Cardigan WW1 War Memorial

David Meredith Phillips Bevan, Private, 305689, London Regiment. David was born at Portsmouth in 1895, the son of Benjamin and Sarah Bevan. His father was a Customs Officer, from Burry Port, and by 1911 had moved the family to Cardigan, where they lived at 1, Quay Street. David was educated at King’s College, London. He was still a student there when war broke out, and he enlisted into the Essex Regiment. He was posted to Egypt, joining the 1/10th Battalion, London Regiment, which was attached to 162 Brigade, 54th (East Anglian) Division. He took part in the Palestinian campaign from 1917 until the end of the war, and returning to civilian life became a Bank Clerk for the National and Provincial Bank, living at 10, Pembrey Road, Llanelli. He died from the effects of the war at Netley, Priory Street, Cardigan on 14 September 1921, aged 25 and was buried at Cardigan Cemetery.

John Brown, Gunner, 85323, Machine Gun Corps. John was the son of Mrs. MacCunn, of Sandbank, Ardnadam, Argyle. He worked at Cardiff as a Draper and had served with the Volunteers prior to the war. He married Sydney Kate Williams in Cardiff on 20 September 1914, and the couple had two children. John enlisted at Cardiff on 9 December 1915 into the Argylle and Sutherland Highlanders. On 8 February 1917 he was transferred from the Paisley Depot to the Machine Gun Corps, and was posted to the Middle East, landing in Basra on 9 November and joining the 60th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 60th (2/2nd London) Division. The campaign in Mesopotamia was on the wane by now, as the Turks were in full retreat. John was kicked by a horse in February 1918 and sustained two broken ribs. He returned to duty after recovering, and was killed in action on 19 September 1918 aged 36. He is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. His widow Sydney Kate Brown, later moved to 5, High Street, Cardigan. John is commemorated on the memorial at St. Mary’s Church, but not on the main cenotaph.

Ronald Frederick William Carroll, Sailor, Mercantile Marine. Ronald was born at Cardigan in 1899, the son of John Frederick and Elizabeth Carroll (Nee Bartlett), of Brondeg, Grangetown, Cardigan. He served with the Mercantile Marine, aboard the SS Treveal, a St. Ives registered Armed Merchant steamer. On 4 February 1918, Treveal was on route from Algiers for Barrow she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-53 and sunk, off the Skerries, Anglesey. Ronald was amongst 33 men who died aboard her that day. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Albert Thomas Charles, Private, 2197, Welsh Regiment. Albert was the son of David Charles and Mary Anne Charles, of 1, Lion Terrace, Cardigan. He worked as a School Teacher prior to the war, and enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Albert was wounded soon after landing, and was evacuated by Hospital Ship to Malta. He died of his wounds there on 21 August 1915, aged 20, and is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Norman Nicholas Daniel, Private, 2217, Welsh Regiment. Norman was the son of Henry Rowland and Martha Daniel, of St. Mary’s Street, Cardigan. He was a bank clerk prior to the war, and also a pre-war member of the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He was mobilised in August 1914, joining the battalion at Pembroke Dock. Norman was accidentally killed by a bullet fired by a sentry, whilst asleep in his tent at Scoveston Camp, Pembroke on 18 October 1914, aged 21. He is buried at Cardigan Cemetery.

Benjamin Davies, Apprentice, Mercantile Marine. Benjamin was the son of David and Catherine Davies (nee Edwards), of the Eagle, Castle Street, Cardigan. He served with the Mercantile Marine aboard the S.S. Treveal, a St. Ives registered cargo steamer. On 4 February 1918 Treveal was on route from Algiers for Barrow when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-53 and sank off the Skerries, Anglesey with the loss of 33 lives. Benjamin was 19 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David Davies, Private, 290946, Welsh Regiment. David was born in Cardigan. He lived with his wife Bella Davies in Swansea prior to the war and enlisted there into the 6th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. David was posted to France in the late summer of 1916 and was initially posted to the 16th Welsh, then to the 17th Welsh. He was then posted to the 1st/6th Welsh, which was the pioneer battalion to the 1st Division. David was killed by shellfire when the battalion was at work road-building and constructing trench-board tracks to the north-east of Ypres on 15 November 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. He does not appear to be commemorated locally.

David Evan Davies, Private, 56738, Welsh Regiment. David was the son of David and Margaret Davies, of Tywyn, Bridell, Cardigan. Prior to the war he resided with his wife, Elizabeth Blodwen Davies (nee Griffiths), at Trebared Farm, Cardigan. David enlisted at Cardiff into the Welsh Regiment on 6 October 1914, and was posted to France on 29 July 1916, where he joined the 14th Battalion (Swansea), Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. David joined the battalion as a reinforcement after the attack on Mametz Wood in July 1916. The division suffered terrible losses at Mametz and in August 1916 moved to positions north of Ypres, at Boesinghe, to rebuild. He was killed in action at Boesinghe soon after, on 13 September 1916. David was 28 years old, and is buried at Essex Farm Cemetery, Belgium.

David Gwyn Davies, Private, 29739, South Wales Borderers. David was born in 1895, the son of William and Eleanor Davies, of Hyfrydle, Gwbert Road, Cardigan. He enlisted at Brecon into the South Wales Borderers, and was posted to France at sometime in 1916, where he joined the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. David would have seen his first action during the Battle of the Somme in the summer of 1916. The Division followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and was then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, moving there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele. David was killed in action here on 10 November 1917, He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Gwilym Idris Davies, Private, 44075, Welsh Regiment. Gwilym was the son of Joshua and Elizabeth Griffiths, of The Cardigan Arms, Cardigan. He enlisted at Bridgend into the Welsh Regiment and was posted to France in the late summer of 1916, joining the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. He probably joined up with the battalion following the divisions move into the canal bank sector north of Ypres, which it would hold until launching its offensive on the Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917. Gwilym was killed in action on Pilckem Ridge at some time on 1 August 1917, aged 22. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. He does not appear to be commemorated locally.

David Evans, Private, 14673, South Wales Borderers. David was born in Cardigan, and worked as a miner prior to the war, living with his wife Hannah at 39, Under Marian Street, Clydach Vale, Rhondda. He enlisted at Tonypandy into the South Wales Borderers, and was posted to France on 10 December 1914, joining the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was in Flanders attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. After three months in France David was admitted to No. 4 General Hospital at Versailles. He returned to duty some time afterwards, and would have fought in the Battle of Loos in September 1915. He was probably wounded during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and returned home, dying of his wounds on 25 September 1916, aged 32. He is buried in Rhondda (Trealaw) Cemetery. David is not commemorated locally.

David George Evans, Private, 22840, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. David was the son of Mrs. Ann Evans, of 3, Gloster Row, Cardigan. He enlisted at Pantyblaidd into the army, and was posted to France at sometime in 1916, where he joined the 6th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. The battalion was attached to 60 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division, and David saw his first major action with the Division during the Battle of the Somme. and took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line in March, 1917. Later that year they fought at Third Ypres, at the Battles of Langemarck, the Menin Road, and Polygon Wood, before moving south in November, to take part in the Battle of Cambrai. They remained in the area between Cambrai and St. Quentin over the winter of 1917/18 and were attacked there by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March, 1918. They then fought in the retreat at the Battle of the Somme Crossings and the Battle of Rosieres. The Division was withdrawn after the heavy fighting of the Somme battles, moving on 20 April 1918 to an area south west of Amiens, where it rebuilt before taking part in the advance to victory from October 1918. David was killed in action soon after, being struck by a shell on 5 October 1918. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Lievin Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

David William Evans, Private, 48054, Northumberland Fusiliers. David was born at Cardigan in 1892, the son of John and Mary Evans, of 23, St. Mary Street. He resided at Newport prior to the war, and when war broke out, he enlisted there into the army. He was posted to the 21st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish), who were attached to 102 Brigade, 34th Division. The Division moved to France during January 1916 and saw their first action at the opening of the Battle of the Somme, and fought through until the end of 1916 on the Somme before moving north to Arras. David took ill, and died soon after the move to Arras, on 1 March 1917, aged 25, and is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

James Evans, Driver, 168351, Royal Field Artillery. James was the brother of Margaret Anne James, of 18, Ebens Lane, Cardigan. He served on the Western front with D Battery, 11th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. James survived the war, but succumbed to pneumonia on 28 November 1918, aged 24. He is buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France.

James Samuel Evans, Private, S/4980, Black Watch. James was born at Cardigan in 1883, the son of Daniel and Jane Evans. He had lived with his brother, John Phillip Evans, at Argoed, Glanyrafon Road, Pencoed, Bridgend, prior to the war, and enlisted at Tonypandy into the army. James was posted to the 9th Battalion (Royal Highlanders), Black Watch, which was attached to 46 Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. James landed in France with his battalion on 7 July 1915, and the Division formed in the Loos area, where it was soon to gain a reputation as one of the most formidable in the British Army. Here they fought at the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. James was killed in action that day, during a suicidal assault on the Hohenzollern Redoubt. He was 32 years old, and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. James is not commemorated in Cardigan, but at Cilgerran.

John Evans, Private, 19418, Welsh Regiment. John was the son of John and Mary Evans, of Penybank Farm, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan into the Welsh Regiment, and landed in France on 28 July 1915, where he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion had been in France since the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. John saw his first major action during the Battle of Loos, and the action at the Hohenzollern redoubt, where John suffered gunshot wounds to the chest. He had recovered and rejoined the battalion in time to fight at the Battle of the Somme. They followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, and were then briefed for an operation on the Flanders Coast, and moved there during the summer of 1917. While training on the coast, the Battle of Third Ypres had stalled in the mire, and the Division were recalled to Ypres, where they fought at the Second Battle of Passchendaele.  After spending another Winter in Flanders, they were near Estaires when the German Spring Offensive caught them, and saw heavy casualties in the following days. John survived this terrible period of the war, but was badly wounded in June. He died of his wounds on 21 June 1918, aged 23, and is buried at Pernes British Cemetery, France.

Lawrence Picton Evans, Lieutenant, Royal Fusiliers. Lawrence was born at Cardigan on 21 November 1875, the son of William Picton Evans and Margarette Elizabeth Evans. The family later resided at 13, Queen’s Road, Ealing, London. Lawrence was educated at Clifton College, and worked for H.M. Factories Inspectorate prior to the war. He was commissioned into the 6th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers on 28 April 1915. He was posted to France on 21 August 1915, joining the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, which was attached to 9 Brigade, 3rd Division. Lawrence joined the battalion at Ypres, and in 1916 fought at the Actions of the Bluff, and at the St Eloi Craters. The Division then moved south, and fought throughout the Battle of the Somme. In May 1917 the Division fought at the Battle of Arras, before moving back to Ypres in the summer, where they fought in the Third Battle of Ypres. In November the Division moved south again, where they fought at the Battle of Cambrai, and they were in the area during March 1918 when the German Spring Offensive swept through the British lines, at the Battle of St Quentin and the First Battle of Bapaume. They then fought at the First Battle of Arras 1918 before being moved to Flanders to rebuild. However the Germans switched the focus of their offensive to Flanders, and the Division were caught up in the worst of the fighting there, at the Battle of Estaires, and then at the Battles of Hazebrouck and Bethune. By now the German offensive had stalled, and the Division were moved south to take part in the great British offensive, and on 21 August 1918 fought at the Battle of Albert. Lawrence was killed in action on the first day of the offensive, on 21 August 1918. He was 42 years old, and is buried at Railway Cutting Cemetery, Courcelles-Le-Comte, France. His brother, Richard also fell.

Reginald Llewellyn Evans, Third Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Reginald was born at Lampeter on 19 January 1894, the son of Henry Harries Evans and Hannah Ann Evans. The family later moved to 8, St. Mary’s Street, Cardigan. Reginald served as an engineer with the Mercantile Marine. He was drowned when his ship sank following a collision in the English Channel during August 1918. He was 24 years old, and is not commemorated by the CWGC. His brother, William Glyndwr Evans, was killed aboard HMS Scarborough during World War Two.

Richard William Picton Evans, MID, Major, Welsh Regiment. Richard was born at Cardigan in 1873, the son of William Picton Evans and Margarette Ellen Evans. His parents later resided at 13, Queen’s Road, Ealing, London. Richard was educated at Cheltenham College, and married Katherine Frances Blake in London in 1901, the couple moving to Argoes, Cardigan, where Richard ran his own Solicitor’s business. Katherine sadly died in 1909. Richard had served during the Boer War with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment, and by the outbreak of the Great War held the rank of Major, with the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He was posted at his own request to Alexandria in December 1916, joining the front line unit, the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. Richard played a major part in the battalions subsequent war, seeing action during the three Battles of Gaza, and the triumphant capture of Jerusalem, being wounded at Gaza. Richard died in Palestine on 13 September 1918. He was 46 years old, and is buried at Gaza War Cemetery, Israel. His brother Lawrence also fell.

Thomas Evans, Seaman, 3646A, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was born at Cardigan on 22 May 1881, the son of Mary Evans. Prior to the war he resided with his wife, Elizabeth Evans, at 7, David Street, St. Dogmaels. Thomas served with the Royal Navy, aboard HMS Majestic. Majestic was a pre-dreadnought battleship, which had been launched in 1895, and had served with the Channel Fleet until 1904, until she was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. In 1907, she was part of the Home Fleet, then from 1912, she was part of the 7th Battle Squadron. When World War I broke out Majestic, was attached to the Channel Fleet, and in early 1915 was dispatched to the Mediterranean for service in the Dardanelles Campaign. She participated in bombardments of Turkish forts and supported the Allied landings at Gallipoli. On 27 May 1915, she was torpedoed by a U-boat at Cape Helles, sinking with the loss of 49 men. Thomas was amongst the dead. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Frederick Robert Fearnley, Private, 50246, South Lancashire Regiment. Frederick was born at Cardigan on 20 May 1898, the son of Robert and Lucy Fearnley, of 12, William Street, Cardigan. The family later resided at The Imperial Club, Cardigan, where Robert, as an army pensioner, was working as Club Caretaker. Frederick enlisted at Cardigan into the army, and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. The battalion was attached to 166 Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division, and moved to France during January 1916, relieving the French 88th Division south of Arras. On 25 July 1916, the Division moved south and took up a place in the front line opposite the village of Guillemont, fighting through the Battle of the Somme. On 28 September 1916, the Division moved to the Railway Wood sector at Ypres, and fought at Pilckem Ridge. After suffering terrible casualties, the Division was withdrawn to Recques for re-fit and training, before moving back into the line on 15 September, and fighting at the Battle of the Menin Road. The Division moved out of the line from 22 September and fought at the Battle of Cambrai, being decimated during the German counter attack of 30 November 1917. After two months refitting, the Division moved into the front at Givenchy on 15 February 1918, were hit the following month by the German offensive on the Lys. Frederick was wounded in both legs, and was evacuated to the Base Hospital at Etaples for treatment. He died there on 29 April 1918, aged 19, and is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France. His parents had retired to 135, Boundary Road, St. Helens, Lancs by then.

David Thomas Gibbons, Lance Corporal, 2132, Welsh Regiment. David was the son of Thomas and Mary Hannah Gibbons, of Castle Street, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. David was killed in action during terrible fighting here on 11 August 1915. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Lindsay Gilchrist, Private, 59488, Welsh Regiment. Lindsay was born in Aberdeen in 1890 and by the outbreak of war was living in 2, Arthur Street, Newport, Monmouth. He married Evelyn Violet Williams, of 21, Northgate Terrace, Cardigan, on 3 April 1917. He had enlisted into the South Wales Borderers on 11 December 1915 and served at home before being sent to France on 10 June 1917 and was posted to the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Carmarthen Pals), which was at Ypres attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. By then the division was training in preparation for the forthcoming assault on Pilckem Ridge, which was scheduled for 31 July 1917, as part of the opening of the Passchendaele offensive. While the battalion was preparing for the offensive, on 27 July 1917, two platoons from the 15th Welsh were sent out to check the German positions but met with strong opposition and were forced to hurriedly withdraw. The Germans retaliated by hitting the front line trenches with an artillery barrage, mixing up some gas shells into the bombardment for good effect, and the battalion suffered heavy casualties as a result. Lindsay was among 24 men killed and 61 wounded during the day. The 27 year old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. He is not commemorated locally.

Edwin Charles Gregory, Private, 73271, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Edwin was born in 1898, son of Edwin and Mary Charles Gregory, of 22, North Road, Cardigan. He enlisted at Brecon into the army, and was posted to France in the summer of 1917, where he joined the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The battalion was at Ypres, attached to 19 Brigade, 33rd Division, and had been in France since the outbreak of war. Edwin probably joined the battalion as part of a draft after its ordeals at Arras, at the Battle of the Scarpe and at Bullecourt, before it headed to Ypres. Here it took part in the Battle of the Menin Road, and saw heavy fighting at Polygon Wood. Edwin was killed in action at Ypres on 28 November 1917. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Benjamin Griffiths, Private, 200501, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was the son of Griffith and Mary Griffith, of 20, William Street, Cardigan. Benjamin had enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, and had served at Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine during the war. He was invalided home at the end of 1917, and was discharged from the army as medically unfit on 14 May 1918. Benjamin never recovered from his ordeals, and died at Cardigan on 7 August 1920, aged 31. He is buried at Cardigan Cemetery.

Benjamin J Griffiths, Private, 241103, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was possibly the son of David and Rachel Griffiths, of Cardigan. Very little is yet known of him, but he served with the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, later transferring to the 5th Welsh. Benjamin doesn’t look to have served overseas, and died on 3 March 1920, aged 21. He is buried at Rhymney Cemetery. (There was also a Benjamin John Griffiths, son of Elizabeth Davies, of the Cardigan Arms, who had served with the 4th Welsh, but he survived the war, being discharged from the army on 4 July 1919. He possibly died at Llanelli in 1922, aged 35).

Tom Griffiths, Private, 2174, Welsh Regiment. Tom was born in 1897, the son of Daniel and Mary Ann Griffiths, of the Saddlers Arms, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Tom was killed in action here on 10 August 1915, aged 18. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

William David Harper, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. William was born at St Dogmaels in 1886, the son of William Henry and Jane Harper, of the White Lion. He resided with his wife, Mary Anna Harper (nee Harries), at 3, Grange Town, Cardigan. William served during the Great War aboard the London based SS Cayo Bonito, a defensively armed merchant ship. On 11 October 1917, whilst 4 miles from Savona, she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by a German submarine. Six lives were lost, one of these being William David Harper. He is remembered alongside his shipmates on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Benjamin O James, Private, 33260, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was born in St. Dogmaels in 1892, and had been raised along with his brother Thomas and sister Margaret, at 16, Castle Street, Cardigan, by their Aunt, Hannah Jones. He later moved to Caerau, Glamorgan, and enlisted at Maesteg into the 14th (Swansea City) Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, part of 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Division moved to France during the end of 1915, wintering around Armentieres before moving south, where they took part in the Battle of Mametz Wood during July, 1916. They suffered terrible casualties at Mametz, and were taken out of the front line for almost a year, before being used in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, where they regained some of the pride that the Division had unfairly lost at Mametz. The Division were in the Armentieres sector when the German Spring Offensive was launched in 1918, and it was here that Benjamin was killed in Action, during a German artillery bombardment on 2 April 1918. He is buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres.

David Jones, Sailor, Mercantile Marine. David was the son of Evan and Margaret Jones, of 4, Market Lane, Cardigan. At some time prior to 1911 David had left home to serve in the Mercantile Marine, and by the time of the war was serving aboard the S.S. Campfield. David lost his life aboard ship on 29 November 1917, aged 36, and was buried at Carthagena Cemetery, Spain. He is not commemorated by the CWGC, but is commemorated on his parents grave at Cardigan Cemetery.

David Clifford Jones, Private, 68303, Royal Army Medical Corps. David was born in 1896, and was the son of Thomas Biddyr Jones, and of Anne Jones, of St. Dogmaels. He had trained in Cardigan as a chemist, and had served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in Salonika during the war. David moved to London to work as a chemist after being demobilised in 1919, and died at Lewisham, London, following a brief illness on 19 May 1920, aged 24. he was brought home for burial at St. Dogmaels. He is not commemorated by the CWGC. His father, Thomas was killed when his ship was lost on 12 December 1918.

David Morgan Jones, Private, 2520, Welsh Regiment. David enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. David was killed in action here on 10 August 1915, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

David Owen Jones, Engineer, Mercantile Marine. David was born at Cardigan in 1875, the son of Mary Jones. By 1891 the family was residing at 1, Upper Spring Gardens, Cardigan. David became an engineer with the Mercantile Marine, and by the outbreak of war was serving aboard the oil tanker S.S. San Jeronimo, which was owned by the Eagle Oil Transport Company. He died on active service on 26 November 1916, aged 41. Nothing further can be traced of David, as he is not commemorated by the CWGC.

David Sydney Jones, Engineer, Mercantile Marine. David, known as Sydney, was the son of Thomas and Sarah Jane Jones, of Queen’s Terrace, Cardigan. He served with the Mercantile Marine as an engineer aboard the Union Class steamer R.M.S. Norman. She was requisitioned by the Admiralty at the outbreak of war, and utilised as a troopship, ferrying the first troops of the B.E.F. from Britain to France in August 1914. He died in London on 20 January 1915, aged 25, and was brought home for burial in Cardigan Cemetery. Sydney is not commemorated by the CWGC.

Elizabeth Ann Jones, Munitions Worker. Elizabeth was the daughter of David and Mary Anne Jones, of Williams Row, Cardigan. She had worked at Pembrey Munitions Factory, and died at Cardigan on 23 October 1916, aged 22. She is buried in Cardigan Cemetery. Civilians are not eligible for commemoration by the CWGC during WW1.

Evan Jones, Private, 244504, Cheshire Regiment. Evan was born in Cardigan in 1884, the son of Evan Jones. He lived with his wife Mary Jane Jones, at 31, West Street, Maesteg prior to the war and enlisted there into the South Wales Borderers. He was posted to the 2/5th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, which was a home service unit attached to 204 Brigade, 68th (2nd Welsh) Division, stationed in East Anglia. Evan died in Suffolk on 19 August 1917, aged 33. He is buried in Maesteg Cemetery. He is not commemorated at Cardigan.

Evan Lloyd Jones, Private, 91695, Durham Light Infantry. Evan was born on 4 February 1899, the son of John Lloyd Jones and Jane Jones, of Ossian House, Eben’s Lane, Cardigan. He worked as a Bank Clerk prior to enlisting at Brecon on 12 March 1917 into the Pembroke Yeomanry, and on 12 April 1918 was transferred to the 1/6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which was attached to 151 Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. During March 1918 the battalion was stationed near St. Quentin, and was hit here by the German Spring Offensive of 21 March 1918, during the Battle of St Quentin. The division took part in a gallant rearguard action during the Actions at the Somme Crossings, and then at the Battle of Rosieres, suffering terrible casualties. Evan was captured by the Germans on the Somme during May 1918, and was taken to a Prisoner of War Camp at Worms in Germany, where he died on 4 October 1918, aged 19. Evan is buried at Worms (Hochheim Hill) Cemetery, Germany.

Owen Jones, Private, 11671, Welsh Regiment. Owen was born in Cardigan in 1883 and by 1901 was working as a farm servant at Verwig. He married Mary Gibby, of Tanyard Cottage, Penparc in 1913. Owen enlisted at Carmarthen into the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which embarked for the Mediterranean in June 1915 attached to 40 Brigade, 13th Western) Division. The division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli from 6 July 1915, relieving the 29th Division. It returned to Mudros at the end of the month, and the entire Division landed at ANZAC Cove from 3 August 1915, to support a planned offensive by the ANZAC’s. Owen was killed in action here during the Battle of Sari Bair on 8 August 1915, aged 32. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. He does not appear to be commemorated locally.

Thomas Griffith Jones, Private, 2150, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at Cardigan, the son of David and Anne Jones. He resided with his wife, Frances Anne Jones at Cilgerran. The couple had a son, David Thomas Jones, who was later sadly killed during the Second World War. Thomas was one of many local men to enlist at Cardigan at the outbreak of war, into the local Territorial Battalion, the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion moved to Tunbridge Wells in November 1914 as part of the South Wales Brigade, and in February 1915 moved to the Forth and Tay Defences in Scotland. In April they were posted to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division, which moved to the Mediterranean, sailing from Devonport in July, 1915 arriving at Mudros by 5 August 1915. From here they moved to Gallipoli, landing on the 9th August. Here they spent the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair. Thomas was one of many men to lose his life during these terrible first few days on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He was killed on 11 August 1915, and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Thomas Parry Jones, First Mate, Mercantile Marine. Thomas was born in Cardigan in about 1869. He was a long serving merchant mariner and was the husband of Mary E. Parry Jones, of 58, Keble Road, Bootle, Liverpool. Thomas served as First Mate aboard the Newcastle registered steamer SS Shipcote. He was killed when Shipcote was lost while sailing from Archangel to Le Havre with a cargo of grain on 13 November 1915. The 46 year old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Henry Jones, Able Seaman, Z/3699, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. William was born in Cardigan on 30 April 1889, the son of Thomas Lloyd Jones and Sarah Jones. The family had moved to 13, Tydfil Terrace, Troedyrhiw by 1894. William enlisted into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and served aboard the requisitioned passenger liner SS Royston Grange. He died whilst his ship was in Buenos Aires on 10 November 1918, aged 29 and is buried in Buenos Aires (Cahacarita) British Cemetery, Argentina. William does not appear to be commemorated locally.

William Mathias Jones, Gunner, 118779, Royal Field Artillery. William was the son of Levi Thomas Jones and Anne Jones, of Nantgwyn, Blaenffos. He resided at Cardigan prior to the war, and enlisted into the Royal Artillery.  William was posted to France in 1916, where he joined C Battery, 108th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was killed in action during the opening of the Third Battle of Ypres, when a German shell crashed into his gun pit on 1 August 1917. William was 23 years old, and is buried at Potijze Chateau Wood Cemetery, Belgium.

Evan James Knight, Private, 49234, South Wales Borderers. Evan was born at Haverfordwest, the son of John and Elizabeth Knight. The family moved to Arthur’s Court, Cardigan after John retired from the army. Evan married Caroline Humphreys, of 21, Mwldan, Cardigan in 1918, just after enlisting at Carmarthen into the army. He was posted to France to join the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which was attached to 115 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The 38th Division was in positions north of Albert, where it remained until launching its attack across the River Ancre on 21 August 1918. The Welshmen drove the Germans from Thiepval Ridge and Pozières, and began their offensive towards the mighty Hindenburg Line. Evan was killed at Épehy on 20 September 1918. He was just 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. His widow later remarried, becoming Caroline Davies, of 1, Parade Road, Carmarthen. (The memorial incorrectly shows Thomas Knight, the younger brother).

John Knight, Private, 1990, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Hamilton, Ontario in 1867. He was an army pensioner and resided at Arthur’s Court, Cardigan prior to the war, with his wife Elizabeth Knight and their two sons. He re-enlisted at Cardigan into the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion moved to France at the outbreak of war, attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division. The Division had been one of the first to arrive in France, fighting at the Battle of Mons, and taking part in the retreat to the Marne, where the Germans were stopped. They then fought at the Aisne, and at Chivy, before being moved north to Ypres. Here they fought at the First Battle of Ypres, where they again stopped the German Offensive, before wintering in Flanders. The following year saw them in action again at the Battle of Aubers. John was killed in action here on 30 March 1915, aged 48. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourg L’Avoue, France. His son, Evan James Knight also fell.

Tom Ladd, Private, 2187, Welsh Regiment. Tom was born at Cardigan in 1895, the son of William and Mary Ladd, of 3, Bath House Road, Cardigan. Tom remained in Britain for the duration of the war, after having enlisted into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment at Cardigan he later served with the London Regiment, but after being discharged due to ill-health, he rejoined the 4th Welsh. Tom died at Cardigan on 13 January 1919, aged 23, and is buried at Cardigan Cemetery.

Walter Llewellyn Ladd, Private, 2141, Welsh Regiment. Walter was born in 1893, the son of John and Hannah Mary Ladd, of 7, Church Street, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Walter didn’t get overseas however, as he remained in Pembrokeshire with the 4th Welsh Reserves. He was demobilised in order to return to his work as a Blacksmith at Cardigan, but kept on the Territorial Reserve List. Walter drowned following a boating accident in the Teify on 21 August 1916, aged 23. His body was eventually recovered from the river, and buried at Cardigan Cemetery. For some reason, Walter is not named on the Cardigan Cenotaph, but on the St. Mary’s Church Memorial.

Arthur Sydney Mathias, Pioneer, 452433, Royal Engineers. Arthur was born in Cardigan in 1884, the son of John Turnor Mathias and Margaret Mathias. He worked as a clerk in Cardiff prior to the war and enlisted there into the Royal Engineers (TA) on 29 May 1915. He served in France with the 7th Indian Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers until the stress of active service took its toll on his mental health and he was hospitalised after being diagnosed as having dementia. This would today be known as shellshock, but the condition was rarely recognised at the time and Arthur was sent to an Asylum in Brecon where he died on 15 April 1919, aged 35. He is buried in Cardigan Cemetery. Arthur does not appear to be commemorated locally.

John James Morgan, Seaman, 1984C, Royal Naval Reserve. John was born in Cardigan on 21 January 1878, the son of Thomas Morgan, of Quay Street. By 1911 he was working in Cardiff Docks, and lived with his wife Maud J. Morgan at 16, Orchard Place, Canton, Cardiff. John was an Royal Naval Reservist and was recalled to the colours at the outbreak of war, joining the crew of the mothballed pre-dreadnought battleship HMS Goliath at Pembroke Dock. She was re-commissioned and took part in operations against German East Africa, participating in the blockade of the German light cruiser SMS Königsberg in the Rufiji River. From March 1915, she joined the force assembled in the Mediterranean to support the Gallipoli Campaign, and supported of the landings at Gallipoli in April. On 13 May 1915 Goliath was sunk in Morto Bay by two torpedoes from the Turkish torpedo boat destroyer Muâvenet-i Millîye, with the loss of 570 of her crew of 700. John was 37 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

John Morgan Morris, Private, 2193, Australian Imperial Force. John was the son of John and Ann Morris, of Forest House, St. Dogmaels. He had emigrated to Australia, and enlisted at Newcastle, N.S.W. on 9 May 1916 into the 36th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. John embarked at Sydney aboard the HMAT Anchises, and disembarked at Devonport on 11 October that year. On 11 November 1916 his papers show that he marched to join the 3rd Australian Division, proceeding to France on 22 November. John was wounded at Ypres on 11 July 1917, and was brought to the 10th Australian Field Ambulance, where he died of Wounds that same day. He was 45 years old, and is buried in Kandahar Farm Cemetery near Ypres. Many thanks to Andrew Holmes for the photograph.

William Andrew Morris, Third Engineer, Mercantile Marine. William was the son of Jane Morris, of 6, Osborne Terrace, Brynmill, Swansea. He was raised by his grandparents, Richard and Esther Morgan, at 6, Tivy Terrace, Cardigan. He served in the Mercantile Marine as Third Engineer aboard the S.S. Blagdon. William died in Greenwich on 22 October 1916, aged 22. He was brought home for burial in Cardigan Cemetery. He is not commemorated by the CWGC because his death was not due to enemy action, but the SS Blagdon was later torpedoed and sunk in 1917.

Arthur Oakes, Gunner, 1795, Royal Field Artillery. Arthur was born in Cardigan in about 1870. He was employed by the Teifi Board of Conservators and employed as a river watcher after returning home after the Boer War. Arthur was married to Annie Oakes, of Petterwell Terrace, Lampeter, and enlisted at Aberystwyth into the 2nd Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. His health was poor and he remained on home service at Bedford attached to C Battery, 341st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Arthur died from lung problems at Bedford Military Hospital on 11 November 1916, aged 46 and is buried in Bedford Cemetery, England. He does not appear to be commemorated locally.

David Edward Owens, Sergeant, 111963, Tank Corps. David, known as Teddy, was the son of John and Mary Jane Owens, of 18, Quay Street, Cardigan. He was a tailor, and lived at 4, St Hildas Road, Griffithstown prior to the war. On 20 August 1913 he married Lydia Parfitt, of Pontypool. He had served with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment during the Boer War, and on 11 August 1916 rejoined the colours at Pontypool, and was posted to the Tank Corps. He saw service with the Tank Corps until being demobilised on 15 April 1919, and returned to Pontypool. His wife Lydia had died in 1918, and in 1920 Teddy married her younger sister Ada Jane Parfitt. David’s health had suffered during the war, and he died at Pontypool on 9 May 1921, aged 42. He is not commemorated by the CWGC.

David Griffith Owen, Second Lieutenant, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. David was born on 6 May 1889, the son of John and Margaret Anne Owen, of Bryneirw, St Mary’s, Cardigan. He had emigrated to Australia prior to the war, and on 30 September 1914 enlisted at Brisbane into the 15th Battalion, Australian Infantry. David served at Gallipoli with the battalion, and after the evacuation in January 1916 was discharged on 21 January 1916 to a commission into the 3rd Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. David became ill, suffering from jaundice, probably contracted at Gallipoli, and died in hospital in England on 23 November 1916, aged 27. David is buried at Cardigan Cemetery.

Gwilym Phillips, Second Lieutenant, Gloucestershire Regiment. Gwilym was the son of William and Elizabeth Phillips, of 21, St. Mary Street, Cardigan. He enlisted into the Devonshire Regiment, and landed in France on 11 January 1917. Gwilym gained a commission into the 4th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment on 30 October 1917, and was attached to the 1/8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, which was attached to 125 Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division. He joined the battalion at Givenchy, where it remained until moving back south in early 1918. Here the Division faced the German Spring Offensive of 21 March on the Somme, and fought in the Battle of Bapaume, and then at Arras. The offensive stalled for several months, until an Australian victory at Villers Brettoneux on 8 August saw the tide of war turn. The British attacked the German lines on the Somme on 21 August, with the 42nd Division in the line, and began the great offensive that was eventually to end the war. The Division fought at the Battle of Albert, then the Battle of Bapaume, and on to the Canal du Nord. Gwilym was killed in action here on 13 October 1918. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Joseph Jenkins Protheroe, MM, Private, 12539, Somerset Light Infantry. Joseph was born at Cardigan in 1881, the son of Esther Protheroe, a sailors wife. He worked as a miner at Ystradfodwg prior to the war, and enlisted at Ferndale into the 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. The battalion was attached to 61 Brigade, 20th (Light) Division, which landed in France on 26 July 1915, moving to the Fleurbaix Sector for trench familiarisation and training. When the Battle of Loos was launched on 25 September 1915 the Division fought a diversionary attack towards Fromelles. Later that year they moved north, and fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel alongside the Canadian Corps. They then fought through the Somme Offensive. Joseph was killed at the Battle of Delville Wood on 1 September 1916. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz, France. He had been awarded the Military Medal just previous to his death.

Benjamin Rees, Gunner, 161237, Royal Garrison Artillery. Benjamin was the son of Evan and Mary Rees, of 5, Church Street, Cardigan. He enlisted at Aberdare into the Royal Artillery, and was posted to the 13th Mountain Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. The battery was armed with 3.7 inch howitzers, and joined VIII Mountain Brigade, R.G.A. at Catterick on 11 July 1917. The Battery sailed from Southampton on 23 August 1917 and concentrated at Sidi Bishr in Egypt. Benjamin took ill, and died in hospital at Alexandria on 31 October 1918, aged 24. He is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. His brother John also fell.

John Rees, Private, 29572, South Wales Borderers. John was the son of Evan and Mary Rees, of 5, Church Street, Cardigan. He had originally enlisted into the 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, but must have been deemed to have been unfit for front line service, and was posted to the Labour Corps. John never served overseas, and died on 17 November 1918, aged 26. He is buried at Cardigan Cemetery. His brother Benjamin also fell.

Benjamin Richards, Private, 128854, Machine Gun Corps. Benjamin was the son of Joshua and Patsy Richards, of Union Terrace, St. Dogmaels. He enlisted at Treorchy into the Monmouth Regiment, with the service number 47085. In early 1916, Battalion Machine Gunners were transferred into newly formed Machine Gun Companies, and Benjamin joined the 59th Battalion, M.G.C., joining the 20th (Light) Division on 3 March 1916. The Division fought at the Battle of Mount Sorrel during June, 1916 alongside the Canadians, then were moved south to the Somme, fighting at Delville Wood, Guillemont, Flers, Morval and Le Transloy. They moved north to Ypres, taking part in several stages of the Battle of Passchendaele, and also fought at the Battle of Cambrai, and the 1918 Battles of St. Quentin, the Somme Crossings and Rosieres. Benjamin was taken Prisoner by the Germans at some stage in 1918, and Died in captivity on 3 July 1918, aged 25. He is buried in Niederzwehren Cemetery, Germany.

Thomas Richard Richbell. Thomas was born at Stratford, Essex in 1882, the son of Thomas and Emily Richbell. He worked for HM Customs and Excise at Cardigan prior to the war, and married Myfanwy  Morgan, of Cardigan, at Bradford on 5 April 1907. The couple later resided at Gwalia, Clynderwen, after having renewed their vows at Cardigan in 1908. Thomas looks to have been posted as missing presumed killed in France on 15 October 1916, and probate was left to Myfanwy. The CWGC however records Thomas as having died on 5 February 1919, aged 42, and being buried at Richmond Cemetery, Surrey. His next of kin was shown as his wife, Alice Emma Richbell, of 8, James Cottages, Kew Rd., Kew, while the last that can be found about Myfanwy is her sailing for Sri Lanka. Did Myfanwy emigrate, believing her husband was dead, when he was actually a POW, or is it a case of two men with the same uncommon name, serving with the RAVC?

John Gale Southby, Private, 2521, Welsh Regiment. John was born at Middlesex in 1894, the son of James and Catherine Southby. He resided at Trebared, Cardigan prior to the war, and enlisted there into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. John was wounded at Gallipoli, and was invalided home for treatment. He died in hospital on 1 February 1916, aged 21, and is buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Hampshire.

John Lawrence Stephens, Sailor, Mercantile Marine. John was born in Cardigan in 1902, the son of John and Anne Stephens, of Bath House Road, Cardigan. He served with the Mercantile Marine aboard the SS Bradboyne. On 6 February 1920, the S.S. Bradboyne was caught in a strong gale in the North Atlantic, while en route from New York to Cherbourg with a cargo of wheat, and got into difficulties when her cargo shifted in the swell. The S.S. Oxonian had pulled near her after receiving a distress call, but owing to the heavy seas and the state of the Bradboyne, she could not lower her lifeboats. Some men jumped overboard and were hauled into a rescue ship, but it overturned. After a gallant attempt to rescue the beleaguered crew, six of the rescuers were themselves drowned, as well as fourteen crewmen of the Bradboyn. John was just 17 years old when he lost his life that day. He is not commemorated by the CWGC because he is not an official war casualty.

Alfred William Thomas, Second Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Alfred was born at St. Davids, and was the Husband of Hetty Isabella Thomas, of 2, Lloyd’s Terrace, St. Dogmaels. He had been secretary at St. Mary’s Church, Cardigan prior to the war, and joined the Mercantile Marine as an Engineer, serving aboard the SS Memnon, a Liverpool registered ship. The Memnon was a 3,203grt British Merchant steamer. On 12 March 1917 when twenty miles South-West from Portland Bill in the English Channel she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by German submarine UC-66. Six lives were lost, Alfred being one of them, after he had just gone below to the engine room to carry out some work, just before the torpedo struck. He was 29 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Alfred was awarded a medal for gallantry at sea, for saving the life of a fellow crewman who fell overboard in shark infested waters while at sea in 1912.

David Howell Thomas, Private, 4089, Welsh Regiment. David was born in 1888, the son of William and Margaret Thomas, of Carningly, Cardigan. He worked as a Collier prior to the war, residing at Church Street, Seven Sisters, but had enlisted at Carmarthen in April 1913 into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. David attended the annual TA camps at Haverfordwest and Porthmadoc in 1913 and 1914, and was embodied on 4 August 1914, after the declaration of war, joining the Battalion at The Blockhouse, Pembroke. He sailed for Gallipoli with the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. David was shot in the foot during the terrible fighting of the first few days, and was evacuated home for treatment. After he recovered, he began working at the Pembrey Munitions Works. He died at Burry Port of influenza and pneumonia on 3 November 1918, aged 30 and was buried in Cardigan Cemetery. David is not commemorated by the CWGC.

Evan James Thomas, Private, 57071, North Staffordshire Regiment. Evan was the son of Mrs. Meta James Thomas, of 21, North Road, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan on 28 August 1917 into the army, and was posted to the 9th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, which was in France attached to the 37th Division as the Divisional Pioneers, landing at Boulogne on 1 April 1918. Evan wasn’t long in France before he was wounded by a German gas shell on 12 May 1918. He suffered for two days, before dying at 48 Field Ambulance on 14 May 1918, aged 18. Evan is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gézaincourt, France.

Tommy Thomas, Private, 1003, Australian Imperial Force. Tommy was born at Llanfyrnach in 1889, the son of Thomas and Mary Thomas. Thomas and Mary later moved to 1, Bridge Street, Port Talbot, while Tommy went to live at North Gate Terrace, Cardigan, where he worked as a carpenter. Tommy emigrated to Australia prior to the war, and enlisted at Queensland on 17 June 1915 into the 25th Battalion, Australian Infantry. The 25th Battalion was raised at Enoggera in Queensland in March 1915 as part of the 7th Brigade, leaving Australia in early July 1915. It trained in Egypt during August, and in September 1915 landed at Gallipoli, where it reinforced the depleted New Zealand and Australian Division. The 25th Battalion left the peninsular on 18 December 1915. After further training in Egypt, the 25th Battalion proceeded to France, landing on 19 March 1916, where it became attached to the 2nd Division. It took part in its first major battle at Pozières between 25 July and 7 August in the course of which it suffered 785 casualties. Tommy was wounded on 31 August, suffering multiple gunshot wounds, and was evacuated to the 1st Australian General Hospital at Rouen. He died of his wounds on 15 September 1916, aged 28, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.

Llewellyn George Tudor,  Private, 201594, Tank Corps. Llewellyn was the son of James and Hettie Tudor, of Brynderi, Cardigan.  He originally enlisted at Cardigan into the 4th Welsh, and was posted to the Tank Corps. Llewellyn landed in France at some time in 1916, joining I Battalion, Tank Corps. Tanks had first been used on the Somme in 1916, with varying success. Around 60 tanks saw action at the Battle of Arras in April 1917, but proved to be a failure due to the weather. By the summer of 1917 tank numbers had increased and the better Mark IV’s were available, but they again failed at Third Ypres, due to the weather, and mud. On 20 November 1917, an attack was launched at Cambrai, and after a heavy artillery bombardment, 378 Mark IV tanks smashed through the Hindenburg Line positions. Insufficient mobile reserves could get through in time to exploit the tanks success, and within days the chance had gone, the counter-attacking Germans recaptured most of their lost positions. I Battalion was in support of the 20th (Light) Division’s attack. Llewellyn was killed at Cambrai on 23 November 1917. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

Albert Victor Walker,  Private, 2193, Welsh Regiment. Albert was born at Dublin in 1897, the son of Albert Drury Walker and Mary Walker. The family were living at Brontivy, Cardigan by 1906, where Albert’s father worked as a Dentist. Albert enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Albert was killed in action here on 10 August 1915, aged 18. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

Thomas William Waters, Private, 2164, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born at West Hartlepool in 1877, the son of James and Isabella Waters, and resided at Cardigan prior to 1897, working as a harness maker. He married Mary Ann at Cardigan in 1897, and the couple resided at Newtown, Cardigan, where they raised their son. At the outbreak of war Thomas enlisted into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Thomas died within months of mobilisation, on 1 January 1915. He was 38 years old, and is buried at Cardigan Cemetery.

Lewis Wigley, First Engineer, Mercantile Marine. Lewis was born at Cardigan in 1874. He married Emily Corbetta Rees in 1909, and resided with her at Catalone, Lion Terrace, Cardigan. Lewis was a long serving engineer in the Mercantile Marine, and during the Great War served aboard the SS Brika. Brika was a defensively-armed Merchant ship. On 13 March 1917, she was 13 miles from Coningbeg Light Vessel, Ireland, when she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by a German submarine. Lewis was one of two men who died that day. He was 42 years old, and was brought home for burial at Cardigan Cemetery.

David Matthew Williams, Private, 91420, Durham Light Infantry. David was born on 17 July 1899, the son of William and Martha Williams, of 2, Llynyfelin Cottages, Cardigan. He enlisted into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 8 October 1917, and was posted to France, joining the 1/9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry on 6 August 1918. The battalion was the Pioneer Battalion to 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division. David took part in the advance to victory over the coming weeks. On 12 September the Division captured Havrincourt. Two weeks later it captured Marcoing and Masnieres, important crossings of the Saint-Quentin Canal. Further advances were made on 29 September and up to 1 October 1918. On 20 October, the Division was in action once again, this time in the crossing of the River Selle, at Solesmes. By 4 November, the enemy by now being in full retreat, the Division attacked at Orsinval on the Sambre and five days later, the advanced units were entering Maubeuge. Within days of the armistice, David became ill, suffering from influenza. He was evacuated home, but died at Whalley Military Hospital on 10 March 1919. David was just 19 years old, and his body was brought home for burial at Y Ferwig (St. Pedrog) Churchyard.

David Morgan Williams, Rifleman, 371433, London Regiment. David was the son of Owen and Catherine Williams, of 7, Queen’s Terrace, Cardigan. He enlisted at London into the army, and was posted to France with the 8th Battalion (Post Office Rifles), London Regiment, which was attached to 140 Brigade, 47th (2nd London) Division. The Division had been in France since March 1915, and David joined the battalion on 28 October 1915, at Arras. They were north of Arras when the Germans attacked Vimy Ridge, and then moved south to the Somme, where they fought at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and then at the Battle of Le Transloy, where the Division captured Eaucourt l’Abbe, and took part in Attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. Early in 1917 the Division moved north to Belgium, and took part in the Battle of Messines. David was killed in action here on 10 June 1917. He was 22 years old, and is buried at White House Cemetery, St. Jan-Les-Ypres, Belgium. His brother, Owen also fell.

Ebenezer Williams, Driver, T1/3824, Royal Army Service Corps. Ebenezer was born in Cardigan, the son of John and Ann Williams. By 1901 the family had moved to 37, Rheald Street, Penrhiwceiber.Ebenezer enlisted at Aberdare into the Army Service Corps and embarked for France on 30 May 1915. He served in France for less than twelve months before being invalided home and died at Chichester on 28 March 1916 aged 36. He is buried in Mountain Ash (Aberffrwd) Cemetery. Ebenezer does not appear to be commemorated locally.

Ellen Myfanwy Williams, Nurse, Red Cross. Ellen was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Williams, of 38, Feidr Fawr, Cardigan. She trained as a Nurse, and by 1911 was working at West Bromwich Hospital. She continued to nurse wounded soldiers there during the war, but took ill and died at West Bromwich on 19 January 1915, aged 26. She was brought home for burial in Cardigan Cemetery.

Owen John Williams, Private, 2135, Welsh Regiment. Owen was the son of Owen and Catherine Williams, of 7, Queen’s Terrace, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. Owen was badly wounded during the initial fighting, and was evacuated by hospital ship to Egypt. He died at Chatby Military Hospital on 30 August 1915, aged 20, and is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. His brother, David also fell.

William Williams, Gunner, 47036, Royal Garrison Artillery. William was born at Blackington, Massachusetts, but had returned to Wales prior to the war and was the husband of Phoebe Williams, of Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardiff into the Royal Garrison Artillery and was posted to France, joining X/9th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery which was attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division. He does not appear to have served in France long and died at the 18th General Hospital, Étaples on 5 May 1916, aged 34. William is buried in Étaples Military Cemetery, France. He is not commemorated locally.

William Thomas Williams, First Mate, Mercantile Marine. William was the son of John Andrew and Anne Williams of Cardigan. He resided with his wife, Eleanor Williams (nee Williams), at Ivy Cottage, Penybryn, Cilgerran prior to the war, and served with the Mercantile Marine, aboard  the S.S. Treveal, a St. Ives registered cargo vessel. On 4 February 1918, Treveal was on route from Algiers for Barrow she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-53 and sunk, off the Skerries, Anglesey. William was amongst 33 men who died aboard her that day. He was 49 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Albert George Wyatt, Private, 2136, Welsh Regiment. Albert was the Husband of Mary Lavinia Wyatt, of 6, Queen’s Terrace, Cardigan. He enlisted at Cardigan into the 1/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the local Territorial Battalion, attached to 159 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on 9 August 1915, and was immediately thrown into action, spending the next few days in isolated pockets, fighting against a Turkish counter-attack during the Battle of Sari Bair, and then at the Attack on Scimitar Hill. The Division remained here throughout the coming months, and suffered severe losses in manpower strength during the great November 1915 blizzard on Gallipoli, when its total strength was reduced to less than that of a full-strength Brigade. Albert was invalided home in January 1916 after contracting enteric fever. He never recovered properly, and was discharged from the army as unfit for further overseas on 4 July 1916. Albert succumbed to his illness, and died at Cardigan on 27 October 1918, aged 32. He is buried at Cardigan Cemetery.