served with the 53rd Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Ronald landed in Normandy with the division at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the Normandy beach head over the coming weeks. Ronald was killed at Caen on 30 July 1944, aged 27, and is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, France. His brother Trevor Evans had been killed at Dunkirk in 1940.

Stanley Lewis Evans, Corporal, 2322442, Royal Corps of Signals. Stanley was the son of Mathias and Elizabeth Evans, of Llanelli, and the stepson of Frederick John Howells, of Pennar. He served with the Singapore Fortress Signals Company, Royal Corps of Signals. Stanley was taken prisoner when the Singapore garrison surrendered to the Japanese in December 1941, and he was taken into captivity at Changi Jail. He died in captivity on 13 February 1942, aged 23, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore.

Thomas Festubert Evans, Gunner, 1827284, Royal Artillery. Thomas was the son of Thomas John and Rebecca Evans, of Felinfoel, and the husband of Silvia Evans, of Llanelli. He served with 48 Battery, 21 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, based at Singapore. Thomas was taken prisoner when the Singapore Garrison surrendered to the Japanese in December 1941, and was given the POW No. 2521. He was one of thousands of men forced to march to Sandakan Number 2 Camp from the Number 1 Camp around 15 April 1945. Survivors were then moved back to a wired section of Number 2 Camp on 29 May 1945. Thomas died during the march on 14 July 1945. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore.

Trevor Evans, Gunner, 3961234, Royal Artillery. Trevor was the son of Daniel Phillip and Hannah Evans, of Llanelli. He served with 99 (The Royal Bucks Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Trevor served in France with the BEF, and took part in the fighting retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940. Trevor’s body must have been found in January 1941, as his date of death is shown as being sometime between 28 May 1940 and 5 January 1941. He was 22 years old, and is buried in Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France. His brother, Ronald James Evans, was killed in August 1944.

Trevor James Evans, Private, 14574358, Welch Regiment. Trevor was the son of Ithel and Lily May Evans, of Seaside, Llanelli. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was the local Territorial unit, attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the subsequent drive through France and Belgium into Holland. Trevor was killed when the battalion attacked a wood at Wilreit on 19 September 1944. He was 19 years old and is buried in Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Vernon Evans, Marine, 14036, Royal Marine Engineers. Vernon was the son of Robert and Margaret Evans, of Llanelli, and the husband of Etta Evans, of Llwynhendy. He served with the Royal Marine Engineers, and was based in the Far East. Vernon died on active service in India on 13 April 1945, aged 22. He is buried in Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India.

Sidney Phillip Every, Lance Corporal, 3963596, Royal Armoured Corps. Sidney was the son of Evan John and Anne Every, of Llanelli. He served with the 53rd Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Ronald landed in Normandy with the division at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the Normandy beach head over the coming weeks. Sidney was killed on 18 August 1944, aged 23, and is buried in Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

Arthur Fisher, Seaman, LT/JX 173278, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Arthur was the son of Thomas and Edith Gertrude Fisher, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard H.M. Drifter Uberty. On 7 May 1941, Uberty was on patrol off Lowestoft, when she was attacked and sunk by German aircraft. Arthur was 23 years old when he died in the attack, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk.

Charles William Thomas Flowers, Rifleman, 6914036, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Charles was born at Llanelli in 1922. He had served with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, before volunteering to undergo Commando training, and was attached to No. 5 Commando. The unit had undertaken many small raids on France before being moved to India with the 3rd Special Service Brigade late in 1943, and took part in operations in Burma. Charles was killed in action on 31 January 1945, during a famous action at Hill 170 in Burma which gained an officer of his unit, Lieutenant George Arthur Knowland, the Victoria Cross. Charles was 22 years old, and is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Cyril Forster, Private, 14206400, Durham Light Infantry. Cyril was the son of James and Ellen Forster, and the husband of Doreen Gertrude Forster, of Llanelli. He served with the 11th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which was attached to the 49th (West Riding) Division. The division landed in France after D-Day, and took part in the break out from the Normandy beach head. Cyril was killed in Normandy on 25 June 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Hottot-Les-Bagues War Cemetery, France.

Robert Desmond Francis, Able Seaman, D/JX 364861, Royal Navy. Robert was the son of John Henry and Mary Winifred Francis, of Felinfoel. Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, and was based at H.M.S. Defiance, the Royal Navy’s torpedo school, which was based aboard the obsolete cruiser HMS Andromeda. Robert died at Llanelli Hospital on 16 November 1945, aged 21, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

James Maclennan Fraser, Corporal, 13037818, Pioneer Corps. James was the son of Donald and Christine MacLennan Fraser, and the husband of Brenda Jane Julia Fraser, of Llanelli. James was a qualified Structural Engineer prior to enlisting into the Pioneer Corps, and was posted to the Royal Navy base at Gibraltar. James died in Gibraltar on 2 June 1941, aged 40. He is buried in Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery.

William Kenneth Fuller, Craftsman, 3961543, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. William was born at Llanelli in 1921, the son of John Fuller and Mary Fuller (nee Palmer). His mother was a young woman from Llangwm who had worked as a servant at Haverfordwest before her marriage, then the family had moved to 14, Pencae Terrace, Llanelli. William had enlisted into the Welch Regiment, but was later transferred to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He then served in North Africa, and following the surrender of the Afrika Korps, joined the great offensive to liberate mainland Italy. William was killed during the invasion of Italy on 18 February 1944. He was 22 years old, and is buried in Anzio War Cemetery, Italy.

Reuben Garrington, Lance Corporal, 2736349, Welsh Guards. Reuben was the son of William and Ann Garrington, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The battalion had made a famous stand during the defence of Arras in 1940, before being evacuated from Dunkirk. It remained in Britain until landing in Normandy in June 1944 with the Guards Armoured Division. Reuben was killed in Normandy on 7 August 1944, aged 29, and is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, France.

Henry Hugh Gough, Captain, 71211, Royal Irish Fusiliers. Henry was born in 1917, the son of Harry Percy Bright Gough and Martha Reid Gough (nee Fullerton), of 64, New Road, Llanelli. His father served as a Major with the Welsh Regiment during the Great War and was killed in France in 1918. Henry followed in his fathers footsteps and in January 1937 was commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Following the outbreak of war he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, with the rank of Captain. The battalion was posted to Malta in 1940 as part of the Malta Garrison, and would remain there until 1943. Henry was killed when a German bomb hit the Regent Cinema, Valletta on 15 February 1942. The body of the 24-year-old, a very popular officer, was recovered from the debris and he was buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta.

Iris Mary Gough, Private, W/298253, Auxiliary Territorial Service. Iris was the daughter of Arthur John and Maggie May Gough, of Pemberton, Llanelli. She served with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and was based at Swansea docks during the war. Iris died in Swansea on 16 September 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Bryn Congregational Chapel Cemetery, Llanelli.

Leslie Clifford Grice, Driver, 168139, Royal Army Service Corps. Leslie was the son of Samuel and Clara Grice, of Llanelli, and the husband of Anne Vera Grice, of West Bromwich, Staffordshire. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps, and was posted to the Far East, where he became attached to the 18th Division Headquarters. Leslie was captured by the Japanese at Singapore, and was sent to Thailand with ‘F’ Force in April 1943. He died at Songkurai Camp of beri-beri on 19 July 1943, aged 26, and was buried in Songkurai No. 1 Cemetery. His grave was relocated to Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar after the war.

Aelwyn Griffiths, Rifleman, 1651787, Royal Ulster Rifles. Aelwyn was the son of David John and Margretta Griffiths, of Llanelli, and the husband of Megan Griffiths, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st (Airborne) Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles. The battalion trained as glider troops, to be dropped behind enemy lines in Horsa gliders, and joined the 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division. Aelwyn landed with his unit at Ranville on D-Day, 6 June 1944, and took part in the fighting to consolidate the gains made during the day. The 6th Airborne was then withdrawn to Britain, before returning to take part in the Battle of the Ardennes later that year. It then took part in Operation Varsity, the crossing of the Rhine into Germany, during 24 March 1945. Aelwyn was killed that day when his battalion attacked Brunen. He was 35 years old, and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

Hywel Griffiths, Private, T/166237, Royal Army Service Corps. Hywel was the son of Griffith John and Mary Annie Griffiths, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps, and was posted to the Far East, joining the 18th Division Transport Company at Singapore. Hywel was captured by the Japanese at Singapore, and was sent to Thailand with ‘F’ Force in April 1943. He died at Songkurai Camp of diarrhoea on 28 July 1943, aged 23, and was buried in Songkurai No. 2 cemetery. Hywel’s grave was relocated to Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar after the war.

Wesley Enoch Griffiths, Driver, T/159758, Royal Army Service Corps. Wesley was the son of John Griffiths, and of Elizabeth Ada Griffiths, of Llanelli. He served in North Africa with the 903rd Motor Brigade, Royal Army Service Corps. Wesley was killed on 14 November 1942, just after the Eighth Army recaptured Tobruk. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

Richard George Hancock, Warrant Officer II, 3955095, Royal Artillery. Richard was the son of Nathaniel and Eliza Hancock, of St. Pauls, Llanelli. He served with 44 Battery, 61 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Richard was serving in North Africa, when he was captured by the Italians, and was among a number of POW’s loaded onto the S.S. Scillin at Tripoli in November 1942. On 14 November 1942, Scillin was sailing from Tunisia when she was attacked and torpedoed by the Royal Navy submarine HMS Sahib, and sank with heavy loss of life. Richard was 34 years old when he died in the sinking of Scillin, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

Frederick Albert Harley, Corporal, 565253, Royal Air Force. Frederick was the son of Leonard and Gwendoline Harley, and the husband of Eirlys Harley, of Furnace, Llanelli. He served with 815 Squadron, Royal Air Force, and had been posted aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Illustrious, which was based in the Mediterranean, and flew the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers. On 10 January 1944 Illustrious was part of a fleet escorting Operation Excess convoys east of Sicily, when she was attacked by Axis aircraft, and suffered severe damage. Frederick was killed during the attack that day. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta.

Charles Ronald Morgan Harries, Gunner, 1624924, Royal Artillery. Charles was the son of Thomas and Florence Mabel Harries, and the husband of Beryl May Harries, of Llanelli. He served with the 35th Battery, 12th (11th Bttn London Regt) Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Charles died at Llanelli Hospital on 27 February 1945, aged 32, and is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Joseph Howard Harries, Fireman, Merchant Navy. Joseph was the son of William and Francis Harries, of King George Avenue, Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the S.S. Royal Force, which was a Whitehaven registered cargo steamer. Joseph was one of three men killed aboard Royal Force on 23 April 1940, presumable after attack by enemy aircraft. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Alfred Harries, Private, 3973583, Army Air Corps. Thomas was the son of Thomas and Florence Harries, of Llanelli, and the husband of Irene Harries, of Llanelli. He served with the Army Air Corps, which was formed in 1942 from Commando personnel. Thomas could possibly have served during the Airborne offensive at Normandy on D-Day, but no details of his service are forthcoming. He died as a result of his service on 19 July 1945, aged 22, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

William John Harries, Fusilier, 3976749, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. William was the son of Catherine Annie Harries, of Llanelli. He served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The battalion fought in the campaign in Tunisia, before landing in Sicily, and later fought in Italy. William was killed in action in Italy on 3 November 1943, aged 21, and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy. His mother had lost three brothers during the Great War, all of whom are commemorated on the Dafen War Memorial.

Colin Hawley Harris, Corporal, 319277, Royal Armoured Corps. Colin was the son of Albert and Gladys Harris, of Llanelli, and the husband of Matilda Harris, of Dafen. He served with the 16th/5th Lancers, which was part of the Royal Armoured Corps. The Lancers were attached to the 6th Armoured Division, and fought in North Africa. Colin was killed during the Battle of the Kasserine Pass on 20 February 1943, when the 6th Armoured Division was rushing to the assistance of the beleaguered American II Corps. He was 24 years old, and is buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

David Jones Harris, Private, 40611, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. David had served throughout the war with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He survived the war, but died due to its effects on his health on 1 May 1947, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Alfred H. Harvey, Craftsman, 14931368, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Alfred was the son of Herbert Joseph and Josephine Sarah Harvey, of Llanelli. He had served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during the war. Alfred died at Dorchester on 19 September 1946, aged 20, and is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Robert Leslie Hay, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 127097, Royal Navy. Robert was the son of Robert William and Mary Elizabeth Hay, of Llanelli, and the husband of Mary Muriel Hay, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal navy, and was based at H.M.S. President III. Robert was posted aboard the S.S. Mendoza, an Italian liner which had been seized by the Admiralty. On 1 November 1942, Mendoza was in the Indian Ocean, off Durban, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-178, with the loss of over 150 lives. Robert was 28 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Spencer H.A. Henwood, Supply Assistant, D/MX80773, Royal Navy. Spencer was the son of Harold John and Sarah Lily Henwood, of Sandy, Llanelli. He served with the Royal navy aboard the battleship H.M.S. Renown. Spencer had served aboard Renown during the hunt for the Graf Spee in 1939, and for the Bismarck in 1940. After spending much of 1941 at Gibraltar, Renown returned to Scotland to provide cover for the Arctic Convoys. Spencer died in Scotland on 27 June 1942, aged 19, and is buried in Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery, Scotland.

Sydney John Hill, Private, 6097603, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Sydney was the son of Charles and Eliza Hill, and the husband of Lilian Eileen Hill, of Llanelli. He served with the 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, which fought in the North African campaign. Sydney was killed during Operation Torch, on 17 November 1942. He was 29 years old, and is buried in Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia.

David Albert Hopkins, Private, 13074184, Pioneer Corps. David was the son of William and Frances M. Hopkins, of Llanelli. He served with the Pioneer Corps. He died at Horsham, Sussex on 3 October 1942, aged 28, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

William Hopps, Private, 4457803, Durham Light Infantry. William was the son of Fredrick and Margaret Hopps, and the husband of Eunice Hopps, of Llanelli. He served with the 11th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which was attached to 70 Infantry Brigade. The battalion landed in Normandy on 12 June 1944, and within days began taking part in operations to break out from the beach head. William was killed during the attack on Rayray on 27 June 1944, aged 25. He is buried in St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.

David Hugh Isaiah Howells, Private, 14765359, Monmouthshire Regiment. David was the son of Griffith John and Sarah Ann Howells, of Bynea, Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and fought in the break out from the Normandy beach head before taking part in the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. The division advanced into Germany early in 1945. David was killed during the assault on Rethem on 11 April 1945. He was 18 years old, and is buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany.

Edward Idwal Hughes, Trooper, 3963454, Royal Armoured Corps. Edward was the son of Sidney and Sarah Ann Hughes, of Llanelli. He served with the 53rd Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Ronald landed in Normandy with the division at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the Normandy beach head over the coming weeks. Edward was killed near Caen on 15 August 1944. He was 24 years old and is buried in Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

Gwyn Hughes, Rifleman, 1799169, Royal Ulster Rifles. Gwyn was the son of John Henry and Mary Elizabeth Hughes, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, The London Irish Rifles. The battalion left England in August 1942, and served in Iraq before being transferred to Italy with the 168th Infantry Brigade. Gwyn was killed in Italy on 29 December 1944, aged 23, and is buried in Forli War Cemetery, Italy. He is commemorated on his parents grave at Box Cemetery.

Henry George Hughes, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 302349, Royal Navy. Henry was the son of George and Annie M. Hughes, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, and was based at H.M.S. Drake, the stoker’s training base. Henry died on 2 November 1943, aged 20, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Ivor Hughes, Cabin Boy, Merchant Navy. Ivor was the son of Daniel and Sarah Hannah Hughes, of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy, as a cabin boy aboard the S.S. Empire Amethyst, a Middlesbrough registered oil tanker. On 14 April 1942, Empire Amethyst was in the middle of the North Atlantic, with a cargo of motor spirit, when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-154, exploded and sank with the loss of all her crew of 47. Ivor was 17 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Philip Rice Hughes, Home Guard. Philip was the son of Arthur Rice Hughes and Elizabeth Hughes, of Bryn-Deri, Tryfran, Llanelli, and the husband of Phyllis Mai Hughes, of 23, Whittell Gardens, Lewisham. He served with the Home Guard, and was at home in London when he was killed during an air raid on 1 October 1940, aged 33.

William David Conrad Hughes, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of Lt. David John Hughes and Muriel Annie Hughes (nee Thomas), of Llanelli. William served as a Pilot with 812 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service,  and was based at HMS Daedalus at Portsmouth. William died when his aeroplane crashed in North Buckinghamshire on 10 January 1941, also killing Norman Koelges, his fellow crewman. William was 21 years old, and was brought home to be buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery. His father David John Hughes had died in 1921 as a result of wounds suffered during the Great War.

Phillip Richard Hurley, Gunner, 1722026, Royal Artillery. Phillip was the son of James and Mary Hurley, and the husband of Doris Hurley, of Felinfoel. He served with 7/4 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. Philip was probably serving aboard the S.S. Empire Heron, which was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-568 on 15 October 1941. He was 2 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Garth Huws-Jones, Third Radio Officer, 208240, Naval Auxiliary Personnel (Merchant Navy). Garth was the son of the Revd. David Huws Jones and Gertrude Huws Jones, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard the ocean boarding vessel H.M.S. Crispin. On 4 February 1941 Crispin sunk after having been hit by a torpedo on the previous night, which had been fired by the German submarine U-107. Garth was among 20 men lost in the sinking. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Liverpool Naval Memorial.

Bernard Ingham, DFC, Wing Commander, 112519, Royal Air Force. Bernard was the son of Alfred Jackson Ingham and Marion Ingham, and the husband of Joan Mary Ingham, of Llanelli. He had served with the Royal Air Force for several years, rising to the rank of Wing Commander, and gaining the Distinguished Flying Cross while commanding 41 Squadron, RAF, which was a fighter squadron, equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire. Bernard was discharged from the RAF as unfit in 1945, but died from the effects of his wartime service on 6 August 1947, aged 27. He is buried in Eastbourne (St. Mary) New Churchyard, England.

Lewis Reginald Isaac, Sergeant, 748158, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Reg was the son of James and Blodwen Matilda Isaac, of Llanelli. He served as a pilot with 64 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a fighter unit, equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire I, based at RAF Kenley. On 5 August 1940 Reg was sent up with his Spitfire, Serial L1029, with five other fighters of 64 Squadron, to escort a convoy which was steaming through the English Channel. German bombers were spotted heading towards the convoy, and while the Spitfires were intent on hunting down the bombers, they were attacked by German Messerschmitt fighters. Reg was shot down over the channel during the dogfight that followed. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Brinley John James, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 364597, Royal Navy. Brinley was the son of Oliver John and Gladys Irene James of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard H.M.L.C.T. 631. This was a Landing Craft Tank, and had been commissioned on 11 June 1943. Brinley died after commissioning, on 1 July 1943, aged 18, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Daniel Gwyn James, Sergeant, 1419008, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Daniel served with the Royal Air Force, and had been posted to 16 Operational Training Unit. On 27 November 1943, he was flying aboard a Vickers Wellington, Serial BJ823, which took off from Culworth on a training flight. Less than quarter of an hour later, the Wellington crashed, killing all five men aboard. Daniel was 21 years old, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Douglas Raymond James, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 602615, Royal Navy. Douglas was the son of Valey and Mary Blodwen James, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the Hunt class destroyer H.M.S. Aldenham. On 14 December 1944, Aldenham was in action in the Adriatic, in support of Yugoslavian partisans, when she struck a mine and sank with the loss of 126 crew. Douglas was 18 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Samuel Frank Henry James, Civilian. Samuel had been born at Newport, Monmouthshire in 1886, and had served in the army during WW1. He married Mary J Davies at Llanelli in 1912, and the couple lived at 10, Wind Street, Llanelli. Samuel worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Pembrey, and was killed there during the air raid of 10 July 1940. He was 54 years old.

Thomas Bagnall James. Civilian. Thomas was originally from Login, near Clynderwen. He had served with the Royal Artillery during WW1, and had been a Police Officer in Pembrokeshire for many years, prior to moving to 28, Greenway Street, Llanelli after he had retired. Thomas rejoined the forces at the outbreak of war, and was working at the Royal Ordnance factory, Pembrey when it was attacked by German bombers on 10 July 1940, and he was killed in the attack. He was 51 years old, and is buried in Pembroke Dock (Llanion) Cemetery.

William Llewellyn Jeanes, Private, 14659170, Welch Regiment. William was the son of William John and Florence Jeanes, of Llanelli. He served with the 1/5th Battalion, Welch regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and took part in the fighting to break out from the beach head, before taking part in the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. William was killed during the drive across the Rhine on 5 March 1945. He was 39 years old and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

Owen Jeffery, Private, 14579826, Duke Of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. Owen was the son of Richard and Kate Jeffery, of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light infantry, which had been with the BEF during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940, before moving to North Africa. It fought there before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Owen was killed in Italy on 14 may 1944, aged 19, and is buried in Cassino War Cemetery, Italy.

John Gwynfor Jeffreys, Lance Corporal, 2737920, Welsh Guards. John was the son of William Edmund and Mary Annie Jeffreys, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, and was the Captain of the Welsh Guards Rugby Football team. The 1st Welsh Guards had taken part in the defence of Arras in 1940, before being evacuated from Dunkirk. The battalion returned to France with the Guards Armoured Division in June 1944, and took part in the heavy fighting around Caen, and the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. John was killed in Holland on 8 November 1944, aged 23, and is buried in Mierlo War Cemetery, Netherlands.

George Jenkins, Civilian. George was from Llanelli, but had lived at 244, Kent House Road, Beckenham, Kent. He was injured when a German bomb fell near his home on 14 July 1944, and returned to Llanelli, dying at Swansea Road on 19 August 1944, aged 82.

Glyndwr Morris Jenkins, Stoker, LT/KX 130890, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Glyndwr was the son of Mrs. M. H. Jenkins, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard the minesweeper H.M. Trawler Beech. On 22 June 1941, Beech was on patrol off Scotland when she was attacked and sunk by German aircraft. Glyndwr was 19 years old when he died that day, and is buried in Thurso (Mount Vernon) Cemetery, Scotland. The photograph of his grave is courtesy of Allan Lannon.

Irwyn Jenkins, Private, 3967775, Welch Regiment. Irwyn was born on 7 January 1920, the son of Thomas Samuel and Agnes Selina Jenkins, of 4, Penybanc, Llwynhendy. He served with the 2/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was the reserve battalion for the 5th Welch. Irwyn was badly wounded when a group of men from his battalion were being led on a supposed short cut across a minefield, after returning from exercises at Churcham Road, Kington by Sea, and died nine hours later, on 12 September 1941, aged 21. He was brought home for burial at Llwynhendy (Soar) Baptist Chapelyard.

Richard Gwilym Jenkins, Civilian, A.R.P. Richard was the Husband of A. M. Jenkins, of 29 Pemberton Street, Llanelli. He volunteered to become an Air Raid Warden, and was on duty at Barker and Allen, Birmingham, Warwickshire when he was injured during an air raid on 18 July 1944. Richard died at Llanelli on 25 May 1946, aged 57.

Donald Jeremiah, MID, Squadron Leader, 40395, Royal Air Force. Donald was the son of Emlyn and Olwen Jeremiah, of St. Pauls, Llanelli, and the husband of Pauline Jeremiah. He was a pilot, and became a Squadron Leader with 297 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew secret SOE missions. Donald died in Bermuda on 11 January 1944, aged 24, and is buried in Nassau War Cemetery, Bermuda.

Cyril Vaughan John, Aircraftman 1st Class, 1110399, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Cyril was the son of David Thomas John and Mary Etta John, of Llanelli. He served with 108 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Consolidated B-24 Liberator II, and was based at RAF Fayid, in Egypt. Cyril died in Egypt on 18 April 1942, aged 25, and is buried in Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt.

David H. John, Sergeant, 14623446, Welch Regiment. David was the son of Martin and Gladys John, of Llanelli, and the husband of Marion John, of Llanelli. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division had landed in Normandy in June 1944, and had fought in the break out from the each head and the subsequent drive through France, Belgium and Holland into Germany. It reached Hamburg by the end of the war, and remained there for several months afterwards, as part of the BAOR. David died in Germany on 1 July 1946, aged 23, and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

David Raymond John, Ordinary Seaman, LT/JX 281409, Royal Naval Patrol Service. David was the son of Samuel and Mary John, of Llanelli, and the husband of Dorothy John, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard the anti submarine vessel H.M. Trawler Arctic Pioneer. On 27 May 1942 Arctic Pioneer was off Portsmouth when she was sunk by a bomb from a German JU-87 Stuka dive bomber. Seventeen men were killed in the explosion, including David. He was 24 years old, and is buried alongside his former shipmates at Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Hampshire.

Aneurin Herbert Johns, Able Seaman, D/JX 314994, Royal Navy. Aneurin was the son of David and Mary Ann Johns, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, and had been based at H.M.S. President III. Aneurin had been posted aboard the Merope, a Dutch steamship, as a DEMS gunner. On 27 April 1943, Merope was off Africa when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-371, with the loss of 10 lives. Aneurin was 30 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Thomas William Johns, Warrant Officer Class II, 3949478, Welch Regiment. Thomas was the son of John and Ann Johns, and the husband of Lilian Johns, of Llanelli. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division had landed in Normandy in June 1944, and had fought in the break out from the each head and the subsequent drive through France, Belgium and Holland into Germany. It reached Hamburg by the end of the war, and remained there for several months afterwards, as part of the BAOR. Thomas had been wounded towards the end of the war, and died at Llanelli on 6 August 1945, aged 44. He is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Barry Pugh Jones, Corporal, 653301, Royal Air Force. Barry was the son of William Horace and Lily Jones, of Llanelli. He served in the Far East with the Royal Air Force. Barry was captured at Java by the Japanese, and arrived at the notorious Sandakan Camp in April 1943. Barry died in captivity on 15 April 1945, aged 24, and was originally buried in Sandakan. His grave was removed to Labuan War Cemetery, Malaysia after the war.

David John Jones, Private, 3962655, Welch Regiment. David was the son of Millie Jones, of Dafen, and served with the local Territorial unit, the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment. The battalion formed part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and spent the first five years of the war on home service, spending a lot of time training in Northern Ireland. It landed in Normandy after D-Day, then took part in the break out from the Normandy Beach-head. David was killed during Operation Bluecoat on 2 July 1944. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, France.

Denis Bernard Jones, Able Seaman, D/JX 291810, Royal Navy. Denis was the son of Daniel Benjamin and Jemima Jones, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, and had been based at H.M.S. President III, before being posted aboard the S.S. Induna. On 30 March 1942, Induna was part of Convoy PQ 13 bound for Russia, carrying a cargo of war material, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-376, with the loss of 31 lives. Denis was 20 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Donald Edward Jones, Fusilier, 14422928, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Donald was the son of William and Olive Jones, of Llanelli. He served with the 7th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the fighting around Cane. Donald was killed during the attack on Fresney-le-Vieux on 11 August 1944, aged 18. He is buried in Brouay War Cemetery, France.

Harry Gwyn Jones, Flying Officer, 44881, Royal Air Force. Harry was the son of Arthur Gwyn Jones and Annie Gwyn Jones, of Llanelli, and the husband of Mary Jones, of Llanelli. He served as a pilot with 129 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Supermarine Spitfire VB, and was based at RAF Thorney Island. Harry was lost on an anti shipping operation on 19 August 1942. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Idris Eurfyl Jones, Aircraftman 1st Class, 1661195, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Idris was the son of Arthur and Annie Jones, of Llanelli. He served with 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster I, and was based at RAF Spilsby. Idris was killed when his Lancaster was lost on a raid on 10 April 1944. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Idwal Gwyn Jones, Able Seaman, D/JX286464, Royal Navy. Idwal was the of Daniel James Jones and Mary Ann Jones, of Burry Port. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Victorious. She had a busy war, taking part in the hunt for the Bismarck before sailing on convoy escort duties in the Arctic and to Malta. She was then lent to the US Navy before returning to Britain for a refit in December 1943. Idwal died on 29 May 1944, aged 23, and is buried in Bryn Congregational Chapel Cemetery, Llanelli.

Ivor Mansel Jones, Leading Aircraftman, 1709138, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Ivor was the son of Mansel and Rachel Ann Jones, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and was sailing for Belgium aboard LST 420 when it struck a mine and sank off the Belgian coast on 7 November 1944, with heavy loss of life. Ivor was 21 years old when he died that day, and is buried in Blankenberge Town Cemetery, Belgium.

John Rhagfyr Jones, Lieutenant, 230116, Royal Engineers. John was the son of Dafydd and Anna Jones, of Oaklands, Pwll, and was the Husband of Anne Lang Jones, of Saxilby, Lincolnshire. Little is known of John, but he died at sea, aged 35, on 30 September 1942, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey. He is also commemorated on his parents’ gravestone at Pwll.

Mervyn Jones, Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 1653104, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Mervyn was the son of John and Harriet E. Jones, of Morfa, Llanelli. He served with 115 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster II, and was based at RAF East Wretham. On the night of 13 July 1943, Mervyn took off in Lancaster DS660, which formed part of a large flight sent to bomb Aachen. On the following morning of 14 July the Lancaster was shot down by German night fighters, and crashed near Havrincourt Wood, with the loss of six of her crew. Mercy was 20 years old, and is buried alongside his crew at Grevillers British Cemetery, France.

Raymond John Jones, Leading Aircraftman, 930786, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Raymond was the son of William Henry and Sarah Ann Jones, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and had been posted to North Africa. Raymond died in Algeria on 27 May 1944, aged 22, and is buried in Dely Ibrahim War Cemetery, Algeria.

Robert Gordon Hayman Jones, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Captain, 127629, Royal Army Medical Corps. Robert was born on 21 August 1915, the son of Dewi Robert Jones and Eileen Jones (nee Hayman), of 9, Lincoln Street, Llandyssul. His father worked as a bank clerk, and after returning home safely following the Great War, moved the family around South Wales with his work, before settling at Bank House, Llanelli. Upon leaving school at Llanelli, Robert trained as a Doctor and practised at Llanelli prior to the war. He married Pamela Mawdsley in London in 1939, prior to taking up a commission as Second Lieutenant into the Royal Army Medical Corps. In the Spring of 1943 Robert was posted to the 2/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. The battalion, split in half and attached to the 20th and 21st Beach Groups, took part in Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, in July 1943, and in September 1943 took part in the landings at Salerno. In November 1943, the two-halves of the 2/4th Battalion were re-united at Pontecagnano near Salerno and by February 1944 moved into the line near Garigliano, attached to the 28th Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. In May 1944, the battalion took part in the crossing of the River Rapido as part of the assault on Monte Cassino, suffering heavy casualties. Robert was killed in action here at some time between 13 and 14 May 1944, after stepping on a mine whilst attempting to rescue a wounded soldier. The 28-year-old was originally buried together with several other men on the battlefield, but his grave was later exhumed and he was re-interred in Cassino War Cemetery, Italy.

Ronald Daniel Jones, Private, 3908185, Welch Regiment. Ronald was the son of James Owen Jones and Mary Jones, of 20A, Ropewalk Road, Llanelli. He served with the 1/6th Battalion, Welch Regiment. Ronald must have been attached to another battalion of the Welch regiment, either the 4th or 5th, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. He was killed in Holland on 25 September 1944, aged 33, and is buried in Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Terence Rosser Jones, Second Radio Officer, Merchant Navy. Terence was the son of Mrs. E. S. Jones, of Llanelli, and the nephew of Mrs. R. M. Rosser, of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the M.V. Lady Glanely, a Cardiff registered merchant ship. On 2 December 1940, Lady Glanely was on route from Vancouver to London, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-101. Terence was 17 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Sydney Jones, Leading Aircraftman (Nav. U/T), 635894, Royal Air Force. Thomas was the son of Thomas John and Elisabeth May Jones, of Morfa, Llanelli, and the husband of Mary Ellen Jones. He was training as a Navigator with the Royal Air Force when he was killed in Ireland on 9 November 1942, aged 23. Thomas is buried in Killead (St. Catherine) Church Of Ireland Churchyard.

William Henry Jones, Able Seaman, D/JX 255341, Royal Navy. William was the son of Oliver and Sarah Jones, of Llanelli, and the husband of Florence Eileen Jones, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the Motor Torpedo Boat H.M.M.T.B. 685. William died on 27 October 1945, aged 30, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

David Thomas King, Private, 2033575, Hampshire Regiment. David was the son of Annie King, and the husband of Eirwen King, of Llanelli. He served with the 1/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. The battalion had fought in North Africa before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. David was killed in Italy on 13 October 1943, aged 26, and is buried in Naples War Cemetery, Italy.

Albert Thomas Knowles, Chief Painter, C/M 37986, Royal Navy. Albert was the son of Thomas Leslie and Sarah Jane Knowles, of Llanelli, and the husband of Grace Knowles, of Gillingham, Kent. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Curacoa. On 2 October 1942, Curacao was escorting the Queen Mary off the Irish coast, and was struggling to keep pace with the faster, more modern cruise liner. While steaming in a straight line to keep up, Queen Mary was zig-zagging as a precaution against U-Boats, when she struck Curacao, and cut her in two. The doomed cruiser sank in less than six minutes, with the loss of 239 men. Albert was 40 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Bertram Lamb, Sergeant, 4466998, Durham Light Infantry. Bertram was the Husband of Dorothy Margaret Lamb, of Furnace, Llanelli. He served with the 11th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which was attached to the 49th (West Riding) Division. The division landed in Normandy after D-Day, and took part in the break out from the beach head. Bertram was killed in Normandy on 27 June 1944, aged 24, and is buried in Fontenay-Le-Pesnel War Cemetery, Tessel, France.

Herbert James Lavallin, Lieutenant, 62829, Welch Regiment. Herbert was the son of Michael and Kate Lavallin, of Cork, and the husband of Elizabeth Margaret Lavallin, of Llanelli. He had served during WW1 as a Colour Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, and had been a POW of the Germans. On 13 May 1934 he was appointed as Quartermaster of the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment. He was mobilised with the battalion at the outbreak of war, but died on 16 January 1940, aged 49. Herbert is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery. Elizabeth died at Llanelli in 1961.

Frederick George Lawson, Bombardier, 2035896, Royal Artillery. Frederick was the son of William and Lily Beatrice Lawson, and the husband of Sally Connie Lawson, of Llanerch, Llanelli. He served with 484 Battery, 4th Searchlight Battalion, Royal Artillery. Frederick survived the war, but died afterwards, on 5 January 1946. He was 27 years old, and is buried in Felinfoel (Holy Trinity) Churchyard. His brother Horace was killed in Normandy in 1944.

Horace Leonard Lawson, Fusilier, 14605776, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Horace was the son of William and Lily Beatrice Lawson, of Llanelli. He served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Horace landed in Normandy with the battalion at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head. Horace was probably wounded during the capture of Evrecy, and died on 23 July 1944, aged 20. He is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France. His brother, Frederick George Lawson, died in the United Kingdom.

Maldwyn Herbert Lee, Leading Aircraftman, 1316626, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Maldwyn was the son of David and Alice Lee, and the husband of Margaret J. Lee, of Dafen. He served with the Royal Air Force at Malta. Maldwyn died, probably in an air crash into the sea, on 19 June 1944. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta.

Jack Lewis, Serjeant, 1874707, Royal Engineers. Jack was the son of Henry and Mary E. Lewis, of Llanelli, and the husband of Gladys M. Lewis, of Shirley, Croydon, Surrey. He served with 83 Field Company, Royal Engineer in North Africa. Jack was killed in Tunisia on 23 April 1943, aged 31, and is buried in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Leonard Raymond Lewis, Flight Sergeant, 1479413, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Leonard was the son of Edward and Katurah Lewis, of Llanelli. He served with 77 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was based at RAF Elvington, flying the Handley Page Halifax II. Leonard was killed when his Halifax was lost on 29 January 1944. He was 22 years old and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Sidney Albert Lewis, Private, 13002937, Pioneer Corps. Sidney was the son of Isaac and Sarah Anne Lewis, and the husband of Annie Lewis, of Llanelli. He served with the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. Sidney had probably served in France with the BEF in 1940, before being evacuated from Dunkirk. He died on 8 August 1940, aged 49, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Thomas Owen Lewis, Sergeant, 970474, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the son of Thomas John Lewis and Myfanwy Ceinwen Lewis (nee Evans), of Gwynfa, Halfway, Llanelli. He served with 209 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a Coastal Command unit equipped with the Saro Lerwick, based at Invergordon. On 22 February 1941 Thomas was flying as one of the 14 man crew of Saro Lerwick Serial L7263 when it went missing whilst on convoy escort duties off the Scottish coast. Thomas was 20 years old when he died that day and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. He is also commemorated on his parents grave in Llanelli.

William Richard Lewis, Gunner, 2024729, Royal Artillery. William was the son of John Daniel and Mary Emily Lewis, of 18, Woodend Road, Llanelli. He was a regular soldier, and served with the 8th Battery, 13th Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. The unit was at Aldershot at the outbreak of war, and went to France with the 2nd Division, as part of the B.E.F. in September 1939. William was 30 years old when he died at Aldershot on 14 September 1939. He was brought home for burial at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Harold Lissamore, Leading Stoker, D/KX 95527, Royal Navy. Harold was the son of William James Lissamore and Ellen Mary Lissamore, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the Tribal class destroyer H.M.S. Matabele. On 17 January 1942, Matabele was part of the escort fleet for Convoy PQ-8, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-454, with the loss of 236 lives. Harold was 21 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

David Glanville Lloyd, Sergeant, 1661180, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the son of Henry Charles and Edith May Lloyd, of Llanelli. He served with 102 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Handley Page Halifax II, from RAF Pocklington. On 26 February 1944, David was flying on a routine ‘Gardening’ flight over the North Sea aboard Halifax LW331,  when the aircraft plunged into the sea off Bridlington. No trace of the aircraft or its crew was found. David was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Eric Allan Lloyd, Sergeant, 946978, Royal Air Force. Eric was the son of David and Hannah Lloyd, of Llanelli. He served as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner with 18 Squadron, Royal Air force, which flew the Bristol Blenheim IV from RAF Oulton. On 25 May 1941 Eric was flying aboard Blenheim R3666 on an anti shipping flight, when the aircraft was attacked by an Me109. Eric was mortally wounded, and died that same day. He was 20 years old, and is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Trevor David Samuel Lloyd, Aircraftman 1st Class, 613179, Royal Air Force. Trevor was the son of William David and Elizabeth Lloyd, of Llanelli. He served with 73 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was in France at the outbreak of war, flying the Hawker Hurricane I from Bagneux. On 17 June 1940 Trevor boarded the requisitioned Cunard liner, S.S. Lancastria at St. Nazaire. The ship was crammed with thousands of troops and refugees fleeing France, and was about to leave port when she was bombed by German Ju88 bombers, and sank in twenty minutes with the loss of countless lives. Trevor was 19 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

William George Lloyd, Leading Aircraftman, 619376, Royal Air Force. William was the son of Henry Stanley and Agnes Maud Lloyd, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and died on active service at Andover on 8 January 1941, aged 20. William is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Bernard Ewart Longhurst, Flight Sergeant, 1651990, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Bernard was the son of David and Morfwdd E. Longhurst, of Llanelli. He served with 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster II from RAF Skellingthorpe. On the night of 21 November 1944 Bernard took off from Skellingthorpe as a crewman aboard Lancaster NG179, which was part of a force sent to bomb the U-Boat pens at Trondheim. Bernard was posted as killed when his Lancaster failed to return the following morning of 22 November. He was 21 years old and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Austin Cecil Lovering, Home Guard. Austin was the son of George and Agnes Lovering, of 1 Charles Street, Marble Hall, and the husband of Marie Lovering, of Llys Gwyn, Baynelli Villas, Dafen. He served as an F.A.P. member of the Home Guard, and was injured during an air raid on 25 September 1940, at Richard Thomas’ Steel Works. He died at Llanelli Hospital on 26 September 1940, aged 35.

Harold John MacLean, Telegraphist, D/JX 211871, Royal Navy. Harold was the son of Mr. and Mrs. R. MacLean, of Dafen, and served with the Royal Navy aboard HM Yacht Rosabelle. She had been purchased into the RN in September 1939 as an armed boarding vessel, and operated in the Mediterranean. Harold died when Rosabelle was sunk by the German submarine U-374 off Gibraltar on 11 December 1941. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Emrys Owen Marks, Fusilier, 4198416, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Emrys was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Marks, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The battalion had seen heavy fighting during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940, and after rebuilding was despatched to the far East. Emrys was killed in Burma on 18 March 1943. He was 26 years old and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar.

Walter Howell Marks, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 188717, Royal Navy. Walter was the son of Luther and Mary Marks, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard the C Class destroyer H.M.C.S. Fraser. On 25 June 1940 she was returning from France with evacuees, when she collided with the cruiser HMS Calcutta, and sank with the loss of all bar 45 of her crew. Walter was 20 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Edwin Wilton Matthews, Civilian. Edwin was the Husband of Edith Maud Matthews, of Bryn Boot Stores, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon, Swansea. He worked at the Royal ordnance Factory at Pembrey, and was injured during the air raid of 10 July 1940. Edwin was brought to Llanelli Hospital, but died that same day, aged 39.

Rowly Gwynne Morgan Matthews, Major, 65548, Royal Engineers. Rowly was the son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Morgan Matthews, of Warborough, Llanelli. He was commissioned on 26 June 1935, and during the war served as a Major with the Royal Engineers. He died on active service on 22 June 1944, aged 32. Rowly is buried in Swansea (Oystermouth) Cemetery.

David George May, Gunner, 1722082, Royal Artillery. David was the son of Albert Victor and Sarah May, of Llanelli, and the husband of Elizabeth May, of Clydach. He served with 4 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. David must have been killed while serving as a DEMS gunner aboard a ship that was lost on 29 November 1941, but presently I cannot trace which ship. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Daniel Gwynfor McLoughlin, Private, 3963453, Welch Regiment. Daniel was the son of Henry Barlow McLoughlin and Margretta McLoughlin, of Llanelli, and the husband of Eileen G. McLoughlin, of Banbridge, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The battalion landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head. Daniel was killed near Evrecy on 12 July 1944. He was 24 years old, and is buried in Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

Graham McNeil, Private, 14676221, Welch Regiment. Graham was the son of Thomas and Annie McNeil, of Llanelli. He served with the 1/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The battalion landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head. It then took part in the advance through France and Belgium into Holland. Graham was killed during a patrol on the embankment of the River Maas on 30 November 1944. He was 19 years old and is buried in Haelen (Buggenem) Roman Catholic Churchyard, Netherlands.

Phillip William Mehigan, Fusilier, 14567276, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Phillip was the son of William and Ellen Mehigan, of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The battalion had fought in North Africa, before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Phillip was killed in Italy on 1 July 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Foiano Della Chiana War Cemetery, Italy.

Thomas Glyn Meyler, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 220004, Royal Navy. Thomas was the son of John and Annie Meyler, and the husband of Glenys Meyler, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, aboard the French Ship Medoc. She had been seized from Aboukir by the Royal navy after the fall of France, and was returning to England when she was attacked by German aircraft which dropped a torpedo, sinking Medoc in minutes. Thomas was 27 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

David Roberts Morgan, DCM, MM, MID, Captain, 15822, Royal Welch Fusiliers. David was born in Llanelli on 12 March 1886, the son of Ebenezer and Annie Morgan, and was the husband of Gwendoline Roberts-Morgan, of Southgate, Middlesex. He served during WW1 with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers as Corporal, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 27 June 1917. His time in the ranks had led to him being awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal for bravery on the Somme, while leading a Machine-Gun team. He was attached to the 15th Welsh during 1918, being mentioned in the War Diary once, and survived the war. David served again with the Royal Welch Fusiliers during WW2, and died on 17 September 1939, aged 53. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Hampshire.

Dennis Edwards Morgan, Corporal, 2216911, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Dennis was the son of David Edgar and Eva Morgan, of Llanelli. He served in the Far East with the Royal Air Force Police. On 29 June 1946 Dennis was aboard a transport plane which crashed in Malaya, killing ten members of the RAF Police. Dennis was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore.

Douglas Allenby Morgan, Private, 7607332, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Douglas was the son of Thomas David and Eliza Lenden Morgan, of Llanelli. He served with 4 Base Ordnance Depot, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which was in France with the BEF when the Germans attacked France on 10 May 1940. Douglas was killed during the retreat to Dunkirk on 20 May 1940, aged 22. He is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial, France.

Emrys Morgan, Gunner, 1737745, Royal Artillery. Emrys was the son of John and Jessie Morgan, of Llanelli, and the husband of Mary Ellen Morgan, of Llanelli. He served with 89 Battery, 35 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, which based at Hong Kong. Emrys was captured by the Japanese during the surrender of Hong Kong on 25 December 1941. He died in captivity on 14 November 1942, aged 34, and is buried in Sai Wan War Cemetery, Hong Kong.

Harold Rees Morgan, MID, Captain, 88079, Welch Regiment. Harold was the son of William Thomas Morgan and Margaret A. Morgan, of Llanelli. He served with the Welch Regiment, before volunteering for Commando training, and was attached to No. 1 Commando. Harold was Mentioned in Despatches for the famous Commando raid on St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. No 1 Commando then embarked for North Africa, to take part in Operation Torch. Harold was killed in North Africa on 1 December 1942, aged 26, and is commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia.

Harry Morgan, Able Seaman, C/JX 185145, Royal Navy. Harry was the son of Daniel and Alice Morgan, and the husband of Phyllis Doreen Morgan, of Dafen. He served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Avenger, which was an American lend-lease aircraft carrier. She was commissioned in 2 March 1942 and served with Convoy PQ 18, before participating in Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. Harry was one of 538 men who died when Avenger was sunk by the German submarine U 155, as she was heading back from Africa to the Clyde on 15 November 1942. Harry was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Hugh Vaughan Morgan, Leading Aircraftman, 1709011, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Hugh was the son of Thomas and Jane Morgan, of Llanelli, and served with the Royal Air Force. The squadron that he served with is not recorded, but Hugh died on 20 September 1945, aged 22, and is buried in Cambrai (Route Des Solesmes) Communal Cemetery, France.

Iorwerth Beynon Morgan, Sergeant, 1322390, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Iorwerth was the son of William Rees Morgan and Mary Catherine Morgan, of Llanelli. He served with 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster III from RAF Elsham Wolds. Iorwerth died on 27 November 1943, aged 22, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

John Thomas Morgan, Able Seaman, D/JX 336536, Royal Navy. John was the son of William Henry and Kate Morgan, of Llanerch, Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy, and was based at H.M.S. President III, before being posted aboard the passenger ship S.S. Rohna. On 26 November 1943, Rohna was in the Mediterranean carrying over 2,000 American troops, when she was attacked and sunk by German aircraft, with the loss of over 1,138 men. John was 20 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

William Robert Morgan, Gunner, 1722087, Royal Artillery. William was born at Llanelli in 1911, and served with 4 Maritime Regiment, Royal Artillery. He was probably serving aboard a ship as a DEMS gunner when he was killed on 29 November 1941, aged 30. William is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Ernest Cecil Morris, Corporal, 1416856, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Ernest was born in Llanelli in 1922. He served with the Royal Air Force, and had been posted to the Middle East after marrying Mary Scott at Llanelli in 1942. Ernest died on 24 September 1944, aged 22, and is buried in Maala War Cemetery, Yemen.

John Desmond Morris, Sergeant, 1652943, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of Hector and Sarah Jane Morris, of Llanelli. He served with 630 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster III from RAF East Kirkby. John was killed when his Lancaster was brought down over Germany on 22 January 1944. He was 21 years old, and was buried alongside his crew at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

Lewis Trevor Morris, Flying Officer, 154470, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Lewis was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Morris, of Darlington, Co. Durham, and the husband of Lavine I. Morris, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and had been posted to Canada, probably in some capacity with the Empire Air training Scheme. Lewis died there on 3 November 1944, aged 34, and is buried in Goose Bay Joint Services Cemetery, Labrador, Canada.

Oliver James Morris, Lieutenant, 315394, Welch Regiment. Oliver was the son of James and Christina Morris, of Llanelli, and the husband of Muriel Mary Morris, of Leeds. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment. The battalion had been in Egypt before being despatched to Crete in 1941, and was virtually annihilated during the fall of the island. It rebuilt in North Africa, making a famous 200 mile march through the desert after the evacuation of Benghazi. The battalion fought in North Africa before taking part in the invasion of Italy. Oliver was killed in Italy on 20 September 1944, aged 28, and is buried in Gradara War Cemetery, Italy.

Ronald Mervyn Morris, Gunner, 1131511, Royal Artillery. Ronald was the son of Joseph and Lilian Morris, of Llanelli. He served with the 115th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment fought in the far East, in Burma. Ronald died in India on 22 July 1944, aged 22, and is buried in Kirkee War Cemetery, India.

Donald Neil, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 99283, Royal Navy. Donald was the grandson of Samuel and Jennett Neil, of Curwen House, Tyisha Road, Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the light cruiser H.M.S. Galatea. On 15 December 1941, Galatea was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-557 off Alexandria, with the loss of 470 men. Donald was 23 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Henry John Newling, Flight Sergeant, 1603523, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Henry was the son of Jesse and Florence Mary Newling, of Grantchester, and the husband of Margaret Jean Newling, of Llanelli. He served as an Air Gunner with 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Handley Page Halifax III from RAF Melbourne. Henry died on active service on 1 January 1945, aged 21, and is buried in Grantchester (SS. Andrew And Mary) Churchyard, England.

Donald Nicholas, Able Seaman, D/JX563795, Royal Navy. Donald was the son of Mrs. L. J. Nicholas, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard H.M.L.C.I. (L). 117, a Landing Craft Infantry which had taken part in the Normandy Landings. Donald died in Singapore on 17 December 1945, aged 20, and is buried in Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

John Llewellyn Nicholas, Private, S/166240, Royal Army Service Corps. John was the son of Llewellyn and Sarah Ann Nicholas, of Bynea, Llanelli. He served with K Field Bakery, Royal Army Service Corps, and was taken prisoner by the Japanese after the surrender of Singapore. John became interned at Sandakan, and died of acute enteritis during the 2nd Sandakan march on 16 July 1945, aged 28. John has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore.

Sydney Nurse, Gunner, 3953122, Royal Artillery. Sydney was the Husband of Charlotte Nurse, of New Dock, Llanelli. He served with 484 Battery, 4 Searchlight regiment, Royal Artillery, which was based at Malta. Sydney was killed when the headquarters of 484 Battery was hit by German bombs during a large scale air raid on Malta on 20 April 1942. He was 35 years old, and is buried in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Royston Campbell Stanley Ogleby, Sergeant, 3963824, Royal Armoured Corps. Royston was the son of Alister W. C. and May Ogleby, of Llanelli. He served with the 49th (West Riding) Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps. The division landed in Normandy in June 1944, and took part in the fighting to break out of the beach head. Royston was killed here on 25 August 1944, aged 26, and is buried in Hermanville War Cemetery, France.

Cyril Horace Pursor Owen, Civilian. Cyril was the son of William Horace Owen and Kathleen Owen, of 20 Durham Road, Sidcup, Kent. He lodged at Llanelli, and worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Pembrey. Cyril was killed during the air raid on the factory on 10 July 1940, aged 21.

John Henry Owens, Driver, 140401, Royal Corps of Signals. John was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David John Owens, of Llanelli, and the husband of Edna M. Owens, of Llanelli. He served with the 12th A.A. Brigade Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. John was killed in North Africa on 23 September 1942, aged 23, and is buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Reginald James Paynter, Gunner, 3958436, Royal Artillery. Reginald was the son of Frederick Thomas Paynter and Elizabeth Paynter, of Llanelli. He served with 51 (The Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment had fought in Norway, before sailing for North Africa at the end of 1940, and served with the 7th Armoured Division and in the siege of Tobruk with the 9th Australian Division. Reginald was killed in North Africa on 4 December 1941, aged 27, and is buried in Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt.

Mervyn Lewis Pearce, Private, 2039486, Parachute Regiment. Mervyn was the son of Frank James Pearce and Catherine Pearce, of Llanelli, and the husband of Margaret Mary Pearce, of Middlesbrough. He served with the 10th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was converted into an airborne unit, becoming the 6th Battalion, Parachute Regiment. The battalion saw its first major action during Operation Slapstick, the landings at Taranto on 9 September 1943. The battalion was aboard H.M.S. Abdiel, and was about to make a naval landing when the ship struck a mine in Taranto harbour on 10 September, killing over 50 members of the battalion. Mervyn was probably among the men killed on Abdiel. He was 30 years old, and is buried in Bari War Cemetery, Italy.

Constance Perrott, Civilian. Constance was born on 21 December 1890, the daughter of David Edward Perrott and Eliza Ann Perrott (nee Morgan), of 57, New Dock Road, Llanelli. She was killed when the Old Vicarage at St. Ishmael was hit by a German bomb on 1 September 1940. Constance was 40 years old and was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Felinfoel.

Alfred John Phillips, Gunner, 3947076, Royal Artillery. Alfred was the son of Harry and Mary Ellen Phillips, of Llanelli, and the husband of Gladys Phillips, of Llanelli. He served with 484 Battery, 4 Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery was comprised of mostly Carmarthenshire men, and served in North Africa, before heading to Malta, to form part of the Maltese defences. Alfred was killed during a large scale air raid on Malta, when a bomb hit 484 Battery headquarters on 20 April 1942. He was 41 years old, and is buried in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Dudley Vaughan Phillips, M.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Lieutenant, 244588, Royal Army Medical Corps. Dudley was born at Llanelli on 4 May 1917, the son of Thomas Vaughan Phillips and Marion Eleanor Phillips, of Cardiff. He was educated at Cambridge, and at St. Mary’s Hospital, before being commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps. Dudley was killed during an accident at the 52nd (Lowland) Division battle school in Scotland on 4 January 1943, aged 25. Dudley is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

John Albert Phillips, Fusilier, 4198856, Royal Welch Fusiliers. John was the son of John Henry and Georgina Phillips, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The battalion had seen heavy fighting while with the BEF, during the retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940, and after rebuilding was despatched to the far East, to fight in the Burmese campaign against the Japanese. John was killed in Burma on 5 May 1944, aged 27, and is buried in Kohima War Cemetery, Burma. The photograph has been kindly supplied by Tony Beck.

John Emlyn Phillips, Private, NX54762, Australian Infantry. John was the son of David and Margaret Ann Phillips, of Llanelli. He served with the 2/30th Battalion, Australian Infantry. John was captured by the Japanese at Singapore, and was sent to Thailand with ‘F’ Force in April 1943. He died at Kami Songkurai Camp of cerebral malaria, malnutrition, pneumonia and tropical ulcers on 4 October 1943, aged 24, and was buried in Kami Songkurai cemetery. His grave was relocated after the war to Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanmar. The photograph has been kindly supplied by Tony Beck.

Hubert Bernel Pile, Second Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. Hubert was the son of Charles William and Annie Pile, and the husband of Elizabeth Catherine Pile (Nee Stone), of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy as an Engineer aboard the S.S. Ashbury, a Glasgow registered merchant ship. Hubert was killed when his ship was lost with all hands when in convoy off the Isle of Tongue, Scotland on 8 January 1945. He was 45 years old, and is buried in Felinfoel (Holy Trinity) Churchyard.

Stephen Horace Preece, Gunner, 901728, Royal Artillery. Stephen was the son of Stephen Henry Preece and of Minnie Preece (nee Roberts), and the husband of Mary Gertrude Preece (nee Hayes), of Llanelli. He served with 55 (The West Somerset Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment landed in Normandy on 27 June 1944 with the Guards Armoured Division, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the subsequent drive through France into Belgium and Holland. Stephen was killed in Holland on 6 November 1944, aged 25, and is buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.

George Raeburn, Private, 2754995, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). George was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Raeburn, and the husband of Marion Raeburn, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Tyneside Scottish, Black Watch. The battalion saw heavy fighting during the retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940, and saw service in Iceland before returning to Britain. George died on active service on 10 July 1943, aged 21, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Richard Redmond, Guardsman, 2735705, Welsh Guards. Richard was the son of John and Emily Redmond, of Llanelli. He served with the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Battalion sailed for North Africa on 5 February 1943, and Richard was killed in one of their first actions, at the Fondouk Gap, on 10 April 1943. He was 22 years old, and is buried in Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Alfred Bryn Rees, Steward, Merchant Navy. Alfred was the Husband of M. A. Rees, of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the S.S. Brinkburn, a Sunderland registered merchant steamer. On 21 June 1943, Brinkburn was steaming as part of Convoy TE-22 when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-73, with the loss of 27 lives. Alfred was 37 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David Edgar Rees, Gunner, 2038695, Royal Artillery. David was the son of William and Esther Rees, and the husband of Margaret Rees, of Felinfoel. He had served during the war with the Royal Artillery. David died as a result of war wounds on 11 November 1947. He was 45 years old, and is buried in Felinfoel (Adulam) Baptist Burial Ground.

Ernest Thomas Rees, MID, Sergeant (Cadet Pilot), 524559, Royal Air Force. Ernest was the son of Ernest Graham and Lucie Rees, and the husband of Peggy Rees, of Dafen. Ernest was training as a Pilot in Zimbabwe when he was killed in an air crash on 14 May 1943. He was 27 years old, and is buried in Harare (Pioneer) Cemetery, Zimbabwe. At some time during the war Ernest was Mentioned in Despatches.

Iorwerth John Rees, Private, 14821436, Welch Regiment. Iorwerth was the son of David and Beatrice Rees, of Llanelli, and the husband of June Rees, of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment. The battalion was in India at the outbreak of war, and remained in the Far East, Iorwerth was killed when a convoy he was travelling in was ambushed by the Japanese on 28 July 1945. He was 20 years old, and is buried in Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Ivor Rees, Fireman & Trimmer, Merchant Navy. Ivor was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rees, and the husband of P. M. Rees, of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the S.S. Caleb Sprague, a London registered steamer. On 31 January 1944, she was on route from London to Newport when she was torpedoed and sunk by a German Motor Torpedo Boat, off Beachy Head, with the loss of 26 lives. Ivor was 44 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Ivor John Rees, Private, 3950299, Welch Regiment. Ivor was born in Llanelli in 1898, the son of James and Mary Rees. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. He died in Belfast on 5 May 1941, while the division was stationed in Northern Ireland. Ivor was brought home for burial at Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

John Howard Rees, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1580581, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of David John and Harriet Rees, of Llanelli. He served as an air gunner with 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a heavy bomber unit, equipped with the Avro Lancaster III, based at RAF Metheringham. On 27 April 1944 John was flying aboard Lancaster III, Serial JB601, which was part of a large flight bound for the Schweinfurt ball bearing factory in Germany. Twenty one Lancaster’s were lost on the raid, including JB601, which was brought down over France. John was 31 years old when he died that day, and is buried alongside six of his fellow crewmen at Laneuville-A-Bayard Churchyard, France.

Owen Morgan Rees, Leading Aircraftman, 1835916, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Owen was the son of Morgan and Mary Ann Rees, of Llanelli, and the husband of Betty Rees, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and died at Porthcawl on 15 September 1944, aged 34. Owen is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Philip Rees, Lance Sergeant, 3957743, Royal Scots Fusiliers. Philip was born in Llanelli in 1921. He served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, which was attached to 44 (Lowland) Infantry Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. The division landed in Normandy on 13 June 1944, and took part in the fighting to break out of the beach head, and the subsequent drive through France, Belgium and Holland into Germany. Philip was killed during the crossing of the Rhine on 22 February 1945, aged 33, and is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

Thomas Gwynfil Rees, Gunner, 985114, Royal Artillery. Thomas was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Rees, and the husband of Betty Rees, of Llanelli. He served with the 98th (Surrey & Sussex Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which was part of the British Expeditionary Force in France at the outbreak of war. Thomas was caught up in the retreat from Lille to Dunkirk in May 1940. He was wounded, but evacuated safely back to Britain. He died as a result of his wounds on 18 September 1940. Thomas was 25 years old, and is buried in Felinfoel (Holy Trinity) Churchyard.

William Thomas Rees, Carpenter, Merchant Navy. William was born on 18 May 1893, the son of William Rees and Ann Rees, of 45, North Street, Bufferland, Pembroke Dock. He served as a Carpenter in the Merchant Navy during the Great War, but upon marrying Margaret Eva Thomas at Pembroke in 1938, left the service to take up a job as a tinplate worker at Trostre. The couple then resided at The Glen, Trostre Road, Llanelli. Following the outbreak of war William rejoined the Merchant Navy and was posted aboard the Newcastle registered steamer, SS Hollinside. During the early hours of 3 September 1942, Hollinside, sailing from Lisbon to Almeira as part of a small group of five ships, was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-107, just off the coast of Portugal. William was one of three men killed during the sinking. The 49-year-old has no known grave but the sea, so is commemorated on Panel 57 of the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Clifford Reynolds, Able Seaman, D/JX167317, Royal Navy. Clifford was the son of Thomas and Hannah Elton Reynolds, of Pemberton, Llanelli. He served with the Royal navy aboard the ancient S Class destroyer, H.M.S. Thracian. Thracian was in Hong Kong when the Japanese attacked in December 1941, and ran aground before being captured by the Japanese. Clifford was killed after the ship grounded, on 19 December 1941. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Clifford Dudley Richards, Sergeant (Air Bomber), 1339312, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Clifford was the son of George and Elizabeth Richards, of Llanelli. He served with 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster II from RAF Bardney. Clifford was killed when his Lancaster was lost over Germany on 19 October 1944. He was 21 years old, and is buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

David Bowen Richards, Gunner, 1123290, Royal Artillery. David was born at Llanelli in 1921, the son of David H. Richards and Blodwen Richards. The family later moved to Bristol. He served with 28 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. David was killed during the Axis assault around Gazala on 6 June 1942. He was 21 years old, and is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.

David John Richards, Sergeant (Air Gunner), 1418379, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the son of David and Elizabeth Ann Richards, and the husband of Dorothy Elizabeth Richards, of Llanelli. He served as an Air Gunner with 35 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a bomber unit, equipped with the Handley Page Halifax II, based at RAF Gravely. David was killed when his Halifax was brought down over Holland while returning from a raid on Germany on 13 May 1943. He was 23 years old, and is buried in Haaksbergen General Cemetery, Netherlands.

David Stanley Richards, Flight Sergeant, 1314457, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the son of William Emrys and Annie Richards, of Llanelli, and the husband of Elma Doreen Richards, of Llanelli. He served as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner with 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was equipped with the Avro Lancaster I, based at RAF Spilsby. David died when his Lancaster was shot down over Germany during a raid on the morning of 12 September 1944. He was 21 years old, and is buried alongside his fellow crewmen at Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

Glyn Richards, Private, 14672103, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Glyn was the son of Tom and Edith Richards, and the husband of Doreen Richards, of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, which was in the West indies at the outbreak of war. It returned to England in 1942, and saw no action until landing on Queen Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Glyn was killed during the fighting around Caen on 18 July 1944. He was 27 years old, and is buried in Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

Ivor Richards, Gunner, 838310, Royal Artillery. Ivor was the son of Arthur and Letitia Richards, of Glanmor Terrace, Llanelli. He served with the 11th Battery, 3 Heavy Anti Aircraft regiment, Royal Artillery, which formed part of the Singapore defences. Ivor was captured at Singapore, and sent to Thailand in October 1943. He died at Chungkai Camp on 13 May 1943, aged 30, and was buried in Chungkai Old cemetery. His grave was relocated to Chungkai War Cemetery, Thailand after the war.

John Roderick Richards, Stoker 1st Class, D/KX 129522, Royal Navy. John was the son of Thomas and Margaret Richards, and the husband of Edna Ann Richards, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the Dido class cruiser, H.M.S. Charybdis. She had seen much service during the war, taking part in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Convoys. On 23 October 1943, Charybdis was part of a force which was hunting for the German freighter Munsterland, when she was attacked by a German E-Boat, and sunk after being hit by two torpedoes, in the English Channel. John was among over 400 men killed in the sinking that day. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

John Henry Richardson, Bombardier, 3949401, Royal Artillery. John was born in 1898. He served with 484 Battery, 4 Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery was comprised of mostly Carmarthenshire men, and served in North Africa, before heading to Malta, to form part of the Maltese defences. John returned home at some time, and died in London on 29 January 1942, aged 49. John is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Richard Brabyn Ridley, Chief Engineman, LT/KX 124781, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Richard was the son of Alfred Edward and Sarah Anthony Ridley, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, and was based at H.M.S. Astraea, the Royal Navy base at Lagos, Nigeria. Richard died there on 2 January 1943, aged 39, and is buried in Yaba Cemetery, Nigeria.

George Glyndwr Roberts, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 567420, Royal Navy. George was the son of George Oliver Roberts and Bessie Roberts, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the M class destroyer, H.M.S. Mahratta. Completed in 1943, Mahratta spent most of her short career in the North Atlantic and Arctic on convoy escort duties. On 25 February 1944, she was escorting a Russian convoy, JW-57, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-990, with the loss of 220 lives. George was 18 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

William Leonard Roberts, Stoker 2nd Class, D/KX 138900, Royal Navy. William was the son of Myfanwy Roberts, of Bynea. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the battleship H.M.S. Prince of Wales. After seeing action against the Bismarck, she was repaired at Rosyth before being despatched with Force Z to Singapore on 25 October 1941. She docked at Singapore on 2 December, and on 10 December Force Z was sent to investigate reports of Japanese landings at Kuantan. That morning Force Z came under attack by Japanese aircraft, and within hours Prince of Wales and the battleship HMS Repulse had been sunk. William was among 327 men killed in the sinking of Prince of Wales. He was 24 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

William Rowe, Fusilier, 4192896, Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the son of Edward and Elizabeth Rowe, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was in France with the BEF at the outbreak of war. William was killed during the retreat to Dunkirk on 15 may 1940. He was 21 years old, and is buried in St. Agatha-Rode Churchyard, Belgium.

Mervyn John Rees Ryan, Sergeant, 1386032, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Mervyn was the son of David Ryan, and of Esther Mary Ryan, of Llanelli, and served with the Royal Air Force. Mervyn trained as a Pilot aboard an Airspeed Oxford, at Alberta, Canada, before returning to Britain to take up a posting. Mervyn was reported as missing on 12 July 1943. It was not until May 1944 that he was reported as being believed killed on that date. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Philip Saer, Sergeant, 1286344, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Philip was born in Llanelli in 1922. He served with the Royal Air Force. Philip died in Caernarvonshire on 1 March 1943, aged 20, and is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Edward David Salmon, Private, 3970570, Royal Sussex Regiment. Edward was the son of Daniel and Margaret Salmon, of Cardigan View, St. Dogmaels. He married Betty Meiron Williams, of Llanelli in 1941, prior to embarking for North Africa with the 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. The battalion took part in the North African campaign, before joining the invasion force for Sicily and Italy in 1943. Edward was killed in Italy on 25 May 1944, aged 27, and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy. He is commemorated on his wife’s grave at Llanelli, and on his parents headstone at St. Dogmaels.

Colin Robert Shepherd, Private, 3961383, Parachute Regiment. Colin was the Husband of Morwyth Olwen Shepherd (nee Picton), of Llanelli. He originally served with the 2/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, before it was converted to train as an airborne unit, becoming the 13th Battalion, Parachute Regiment. The battalion was attached to the 6th Airborne Division, and jumped into Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Colin was killed when the Short Stirling which he was in crashed on D-Day with nine paratroopers still aboard. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial, France.

Emrys Shingler, Lance Bombardier, 3961174, Royal Artillery. Emrys was the son of James and Catherine Shingler, of Llanelli. He served with 88 Battery, 82 Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery originally went to Singapore, before moving to Bombay in March 1942. It fought in the Burma campaign against the Japanese. Emrys was killed in Burma on 18 February 1944, aged 21, and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar.

Alfred John Kenneth Shortman, Seaman, LT/JX 280012, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Alfred was the son of Henry and Hilda Shortman, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard H.M. British Yard Minesweeper 2022. Alfred was one of two men killed aboard her on 17 August 1944. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk.

Francis R. J. Simon, Private, T/10679313, Royal Army Service Corps. Francis was the son of Frank and Grace Simon, of Llanelli. He had served throughout the war with the Royal Army Service Corps. Francis died at Bridgend on 10 October 1946, aged 24, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Harry Verdun Simon, Sergeant, 3962637, Welch Regiment. Harry was the son of William and Roseanna Simon, of Dafen. He served with the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was the local Territorial battalion, attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Harry married Iris Joyce Hille, of Belmont, Kent while the battalion was based there in 1943. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, and took part in the break out from the Normandy beach-head and the subsequent drive through northern France into Belgium and Holland. Harry was killed during the clearing of Oosterhout on 11 October 1944, aged 28. He is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Albert Seagrave Smith, Lance Corporal, 4208749, Lincolnshire Regiment. Albert was born at Llanelli in 1923. He served with the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, which was attached to the 46th Infantry Division. The division moved to North Africa in 1943, and fought there before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Albert was killed in Italy on 5 January 1944, aged 20, and is buried in Cassino War Cemetery, Italy.

David William James Spencer, Sergeant, 539216, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the son of William David and Emily Gay Spencer of Llanelli, and the husband of M. Carrie Spencer, of Misida, Malta. He served with 511 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a transport squadron, based at RAF Lyneham, and flew regularly to Gibraltar with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator II. David died in Gibraltar on 31 October 1942, aged 24, and is commemorated on the Gibraltar Memorial, Gibraltar. He was probably lost at sea during an aircraft accident.

William Kenneth Stephens, Aircraftman 2nd Class, 1072395, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of Edgar and May Stephens, of Llanelli. He served with 27 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Bristol Blenheim IF, and was based in Malaysia, at Sungei Patani. William was killed during the Japanese invasion of Malaya on 8 December 1941. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial, Singapore.

William John Thomas Stevens, Volunteer, Home Guard. William was the son of William Houschold Stevens and Martha Stevens, and the husband of Elizabeth Stevens of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Carmarthenshire (Llanelli) Battalion, Home Guard. He died at Llanelli on 19 August 1940, aged 64, and is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Edward Albert Stolliday, Engineman, LT/X 421EU, Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service). Edward was the husband of Dora E. Stolliday (nee Evans), of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard H.M. Trawler Lord Stamp. On 14 October 1940, Lord Stamp was on patrol off Dover when she struck a mine, and sank with the loss of 25 lives. Edward was 38 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk. Dora died at Llanelli in 1944, aged 36.

Allen Stones, Private, 4343074, East Yorkshire Regiment. Allen was the son of Florence Stones, and the husband of Annie Rose Stones, of Llanelli. He served with the 4th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, which was in France with the BEF in 1940. Allen was killed after the fall of France on 9 June 1940. He was 22 years old, and is buried in St. Valery-En-Caux Franco-British Cemetery, France.

Philip Keehan Strahan, Driver, T/131521, Royal Army Service Corps. Philip was the son of David and Rebecca Strahan, of Llanelli. He served with 54 Infantry Brigade Group Company, Royal Army Service Corps. Philip was captured at Singapore, and sent to Thailand in October 1942. He became severely ill, and died at Tha Sao hospital of chronic malaria, malnutrition and a collapsed right lung on 3 December 1943, aged 30. Philip was buried in Tha Sao No. 2 (St. Luke’s) cemetery, but his grave was relocated to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand after the war.

Evan D Sullivan, Private, 2034561, Welch Regiment. Evan was the son of Joseph and Vera Sullivan, of Llanelli, and the husband of Mary E. Sullivan, of Llanelli. He had served with the Welch Regiment during the war, and died at Llanelli on 12 May 1946, aged 29. Evan is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Henry Thomas Sweetland, Leading Seaman, D/JX 137497, Royal Navy. Henry was the son of Alfred and Elizabeth Sweetland, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the destroyer depot ship, H.M.S. Hecla. On 12 November 1942 Hecla was off Casablanca when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-515. Henry was 25 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

George Frederick Taylor, 2nd Lieutenant, 224173, Royal Army Service Corps. George was the son of Frederick George and Nellie Taylor, of Llanelli, and the husband of Marjorie Eileen Taylor, of West Hanningfield. Essex. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps. George died on 5 September 1942, aged 25, and is buried in Lewisham (Hither Green) Cemetery.

Benjamin Thomas, Civilian. Benjamin was the Husband of Harriet Ann Thomas, of 18 Gordon Terrace, Llanelli. He worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Pembrey, and was killed there during the air raid of 10 July 1940, aged 55.

David Thomas, Gunner, 1492553, Royal Artillery. David was the son of Aneurin Thomas, and of Elizabeth Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with 7 Battery, 5 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. David was in Hong Kong when the colony was attacked by the Japanese in December 1941. He was killed there on 21 December 1941, aged 23, and is commemorated on the Sai Wan Memorial, Hong Kong.

David Pendry Thomas, Sergeant, 3954507, Welch Regiment. David was the son of David John and Mary Thomas, of Llanelli, and the husband of Elizabeth Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the local Territorial unit, the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, after almost five years on home service, and took part in the break out from the beach head. David was killed near Maizet on 8 August 1944, aged 43, and is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

David Tudor Wales Thomas, Lance Corporal, 3964127, Welch Regiment. David was the son of Edward and Eleanor Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the local Territorial unit, the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, after almost five years on home service, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. David was killed in Holland on 14 November 1944. He was 31 years old, and is buried in Mierlo War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Frederick Edmund Thomas, Able Seaman, D/SSX 15426, Royal Navy. Frederick was the son of Edmund and Eleanor Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Courageous. On 17 September 1939, Courageous was on an anti submarine patrol off Ireland, when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-39, and sunk with the loss of over 500 lives. Frederick was 22 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Gerwyn James Thomas, Private, 2160482, The Kings (Liverpool) Regiment. Gerwyn was the son of John and Elizabeth Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment. The battalion served with the famous Chindits in the Burmese Jungle, operating behind Japanese lines. Gerwyn was killed in Burma on 20 May 1944, aged 23, and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar.

Glyn Howell Thomas, Guardsman, 2738182, Welsh Guards. Glyn was the son of Tom and Annie Thomas, of Llanelli, and the husband of Sarah A. Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Guards. The battalion had sailed for North Africa in February 1943, joining the eighth army. Glyn was killed during the capture of El Rhorab on 9 April 1943. He was 28 years old, and is buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Gwilym John Thomas, Lance Corporal, 4204327, Parachute Regiment. Gwilym was born at Llanelli in 1916. He served with the 6th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, which had been formed from the 10th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Gwilym had fought in North Africa and Italy with the battalion, before it jumped into Southern France in August 1944. He was killed on 15 August 1944, aged 28, and is buried in Mazargues War Cemetery, Marseilles, France.

Jane Mair George Thomas, Sister, 270493, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. Jane was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. Thomas, of Llanelli. She was a nurse, and served with Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. Jane was serving in Africa, and embarked on 6 February 1944 aboard the passenger ship S.S. Khedive Ismail at Mombasa. The ship sailed that day as part of Convoy KR-8. On 12 February 1944 the convoy was sailing off the Maldives when it was attacked by the Japanese submarine I-27. Two torpedoes struck the Khedive Ismail, which was loaded with over 1,500 personnel, and it sank in minutes, with the loss of over 1,300 lives. Jane was 25 years old when she died that day, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, Surrey.

John Howell Nelson Thomas, Second Radio Officer, Merchant Navy. John was the son of Sidney and Evelyn Phyllis Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy, aboard the S.S. Bristol City. On 5 May 1943, she was on route from Milford for New York when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-358, with the loss of 15 lives. John was 21 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Mervyn Thomas, Craftsman, 7638432, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Mervyn was the son of David John and Kate Thomas, of Llanelli, and the husband of Marion Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was posted to Burma. Mervyn died there on 9 November 1944, aged 33, and is buried in Kohima War Cemetery, Burma.

Robert Meyler Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 277180, Royal Navy. Robert was the son of Robert and Mary Thomas, and the husband of Margaret Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the V class destroyer H.M.S. Vimiera. On 9 January 1942, Vimiera struck a mine in the Thames Estuary, and sank with the loss of 96 lives. Robert was 30 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Thomas James Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 293349, Royal Navy. Thomas was the son of Catherine A. Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Navy at H.M.S. Lucifer, the Royal Naval base at Swansea, Thomas died on 2 January 1943, aged 39, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Thomas John Thomas, Corporal, 3962531, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Thomas was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Thomas, and the husband of Eleanor Thomas, of Llanelli. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The battalion fought in the Western Desert during the war, after moving from Scotland in 1942. Thomas was killed in North Africa on 29 April 1943. He was 25 years old, and is buried in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Thomas Morgan Thomas, Flight Lieutenant, 168842, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was born at Llanelli in 1913, the son of David Daniel Thomas and Charlotte Edith Thomas (nee McLean). He lived at Tregaron prior to the war, probably working as a schoolteacher at Tregaron School, and married Rose Hannah Mathias there in 1939. Thomas enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve soon after the outbreak of war and trained as a pilot before being posted to 138 Squadron, RAF. The squadron had reformed in 1941 and was the first squadron of the Royal Air Force Special Duty Service, based at RAF Stradishall. The Squadron moved to RAF Tempsford in March 1942 and carried out top secret missions, dropping supplies and agents for SIS and the SOE into Axis occupied territory. On 3 June 1944 Thomas took off from Tempsford aboard a Handley Page Halifax V, Serial LL307, which was taking part in an SOE Special Operation to drop three SOE agents into Belgium. The Halifax was intercepted by a German night-fighter and was shot down soon after crossing the Channel into Holland and crashed near Stavenisse on Tholen Island, killing Thomas and his entire crew. Thomas was 31 years old when he died in the crash that night and is buried alongside his crew in Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Volander Thomas, Private, 4688517, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Volander was the son of Ned and Winifred Cecelia Thomas, of Llanelli, and the husband of Caroline Thomas, of Outwood, Yorkshire. He served with the 2/4th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which was in France with the BEF when the Germans launched their Blitzkrieg in May 1940. Volander was killed at sometime between 9 June and 13 June 1940. He was 26 years old, and is buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

William Bowen Thomas, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. William was born in Llanelli on 23 January 1920, probably the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bowen. He lived at 5, Great Western Crescent, Llanelli prior to the war when he enlisted into the Merchant Navy and served aboard the Sunderland registered SS Brinkburn. On 21 June 1943 the Brinkburn was sailing in convoy TE-22, which was west of Algiers en-route from Swansea for Gibraltar, when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-73, and exploded before sinking with the loss of 29 men. William was 23 years old when he was killed that day and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Daniel Thomas, Aircraftman 1st Class, 1416529, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of William John and Hannah Thomas, of Bynea. He served with the Royal Air Force, and had been posted to Canada to train with the Empire Air training Scheme. William died in Canada on 12 December 1943, aged 22, and is buried in Estevan Cemetery, Canada.

Ronald James Thompson, Private, 14541770, The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey). Ronald was the son of William John and Mary Ann Thompson, of Llanelli, and the husband of Catherine Hilda Thompson, of Dafen. He served with the 2/5th Battalion, Queen’s Royal Regiment. Ronald fought initially during the North African campaign. The battalion then took part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Ronald was killed in Italy on 18 January 1944. He was 23 years old, and is buried in Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.

David Thomas Aaron Tinnuche, Private, 7608236, Royal Army Ordnance Corps. David was the son of Gwilym and Sarah Tinnuche, of Llanelli. He married Sarah Jane Ruthetta Charman, of Aberystwyth, in 1940. David served with 14 Army Ordnance Depot, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which landed at Sword Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944. David was killed months later, on 26 September 1944. He was 28 years old, and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

William Glyn Tucker, Private, 14759577, Welch Regiment. William was the son of William Arthur and Annie M. Tucker, of Furnace, Llanelli. He served with the 1/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944, after almost five years on home service, and took part in the break out from the beach head, and the drive through France and Belgium into Holland. William was killed in Germany, after the crossing of the Rhine, on 16 April 1945. He was 19 years old, and is buried in Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

Edward S. Turner, Chief Officer, Merchant Navy. Edward was the son of Edward and Bridget Turner, and the husband of Nancy Turner, of Llanelli. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the S.S. Amlwch Rose, a Liverpool registered cargo steamer. On 6 December 1940, Amlwch Rose was caught in a storm off the North Wales coast, and foundered off the Great Orme. Edward was 30 years old when he died that day, and is buried in Penmaenmawr (Dwygyfylchi) Cemetery.

Alexander Ure, Corporal, 3251797, Highland Light Infantry. Alexander was the son of Robert A. and Margaret Ure, and the husband of Mary Ure, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regt). The battalion landed in Normandy in June 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head. Alexander was killed on 15 July 1944, aged 30, and is buried in Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

William John Walters, Fusilier, 14200986, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). William was the son of Frederick Ernest and Gwendoline Walters, of Llanelli. He served with the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The battalion landed at Anzio in February 1944, and took part in the break out from the beach head. William was killed at sometime between 16 and 18 February 1944. He was 20 years old, and is buried in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.

William John Warlow, Sergeant, 1653307, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of William Charles and Elizabeth Warlow, of Llanelli. He served as a Flight Engineer with 75 (N.Z.) Squadron, Royal Air Force, which flew the Avro Lancaster III from RAF Mepal. On the morning of 20 November 1944, William took off from Mepal aboard Lancaster ND911, which was part of a force despatched to bomb the oil refinery at Homberg. Despite losing an engine, the Lancaster dropped its bombs on the refinery, but was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded in the air. William was 30 years old when he was killed in the resultant explosion. His body was recovered by the Germans, and buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany along with three other crew members.

John Tudor Webber, Lance Corporal, 66643, Royal Army Service Corps. John was born at Llanelli in 1917. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps, and was in France with the BEF when the Germans launched their attack on France. John was killed on 29 May 1940, aged 23, and is buried in Oye-Plage Communal Cemetery, France.

Douglas West, Private, 1494432, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Douglas was the son of John and Eleanor West, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. The battalion spent most of the war in India. Douglas was returning home aboard a Consolidated Liberator VI, Serial KH125, when the aircraft was hit by lightning while flying over Rochefort, France, and lost a wing. The aircraft crashed into the ground near the town, killing all 28 passengers and crew who were aboard. Douglas was 27 years old when he died in the crash, and is buried besides the other casualties in Rochefort-Sur-Mer Naval Cemetery, France.

William Harry West, Able Seaman, C/JX 178697, Royal Navy. William was born in 1918. He served with the Royal Navy on the Town Class cruiser, H.M.S. Sheffield. She had a very active war, taking part in several major actions, and had operated on the Arctic Convoys. William must have taken ill, and died on 27 September 1944, aged 26. He is buried in Llanelli Church Cemetery.

Albert James White, Fusilier, 3972350, Lancashire Fusiliers. Albert was the son of George and Sarah White, of Llanelli. He served with the 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in the far East. Albert was killed in Burma during the first Arakan campaign on 12 January 1943, aged 29, and is buried in Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Wilfred Edwin White, Driver, 2068052, Royal Engineers. Wilfred was the son of Edwin Alfred and Winifred Maude White, of Llanelli. He served with the 234th Field Company, Royal Engineers. The company landed in Normandy on D-Day. Wilfred was killed a month later, when a German rocket shell hit his units position near Byeville Woods on 7 July 1944. He was 25 years old, and is buried in La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres, France.

William Robert White, Driver, 220960, Royal Army Service Corps. William was the son of William Henry and Margaret Ann White, and the husband of Hilary May White, of Llanelli. He served in North Africa with the Royal Army Service Corps. William died in Egypt on 19 July 1944, aged 29, and is buried in Suez War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Arthur Aubrey Williams, Gunner, 982237, Royal Artillery. Arthur was the son of Martin and Blodwen Williams, of Llanelli. He served with the 7th Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment had been in France with the BEF when the Germans launched their Blitzkrieg in May 1940, and was evacuated from Dunkirk. It then moved to the Mediterranean, and fought during the fall of Greece. The survivors of the regiment moved to Crete, and saw heavy fighting when the island was attacked by German paratroopers on 20 May 1941. Arthur was probably killed at sea during the evacuation from Crete on 29 May 1941. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Athens Memorial, Greece.

David John (Jack) Williams, Corporal, 967360, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Jack was the son of Sidney and Eleanor Williams, of Llanelli. He served with the Royal Air Force, and was based in India during the war. The RAF was in India to protect the country from the possibility of attack by the Japanese. Little is known of Jack’s war, but he died in India on 10 March 1944, aged 31, and is buried in Chittagong War Cemetery, Bangladesh.

David R. Williams, Private, 3962512, Welch Regiment. David was the son of David Thomas Williams and Lily Maud Williams of Penyfan, Llanelli. He served with the local Territorial unit, the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. David died while the division was on service in Northern Ireland on 5 February 1940. He was 20 years old, and is buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

Desmond Williams, Private, 3973631, Welch Regiment. Desmond was the son of Owen and Beatrice Williams, of Llanelli. He served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment. The battalion had fought in North Africa before moving to Crete, and suffered heavy casualties during the fall of Crete in May 1941. It then withdrew to North Africa, and rebuilt before again suffering heavy casualties at Benghazi. It remained in North Africa before taking part in the invasion of Italy in 1943. Desmond was killed in Italy on 1 January 1945, aged 22, and is buried in Argenta Gap War Cemetery, Italy.

Elvyn Williams, Bombardier, 938950, Royal Artillery. Elvyn was born in Llanelli in 1919. He served with 65 (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment had fought in France with BEF in 1940, and after rebuilding in England moved to North Africa with the 7th Armoured Division (the famous Desert Rats). Elvyn is recorded as having died on 20 May 1945, aged 26, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. His battery had fought in Italy in 1943 and returned to England in 1944 to take part in the Normandy Landings, so it is odd why Elvyn is recorded as dying in 1945 and commemorated in Egypt.

Glyn Williams, Private, 5113954, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Glyn was the son of James and Sarah Williams, of Llanelli, and the husband of Emily Williams, of Aston, Birmingham. He had served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and died in Coventry on 21 April 1940, aged 22. Glyn is buried in Birmingham (Witton) Cemetery.

Gordon Titus Williams, Lance Corporal, 14320814, Highland Light Infantry. Gordon was the son of John and Charlotte Williams, of Llanelli. He served with the 5th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, which was attached to the 52nd Lowland Division. The division trained as a Mountain Division, but was instead posted to Belgium at the end of October 1944, joining the 1st Canadian Army. It took part in the drive towards the Rhine crossings, through Holland over the coming weeks. Gordon was killed during the clearance of the Roer triangle, during Operation Blackcock, on 25 January 1945, aged 20, and is buried in Sittard War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Leslie Williams, Gunner, 2036598, Royal Artillery. Leslie was the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Williams of Dafen, and the husband of Margaret Williams, of Freckleton, Lancashire. He served with 216 Battery, 70 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The battery fought in India during the war, and it was there that Leslie was killed on 17 May 1943. He was 24 years old, and is buried in Kirkee War Cemetery, India.

Roy Williams, Private, Welch Regiment. Roy was the son of David and Lily Williams, of Grant Street, Llanelli. He served in the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The division moved to Northern Ireland in October 1939, to train and garrison the Irish ports. Roy looks to have died in Banbridge, Co Down on 5 February 1940, aged 20, and was brought home to be buried in Llanelli (Box) Cemetery.

William Iorwerth Williams, Sergeant (Air Bomber), 1413546, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Williams, of Llanelli. He trained as an Air Bomber with the Royal Air Force, before being posted to 75 (New Zealand) Squadron, RAF, which flew the Avro Lancaster I, based at RAF Mepal. On the night of 10 June 1944, William took off from Mepal as a crewman aboard Lancaster HK553, bound for Dreux, in a mission which aimed to destroy German ability to bring troops to Normandy prior to D-Day. On the following morning of 11 June the Lancaster was attacked by a German night fighter, and was set alight and exploded, killing all bar one of her crew. William was 23 years old when he died that day, and is buried in Tillieres-Sur-Avre Communal Cemetery, France, alongside his fellow crewmen.

Brian Howard Helps Wilson, Flight Sergeant, 978875, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Brian was the son of Sydney and Annie Tegwedd Wilson, of Llanelli. He served with 500 Squadron, RAF, which was a Coastal Command unit, based at RAF St Eval, and flew the Lockheed Hudson V. Brian was killed when his Hudson was lost on a patrol on 8 September 1942. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Francis Harry Winfield, Private, 5189351, Parachute Regiment. Francis was the son of Harry and Elizabeth Winfield, of Gloucestershire, and the husband of Peggy Winfield, of St. Pauls, Llanelli. He had served with the Gloucestershire Regiment, before volunteering to be a paratrooper, and after training was posted to the 12th Battalion, Parachute Regiment. The battalion captured Ranville on D-Day, 6 June 1944, when it had been dropped as part of the 6th Airborne Division. It later fought in the Battle of Breville, and played a part in the 6th Airborne Division advance to the River Seine. Francis was killed during the advance, on 19 August 1944, aged 29. He is buried in Putot-En-Auge Churchyard, France.

Desmond John Woolford, Corporal, 5728951, Dorsetshire Regiment. Desmond was the son of Walter and Ellen Sarah J. Woolford, of Llanelli, and the husband of Winifred Marion Woolford, of Carshalton, Surrey. He served with the 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, which was in Poona, India at the outbreak of war. Desmond was killed during the Battle of Kohima on 8 May 1944, aged 27, and is buried in Kohima War Cemetery, Burma.