Newport War Memorial

The town of Newport sits on the North Pembrokeshire coast, on the main A487 road between Fishguard and Cardigan, at the mouth of the River Nevern. The town was founded by the Norman William FitzMartin in about 1197 as the new capital of the Marcher Lordship of Cemais and it was a busy port founded primarily on the growing medieval wool trade. The ruins of Newport Castle are situated on a spur of Carn Ingli which overlooks Newport and much of the surrounding countryside. The men of Newport who fell during both World Wars are commemorated on two brass war memorial plaaques, which are situated inside the memorial hall. There is a third memorial scroll, in the Parish Church, which commemorates all of the men of the town who served during the Great War.

Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1901

James Beaumont Standly Alderson, Captain, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. James was born on 1 July 1869, the son of Edward Alderson and Caroline Alderson (nee Standley). He was educated at Highgate School before being commissioned Second Lieutenant into the Royal Irish Regiment in June 1890. James was promoted to Lieutenant in August 1891, and to Captain in April 1899. He took part in the operations on the North-West Frontier of India from 1897-98, serving with the Tirah Expeditionary Force, and received the India medal with clasp. He then served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment in South Africa from January 1900, during the Anglo-Boer War. James was wounded while leading his men on the assault on Bethlehem on 7 July 1900, and died of his wounds in the military hospital at Bethlehem on 8 July 1900. The 31-year-old was buried in Bethlehem Cemetery, Free State, SA. James is not commemorated on the Pembroke County Boer War Memorial, but on a plaque in the Church at Newport, Pembs, where his brother had lived.

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The Great War, 1914-1918

Percy Montgomery Craddock, Rifleman, 552288, London Regiment. Percy was born in 1885, the son of Frederick Craddock and Margaret Craddock (nee Montgomery), of Hampstead, London. He married Lucy James, the daughter of John and Ruth James, of Pentervin, Pontvane, in London on 20 May 1916. Percy was employed on the staff of the Bolivar Railway, Venezuela, before enlisting in 1915 into the 2/16th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen Victoria’s Rifles). The battalion was attached to 179 Brigade, 60th (London) Division. On 30 May 1918, the Battalion left for France, where it joined 89 Brigade, 30th Division on 30 June 1918. They were in the Flanders sector, and took part in the great offensive from August onwards, but Percy took ill, and was sent to No. 14 General Hospital at Wimereux, where he Died of Sickness on 20 October 1918, aged 34. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France. Percy is not commemorated locally, as he never resided at Newport, but his widow was a local, and returned from Hampstead after the war to reside at Westwood, Newport, Pembs with their only child, a daughter, Dorothy. Lucy never remarried, and died in Pembrokeshire on 20 May 1964.

Rowland Griffith Daniel, Sergeant, 290291, Welsh Regiment. Rowland was born in 1895, the son of Thomas Daniel and Elizabeth Eleanor Daniel (nee Griffiths), of The Mount, Newport, Pembs. He was an apprentice at Newport, Mon when war broke out and enlisted at Cardiff into the 7th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which had formed as a Cyclist battalion at Newport Road, Cardiff on 4 August 1914. The Battalion remained in the U.K. for the remainder of the war, stationed at Berwick and Montrose, and was based at Seaton Carew in early 1917. Rowland was accidentally killed whilst on duty in Norfolk on 27 March 1917. The remains of the 22-year-old were brought home, and he was buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Newport.

George Stanley Davies, Driver, T4/144611, Royal Army Service Corps. George was born in 1896, the son of John Howell Davies and Mary Davies (nee Thomas), of Trewern, Newport. The family later resided at Howelston, Little Haven. George enlisted at Haverfordwest into the Army Service Corps, and was posted to France, disembarking on 21 November 1915, before joining the 1st Division Indian Cavalry. George became ill towards the end of his first winter in France, and died of pneumonia in hospital on 18 April 1916, aged 20. He is buried in Le Treport Military Cemetery, France.

Gwilym Ernest Davies, Corporal, 15710, Army Pay Corps. Gwilym was born in Darjeeling, India on 26 August 1899, the son of the Reverend William Davies, a Baptist Minister, and Hannah Davies (nee Thomas). The family returned to Wales to live at 3, Bank Terrace Newport, prior to the war. Gwilym was educated at Taunton before enlisting into the Army and was posted to the Army Pay Corps. He died at Netherfield Road Military Hospital in Liverpool on 3 March 1919. The remains of the 21-year-old were brought home and he was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Newport.

James Lloyd Davies, Corporal, 18507, Royal Engineers. James was born in 1888, the son of Thomas James Davies and Martha Davies (nee Beddoe), of High Street, Newport. He lived at 61, Brynhyfryd, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil prior to the war, and worked there as a coal hewer. James enlisted into the Royal Engineers soon after the outbreak of war and embarked for France on 8 September 1914 to join the 38th Field Company, Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 6th Division. He was later transferred to the 152nd Field Company, Royal Engineers. James served in France for most of the war, until being shot in the thigh during the great advance during September 1918. He was evacuated to 34 Casualty Clearing Station before returning home, and died of his wounds at Ashton-Under-Lyne Military Hospital on 13 October 1918. The remains of the 30-year-old were conveyed home and he was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Newport.

John Howard Davies, Second Lieutenant, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. John was born in 1895, the son of John Philip Davies and Priscilla Anne Davies, of Bron-y-Coed, Pontardawe, Glamorgan. He was educated at Bishop’s Stortford College and was commissioned from the Inns of Court OTC into the South Wales Borderers on 19 December 1916. John was then posted to France, where he was attached to the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion had arrived at Marseilles from Egypt on 15 March 1916, after service in China and Gallipoli, attached to 87 Brigade, 29th Division, and had suffered terrible casualties during the assault on Y-Ravine on 1 July 1916. In the Spring of 1917 the division had moved north and fought at the Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Arras Offensive, before moving further north to Ypres, relieving the 38th (Welsh) Division north of Ypres, so the latter could train in readiness for the forthcoming Third Battle of Ypres. On the night of 4-5 July 1917, John took charge of a patrol, and soon after leading his men out of their trench came into contact with a German patrol on No Man’s Land. After a brief but fierce fight, both parties withdrew, but John had been badly wounded. He died soon afterwards, aged only 22, and is buried in grave II.J.5. in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. (This is the only man matching the name on the memorial, although I cannot trace any connection to Newport).

John Llewellyn Davies, Master, Mercantile Marine. John was born in Newport in 1856, the son of John Davies and Grace Davies (nee Griffiths). He left Newport to go to sea as a young man, settling at Swansea, where he married Letitia Morgan in about 1889. The couple then set up home at 1, Rhyddings Park Road, Swansea. Upon the outbreak of war, John became Master of the steamship SS Franz Fischer, and old collier, which had been launched in 1881. On 31 January 1916 Franz Fischer left Hartlepool carrying a cargo of 1,020 tons of coal, bound for Cowes in the Isle of Wight. During the morning of 1 February 1916, whilst approaching the Kentish Knock lightvessel off the Essex coast, John received news of German sea mines on the route ahead, so anchored his ship for the night. At around 22.30 that night the helpless collier was struck by a torpedo which had been fired from the German submarine UB-17, exploded and broke in two before sinking with the loss of 13 lives. Reports at the time claimed that a Zeppelin had sunk the collier, but the submarine was later confirmed as the cause of her loss. John was 59 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. John is not commemorated at Newport, presumably as he had long left the town.

John William Davies, Seaman, Mercantile Marine. John was born in 1898, the son of David Davies and Margaret Davies, of Penrallt Fach, Newport. He enlisted into the Mercantile Marine soon after the outbreak of war and was posted aboard the Cardiff registered cargo steamer, the SS Torrington, which was owned and operated by William J Tatem Ltd. Early in 1917 Torrington left Wales for Savona, Italy, carrying a cargo of steam coal for the Italian State Railways. On 8 April 1917 she was returning to Barry for her next cargo and was steaming about 150 nautical miles southwest of the Scillies, when her lookout sighted lifeboats. Her Captain changed course towards the lifeboats, to pick up the survivors aboard, but was torpedoed by the lurking German submarine U-55, which had been using the lifeboats as bait, and Torrington started to sink by the bow. Unable to bring his sole deck gun to bear on the submarine, her Captain surrendered his ship to the now surfaced Germans and ordered his men to abandon ship. It appears that all 34 crewmen were then killed by the Germans. John was just 18 years old when he died that night. He has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Joseph Davies, Master Mariner, Mercantile Marine. Joseph was born in 1869, the son of Walter Davies and Mary Davies, of Newport. He lived with his wife, Jane Davies, at Llysfair, St. Mary’s Street, Newport. Joseph was a long serving Master Mariner, and following the outbreak of war served in the Mercantile Marine as 1st Mate aboard the SS Bayreaulx, a London registered cargo steamer. On 20 October 1916, Bayreaulx was en route from Cardiff to Montreal in ballast when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-63, with the loss of 23 lives. Joseph was 47 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial London.

Edward Francis Drewitt, Private, 307170, Lancashire Fusiliers. Edward was born at Holt, Wiltshire on 25 February 1880, the son of Jacob Drewitt and Mary Ann Drewitt. A former soldier, he came to Newport to work as a postman and resided at St Mary’s Street, Newport. Edward then married Sarah Ranger in 1908 and the couple lived at St. Mary’s Street, where two of their three children would be born. At the outbreak of war Edward enlisted at Newport into the army, and was posted to the 2/8th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, part of 197 Brigade, 66th Division. The Division landed at Havre on 28 February 1917, and moved to the Flanders sector. Edward had only been in Flanders a few weeks when he was seriously wounded. He was brought back to the Base Hospital at St. Omer, but died of his wounds there on 17 April 1917, aged 37. He is buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. After Edwards death, Sarah moved back to Sutton Road, Somerton, Somerset.

Arthur Edwards, Private, 4943, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Arthur was born in 1892, the son of James Edwards and Sarah Edwards (nee Owens), of Fern Hill Cottage, Newport. He worked as a coal hewer prior to enlisting at Pontypridd into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 7 April 1913. At the outbreak of war Arthur was serving with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was attached to 22 Brigade, 7th Division. The battalion had been rushed back from Garrison duty in Malta prior to the war and landed at Zeebrugge on 6 October 1914, but were too late to prevent the city falling, and so moved south to Ypres, taking part in the First Battle of Ypres, where it helped stop the German drive towards the Channel coast. During the spring of 1915 the Division fought at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle and the Battle of Aubers Ridge, suffering heavy casualties. On 15 May 1915 the 7th Division took part in another assault, against the village of Festubert. The 1st RWF moved from its billets at Essars that day, marching via Bethune to its starting positions at Rue Cailloux, and at dawn on 16 May 1915 launched its assault on the German lines opposite, ordered to seize the line running from the Rue Quinque to Rue D’Ouvert. The battalion swept through the German front and 2nd lines, before becoming held up, suffering very heavy casualties again. Arthur was killed in action at Festubert on 16 May 1915. The 22-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France.

Benjamin Edwards, Private, 35229, Welsh Regiment. Benjamin was born in Aberdare, the son of David Edwards and Amelia Edwards (nee Llewellyn). The family was from Newport, and had returned to live at Belmont, Newport prior to the war. Benjamin enlisted into the army soon after the outbreak of war and was drafted to France early in 1916, joining the 13th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. He was wounded soon after arriving at the front and was treated at the 4th Stationary Hospital, France before being discharged on 19 May 1916. At some time after being discharged he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was attached to 3 Brigade, 1st Division, which had been in France since the outbreak of War, fighting in the Battle of Mons all of the way through most of the major Battles of the War, all along the Western Front. The final action fought in by the 2nd Welsh was the Battle of the Sambre, where it fought the Passage of the Sambre-Oise Canal. Benjamin survived the war but died of influenza and pneumonia at home at Belmont, Newport on 7 February 1919. The 22-year-old was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Newport. His brother, Oliver James Edwards, was lost at sea in WW2.

John Edwards, Private, 43175, Leicestershire Regiment. John was born at Newport in 1882, the son of Benjamin Edwards and Elizabeth Edwards (nee Bowen). The family later resided at 18, Grove Street, Nantyfyllon, Glamorgan. John enlisted at Maesteg into the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was the Pioneer Battalion to the 38th (Welsh) Division, and landed in France with the battalion on 5 December 1915. John later served with the 10th Welsh, before being transferred to the 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment at some time afterwards. The battalion was attached to 16 Brigade, 6th Division and had been in France almost since the outbreak of war, taking part in the Battle of the Aisne and at First Ypres before the 1st Leicester’s were transferred into 71 Brigade, 6th Division on 17 November 1915. The Division fought on the Somme and at the Battle of Cambrai, before being heavily involved in trying to stem the German Spring Offensive of 1918, where it saw heavy fighting before being sent north to Flanders to rest. Unfortunately the Division was caught up in terrible fighting again, when the Germans launched another great offensive here, along the Lys Valley on 9 April 1918. John was Killed in Action near Bailleul on 14 April 1918. The 35-year-old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. John is not commemorated at Newport.

William Edwards, Fireman, Mercantile Marine. William was born at Nevern in 1875, the son of Mary Anne Evans. He married Hannah James in 1907 and the couple set up home together at Brondsbury House, Newport. William worked as a coach driver prior to the war, then enlisted into the Mercantile Marine, before being posted as a Fireman aboard the Southampton registered cargo steamer SS Cressida. On 17 March 1918, Cressida was on voyage from Preston to Dublin with a cargo of coal, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-103, going down with the loss of three lives. William was 43 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

George Erriottis, Private, 33891, Welsh Regiment. George was born at Whitechapel, Middlesex on 24 April 1900, the son of Demetrius Erriottis and Jessie Erriottis. His father died in 1908, so young George was sent to a children’s home at East Dulwich, and his brother Edward was sent to a Naval Training School in Essex. George came to live at Newport just prior to the outbreak of war, and gained work on a farm, prior to enlisting at Fishguard into the Welsh Regiment. He was drafted to France early in 1916, joining the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 58 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The battalion moved to France on 18 July 1915, and moved with the division to positions near Loos, where it took part in the opening attack of the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. The following year the Division moved to the Somme, where it took part in the second wave of the attack on Ovillers-La Boiselle on 1 July, capturing the village at heavy cost. It then fought through the Somme Battles of Poziéres and the Ancre in 1916. In 1917 the Division moved north to Ypres, taking part in the Battle of Messines Ridge. George was killed in action at Messines on 7 June 1917. The 18-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. George is not commemorated at Newport.

Frederick Howells, Seaman, Mercantile Marine. Freddie was born at Newport, the son of Howell Howells. He was raised by his grandmother, Margaret Howell, at 61, Lower High Street, Newport. Freddie left Newport to go to sea as a young man, and during the war joined the crew of the Sunderland registered cargo steamer, S.S. T.R. Thompson. On 29 March 1918, T.R. Thompson was en route from Algeria to Middlesborough, carrying a cargo if iron ore, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-57, with the loss of 13 lives. Freddie was 28 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

George Laurenson Hughes, 2nd Engineer, Mercantile Marine. George was born in 1883, the son of Captain John Hughes and Mary Hughes, of St. Mary’s Cottage, Church Street, Newport, Pembs. He served his apprenticeship as a marine engineer at Cardigan, following in the footsteps of his father and elder brother, despite the loss of his father at sea in 1894. Following the outbreak of war was posted aboard the London registered cargo steamer, S.S. Sonnie. On 11 August 1917, Sonnie was en route from Bilbao to Middlesbrough with a cargo of iron ore, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC-77, with the loss of 11 lives. George was 33 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. He is also commemorated on his mothers grave at Newport.

William James, Gunner, 28282, Royal Field Artillery.  William was born in 1894, the son of Thomas James and Mary Ann James (nee Jones), of Summer Hill, Newport. He worked as a teamster on a farm at Nevern prior to enlisting into the Royal Field Artillery at Goodwick on 9 September 1914. William landed in France on 2 September 1915, and was posted to ‘A’ Battery, 75th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, which was attached to the Guards Division. William saw his first action during the Battle of Loos later that month. The division then moved to Ypres for several months, before being moved to the Somme in the summer of 1916. William was wounded in the back by shell fragments in August, but returned to duty. By the beginning of October, William’s battery was in positions near Le Transloy, supporting an assault by the 6th Division on Cloudy Trench. William was killed in action here on 12 October 1916. The 22-year-old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.

Frederick William (Freddie) John, Private, 31159, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. Freddie was born on 19 August 1885, the son of William John and Julia John (nee Featham), of Upper Bridge Street, Newport. He worked as a Postman prior to the war, and enlisted at Newport originally into the Welsh Regiment. Upon being drafted to France he was transferred into the 5th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, which was attached to 42 Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. The division had been in France since landing at Boulogne on 20 May 1915 and had seen terrible fighting at Hooge and Bellewaarde soon afterwards. It saw further ferocious fighting on the Somme during the summer of 1916, before taking part in the Battle of Arras the following year. The division was withdrawn from the line during the summer of 1917 and moved to Puchevillers to undergo a comprehensive scheme of training, then in the middle of July the division moved out and entrained for Bailleul in preparation for a move into the Ypres Salient, to take part in the forthcoming Passchendaele Offensive. On 17 August the division moved into positions east of Ypres, ready to join the action during the Battle of Langemarck. The 5th KSLI took up positions in dugouts at Halfway House, near Zillebeke, and on 20 August moved into the front line, relieving the 5th Ox & Bucks Light Infantry, near Hooge Crater. At dawn on 22 August 1917 the 5th KSLI launched an assault against the German lines here, gaining their objectives before consolidating their gains. Freddie was killed in action here during the fighting that day. The 31-year-old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

John Oliver Jones, Gunner, 117839, Royal Field Artillery. John was born in 1893, the son of Josiah Richard Jones, and of Elizabeth ones (nee Sandbrook), of The School House, Newport. He worked at Abertridwr as a greengrocer prior to the war, and enlisted at Ferndale into the Royal Field Artillery. John was drafted to France, and joined the 54th Battery, 34th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. The Brigade was attached to the 2nd Division until January 1917, then left the Division to be an Army Brigade, joining the 3rd Army in the Arras Sector. At the end of May 1917 the Brigade moved to the Bailleul area, and supported the infantry assault on Messines Ridge on 7 June 1917, situating its batteries near Ploegsteert Wood. The Brigade then moved to positions at Brielen, and supported the assault on the Pilckem Ridge on 31 July 1917. The batteries then moved forward into advanced positions, in what was No Man’s Land, and over the coming days continued to support the infantry assault towards Langemarck. John was killed in action here on 15 August 1917, just before the battery was relieved. The 24-year-old is buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium.

John Rees Jones, Private, 117563, Machine Gun Corps. John was born in 1894, the son of William Jones and Gwenllian Jones, of Whitechurch Farm, Meline, Pembrokeshire. He resided at Newport prior to the war, and enlisted at Carmarthen into the Welsh Regiment, specialising as a machine-gunner whilst undergoing his training. Prior to the Battle of the Somme, battalion machine gunners were formed into a Machine Gun Corps, so John was transferred into the 38th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was part of the 38th (Welsh) Division. The division saw its first major action during the assault on Mametz Wood in July 1916 and following a spell in the line at Hébuterne, moved to positions along the Canal Bank at Boesinghe, north of Ypres, where it remained for over a year. The Division returned to the Somme at the end of March 1918, following the launching of the German Sporing Offensive, and took over the line north of Albert, along Bouzincourt Ridge. On 21 August 1918 the 38th Division crossed the River Ancre and stormed Thiepval and Pozieres Ridge, before advancing east along the old Somme battlefield of 1916. John was badly wounded during the opening days of the advance and died of his wounds at an Advanced Dressing Station on 1 September 1918. The 24-year-old is buried in Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery, France. John is not commemorated at Newport.

Evan Ernest Lawrence, Private, 10500, London Regiment (Artists Rifles). Ernest was born in 1888, the son of Thomas and Mary Lawrence, of East Street, Newport. He had been educated at Carmarthen College, and was a School Master at Wolfscastle prior to the war, residing at Bryn Amlwg, Letterston. He married Florence Griffiths at Hill Park Baptist Chapel, Haverfordwest on 12 August 1913, and on 16 July 1915 Florence gave birth to their son, Thomas Emlyn Lawrence. Evan enlisted in London on 8 January 1917 into the 1/28th Battalion, the London Regiment (Artist’s Rifles), which formed part of the 63rd Royal Naval Division. The Artist’s Rifles were an elite Battalion, with many of their men being commissioned as Officers into other Battalions of the British Army. Ernest died of septicaemia at the 1st London General Hospital 10 February 1917. The remains of the 28-year-old were conveyed home, and he was buried in Saron Baptist Cemetery, Letterston, to the right of the entrance.

John Herbert Lloyd, Private, 38519, Gloucestershire Regiment. John, known as Herbert, was born in 1898, the son of David Lloyd and Elizabeth Lloyd (nee Bevan), of Rofftcharles, Eglwyswrw. He worked with his father at the family Butchers at East Street, Newport prior to enlisting at Carmarthen into the South Wales Borderers, but upon being drafted to France was transferred to the 8th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, which was attached to 57 Brigade, 19th (Western) Division. The 19th Division had its baptism of fire during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, when it had launched a diversionary assault near Givenchy. During the following summer the division played a major part in the opening of the Somme offensive, capturing Ovillers and La Boisselle. The division then moved to Ypres in March 1917, taking part in the Battle of Messines Ridge on 7 June 1917, then joined the great Passchendaele offensive. On 12 September the 8th Gloucesters moved into support positions near Zillebeke, then on 18 September relieved a battalion of the Rifle Brigade in the front line near St. Eloi. On 20 September 1917 the battalion took part in an assault against the German positions at J.31.a.5.3, and suffered heavy casualties. Herbert was killed in action that day. The 19-year-old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Thomas Richard Morris, Master Mariner, Mercantile Marine. Thomas was born in 1866, the son of John and Margaret Morris, of Newport. He had left home to join the Mercantile Marine as a young man and rose to the rank of Captain prior to the war. He lived at 1, Grove Park, Newport, with his wife Annie Mary Morris. Following the outbreak of war, Thomas was posted as 1st Mate aboard the steamship SS Atlantic City. He survived the war, but became ill and died of consumption whilst at sea during a voyage from Datrar to Gibraltar on 13 November 1918, aged 52. Thomas is not commemorated by the CWGC as he was not a casualty of war.

Arthur Edward Nichols, Gunner, 371340, Royal Garrison Artillery. Arthur was born in London in 1891. He came to west Wales to find work and by 1911 was working as a teamster at Cilglynin, Fishguard. He married Rosina Hobbs at Newport in 1913 and the couple settled at 4, King Street, Newport. Arthur enlisted at Newport into the Royal Garrison Artillery and was drafted to France to join the 275th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, which was positioned near Mont St. Eloi sector, in the Arras sector. The battery was attached to the 53rd Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery and supported the Allied assaults upon the Hindenburg Line during the Battle of Arras during the Spring of 1917. On 17 May the Brigade entrained at Bruay for the Ypres Salient, taking over positions at Locre, in support of the forthcoming Battle of Messines Ridge, which was launched on 7 June 1917. The Brigade remained in the Salient over the coming months, in positions at Vijberhoek, and supported the great assault upon Passchendaele Ridge, which opened on 31 July.  Arthur was wounded during the early part of November and was evacuated to the 3rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remi Sidings, Lijssenthoek. He died of his wounds there on 14 November 1917. The 25-year-old was buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

David Owen, Seaman, Mercantile Marine. David was born in 1876, the son of Joshua Owen and Esther Owen, of Glanrhyd, Newport. He married Keturah Owen in 1903 and the couple set up home together at 2 High Street, Newport. David served in the Mercantile Marine and by the time war erupted was serving aboard the Southampton registered cargo steamer, S.S. Cressida. On 17 March 1918, Cressida was en route from Preston to Dublin with a cargo of coal, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-103, 16 miles off the Skerries, Anglesey, with the loss of three lives. David was 41 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas John Peregrine, Gunner, 25989, Royal Field Artillery. Thomas was born in 1891, the son of David Peregrine and Elizabeth Peregrine (nee Thomas), of Goat Street, Newport. He worked as a labourer and lodged at Argoed, Nevern prior to enlisting at Goodwick into the Royal Artillery soon after the outbreak of war. Thomas was promoted to Shoeing Smith before landing in France on 28 August 1915 with ‘A’ Battery, 74th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. The battery moved to positions south of Vermelles, and began work soon afterwards, carrying out operations against the Germans preparatory to the opening of the Battle of Loos from 25 September 1915 onwards. Thomas was killed in action at Loos on 5 October 1915, probably due to German counter-battery fire. The 23-year-old has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.

Thomas Lewis Rees, Private, Welsh Regiment. Thomas was born in 1885, the son of Thomas Rees and Anne Rees, of Dyffryn, Goodwick. He married Sarah Griffiths in 1907 and the couple settled at Tynewydd, Newport. Thomas worked as a fireman in a quarry prior to enlisting into the Welsh Regiment. He was drafted to France to join the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, probably joining the battalion in the Cuinchy Sector in the Spring of 1916. Thomas then spent a short while attached to the 123rd Company, Royal Engineers, before rejoining his battalion, probably in time to take part in the assault on Mametz Wood in July 1916. He later spent time attached to the 114th Machine Gun Company, in the 38th (Welsh) Division, before being transferred to the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, which was attached to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, in the Spring of 1918. Thomas survived the war, returning home to his family in Newport, but died on 13 January 1923, aged 38. His name looks to be an addition to the brass memorial plaque, and he is not shown as a casualty on the original parchment memorial scroll in the Church. He is not commemorated by the CWGC as a war casualty, as he died after the cut-off date for commemoration.

Daniel Herbert Thomas, Private, 16133, South Wales Borderers. Daniel was born in 1895, the son of William Thomas and Annie Thomas (nee Brown), of Greystone House, Newport. He worked as a Draper’s Assistant at T. W. Evans, at Newport, prior to gaining a senior position at Bon Marche, Abertillery. Daniel enlisted into the South Wales Borderers at Newport, Monmouthshire on 2 September 1914, and was posted to the 8th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The battalion had formed at Brecon before moving to Seaford to join 67 Brigade, 22nd Division, then in December 1914 moved to billets in Hastings. Daniel took ill whilst stationed at Hastings and was diagnosed as suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. He was discharged from the battalion as medically unfit on 16 February 1915, returning home to his family at Greystone after undergoing treatment at Bassaleg Sanatorium. Sadly his health failed quickly afterwards and he died of tuberculosis at Greystone House, Newport on 27 January 1916. The 21-year-old was buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Newport on 31 January 1916. Daniel is not commemorated as a casualty of war by the CWGC, as his illness was deemed to have been contracted prior to his enlistment, however I have recently forwarded his case to the CWGC in order to try and correct this. His brother David died as a POW in Germany in 1918.

David Walter Thomas, Private, 117838, Machine Gun Corps. David was born in 1890, the son of William Thomas and Annie Thomas (nee Brown), of Greystone, Newport. He married Margaret Isaac at Nevern on 29 April 1913 and the couple settled at Upper St. Mary’s Street, Newport. David enlisted at Newport into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, with the service number 203063. He was later posted to the 21st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, which was attached to the 21st Division. The division had been in France since September 1915, and had taken part in most of the major battles thereafter, at Loos in September 1915 and on the Somme in 1916. During 1917 the division fought at Arras, Passchendaele and at Cambrai. The division was one of the units hit by the German Spring Offensive on the Somme in March 1918, fighting at the Battle of St Quentin and the First Battle of Bapaume, before being evacuated to Flanders to rest. Unluckily though, the Germans launched a fresh offensive on the Lys in April 1918, and the division was caught up in the thick of the fighting again, during the Battle of Messines, and the Second Battle of Kemmel. The battered division now moved south to rebuild, but again was unlucky, as the Germans launched a fresh offensive on the Chemin-des-Dames, and the division was caught up in the action again, fighting in the Battle of the Aisne, before moving north to the Somme sector, where they took part in the great offensive which ended the war. At some time in 1918 David was taken prisoner by the Germans, and brought to a POW Camp in Germany. He died in captivity on 18 October 1918, and is buried in Berlin South Western Cemetery, Germany. His brother, Daniel Thomas, died in 1916.

David Watkyn John Thomas, Donkeyman, Mercantile Marine. David was born in 1880, the son of John Thomas and Mary Thomas, of Glanavon, Newport. He left the town to enlist in the Mercantile Marine as a young man. He married Elizabeth Mary Bruce in London in 1913 and the couple settled at 45A, Well St., Whitechapel, London. Following the outbreak of war, David was posted as a Donkeyman aboard the Armed Merchant Cruiser H.M.S. Ophir. Ophir was a commercial liner converted for use as the Royal yacht in 1901, conveying the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on an extensive tour of the British Empire, then following the outbreak of war was converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser in the Royal Navy. David was found dead in the bottom of the hold of his ship whilst it was at anchor in Gibraltar on 12 February 1917, aged 36. He is buried at Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. His son, David Watkin John Thomas jr, was a professional footballer, who played for Plymouth Argyle, Watford and Gillingham. His other son, Robert Albert Thomas, also played professionally for Plymouth Argyle, Fulham and Crystal Palace.

John Thomas, Private, 16284, Welsh Regiment.  John was born on 8 December 1895, the son of Mark Anthony Thomas and Mary Thomas, of Wathwick, Dale. He worked as a farm hand, first at Talbenny Farm, Little Haven, and then at Newport prior to the war, and enlisted at Haverfordwest into the 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was known as the 1st Rhondda, and was raised in the Rhondda Valley by David Watts Morgan, M.P. in September 1914. Initially the battalion moved to Codford St. Mary to join 76 Brigade, 25th Division, but at the end of September 1914 moved to Rhyl to join the other locally raised units in 129 Brigade, 43rd (Welsh) Division. On 29 April 1915 the formation became renumbered to 114 Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division, before moving to Winchester in the summer of 1915 to complete its training. The Division moved to France on 2 December 1915 and moved to the Nursery Sector near Fleurbaix for trench initiation alongside the Guards Division. During June 1916 the Division marched south to the Somme, and on 7 July 1916 attacked Mametz Wood. The initial attack failed, and it was three days later, on 10 July, that a fresh attack was mounted. After two days of heavy hand to hand fighting within the wood, the Germans withdrew, and the battered Welshmen moved via Hebuterne to Boesinghe, on the Yser Canal. On 6 May 1917 the 10th Welsh moved into the front line at Boesinghe, and after five days there, on 11 May 1917, were in the process of being relieved by the 14th Welsh when John was killed in action by German shellfire. He was 20 years old, and is buried in Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium.

John Elwyn Thomas, Mechanical Engineer. John was born on 2 August 1888, the son of the Reverend Morris Thomas and Phoebe Thomas (nee James), of Major House, Upper West Street, Newport. He served his apprenticeship as a Mechanical Engineer at the Great Western Railway Works at Swindon, becoming a Fitter and Turner, but had been working in Africa prior to the war. John had come home for some leave, before returning to Africa aboard the SS Falaba. On 28 March 1915 Falaba was 38 miles off the Smalls Lighthouse, just one day into a voyage to Sierra Leone, when she was attacked and sunk by a torpedo from the German U-Boat U-28. John was among 104 people who were lost during the sinking, and was 26 years old when he died. John is not commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, although there is a Brass Memorial Plaque in the Lady Chapel at St Mary’s Church, Newport dedicated to him, and acknowledging his death. Strangely enough, the ‘Times’ casualty list of the ‘Falaba’ sinking does not list him, and he is not commemorated as a casualty of war, as he was a civilian.

John Tudor, Chief Steward, Mercantile Marine. John was born in 1861, the son of David Tudor and Elizabeth Tudor (nee Davies), of Fishguard. He worked as a Saddler prior to the war and was already a widower when he married Blanche John at Fishguard on 12 April 1888. The couple then settled at Glanydon, Newport. John enlisted into the Mercantile Marine soon after the outbreak of war and was posted aboard the Brisbane registered cargo steamer, S.S. Australdale, which was owned by the Australian government. On 19 October 1917, Australdale was sailing in convoy from Wales to Gibraltar, carrying a cargo of coal, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-22 off the northwest coast of Spain. Three lifeboats got away, of which one, carrying 27 men, was never heard of again. John was 53 years old when he died as a result of the sinking of Australdale. He has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Edmond Varney, Able Seaman, Mercantile Marine. Thomas was born in 1892, the son of Jesse Varney and Mary Anne Varney (nee Davies), of Penrallt, Newport. Thomas worked as a Tailor at Newport, prior to enlisting into the Mercantile Marine soon after the outbreak of war, and was posted aboard the London registered cargo steamer S.S. Kariba. On 21 April 1917, Kariba was en route from Java and Dakar to Falmouth with a cargo of sugar, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine, going down with the loss of 13 lives. Thomas was 24 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

David Vaughan, Private, 202517, Welsh Regiment. David was born in 1899, the son of Benjamin Vaughan and Maria Vaughan (nee Thomas), of Forest Farm, Dinas Cross. He enlisted at Fishguard into the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, the local Territorial Army battalion, and upon being drafted to France was posted to the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. The battalion was raised in January 1915 as a Bantam Battalion, made up of men of below average height, and initially went to Porthcawl attached to the 43rd (Welsh) Division. During July 1915 the battalion moved to Prees Heath to join 119 Brigade, 40th (Bantam) Division and landed in France with the Division in June 1916. The Division moved to positions around Lillers before taking over the North Maroc Sector, near Loos, for trench initiation and once acclimatised was left to hold the sector itself over the coming months. Late in 1916 the Division moved south to the Somme, and fought at the Battle of the Ancre, before remaining in the sector over the winter. In March 1917 the Germans withdrew to their shortened line, called the Hindenburg Line, and the 40th Division was among the units which followed the withdrawal. Later in the year the Division took part in the Battle of Cambrai and launched an attack on Bourlon Wood on 23 November 1917. The attack was carried out by 119 Brigade, led by the 12th SWB and 19th RWF. The 17th Welsh was in support for the initial assault, but was soon ordered to advance, to support the two attacking battalions. Heavy fighting raged within the wood over the coming days, with the 18th Welsh also being thrown forwards into the fight, and the Division suffered terribly. David was killed in action during the terrible fighting for Bourlon Wood on 25 November 1917. The 18-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.

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World War 2, 1939-1945

Kenneth Stanley Chessum, Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber), 1424441, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Kenneth was born on 27 August 1914, the son of the Reverend Albert James Chessum and Margaret Chessum (nee Bird), of Warrington. The family then resided at The Manse, Ings Lane, Kirby Moorside, Yorkshire. Kenneth was working in a plant nursery in Uxbridge when war erupted, and enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve soon afterwards. He married Eileen Mary Oliver Llewellin, of Llysdeg, Market Street, Newport, at Pontypridd in 1942. By then, Kenneth had completed his training as an air bomber and had been posted to 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The squadron had departed for France at the outbreak of war, as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force equipped with Fairey Battles. After the British withdrawal from France in June 1940, the Squadron began night attacks on enemy shipping and re-equipped with Wellingtons. Kenneth survived the war, and remained with 12 Squadron after the Armistice. He was killed whilst on a flight from RAF Strubby when flying aboard Lancaster NE140, which disintegrated in the air whilst flying in heavy turbulence and crashed near the village of Beesby, Leicestershire on 1 February 1946, killing all six crewmen. He was 32 years old, and is buried at Binbrook (St. Mary) Churchyard. His brother-in-law, Arthur John Alexander Llewellin, also served in the RAF, and died as a POW in Japanese hands.

Wilfred Eurfyl Davies, Stoker, LT/KX108142, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Wilfred was born on 7 January 1917, the son of Samuel Lewis Davies and Martha Ann Davies (nee Jones), of Bryn Y Mor, Trevine. The family later resided at Caerau, Trevine, where Wilfred worked as a labourer. He enlisted into the Royal Navy and was posted to the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard the requisitioned fishing trawler, H.M. Trawler Vidonia. Vidonia had been converted into a patrol boat and following D-Day, the Normandy Landings, was placed on duty patrolling the English Channel. On 6 October 1944 Vidonia collided with another vessel and sank off the Normandy coast. Wilfred’s body was recovered from the sea, and he is officially listed as having died on 7 October 1944. The 27-year-old was buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France. Six of his crewmates were lost on the Vidonia and are commemorated on the Lowestoft Memorial, in Suffolk.

William Ellis Davies, Quartermaster, Merchant Navy. William was born at Llanfabon, Glamorgan in 1891, the son of Reverend Robert Edward Davies and Harriett Ellen Davies (nee Jones). He served with the Mercantile Marine throughout the Great War, then by 1921 he had moved to west Wales and was lodging with his parents at Ystrad Vicarage at Felinfach, where he gave his occupation as an unemployed mariner. William then moved to Brig-y-Don, Parrog, Newport. When the Second World War broke out, William was posted aboard the Liverpool registered steamer, S.S. City of Guildford. On 27 March 1943 the City of Guildford was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U593, whilst steaming off the port of Madeira. William was drowned in the sinking that day. He was 51 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Oliver James Edwards, Mate, Merchant Navy. Oliver was born at Aberdare on 2 February 1904, the son of David Edwards and Amelia Edwards (nee Llewellyn). The family was from Newport, and had returned to live at Belmont, Newport prior to the war. Oliver had left home to join the Merchant Navy as a young man, before marrying Edith Mary Thomas and the couple set up home together at 4, Brodog Terrace, Fishguard. Following the outbreak of war Oliver was posted aboard the Goole registered steamship S.S. Greenawn. Greenawn set sail from London on 25 March 1941 bound for Invergordon. The ship went missing on the voyage, and was declared a ‘War Loss’ on 3 April 1941. Oliver disappeared with the ship at sometime on or around 3 April 1941. The 37-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother, Benjamin, died in 1919 after serving in WW1.

Arthur Cecil Montagu Griffin, Flying Officer, 116771, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Arthur was the son of George and Emma Griffin, and the husband of Marjorie Vernon Griffin, of Bayvil, Pembrokeshire. He served with 21 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a light bomber squadron, equipped with the De Havilland Mosquito. Arthur was killed when his Mosquito, Serial HR-516, was lost during a raid over the River Schelde, Holland on 28 May 1943. He was 33 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Arthur does not seem to be commemorated locally.

Thomas Gwyn Harries, Private, 14342641, The Middlesex Regt (Duke of Cambridge’s Own). Thomas was born in 1913, the son of Owen Harries and Margaret Harries (nee Evans), of Blaenffynon, Brynberian, Eglwyswrw. He married Elizabeth Mary Howells in 1933 and the couple set up home at Bronrhiw, West Street, Newport. Thomas worked as a bricklayer prior to enlisting into the army and was posted to the 1/7th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which was a support unit in the 51st (Highland) Division. The 51st Division was mobilised at the outbreak of WW2 and sent to France and Belgium with the BEF. In 1940, under French command, it fought a series of bold rearguard actions against the German advance, but was isolated and cut off at St Valery, being forced to surrender before it could be evacuated. The Division was reformed in England in 1941, and in June 1942 embarked for Egypt and the North African campaign. The division fought in North Africa during El Alamein, Mareth, Medenine and Wadi Akarit, and later landed in Sicily. It was then moved back to Britain to prepare for the landings in North West Europe. Thomas had fought with the Division through the Normandy Battles, and through the drive north through France and Belgium into Holland. After an epic march, and a series of battles, through Holland, the British crossed the Rhine into Germany. Thomas was killed in action on 12 April 1945 aged 32, and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

Trevor David Hoskins, Midshipman, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Trevor was born in 1926, the son of Doctor William David Hoskins and Eva Ann Hoskins (nee Rees), of Luton, Bedfordshire. His father had been born in Newport in 1897, but had left west Wales to study as a Doctor. Trevor enlisted into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in the summer of 1943 and towards the end of the war was posted to HMS Byrsa, which was the Royal Naval establishment at Naples. Trevor died on active service in Greece on 13 February 1946. The 19-year-old was buried in Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece.

John Anthony Hughes-Rees, D.F.M., Flying Officer (Pilot), 113942, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. John was born in London in 1920, the son of Anthony Hughes-Rees, and of Anne Hughes-Rees (nee Davies). His parents from Newport, but had left their home town to run their own farm at Streatham, but after retiring returned to live at Virginia House, Newport. John enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and trained as a pilot before being posted to 609 Squadron, RAF at RAF Middle Wallop as a Sergeant Pilot on 18 September 1940. On 25 September his engine failed and he crash landed at Glastonbury in Supermarine Spitfire L1008. On 8 July 1941 he was shot down in combat with several Messerschmitt Bf109’s and baled out of his Supermarine Spitfire. John was rescued by Air Sea Rescue off the Goodwin Sands at 06:30hrs. John was then awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his gallant flying. His citation was published in the London Gazette of 8 August 1941 and read: ‘This airman has completed a large number of operational sorties against the enemy and has destroyed at least four of their aircraft. In. every engagement he has shown courage and enterprise.’ John returned to his Squadron in November 1941, and was commissioned Pilot Officer in December. In March 1942 he was posted as a flying instructor to 73 Operational Training Unit at RAF Abu Sueir in Egypt, and was promoted to Flying Officer in October 1942. Sadly john took ill at Abu Sueir and was admitted to No. 6 General Hospital, suffering from headaches and general weakness. On the day after admission he woke to find he could not move his limbs, then his breathing began to fail and he died of acute anterior poliomyelitis on 30 April 1943. The 22-year-old was buried in Moascar War Cemetery, Egypt. John is recorded as a Fighter Ace, having 4 kills and 1 shared destroyed, with a further 1 probably destroyed and 1 damaged.

Idris Owen Isaac, Corporal, 7519883, Royal Army Medical Corps. Idris was born on 12 May 1915, the son of David Isaac and Margaret Isaac (nee Owen), of Barley Mow, Newport. He trained as a chemist upon leaving school and lodger at 1, Green Lane, Camborne, where he worked as a dispensing chemist. Idris enlisted into the army soon after the outbreak of war, joining the Royal Army Medical Corps, and married Peggy Jeannette Stephens at Aldershot in 1939. He was posted to Singapore to join 32 Company, Royal Army Medical Corps. Singapore was the foremost British military base and economic port in South–East Asia and was known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’. It was strongly garrisoned and was thought to be impregnable. On 8 December 1941 the Japanese launched a series of simultaneous attacks against Pearl Harbour, Malaya, Thailand and the Pacific Islands. The Japanese had a force of some 30,000 troops involved in the Malayan invasion but soon reached the outer defences of Singapore following a short period of intense fighting. General Percival, commanding a garrison of some 85,000 troops in Singapore was ordered by Winston Churchill to fight to the last man, however, on 15 February 1942 he surrendered, and 80,000 troops were marched into captivity. Idris had been killed by the Japanese on 14 February 1942, the day before the City was surrendered, probably when the staff and patients in Alexandria Hospital, some 743 people, were murdered by Japanese troops. The 26-year-old has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.

Wyndham Isaac, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. Wyndham was born on 7 February 1913, the son of William Lloyd Isaac and Catherine Isaac (nee Donovan), of Porth, Rhondda. His father was a coalminer from Newport and returned to live at Pencrwch Morfa, Newport after the death of Catherine and married Kathleen Evans, of Newport. Wyndham enlisted into the Merchant Navy, and was posted aboard the London registered Merchant steamer S.S. Tregarthen, which was owned by The Hain Steamship Co Ltd, London. In May 1941 Tregarthen left Cardiff for Kingston, Jamaica, joining up with Convoy OB-329 from Liverpool, carrying a cargo of 7,800 tons of coal. Just before midnight on 6 June 1941 Tregarthen, now dispersed from the convoy, was sailing unescorted north-northwest of the Azores, when she was struck by two torpedoes which had been fired by the German submarine U-48 and sank within minutes, going down with the loss of 45 lives. Wyndham was 28 years old when he died during the sinking of Tregarthen, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Daniel Alcfryn James, Private, 1771319, Welch Regiment. Daniel was born on 7 September 1917, the son of Joseph Lloyd James and Selina James (nee Vaughan), of Bridgend. The family then came to live at Tycanol, Brynberian. Daniel worked as a miller and farmer after marrying Daisy Maude Sallis, of Pantyderi Mill, Newport in 1938. He enlisted into the army soon after the outbreak of war and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment, which was stationed in Palestine when war erupted. The battalion struggled to maintain peace between the Jews and Arabs during its time in Palestine and the men were no doubt happy when the battalion left for Egypt in November 1939. The battalion moved to Mersa Matruh, then on 28 February 1940 the battalion embarked for Crete. The men then began to dig-in and prepare positions for an expected German invasion, which materialised on 14 May 1941 when some 600 German bombers began saturation bombing the island, followed by the landing of hundreds of elite German paratroopers. The 1st Welch fought a stubborn defensive effort, but were forced to withdraw to Suda Bay, where the bulk of the battalion was captured. Some 300 men managed to reach Sphakia and embarked upon a Royal Navy ship for evacuation to Alexandria but were again overwhelmed when they were caught up in the ferocious fighting at Benghazi. The battalion was brought up to strength again before taking part in the invasion of mainland Italy, joining the 168th Infantry Brigade, 56th (London) Division, and landed at Taranto on 17 July 1944. The division then took part in the bloody fighting to break the Gothic Line, before fighting around the Argenta Gap in the New Year. On 2 April 1945 the 1st Welch entered Cividale, near the Yugoslavian frontier., then moved to Caporetto. Daniel was killed in action on 21 April 1945, within weeks of German surrender. The 28-year-old is buried in Faenza War Cemetery, Italy.

Cecil Lewis, Chief Officer, Merchant Navy. Cecil was born in 1906, the son of Thomas Lewis and Anne Lewis of Upper St. Mary Street, Newport. He was lodging at 22, Williams Street, Cardigan in 1921, and was in full time education there. Cecil enlisted into the Merchant Navy after leaving school and married Harriet Moorhouse in London in 1940. He was then posted aboard the London registered steamer, S.S. Stangarth, which was owned by J.A. Billmeir & Co Ltd, London, under the command of Captain William Ewart Herbert. On 11 March 1942, Stangarth departed from New York fir Bombay, carrying a cargo of Government stores. The steamer passed by St. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands, before heading across the Atlantic to Capetown. On 16 March 1942, Stangarth was some 300 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, when she was torpedoed and sank, probably by the German submarine U-504, going down with the loss of 46 lives. Cecil was amongst the dead. The 35-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Arthur John Alexander Llewellin, Squadron Leader, 39998, Royal Air Force. Arthur was born on 15 January 1917, the son of Arthur Ernest Llewellin and Lillian Mary Llewellin (nee Oliver), of Barclays Bank, James Street, New Tredegar. The family later resided at Llysdeg, Victoria Road, Newport. Arthur joined the RAF in June 1937 and after training as a pilot, joined 19 Squadron on 7 November 1938. He had a spell as an instructor before being posted to 255 Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 28 November 1940. Several months prior to his posting he married Pamela Frances Orr, of Woodford Wells, Essex. In October 1941 Arthur was given command of 232 Squadron, which had fought during the Battle of Britain, flying Hurricanes. In November 1941 the squadron embarked for overseas service, but by the time the convoy arrived in South Africa, the Japanese had attacked the Far East and 232 Squadron was diverted to Singapore. On 13 January 1942, the ground echelon disembarked at Singapore but the squadron’s pilots were embarked in HMS Indomitable two days later and flown off to Java on 27 January from a point 50 miles south of Christmas Island, as the Singapore airfields had become untenable. Air and Ground echelons were reunited at Palembang in Sumatra on 2 February but the Japanese landings forced a withdrawal to Java on 15 February. Arthur was killed while taking off from Singapore on 7 February 1942, when his Hurricane struggled to gain height and struck the mast of a junk, sending him crashing into Keppel Harbour. Arthur was 25 years old and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial. (The CWGC give his date of death as 24 March 1942, but Brian Cull’s book ‘Hurricanes Over Singapore’ gives 7 February 1942, which is more likely to be correct). His brother-in-law, Kenneth Stanley Chessum, also fell during the war whilst serving with the RAF.

Paul William Morris, Quartermaster, Merchant Navy. Paul, known as William, was born on 3 February 1912, the son of Thomas Morris and Margaret Ann Morris (nee Evans), of Dinas Cross. He married Anne Bowen in 1938 and the couple set up home at Penbank, Newport. William was already serving in the Merchant Navy prior to the war and following the outbreak of war was posted aboard the Liverpool registered steamship S.S. City of Guildford, which was owned by Ellerman Lines Ltd, London. On 25 March 1943, City of Guildford left Alexandria for Tripoli, carrying some 9,000 tons of general cargo, including cased octane spirit and ammunition, as part of Convoy XT-7. During the afternoon of 27 March 1943, she was attacked and torpedoed by the German submarine U-593, going down quickly with the loss of 129 lives. William was among those killed that day. The 31-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Arthur Norman Mowlam, Warrant Officer (Pilot), 516218, Royal Air Force. Arthur was born in 1914, the son of James Richard Mowlam and Kate Clara Mowlam (nee Nalborough), of Southwark, London. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force prior to the outbreak of war and trained as a Pilot. Arthur married Margaret Ellen Whitnell in Wandsworth on 22 July 1939. He returned to duty soon afterwards, with 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was a Coastal Command squadron, equipped with the Handley Page Hampden. On the night of 31 January 1942, Arthur took off from RAF North Luffenham, Rutland, flying a Handley Page Hampden I, Serial AT149, which joined a bomber group despatched to strike targets in Brest. He was killed when his Hampden crashed in the target area that day, probably shot down by flak. The 27-year-old is buried in Brest (Kerfautras) Cemetery, France. His widow Margaret moved to Pembrokeshire with their son Norman after Norman’s death, and married John Davies, of Newport, where she lived until her death in 2006. Arthur is not commemorated at Newport.

Thomas Abednego Nicholas, Chief Officer, Merchant Navy. Thomas was born in 1893, the son of Daniel Nicholas and Mary Nicholas, of Parrog Road, Newport. He left home as a young man to join the Mercantile Marine, serving throughout the Great War. Following the Armistice, Thomas remained in the now Merchant Navy, rising to Chief Officer by the time that the Second World War erupted. He was serving aboard the Hong Kong registered merchant vessel M.V. Fook On. Unfortunately for the crew of Fook On, it was captured by the Japanese following their assault on Hong Kong which began on 8 December 1941, the same day as their attack on Pearl Harbour. The battle raged for two weeks until the Commonwealth forces garrisoned on Hong Kong were forced to surrender on 25 December, and following heavy losses, some 10,000 survivors were taken into captivity. Thomas was among those taken prisoner when Hong Kong fell, and was imprisoned in the infamous Stanley POW Camp. He became ill due to the terrible conditions in the camp and died there of tuberculosis and heart failure on 31 October 1942. He was 48 years old, and is buried in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.

Leslie Edward Owen, Gunner, 14594627, Royal Artillery. Leslie was born on 9 March 1925, the son of William Edward Owen and Jane Owen (nee Evans), of Gwynfryn, King Street, Newport. He enlisted into the Royal Artillery soon after the outbreak of war and was posted to North Africa to join 107 (The South Notts. Hussars) Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment had been created in North Africa from the survivors of 32 Regiment, Royal Artillery and fought in the Western Desert and in Sicily before being moved to England at the beginning of 1944, to prepare for the liberation of occupied Europe. The regiment landed in Normandy during D-Day, and fought throughout the Battle of Normandy, and into Northern France and Belgium into Holland. After supporting the Airborne Assault on Arnhem in 1944, the Regiment was rushed to the Ardennes, to reinforce the weakened American lines, during the German Offensive that was to become known as the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. Leslie was badly wounded there and died of his wounds on 20 December 1944. The 19-year-old was buried in Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Belgium.

John Ross Rhedyneg Price, Lieutenant, 71422, Royal Engineers. John was born in 1911, the son of Gwilym Price and Hannah Mary Price (nee James), of 13, University Place, Cardiff. His father, a Stockbroker, died in 1922, so Hannah moved her young family back home to Amesbury, Lower St. Mary Street, Newport. John worked his way through University, gaining a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, and was an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers prior to the war. This helped him gain a commission as Second Lieutenant into the Special Reserve of the Royal Engineers, then joined the 151 Railways Construction Company, Royal Engineers. John, by now a Lieutenant, embarked for France with the unit soon after the outbreak of war, as part of the BEF. John was killed during the BEF’s retreat through northern France to Dunkirk, during fighting around Merville on 10 May 1940. The 28-year-old is buried in Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Thomas Summers, Driver, T/3704863, Royal Army Service Corps. Thomas was born in 1904, the son of Hercules Summers and Mary Ann Summers (nee Bruton), of 63, Kennard Street, Ynysboeth, Abercynon. He married Morfydd Richards, of Channel View, Newport, in 1932. Thomas was probably already serving in the army when war erupted, as he embarked for France with the II Corps Ammunition Park, Royal Army Service Corps, as part of the BEF in France in 1939. He was wounded during the epic retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940. Thomas died of his wounds on 26 May 1940, aged 36. He is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

David Thomas, Boatswain (Bosun), Merchant Navy. David was born at Newport in about 1882. He married Elizabeth Samuel on 25 February 1913 and the couple resided at Angel House, Victoria Road, Newport. David served with the Merchant Navy and following the outbreak of war was posted aboard the Glasgow registered merchant steamer, S.S. Blairatholl, which was owned by the Nisbet Shipping Co. Ltd. In November 1942, Blairatholl departed from New London and New York for the Tyne with a cargo of steel and lumber. On 27 November 1942, Blairatholl collided with the Dutch ship John Bakke some 200 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, and sank. David was 60 years old when he lost his life that day. He has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Rhys Thomas, Private, 7372578, Royal Army Medical Corps. Rhys was born in 1917, the son of Arthur Thomas and Louisa Annie Thomas (nee John), of Caerau, Glamorgan. His mother was a schoolteacher from Newport. Rhys enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps and was despatched to the Far East to join 32 Company, RAMC, which was stationed in Alexandra Hospital, Singapore. Singapore was the foremost British military base and economic port in South–East Asia and was known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’. It was strongly garrisoned and was thought to be impregnable. On 8 December 1941 the Japanese launched a series of simultaneous attacks against Pearl Harbour, Malaya, Thailand and the Pacific Islands. The Japanese had a force of some 30,000 troops involved in the Malayan invasion but soon reached the outer defences of Singapore following a short period of intense fighting. General Percival, commanding a garrison of some 85,000 troops in Singapore was ordered by Winston Churchill to fight to the last man, however, on 15 February 1942 he surrendered, and 80,000 troops were marched into captivity. Rhys was sadly killed during the Japanese invasion of Singapore, when Alexandria Hospital was overrun by units of the Japanese army on 14 February 1942. Some 250 of the patients and RAMC staff were murdered by the Japanese on that and the following day. Rhys was initially posted as missing, but was later found to have been amongst those murdered on or just after 14 February 1942. The 24-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.

Thomas Daniel Varney, Assistant Steward, Merchant Navy. Thomas was born on 17 April 1920, the son of James Davies Varney and Diza Varney (nee Daniel), of Glan Towy, Church Street, Newport. He left home as a young man to enlist into the Merchant Navy and following the outbreak of war was posted aboard the Glasgow registered merchant steamer, S.S. Norman Monarch, which was owned by the Monarch SS Co Ltd. Norman Monarch departed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, laden with a cargo of 8,300 tons of wheat, destined for Barry. She was originally scheduled to be part of Convoy HX-125, but had been switched to the next, HX-126, which departed Halifax on 10 May 1941. the night of 9/10 May 1941 a torpedo struck the starboard side of the ship. Water flooded in, and at daylight the crew were ordered to abandon ship. They moved via the ships lifeboats to the waiting S.S. Harpagus, and they rejoined the convoy, with no casualties. However at 23.20 on 20 May 1941 the Harpagus was torpedoed, and sank in about three minutes. Thomas was killed during his second encounter with a U-Boat in ten days. He was just 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

John Henry Wylde, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. John was born at Maesteg on 18 April 1910, the son of Herbert James Wylde and Ann Wylde. The family then moved back to Church Street, Newport soon after his birth. John left home as a young man to join the Merchant Navy. He married Alice Hardy in 1941, and the couple set up home at 44, Deans Crescent, Tyne Dockside, South Shields. By then John was serving aboard the London registered merchant steamer S.S. Dartford, which was owned by Watts, Watts & Co Ltd, London. In May 1942 Dartford left the Tyne for Sydney in ballast, joining convoy ONS-100. During the morning of 12 June 1942 the convoy was south of Cape Race when it was attacked by the German submarine U-124. Dartford was torpedoed and sunk quickly, going down with the loss of 30 lives. John was amongst the dead. The 32-year-old has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.