Aberystwyth County School War Memorial

Ardwyn Grammar School originally opened in 1896 as Aberystwyth County School, on the site of a private school called Ardwyn, which had been run by the Reverend Llewellyn Edwards, M.A. The name of the school changed several times over the coming years; its first change was to the Aberystwyth County School; from 1928, Ardwyn County School or Ardwyn School, and in line with the 1944 Education Act it was called Ardwyn Grammar School (although known locally as the County School). The school ceased to exist in 1973, after the comprehensive system was introduced. In 1973 Penglais School was formed, along with the first all-Welsh secondary school, sharing the Ardwyn premises for two years, until the English speaking pupils left for the Waun, and the whole of the old Ardwyn premises became an all Welsh comprehensive school named Penweddig. As a result of these changes of identity, the Great War Memorial is the Aberystwyth County School Memorial, whilst the World War Two Memorial is the Ardwyn Grammar School Memorial.

Aberystwyth County School, The Great War Roll of Honour

Robert Arthur Buttery, Second Lieutenant, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Robert was the son of Robert William Buttery, and of Amy Caroline Buttery, of London. He was commissioned from the OTC into the 1st Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry on 19 December 1916. Robert was then posted to the 1/4th Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, which was attached to 145 Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division. In March 1917 the division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and later in the year fought at Third Ypres. The Division was ordered to Italy on 21 November 1917, remaining there for the duration of the war. Robert was killed in Italy on 15 June 1918. He was 27 years old, and is buried in Boscon British Cemetery, Italy.

Henry Davies, Private, 48007, West Yorkshire Regiment. Henry was born at Llanbadarn, and enlisted at Hammersmith into the Army Service Corps. He served with their Motor Transport section for a while, before being sent to France in 1916, joining the 18th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. The battalion formed at Bradford, as part of 93 Brigade, 31st Division, and moved to Egypt in December 1915. As the Gallipoli campaign was being closed down, the Division was diverted to France in March 1916, and saw its first major action at the Battle of Albert in July 1916. The Division took part in the assault on Serre, and suffered very high casualties, and was withdrawn for several months as a result, before moving back into the line in November 1916, before taking part in the Battle of the Ancre. The Division wintered on the Ancre, until moving to Arras the following year. Here they fought at the Third Battle of the Scarpe, and helped in the capture of Oppy Wood. Henry was killed in action here on 3 May 1917. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

John Evans, Private, 21665, South Wales Borderers. John was born in Aberystwyth in 1880, the son of Evan and Margaret Evans. Prior to the war John worked as a miner, and lived with his wife Agnes at Cymmer, near Port Talbot. John enlisted at Aberavon into the 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion trained in North Wales as part of the newly formed Welsh Division, before moving to Winchester as part of 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The division moved to France on 2 December 1915, taking up positions in the Nursery Sector near Fleurbaix. John was an early casualty in his battalion, being killed on 7 February 1916 whilst the battalion was in reserve. He was 35 years old, and is buried in St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue, France.

David Owen Jones, Gunner, 168380, Royal Field Artillery. David was born in London in 1887, the son of Daniel and Margaret Jones, of Hafodlasissaf. He enlisted at Aberystwyth into the Royal Field Artillery, and was posted to France at some time in 1916 with 23rd Battery, 40th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the 3rd Division. David probably fought on the Somme on 1916, and moved to Ypres with the Division the following year. David was wounded at Ypres, and died of his wounds at Remi Sidings Casualty Clearing Station on 13 October 1917. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Emlyn Mason Jones, Gunner, 102654, Royal Garrison Artillery. Emlyn was the son of Edward and Laura Louisa Jones, of Gwynfa, Ponterwyd. Emlyn enlisted at Aberystwyth on 8 December 1915 into the Royal Artillery, and on 12 August 1916 was posted to the 236th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, landing in France on 30 January 1917. The battery moved to positions near Ypres, where it supported the Allied assault on the Passchendaele Ridge from 31 July 1917 onwards. Emlyn was killed in action at Ypres on 22 December 1917. He was 21 years old, and is buried at Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Belgium. His brother Iorwerth also fell. He was described as a man of unblemished character and his senior officer, Major Colman, wrote to his parents to say; “The loss to me is great, for he was one of those remaining who had shared all the discomforts of the twelve months we have spent overseas together.”

Thomas David Jones, Rifleman, R/4270, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Thomas was born at Miles Platting, Lancashire in 1883, the son of Mary Jones. He was brought up in Aberystwyth, and had served for six months with the 1st Cardigan Volunteer Artillery in 1902. Thomas enlisted on 13 September 1914 at St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, into the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. On 8 October 1914 Thomas was posted to the 13th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. The battalion moved to Windmill Hill, Salisbury Plain in April 1915, joining 111 Brigade, 37th Division, before landing at Boulogne on 31 July 1915. The division concentrated near Tilques, before moving into positions on the Somme, where it saw its first major action on 1 July 1916 at the Battle of Albert. On 4 August 1916, Thomas was admitted to the 2nd Field Ambulance, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, which he’d suffered during an attack on the Somme that day. Thomas died of his wounds on 8 August 1916, aged 32. He is buried in Bois Guillame Communal Cemetery, France.

John Emrys Lewis, Second Lieutenant, Somerset Light Infantry. John was born in 1891, the son of Jenkin and Mary Anne Lewis, of Rhiwmynach, Devils Bridge. He was a Teacher prior to the war, and was commissioned into the Somerset Light Infantry. John landed in France on 20 May 1916, and proceeded to join the 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, which was attached to 63 Brigade, 21st Division. John joined the battalion on the Somme, where it was preparing for its part in the forthcoming offensive of 1 July 1916. The 21st Division moved into positions near Fricourt, with the 8th Somerset Light Infantry being allotted a section of the line opposite Empress Trench, north of Fricourt. At 06.30 on 1 July 1916, amidst the noise of huge underground mines being blown beneath the German lines, whistles blew, and the British climbed out of their trenches. The Somerset’s took their objectives, but had suffered heavily whilst doing so, coming under intense German machine-gun fire. John had been killed in the early charge that morning. He was 24 years old, and is today buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers-La Boiselle, France. His brother, David, had been killed at Cuinchy on 18 February 1916.

Desmond Maurice Macartney-Filgate, Second Lieutenant, Royal Air Force. Desmond was the son of Charles and Mary Macartney-Filgate, of Florence Place, Borth, and grandson of the late Townley Macartney-Filgate, of Lowtherstone, Balbriggan. He was commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps on 9 March 1918, and attached to the 42nd Training Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, where he trained as a pilot. Desmond was seriously injured in a training accident in May 1918, and died on 31 May 1918, aged just 18. He is buried at Wye (Ss. Mary and Martin) Churchyard, England.

John Ivor Morgan, Gunner, 731220, Royal Field Artillery. John was born in 1896, the son of John Bunce Morgan and Jane Morgan, of Glanfred, Llandre, Aberystwyth. He enlisted at Bedford into the Royal Artillery, and was posted to A Battery, 37th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. The battery formed in Egypt in September 1917, attached to the 75th Division. The Division served in Egypt and Palestine, taking part in the Third Battle of Gaza. They then fought at the Capture of Junction Station, the Battle of Nabi Samweil, the Battle of Tell’Asur, the Battle of Berukin, and the Battles of Megiddo. They remained in Palestine for the duration of the war. John was killed in action in Palestine on 19 September 1918. He is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Egypt.

Spencer Morris Treharne, Corporal, 9794, Honourable Artillery Company. Spencer was the son of Gomer Treharne, and of Matilda Treharne (nee Llewellyn), of Lenton House, Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth. He enlisted at Mill Hill, Middlesex on 30 December 1916 into the Honourable Artillery Company, and was posted to France on 20 March 1917, joining the 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, which was attached to 22 Brigade 7th Division. In March 1917 the division followed the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and took part in Flanking Operations Round Bullecourt. Later in the year the Division moved to Ypres, and fought at the Battle of the Polygon Wood. Spencer was killed in action during the advance to the east of the wood, on 9 October 1917. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

John Parry Williams, Third Engineer, Mercantile Marine. John was born at Llanrhystud in 1894, the son of John Thomas and Jane Williams (nee Parry). The family later resided at the Post Office, New Cross, Aberystwyth. John was an iron worker prior to the war, before becoming an engineer with the Mercantile Marine, serving aboard the SS Argyll, a Newport registered Turret Hull steamship. On 13 April 1917, Argyll was on route from Port Kelah for Middlesbrough with a cargo of iron ore, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-84. John was among 22 men killed in her sinking. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Ardwyn Grammar School Aberystwyth, World War Two, 1939-1945

Derek Jones Bates, Flight Sergeant, 1684954, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Derek was the son of Henry Walter Bates and Lilian Scandrett Bates (nee Jones), of Hale Cheshire. His mother was from Aberystwyth, and her brother, Robert Brython Jones, had been killed in 1918, during WW1. Derek’s father, a WW1 veteran, died in 1927, so Lilian moved back to Aberystwyth and Derek was educated at Ardwyn School. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve at the outbreak of war and served with 114 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, which was based in the Mediterranean area from 1942 through to 1945, equipped with the Douglas Boston. The squadron took part in the invasion of North Africa and had moved to mainland Italy. On 21 February 1945 Derek was from a night intruder mission in the Treviso area aboard a Doglas Boston, Serial BZ460, when it crashed into the sea off Falconara, with the loss of all of her crew of four. Derek was 23 years old when he died that day and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial, Malta.

Herman Benson, Leading Writer, D/MX 67836, Royal Navy. Herman was the son of Russell Heber Benson and Elizabeth Benson, of Aberystwyth. He served on the Cruiser HMS Charybdis, which had been commissioned in December 1941. In 1942 she did valuable service in the Mediterranean, as an escort ship during the important Malta Convoys. In October 1943 she was part of a force sent to intercept the German blockade runner Munsterlund off the Britanny coast, but during the night a flotilla of German torpedo boats attacked the Charybdis and the other vessels and made off into the night. The Charybdis was sunk with the loss of 30 officers and 432 ratings. Herman was 23 years of age when he lost his life on 23 October 1943 and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Reginald Cassimer Bohlen, Major, 173082, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Reg was the son of Cassimer John Read Bohlen, and Lucy Eva Bohlen, of Wallingford, Berkshire. Reg was a major with the 10th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment which was part of the allies landing force at Anzio in January 1944. The allies suffered heavy losses but the beachhead was secured. Despite a staunch resistance by the Germans, the battle line moved slowly forward, and Reg was killed in action on 28 February 1944. He was 26 years old and is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy.

David Aeron Davies, Able Seaman, P/JX 224550, Royal Navy. David was born at Tonypandy on 22 September 1917, the son of Ivor and Elizabeth Davies. The family later resided at Aberystwyth. David served on the destroyer HMS Beverley which saw service in the North Atlantic. Whilst providing escort for convoy ON 176 southwest of Iceland she sustained serious damage in a collision with SS Cairnvalona causing her to drop to the rear of the convoy. Two days later, on 11 April 1943 and with her anti-submarine gear damaged she was hit by a torpedo during a night attack by U-188, and sank with the loss of 151 lives. David was 25 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Hugh Brychan Davies, Captain, 232195, 1st Battalion The Buffs, (Royal East Kent Regiment). Hugh was the son of William Protheroe Davies and Hannah Mary Davies, of Brixton, London. He was a corporal in the London Scottish Regiment, serving in the Middle East, when he was commissioned into the 1st Battalion, East Kent Regiment, (The Buffs). High was leading his company during an attack in Italy when he was killed on 12 April 1944, aged 28. He is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy.

Idris Davies, Private, 5387186, South Staffordshire Regiment. Idris was the son of the Reverend David Stephen Davies and Emily Davies, of Streatham Hill, London, late of Tynant, Talybont. He served with the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment in North Africa. Idris was wounded in Egypt, and died of his wounds on 13 January 1942, aged 23. Idris is buried in Alexandria (Hydra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Francis Joseph Edwards, Sergeant, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, 1316995, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Edwards of Aberystwyth and served with 427 (Royal Canadian Air Force) Squadron. Formed in 1942 the squadron was originally equipped with Wellington aircraft before being re-equipped with Halifax aircraft at the time of Francis’ death. On 18 April 1944 the squadron, made up of fifteen aircraft, was detailed to target Le Bourget in France. The mission was considered a success with all aircraft returning safely except Halifax BIII, LV789. The aircraft, piloted by Warrant Officer G H Coathup, was lost with Francis and all the crew of seven killed. He was 23 years of age and is buried with his fellow crew members in Clichy Northern Cemetery, France.

Jemuel Richard Edwards, Flight Sergeant, 1286856, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Jemuel was the son of Owen and Ellen Ann Edwards, of Aberystwyth. He served with 296 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The Squadron was formed on 25 January 1942, at RAF Ringway from the Glider Exercise Unit, and moved to Netheravon to tow Hotspur Gliders on training flights. In May 1942 it began to receive Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys. On 8 September 1942, Jemuel was aboard Whitley Serial BD436 of 296 Squadron, and whilst climbing out of the front hatch of the aircraft walked into the airscrew, which was still turning. Jemuel was 24 years old, and was brought home for burial at Aberystwyth Cemetery.

Thomas Brinley Edwards, Lance Sergeant, 984699, Royal Horse Artillery. Brinley was born on 4 February 1914, the son of Hugh Jenkin Edwards, and of Anne Marie Edwards (nee Jones), of Aberystwyth, and had played football for Aberystwyth FC prior to the war. He served with 11 (Honourable Artillery Company) Regiment, Royal Artillery, which served in North Africa, equipped with Priest self-propelled guns. Brinley was taken prisoner after the fall of Tobruk, and was handed over to the Italians. He was among a number of POWs taken aboard the S.S. Scillin, which sailed from Tripoli for Italy on 14 November 1942. During the night the ship was torpedoed and sunk by the Royal Navy Submarine HMS Sahib, and 783 POWs drowned. Thomas was 28 years old when he died that night, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

William Glynne Edwards, Lieutenant, Royal Navy. William was the son of William and Mary Lloyd Edwards, of Aberystwyth. He served with the Royal Navy aboard the destroyer HMS Harvester. In March 1943 whilst she was providing escort duties for convoy HX 228 in the Atlantic she forced U-444 to the surface before ramming her. Shortly after on 11 March 1943 she was herself torpedoed by U-432, breaking in half and sinking with the loss of 9 officers and 136 ratings. William was amongst those lost. He was 31 years old and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Edward Symond Ellis, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve. Edward was the son of David and Mary Rachel Ellis, of 28, Little Dark Street, Aberystwyth. He married Dorothy Phillips, of Holywell, Flintshire, in 1935. Edward served with the Royal Navy aboard HMS Bonaventure, a light Anti Aircraft Cruiser. On 31 March 1941 she was on escort duty with convoy GA-008, from Greece to Alexandria when she was torpedoed and sunk approximately 100 miles south southeast of Crete by the Italian submarine Ambra. Edward was 32 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Thomas Randall Evans, Sergeant, 1299215, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Thomas was the son of Thomas Edward and Margaret Julia Evans, of Goginan. He served with 625 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a heavy bomber squadron, equipped with the Avro Lancaster. On the night of 19/20 February 1944, Thomas took off from Kelstern in Lincolnshire aboard Lancaster CF-X, Serial LM384, bound for Leipzig, which had been targeted as a crucial fuel producing target. The aircraft crashed outside the village of Bledeln in Germany early on 20 February 1944, killing all bar one of her crew. Thomas was killed in the crash on 20 February 1944. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

William Eilir Evans, Corporal, 6471528, 2nd Royal Fusiliers, (City of London Regiment). William was the son of William and Jane Evans, of Llangwyryfon, Ceredigion. William served in the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). In January 1943 the battalion had recovered from its mauling at Dunkirk having reformed and taken on new drafts. William found himself with the reformed battalion in North Africa where they joined the 8th Army to help deliver the final blow to Rommel’s Africa Corps. William met his death on 29 April 1943, in the preparation for the final drive to Tunis and victory. He was 26 years old, and is buried in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.

John Roger Eyton-Morgan, Flying Officer, 162004, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of Thomas and Nellie White Eyton-Morgan, of Fronhyfryd, Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth. John volunteered to serve with the Royal Air Force, and was sent to South Africa, where he trained as a pilot. Upon his return to Britain, he was posted as a Pilot with 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a Coastal Command Squadron, equipped with the Bristol Beaufighter. At 14.30 on 26 April 1945, a force of 28 Beaufighters from Dallachy Strike Wing took off to attack shipping in Fedafjord, escorted by twelve Mustangs of 19 Squadron. When the force crossed the Norwegian coast, they were hit by flak and German fighters. John’s aircraft, Beaufighter PL-E, was hit by machine-gun fire, which caused it to crash into a hill, killing John and his Co-Pilot, Flight Sergeant James Thomson Knox. They are both buried at Feda Churchyard, Norway. John was just 21 years old.

Daniel Ernest George, Pilot Officer, 121564, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Daniel, known as Ernest, was born in 1910, the son of Daniel Henry George and of Agnes Lilly George, of 7, Skinner Street, Aberystwyth. He was residing at 5, Salisbury Road, Wrexham at the outbreak of war, with his wife, Joan George, before enlisting into the Royal Air Force, and becoming a Pilot. Daniel then served with 540 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a photo-reconnaissance unit, equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire IV and the De Havilland Mosquito. Daniel was posted as missing presumed killed when he failed to return after an operation on 3 April 1943. His aircraft, a Mosquito PR.IV, Serial DZ487 was never found. Daniel was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. His navigator, John Drysdale Mair, was also lost.

Gerallt Tegwyn Griffith, Flying Officer, 80889, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Gerallt was born in 1896, the son of William Gwyn and Annie Griffith. Prior to the war he lived with his wife, Gwyneth Elizabeth Griffith, at The Bay Hotel, Aberystwyth. He was commissioned as a Flying Officer on 20 October 1923, and served with the Royal Air Force for several years prior to the outbreak of war. On 14 June 1940, Gerallt rejoined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, after being re-commissioned as a Flying Officer. After the invasion of Europe on 6 June 1944, Gerallt joined the invasion forces as part of the RAF Regiment, and took part in the liberation of Holland. On 17 December 1944, he was enjoying a night off, and was watching a film at the Rex Cinema in Antwerp when the building was hit by a German V2 rocket, which killed almost 600 people. Gerallt was 48 years old, and is buried in Schoonselhof Cemetery near Antwerpen, Holland.

Augustus Howard, Flight Serjeant/Pilot, 1600185, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Augustus was the son of Harry and Eleanor Howard of Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Eleanor was from Aberystwyth, and Augustus was educated at the Grammar School, before joining the Royal Air Force, and training as a Pilot. On 4 March 1945, Augustus was flying on a training flight aboard Lancaster III, Serial III ND387, when it was shot down by a German fighter, crashing near Ketton, Rutland with the loss of all six of her crew. Augustus was 21 years old when he was killed that day and is buried in Marlow Cemetery.

Gareth Pryse-Howell, Sergeant, 1282866, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Gareth was the son of John Pryse Howell and Phyllis Pryse Howell, of Aberystwyth. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was posted to 1 TTU. Gareth was killed on 12 October 1942, whilst flying aboard a Handley Page Hampden I, Serial AN151 of Coastal Command, which crashed with the loss of all four of her crew. Gareth was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. One other crew member is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, whilst the remains of the other two men were recovered.

Owen Henry Humphreys, Captain, 244160, General List. Owen was known as Harry, and was the son of Owen and Caroline Humphreys, of Aberystwyth. He was commissioned from the Royal Army Service Corps on 26 August 1942, joining the General List of officers. Harry took part in the Normandy invasion, and the ensuing liberation of Belgium and Holland in 1944. He was killed near Brussels on 7 December 1944, aged 33, and is buried in Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. Within a month of his death, Harry was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in Northwest Europe.

Edward Llewelyn Isaac, Civilian. Edward, known as Llewelyn, was the son of Arthur Llewelyn Isaac and Annie Isaac, of 32, North Parade, Aberystwyth. On 17 April 1941 Llewelyn was at home at 32, Oakley Square, Mornington Crescent, St Pancras, when the area was bombed, during the London blitz. Llewelyn was 32 years old. His body was not found until the area was finally cleared on 21 May 1941. He is commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour, located near St. George’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London.

David Dennis James, Telegraphist, D/JX 211773, Royal Navy. David was born in Llandovery on 13 December 1919. His family must have moved to Aberystwyth as David was educated at Ardwyn School. He enlisted into the Royal Navy and was posted aboard the frigate HMS Mourne. On 15 June 1944, Mourne was in action, supporting the Normandy Landings, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-767 in the English Channel. Three days later, whilst still in the channel, the U-Boat was to suffer a similar fate when she was hunted down by British destroyers with depth charges, and sunk. David is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Richard Parry James, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Richard was the son of James Morgan James and Mary James, of New Cross, Aberystwyth. He served with the Royal Navy, and during 1942 was posted to HMS Lanka, the Royal Naval shore establishment for the East Indies Fleet, near Colombo, Sri Lanka. Richard was killed here during the Japanese invasion of the Far East, on 13 March 1943. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hampshire.

John Samuel Jarman, Sergeant, 1617852, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was born at Aberystwth in 1908, the son of Thomas Edward Jarman and Esther Jarman. At some time between the wars, the family had moved to 7, Cumberland Road, Swindon. During 1939, John joined the Royal Air Force, and worked at the Air Ministry as an Air Service Assistant Clerk. John died at the RAF Hospital at Wroughton, Wiltshire on 24 November 1944. He was 35 years old, and is buried in Swindon (Christ Church) Burial Ground.

Leslie Howard Jenkins, Sergeant, 577165, Royal Air Force. Leslie was born at Aberystwyth in 1922, the son of George and Bessie Jenkins. He volunteered to serve with the Royal Air Force, and served as a Flight Engineer with 90 Squadron. The squadron had reformed in early May 1941, and became part of No. 2 Group RAF, becoming equipped with the Boeing Flying Fortress Mk.1. Early experience with this aircraft proved to be unsuccessful, and the squadron re-equipped with the Bristol Blenheim. In November 1942 the Squadron reformed as part of No. 3 (Bomber) Group, equipped with Short Stirling Mk.I, and began mining sorties in January 1943. Leslie was killed when his Stirling was lost on one such operation on 4 February 1943. He was 20 years old, and is buried in Montfoort General Cemetery, Utrecht, Netherlands.

David Lloyd Jones, Flight Sergeant, 975131, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. David was the son of John William and Elizabeth Ann Jones, of Aberystwyth. He was the husband of Gwendoline Eva Jones. David worked in the National Library of Wales prior to the war. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force, and became a Navigator with 115 Squadron. From the spring of 1943 onwards the squadron flew the Avro Lancaster. At around 23.00 on 18 April 1944, David took off from RAF Witchford aboard Lancaster II, Serial LL667, which was part of a force ordered to bomb railway yards. On their return to base on the following morning, 19 April 1944, the Lancaster was preparing to land when it was shot down by a German night-fighter and crashed in Cambridgeshire, killing all her crew of seven. David was 30 years old when he was killed that morning and was brought home for burial in Aberystwyth Cemetery.

Edward Jenkin Jones, BA, Major, 129966, South Wales Borderers. Edward was the son of William David and Esther Elizabeth Jones, and the husband of Kathleen A. Jones, of St. Marylebone, London. He had been commissioned into the South Wales Borderers, and embarked for the Far East with the 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers in October 1942, which trained in India as a tank regiment until March 1943, before being reconverted to infantry, and taking part in the Burma campaign. Edward took part in the famous capture of the Mayu Tunnels by the battalion, which then took part a nine month march into Burma. He was killed during heavy fighting at Sahmaw Chaung on 5 August 1944, aged 31, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma.

Edward Llewelyn Jones, Civilian Fireman, Romford Municipal Borough. Edward was the husband of Edith E. M. Jones, of 10 King’s Road, Romford. He was a fireman and was injured on 10 June 1943 at Hornchurch. He died at home at 10, King’s Road on 23 February 1946, aged 43. Edward is commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour, located near St. George’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London.

Evan Morgan Jones, Seaman, Merchant Navy. Evan was the son of John James Jones, Coal Merchant, of 6, Queen Street, Aberystwyth. He served with the Merchant Navy, and was home on leave when he accidentally drowned at Aberystwyth on 5 July 1942, aged 31. He is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

George Rowland Jones, Sergeant, 3909865, South Wales Borderers. George was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, of Aberystwyth. He served in the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion was the only Welsh unit to land on D-Day, landing at Le Hamel, near Arromanches on the Normandy coast at midday on 6 June 1944. In September the battalion was part of the force that was ordered to seize the port of Le Havre. Its task was particularly challenging, consisting of capturing three woods on a ridge heavily defended by the Germans with trenches, mines, concrete dug outs and wire. After two days of bitter fighting the Borderers had successfully achieved their objective and Le Havre was in Allied hands. Sadly George was killed here on 11 September 1944, aged 26. He is buried in Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France.

Gwilym Louis Gobert Jones, Second Officer, Merchant Navy. Gwilym, who was known as Louis, was born on 6 May 1916, the son of Lieutenant Gwilym Jones and of Margaret Jones, of Aberystwyth. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the SS Tymeric, a Glasgow registered steamer. On the morning of 23 November 1940, Tymeric was in convoy OB-244, carrying a cargo of coal from Hull to Buenos Aires, when she was hit by a torpedo from the German submarine U-123, and sank in flames with the loss of 71 lives. Louis was 24 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Hubert Hughes Jones, Volunteer, Home Guard. John was the son of William David Jones, and of Elizabeth Jones, of Chepstow, Monmouthshire. He served with the 3rd City of London (Farringdon) Battalion, Home Guard. John died on active service on 9 September 1940, aged 34. He is buried at Penygarn Calvinistic Methodist Cemetery, Llandre.

John James Jones. John cannot presently be identified, but he was reported as missing during February 1945.

Stanley Jones, Driver, 14429117, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Stanley was the son of Owen and Florence Jones, of Aberystwyth. Stanley was accidentally killed on 3 December 1943, aged 18. He is buried in Aberystwyth Cemetery.

John Cyril Ladd, B.Sc., Corporal, 1190954, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of John and Decima Pickstock Ladd, of Cardigan, and the husband of Margaret Ladd. of Leicester. A B.Sc. Honours graduate he was a master at Ardwyn Grammar School between the years 1933–1938. He served with the Royal Air Force in North Africa, attached to the Desert Air Force, which supported the 8th Army during its war against Rommel in North Africa. John was killed in Libya on 7 March 1943. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya. John is not commemorated on the Ardwyn Memorial.

David Richard Doughton Lewis, Seaman, LT/JX 205200, Royal Naval Patrol Service. David was born on 25 March 1912, the son of Edward Thomas Lewis and Elizabeth Sarah Ann Lewis, of Aberystwyth. He married Frances Rowlands Davies in 1937, and the couple lived at 1, Laurels Place, Eastgate. David served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard the mine sweeper HM Trawler Orfasy. During the night of 21 October 1943 Orfasy, whilst escorting the Danish tanker Litiopa, was heard to have fired two depth charges at the German U-Boat U-68, but was immediately hit by a torpedo which she had fired, and exploded, sinking with all hands, about 185 miles southeast of Freetown off the African coast. David was 31 years of age when he died on 22 October 1943, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk. His brother, Dennys, was killed in 1941.

Daniel George Lewis, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, D/MX 49903, Royal Navy. Daniel was the son of John and Mary Jane Lewis, of Rhymney, Monmouthshire. He served at HMS Tamar during the war which was the Royal Navy’s shore base in Hong Kong. Hong Kong fell to the Japanese on Christmas Day 1941, and all of the military personnel there were taken into captivity. Daniel was 27 years of age when he died in captivity on 2 October 1942. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Dennys Markham Lewis, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. Dennys was the son of Edward Thomas Lewis and Elizabeth Sarah Anne Lewis of Aberystwyth. He served with the Merchant Navy, aboard SS Empire Heron, a London registered cargo steamer. On 15 October 1941, Empire Heron was in convoy SC-48, which was crossing the Atlantic on route to Manchester with a cargo of sulphur. Waiting in mid Atlantic was a German U boat pack, which attacked the convoy. Empire Heron was struck on the starboard side by two torpedoes fired by U-568, causing her to sink with the loss of 42 of her 43 crew. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother, David, was killed in 1943.

George Daniel Lewis, Sailor, Merchant Navy. Dan was the son of William and Margaret Lewis, of Aberystwyth. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the SS George H Jones, a London Registered steamer. She had joined convoy SL-111 at Freetown and was carrying a cargo of fuel oil bound for the Isle of Arran. Sometime after leaving Freetown she was ordered to make for the Azores after developing engine trouble which forced her to drop out of the Convoy. On the morning of 11 June 1942, SS George H Jones was intercepted by the German submarine U-455 off the Azores, which torpedoed and sunk her. Nineteen crew and the captain were picked up and landed back in Freetown. A further 20 survivors were picked up and landed at Londonderry. Dan and a DEMS gunner were lost in the sinking. Dan was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Trevor Evans and Jack Sweeney of Llanon were ship mates of Dan’s, and both managed to get into a lifeboat. Despite a lack of food, water and shelter the pair were fortunately rescued two days later.

Tegwyn Mason Lewis, Lance Corporal, 14531306, Royal Armoured Corps. Tegwyn was the son of John and Elizabeth Lewis (nee Davies), of Ponterwyd. He served with “C” Squadron, 52nd (Lowland) Reconnaissance Regiment. The regiment arrived in Holland in September 1944 and its first action was Operation Market Garden, the attempt to take the bridges over the lower Rhine, Maas and Waal. He was 23 years of age when he was killed in action on 25 October 1944. On the same day the British 1st Airborne Division was evacuated following the failure to cross the Rhine in sufficient numbers. It remained a barrier until March 1945. Tegwyn is buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery near Antwerp in Belgium along with to two of his comrades in “C” Squadron killed on the same day; Troopers Frederick Heath and Charles James Purser. Tegwyn is also commemorated on his parents headstone at Ponterwyd.

John Powell Middlehurst, MID, Flying Officer, 41605, Royal Air Force. John was the son of Richard Foster Middlehurst and Dorothy Elizabeth Middlehurst, of Aberystwyth, and the husband of Joan Middlehurst. He served in 113 Squadron, Royal Air Force, during which time he was mentioned in despatches. During the summer of 1941, the squadron was based in north Africa and were equipped with the Bristol Blenheim. Duties ranged from strafing enemy convoys, bombing airfields and enemy harbours. On 2 July 1941 John was flying aboard Blenheim IV, Serial V5928, when it was shot down and crashed into the Mediterranean off Mersa Matruh, Egypt, killing all three of her crew. John was 21 years old when he was killed that day and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

Ronald Henry Morgan, Leading Aircraftsman, 1381382, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Ronald was the son of Henry George and Mabel Morgan, of Birmingham. He served with the Royal Air Force. On 16 May 1941, Ronald was flying aboard a Tiger Moth, Serial T5712 of 9 EFTS, when it hit a balloon cable and crashed at Walsgrave. Both Ronald and his pilot were killed. Ronald was 28 years old, and was buried with full military honours in Aberystwyth Cemetery.

Herbert Orlando Peel, Pilot Officer, 116952, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Herbert was born at The Cottage, Llanilar in 1913. He married Doris Winifred Charleston, of 11, Bodwyn Park, Gresford, at Wrexham in 1942. Herbert was commissioned on 16 February 1942 as a Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force, and was posted to 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The squadron was a bomber squadron, and flew with No. 5 Group, RAF Bomber Command, and by the time Herbert joined it, was equipped with the Avro Lancaster, after having just replaced its aging Manchesters. At around 23.00 on 2 September 1942, Herbert took off from RAF Syerston aboard Lancaster B1, Serial W4136, which was part of a large force sent to bomb a target in Germany. The Lancaster went missing on the following morning, probably after being shot down over the North Sea on 3 September 1942, with the loss of all of her crew of seven men. Herbert was 28 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Ioan Wyn Richards, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. Ioan was born at Dolgellau in 1920, the of John and Elisabeth Richards. He was raised at Aberystwyth, where his father was Station Master, before the family uprooted, and moved to Cardiff prior to the war. Ioan served with the Merchant Navy, aboard the SS Llanashe, a London registered Cargo Steamer. On 17 February 1943 she was on route from New York via Busreh and Bendar Abbas for Port Elizabeth, carrying a cargo of 3,500 tons of tin plate and aluminium, when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-182 and sunk, with the loss of 28 lives. Ioan was 22 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Gwen Seely. Gwen was 42 when she died in a German air raid on Coventry on 16 November 1940. She is not commemorated with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Evan John Stephens, Sergeant, 967065, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John served with the 335th Fighter Group, Royal Air Force, which was based at RAF Steeple Morden, in Cambridgeshire. Evan was posted to No 11 Operational Training Unit for conversion training on the Vickers Wellington. On 24 August 1940 he was flying as air gunner aboard Wellington Ia, Serial N2945, which was on a night navigation exercise off the Isle of Man when the aircraft crashed into the sea off Bradda Head, killing all her crew of eight. Only four bodies were recovered. Evan was 20 years old when he died that night, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Bryan Robert Thomas, Sergeant, 1051799, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Bryan was the son of Edward Campbell Thomas, of Briarley, Iorwerth Avenue, Aberystwyth. He served as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner with 142 Squadron, Royal Air Force. In 1941 the squadron was flying the Vickers Wellington, on strategic night bombing missions. At around 18.30 on 21 October 1941 Bryan took off from RAF Binbrook aboard Wellington IV, Serial Z1210, which was part of a force despatched to bomb Bremen. The aircraft failed to return from the raid the following morning and was presumed to have crashed into the North Sea. Bryan was 29 years old when he was killed on 21 October 1941. He is buried in Sage War Cemetery, Germany. The cemetery in made up of many airmen, most of whom were lost in bombing raids over northern Europe, who were brought in from other cemeteries after the war were for reburial.

Richard Jarvis Vaughan, Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber), 1410538, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Richard was born in 1916. He served with 70 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was equipped with the Vickers Wellington Bomber. Richard was killed when his Wellington X, Serial LP267, was lost over Germany on 7 July 1944, with the loss of all five of her crew. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Germany.

Edward Hammond Whitehouse, Flight Lieutenant, 42035, Royal Air Force. Edward was the son of Wallace Edward and Mabel Whitehouse, of Aberystwyth. He served as a Pilot with 264 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was reformed on 8 December 1939 at Martlesham Heath, to bring the Boulton Paul Defiant fighter into service. Operations began in March 1940 when the squadron started convoy patrols. After initial successes the Luftwaffe soon realised that the Defiant was vulnerable to frontal attack, and the squadron started to have heavy losses of aircraft and crew. Edward was killed when his Defiant Mark I, Serial L6959 was shot down by a Messerschmitt Me109 on 28 May 1940. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Kenneth Jarratt Wilkinson, Bombardier, 927666, Royal Artillery. Kenneth was the son of Charles Richard and Florence May Wilkinson, of Aberystwyth. He served with 146 (The Pembroke Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. The 146th Field Regiment was raised in Cardiganshire, and joined the Eighth Army in time to take part in the Battle of El Alamein. Afterwards it became part of the 7th Armoured Division, taking part in the advance to Tripoli, and helping defeat Rommel’s counter-attack at Medenine. The Regiment fought with the Desert Rats until the fall of Tunis in May 1943. Kenneth was killed here on 8 May 1943. He was 21 years old, and is buried in Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.

David Edwin Williams, Chief Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. David was born in Talgarth, Breconshire on 27 July 1891, the son of Edwin and Olivia Williams. His father died in 1903 and his mother moved the family to Aberystwyth, where David was educated at Ardwyn. The family then moved to Barry, where David began an engineering apprenticeship with the Mercantile Marine. Following the outbreak of the Great War, he enlisted into the Royal Flying Corps. He went back to sea after the war and by the outbreak of WW2 was serving aboard the Liverpool registered steamship SS Haig Rose. On 5 November 1940 Haig Rose steamed from Barry for Plymouth, but was never seen again, disappearing with all seven of her crew. David was 46 years old when his ship went missing, and he is commemorated alongside his fellow crew on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Enoch Gwynfryn Williams, Sergeant, 1582620, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Enoch as the son of Thomas and Mary Williams, of Borth, and the husband of Joyce R. Williams, of Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton. He served as a Navigator with the Royal Air Force. Enoch was killed when his aircraft, an Avro Anson, Serial NK890, of 60 Operational Training Unit, crashed during a training exercise in Shropshire on 13 January 1945, killing all four of her crew. He was 25 years old, and is buried at Wolverhampton Borough Cemetery, England. Enoch is not commemorated on the Ardwyn Memorial, although he was reportedly educated at the school.

Enoch Jones Williams, Sergeant, 1130519, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Enoch was the son of Thomas and Rebecca Williams, of Blaenrhondda, Glamorgan. He served as a Flight Engineer with 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The squadron was part of Bomber Command, and was equipped with the Handley Page Halifax heavy bomber. Enoch took part in the squadrons famous raid on the Germans rocket development plant at Peenemunde. He was killed when his aircraft, Halifax Mark II, Serial JD-406, was shot down over France on 28 August 1943. Enoch was 22 years old, and is buried in Souilly Churchyard, France, along with five other members of his crew.

Howard Lloyd Williams, Quartermaster, Merchant Navy. Howard was the son of Richard and Mary Williams, of Borth. He served with the Merchant Navy aboard the MV Abosso, a Liverpool registered ocean liner. On 29 October 1942, Abosso was on voyage from Cape Town to Liverpool, when she was attacked and sunk by the German submarine U-575. Only 31 people survived the sinking, out of around 182 crew, 20 gunners, and 190 passengers aboard. Howard was amongst the dead that day. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. This was the second time that Howard had come under attack by a German U boat. On 11 March 1941 he was aboard the unescorted MV Memnon (Liverpool) homeward bound from Australia when she was sunk by U-106 about 200 miles off the Africa coast. A single torpedo on the starboard quarter sent her to the bottom inside 12 minutes with loss of five men out of a crew of 50. Howard’s lifeboat of 21 survivors was adrift for ten days before landing north of Dakar.

Ivor Williams. Ivor appears to have died in February 1946, and was formerly a POW. He cannot presently be identified.

James Worrall Williams, Sergeant, 1285053, Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. James was the son of James Worrell Williams and Louisa Williams, of Llanbadarn, and the husband of Rosina Jane Williams, of Newbiggin-by-Sea, Northumberland. He served with 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a heavy bomber squadron, equipped with the Avro Lancaster. James was killed in action when his Wellington III, Serial X3669, was shot down by a German fighter and crashed into the North Sea, killing all her crew of seven on 20 June 1942. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

John Rodd Williams, Sergeant, 1836168, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the son of Arthur and Agnes Williams, of Islwyn, Talybont. He served as a Flight Engineer with 158 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a heavy bomber squadron, equipped with the Handley Page Halifax.  At just after 09.00 on 24 March 1945, John took off from RAF Lissett aboard Handley Page Halifax Mk III, Serial MZ759, which was part of a force bound for Gladbeck. The Halifax was shot down and crashed near Gladbeck, killing four of her crew. Three survivors were taken prisoner of war. John was 20 years old when he died that day, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

George Henry Wynne, Sergeant, 847519, Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force). George was the son of Edward Price Wynne and Emma Gertrude Wynne, of Trefechan, Aberystwyth. He served with the Royal Air Force as a Navigator. George was one of three men who were killed when their Vickers Wellington IC, Serial R1272 crashed into the Grampians whilst on a night navigation exercise from RAF Lossiemouth on 4 August 1942. He was 30 years old, and is buried in Lossiemouth Burial Ground, Scotland.

John Frederick Owen Yateman, Leading Aircraftman, 1256684, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was the second son of Frederick and Elizabeth Yateman, of Sway House, Sway, Hampshire. He served in the Royal Air Force during the war and was based in the Far East. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese after the invasion of Malaya in December 1941, and was one of thousands of Allied POW’s who were shipped by ‘Hell Ship’ to Japan, to be used as forced labour. John died in captivity at Zent Suiji Camp on 7 January 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Yokohama War Cemetery, Japan. The photograph is courtesy of Tony Beck.