List of Barry War Dead
Lest We Forget - Is a partial list of the soldiers from the Barry area who were lost during the Great War. The list is broken down into casualties per month.It can either be accessed via the table below or on the menu above, by hovering over the Lest We Forget button and selecting the appropriate month. A copy of the list is also available from the button at the top right of the page. If anyone has any additional data relating to Barry's WW1 casualties, please feel free to contact us via our general contact email.
February 1917
Corporal David Towers M. M., 17th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action on 2nd February, 1917 by shell fire and is buried in Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium. In December 1916 Corporal David Towers was awarded the Military Medal for: “gallant conduct during a raid on the enemy trenches on the night of 17/18th November, when attached to the 115th Trench Mortar Battery during the Battle of the Somme.”
Private Dennis Dwyer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry was killed in action on the 2nd February, 1917. He had been wounded on two previous occasions before receiving his fatal injury. He was buried in Connaught Cemetery, Thiepval, France. He had lived at 27, Faxten Street, Cadoxton and had joined the RMLI in 1912.
Private David E. Lewis, Base M.T. Depot Army Service Corps, died in hospital in France on 3rd February, 1917 of bronchitis and heart disease. He was buried in Boulogne Cemetery, France. He was an engine driver at Tari Coed Colliery and left a widow and five children at 46, Vale Street, Barry.
Second Lieutenant Hugh Neil O’Donnell, 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment died of his wounds at 2 Red Cross Hospital, Rouen on 4th February, 1917, and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen. Aged 22, he was the son of Dr. Peter Joseph and Mary O’Donnell of the Towers, Holton Road, Barry.
Ordinary Seaman T Tobin of the SS Azul, Merchant Navy died 6th February, 1917. The British Steamship Azul was torpedoed and sunk by U-64 180 miles north west of Fastnet on passage from Buenos Aires for Cherbourg with a cargo of wheat. Eleven of her crew were lost. Aged 17 born in Barry the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jane Tobin of 11, Corelli Street, Newport.
Air Mechanic Second Class William Elwyn Evans, Training Recruits Centre, Royal Flying Corps died of meningitis in Aylesbury Hospital on 9th February, 1917. He is buried in Manor Court Cemetery, Essex, and had formerly lived at 32, High Street, Barry.
Rifleman Evan Henry Rees, ‘C’ Company, 11th Battalion, Rifle Brigade died of wounds on the 10th February, 1917. He was one of the original members of the battalion and according to his Commanding Officer was made of the ‘best stuff’. He was buried in the Guards Cemetery.
Private Edward James Atkins, Second Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers died of wounds on 12th February, 1917 and is buried in Bray Military Cemetery, France. He had been in the army for 12 months. He was 20 years old and had lived at 3, Roberts Street, Barry Dock.
Lance Corporal Thomas Stone, 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers killed in action 15th February, 1917, he has no known grave and is remembered on the Basra Memorial. He had formerly lived at 203 Court Road, Cadoxton, was 20 years of age and had been an assistant foreman in the Traffic Depot of the Barry Railway Company.
Ernest Spurrell Phillips, Second Engineer SS Okement, Merchant Navy died 17th February, 1917. He drowned as a result of attack by enemy submarine. On 17th February, 1917, Okement with a cargo of coal and general cargo was sunk by U64 140 miles south south east of Malta. Eleven persons were lost. He was aged 24, the son of Henry and Mary Ann Phillips of 125, Porthkerry Road, Barry.
Gunner John Thomas, 29th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery, formerly of 17 Milward Road, Cadoxton was killed in action on the 18th February, 1917. He is buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France. He had been employed by the Barry Railway Company and had served in France more than a year aged 21.
Private Sidney M. Booker of the 19th Pioneer Battalion, Welsh Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Booker of 11, Evelyn Street, Barry Dock was reported killed in action 20th February 1917, and is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Previous to his enlistment on 14th August, 1915, Sydney was employed by Messrs. C. H. Bailey as an apprentice joiner.
Private H. F. Close, 2/5th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment killed in action 26th February, 1917, buried Rue-Petillon, Fleurbaix Military Cemetery, France.
Lieutenant Bramwell G. Adams, 9th Battalion, Australian Infantry was killed in action on 25th February, 1917, shot by a sniper. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Viller-Bretonneux Memorial.He was the son of A. G. Adams, the Barry undertaker, and was married with one son. The family lived at 51, Maesycwm Street, Barry Dock. Before the war, he had taken up teaching positions in Australia where he met his wife, also from Barry.
March 1917
Sapper William B. Reece, 12th Field Company, 4th Canadian Division Engineers, was killed in action on 1st March, 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial. From the Canadian records of the circumstances of the casualty:
“He took part in a raid with the 72nd and 73rd Battalions on 1st March, 1917, South East of Souchez. The party to which he was detailed failed to reach its objective and Sapper Reece together with several men of another unit took shelter in shell holes in front of the German frontline and carried on the fight with rifles from this position. Just prior to the withdrawal order being given, Sapper Reece was hit in the head by a rifle bullet and killed. His comrades were unable to get him out, owing to the intensity of fire prevailing at the time he was hit.” Born on 16th October, 1894, the son of George and Kate Reece formerly of 174, Holton Road, Barry, he had immigrated to Canada with his parents prior to the war and worked as a plumber. (22 years old.)
Driver Mark Pulsford, M.T. L/B Horse Transport, Army Service Corps, died 3rd March, 1917 and is buried in Mont Huon Cemetery, Le Treport, France. He was 35, the son of John and Elizabeth Pulsford of Dinas Powys.
Bombardier Tom Simpkins of “D” Battery, 58th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds on 5th March, 1917 and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. He was the brother of W. J. Simpkins, of 4, Kendrick Rd, Barry.
Reginald Henry Mattravers, Merchant Navy, drowned on 6th March, 1917 when he was swept overboard from his ship SS Decasin.Aged 18 he lived at 1, Cardiff Road, Barry.
Eustace Green, Fireman, Mercantile Marine. He died on the 8th March, 1917 when his ship, the SS Dunbarmoor, on a voyage from Rosario to Manchester with a cargo of wheat, was sunk by the German submarine U-44 (Paul Wagenführ), 180 miles west north west of Fastnet. Twelve persons were lost. Aged 36, he was the son of the late Mrs. Martha Ann Green; and husband of Philippa Green (nee Kennedy), of 23, Beverley St., Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan. Born at Barbados, March 8th, 1917.
Johan Karlson, Marine Engineer, SS Folia Merchant Navy, aged 27, the son of Karl and Kristine Karlson, husband of Florence Karlson of 13, Brickyard Terrace, Cadoxton. On Sunday, 11th March, 1917, the SS Folia, commanded by Captain F. Inch, was torpedoed and sunk off the Irish coast, while on a voyage from New York to Bristol. The SS Folia was torpedoed by the German submarine U-53 which surfaced and sunk the vessel by gunfire. Seven of the crew were lost, 68 survived.
Second Lieutenant Arthur William Martin of the 61st Reserve Battalion, Welsh Regiment died at Kinmel Park Camp Hospital, North Wales, on 14th March, 1917 from the effects of a bomb-throwing mishap. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Martin of 95, Main Street, Cadoxton. He had immigrated to Canada and had joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force on the outbreak of the war and after serving in France for 12 months had been commissioned in the Welsh Regiment.
Nicholas Patinios, Fireman, SS Frimaire, Merchant Navy drowned when his ship was torpedoed in the Bay of Biscay on the 15th March, 1917. Aged 24, he was the husband of Bridget Patinios of 48, Graving Dock Street (now St. Marys Avenue), Barry. On 15th March on a voyage from St. Nazaire to Bayonne his ship was sunk by German submarine UC21, 21 miles south-south east of Belle Ille. Twelve persons were lost.
Gunner Luke William Howard of “D” Battery, 83rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Born in Barry and aged 28 he was killed in action on 16th March, 1917. He is buried in Queens Cemetery, Bucquoy, France.
Gunner Charles Edward Victor Wheeler of the 121st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on 16th March, 1917, and is buried in Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium. Aged 20, he was the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Wheeler of Cadoxton. Gunner Charles J. Koller of “B” Battery, 70th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery died of wounds on 22nd March, 1917 and is buried in Harbarcq Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Private William Victor David of the 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action in the First Battle for Gaza on 26th March, 1917. Aged 18, he was the stepson of Mr and Mrs Pimm of 30, Gilbert Street, Cadoxton and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Second Lieutenant Evan W. Davies, 1st/7th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action on 26th March, 1917. He is buried in the Gaza War Cemetery, Israel.
Lieutenant Vivian Gwynne James of the 12th Battalion, (attached to 7th Battalion) Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action on 26th March, 1917. He was buried in the Gaza War Cemetery, Israel.
Rifleman Robert John Morris 1st/5th Battalion London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) died of his wounds on 30th March, 1917 and is buried in Achicourt Road Cemetery, France. Aged 23, he was the son of M. E. and Elizabeth Morris, Plasdeon, Llanuwchllyn, Merioneth.
April 1917
Rifleman Frank Rosser of the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, died of wounds on the 7th April, 1917 at the beginning of the Arras offensive and is buried in Bray Cemetery, France. Aged 21, he was the son of the late Charles F. Rosser and Mrs. M. Walsh, of the Clarence Restaurant, 68, Holton Road, Barry Docks. Mrs. Walsh was officially notified that her son, who joined up soon after the commencement of hostilities, and was wounded before he attained his nineteenth birthday, had been killed. He was formerly employed by his uncle, Mr. A. J. Hopkins, the Bassett Hotel, Barry Docks, and was well-known in the district.
Lieutenant Hugh Howells of 65 Squadron, the Royal Flying Corps died on 10th April, 1917, in an accident whilst test-flying a new aeroplane. Aged 26, he was born in Bedlinog, the son of Rowland and Mary J. Howells and husband of Margaret Howells of Hill Crest, Friars Road, Barry. He was buried in Graig Congregational Chapel yard, and is also commemorated on the Screen Wall at Cardiff Western Cemetery
Private Edward John Jenkins of the 24th (Denbighshire Yeomanry) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was reported missing, presumed drowned at sea whilst on the HM Troopship “Arcadian” which was torpedoed and sunk on 15th April, 1917, 41.5 km north east from the island of Milo (Melos) whilst carrying troops to Alexandria, Egypt. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Mikra Memorial, Greece. Aged 38, he was the only son of John and Mary Jenkins, 6, Woodland Road, Barry Docks. He was employed as a coal trimmer, and was also a member of the Tabernacle Welsh Congregational Church, Barry Docks.
Third Engineer William Reginald Harries of the SS Emma, Merchant Navy, was killed on the 20th April as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On the 20th April, 1917, SS Emma, on a voyage from Baltimore and Fayal to Clyde with a cargo of maize, was sunk by the German submarine U-50 (Gerhard Berger), two hundred miles south-west south of Fastnet. Two persons were lost. Aged 22, he was the son of Mrs. Jane Harries of 2, Seaview Terrace, Cadoxton.
Engineer’s Steward Arthur Price Hughes, of the SS Kariba, Merchant Navy, died of exposure on 21st April, 1917 following an attack by an enemy submarine. On April 13th 1917, SS Kariba, on a voyage from Java and Dakar to Falmouth with a cargo of sugar, was sunk by the German submarine UC-27 (Gerhard Schulz), 260 miles west northwest from Ushant. The starboard lifeboat was smashed by the explosion but two boats got away, one of which, containing ten men, was picked up after having been twelve days adrift. The other boat was also picked up. The number killed or dead from exposure was thirteen. Aged 17, he was the son of Arthur William and Annie Hughes, of 1, Morlais Street, Cadoxton, Barry.
Bombing Sergeant Leonard Harvey Greening of the 7th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry was killed in action on the 22nd April, 1917. He is buried in Duisans Cemetery Etrun, France. Aged 22, he was the foster son of Mrs. Caroline Boss of 46, Jewel Street, Barry Dock, and had previously served in the Merchant Navy before leaving to enlist in the Army at the outbreak of war.
Sergeant Thomas Edward Penny of the 13th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, was killed in action on the 23rd April, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Penny of 178, Woodlands Road, Barry. Before enlisting he had worked as a coal trimmer and played football for Pyke Street Old Boys.
Sergeant Albert H. Spear of the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 23rd April, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Aged 23, he was the husband of Maggie M. Spear of 45, Vere Street, Cadoxton, Barry and formerly worked for M. Monk, Butchers at High Street.
Second Lieutenant Arthur Phillips of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action on the 23rd April, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Aged 33, he was the son of Arthur and Margaret Phillips of 18, Acland Road, Bridgend. Before joining up he was assistant Master at Romilly Road School and was a keen playing member of the Barry Cricket Club and Bowling Club.
Private William James Kirby of the 17th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, was killed action on the 24th April, 1917. He was buried at Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich, France. The battalion war diary records that on Tuesday 24th April the battalion had taken part in a major attack in which the whole of the objectives situated on high ground overlooking the Hindenburg Line and its strong points were gained. Casualties for the day were one officer killed and three wounded; 27 other ranks killed and 58 wounded. ged 35, he was the son of James Kirby of Stoford, Yeovil, Somerset; and husband of Henrietta Kirby of 3, Wynd Street, Cadoxton, Barry. He was formerly employed by the Roath Furnishing Company, Barry Dock.
Lance Corporal Sidney Stuart Jenkins of the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, was wounded on the 23rd April and died of his wounds on 28th April, 1917 in the Liverpool Merchants Hospital, Etaples. He was buried nearby in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. In August 1915 he joined the Honourable Artillery Company before being posted to France in December 1915. Aged 25, he was the son of James Arthur and Annie Agnes Jenkins of 282, Holton Road, Barry, late Classics Master at Friends’ School, Saffron Walden, Essex. He was educated at the Barry County School, was a winner of the John Cory Scholarship, then progressed to Cardiff University where he graduated with a BA degree.
Sergeant Albert Tinton of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 23rd April, 1917 and is buried in Wancourt Cemetery, France. The Battalion War Diary records that on the 23rd and 24th April the Fusiliers in support of the Suffolks, attacked along the Hindenburg Support line. Casualties to the R.W.F. in this action were five officers and 30 other ranks killed; nine officers and 70 other ranks woun
Fireman John Sidney Simmonds of the SS Rio Lages, Merchant Navy, was killed on the 26th April as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On the 26th April, 1917, SS Rio Lages was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-69 when 155 miles northwest by west of the Fastnet when on route from Cienfuegos for Queenstown with a cargo of sugar. Aged 26, he was the son of David Simmonds and the late Mrs. Simmonds; husband of Alice Emily Simmonds of 35, Bassett Street, Barry.
Private Arthur Kerman of the 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, “The Cardiff Pals,” was killed in action in Salonika on the 28th April, 1917. He is buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece. Aged 19, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kerman, of the Horse Shoe Inn, St. Athan. At one time a student at the Barry County School, he was formerly employed as an apprentice engineer at the Channel Dry Dock, Barry.
Lieutenant David Evan Davies, 12th Squadron Royal Flying Corps, was killed in action on 29th April, 1917 whilst flying BE2e 2738 with his observer Lieutenant G.H. Rathbone. Along with another BE2e crew they took off from their airfield at Avesnes-le-Comte at 1645 hrs on 29th April to carry out artillery observation sorties over the Front. These two British aircraft were unlucky enough to encounter “the formidable Red Baron” – Baron Manfred von Richthofen and his brother – Lothar, Davies and Rathbone becoming von Richthofen’s 51st victory. Von Richthofen’s Combat Report read:
“At 1925 hours, near Rouex, this side of the lines. Together with my brother, we each of us attacked an artillery flyer at low altitude. After a short fight my adversary’s plane lost its wings. When hitting the ground near the trenches near Rouex, the plane caught fire.”
Davies and Rathbone’s bodies were never located, so as they had no known grave they were both commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial to the missing, France. Davies was born in 1892, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davies of 175, Crogan Hill, Cadoxton, Barry. ‘Dan’ Davies was educated at Barry County School and Cardiff University College. A brilliant scholar, he graduated Master of Science at Cardiff before taking up a Government post which took him to the West Indies. Returning home when the war started, he enlisted as a private in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and served in France for a year before he was recommended for a commission in the Royal Flying Corps. After pilot training, Davies was sent to join 12 Squadron at Avesnes-le-Comte in France.
Private Walter Arthur Cadogan was killed in action on the 30th April, 1917 whilst serving with the 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, in the attack on Shatt al Adhaim – “the Boot”, in Mesopotamia. On that day they suffered over 200 casualties. Walter had been born in Barry in 1893 and was the second son of Margaret and Edward Cadogan of 38, Lionel Road, Cardiff. His younger brother Egbert, who was born when the family were later living in Cardiff, was also killed later in 1917.
Steward Walter S. Farrant of the SS Horsa, Merchant Navy, drowned on the 30th April as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On 30th April, 1917, SS Horsa, on a voyage from Port Briera to Cardiff with a cargo of iron ore, was sunk by the German submarine U-93 (Edgar von Spiegel von und zu Peckelsheim), 195 miles South West by West of Fastnet. Eleven persons were lost. Aged 17, he was the son of Samuel and Sarah Farrant of 20, Sydenham Street, Barry.
May 1917
Private Albert Paulding of the 8th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps was killed in action near Bullecourt on 3rd May, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. At the outbreak of hostilities, he had joined the King’s Royal Rifles, and had been in many engagements, being gassed in the Somme offensive. Aged 21, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Paulding of 61 Station Street, Barry Dock. He was a former pupil of Romilly School and prior to enlisting was employed in the locomotive department of the Barry Railway Company.
Private Edward Halloran of the 5th Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was killed in action on the 3rd May, 1917. He had been awarded the Military medal for bravery in the field in France in the London Gazette of 9th December, 1916. This award is believed for actions between September and October on the Somme. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. He was born and enlisted in Barry. His personal effects were sent to his sister, Mrs Mary A. Shiers and his brothers Frederick and William.
Lieutenant Frank C. James of the 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment died of wounds on the 4th May, 1917 whilst a prisoner of war. Initially reported wounded and missing on the 3rd May, it was later confirmed he had been captured by the Germans on the 3rd May and died of his wounds whilst a prisoner on the 4th May. He is buried in the Douai Communal Cemetery, France. Aged 19, he was the youngest son of the late Rev. H. P. James and Mrs. M. A. James of 41, St. Nicholas Road, Barry.
Gunner John Wilson of B Battery, 82nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery died of wounds on the 4th May, 1917 and is buried in Bray Military Cemetery. Aged 19, he was the husband of Lydia Maud Wilson of 20, Arthur Street, Cadoxton, Barry.
Private Herbert Davey of the 7th Battalion of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment died of gunshot wounds in the 55th Field Ambulance on the 6th May, 1917 and is buried in Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, France. In 1915, he had joined the Welsh Horse with his three brothers, but all were later transferred into other units. Aged 20, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Davey, of 31, Treharne Road, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan. Private Oswald Seton Hullin of the Royal Canadian Regiment, Canadian Infantry, was killed in action by shellfire whilst in trenches in the vicinity of Vimy on Sunday the 13th May, 1917. He is buried in the Bois Carre Cemetery, Thelus, 4 miles NNE of Arras. His officer wrote:
“Private Hullin was a splendid soldier, and more than liked by the whole company. He died a soldier’s death, doing his duty. May the memory of his bravery sustain and strengthen you.”
He went to Canada in 1913, and enlisted on the outbreak of war. He saw a great deal of fighting, being in a bombing section.Aged 26, he was the only surviving son of the late Mr. Edwin Hullin of Dinas Powis, formerly of Barry, and the brother of Miss Annie Hullin whose address was given in his papers as Buckingham Palace.
First Engineer James Bryce Oswald of the SS Kilmaho, Mercantile Marine, died on the 17th May, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. Aged 66, he was the son of John and Christina Oswald; husband of Mary Agnes Oswald (nee O'sullivan), of 3, Wayside Cottage, Eastbrook, Dinas Powis, Glamorgan.
Messroom Steward Sidney Patrick Oswald of the SS Kilmaho, Mercantile Marine, died on the 17th May, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. The SS Kilmaho was lost travelling between Cardiff and Dunkirk. She was sunk by the German submarine UB 20 west of the Lizard. The only survivor of the 21-man crew was an Arab fireman who was taken from the water alive 6 hours after the incident. The body of another crew member was also recovered. Aged 17, he was the son of Mary Agnes Oswald (nee O'Sullivan), of 3, Wayside Cottage, Eastbrook, Dinas Powis, Glamorgan, and the late James Bryce Oswald. He was born in Penarth.
Messroom Steward William James Welch of the SS Mordenwood, Mercantile Marine, died on 18th May, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. The Mordenwood was sunk by the German submarine U-29 (Leo Prasil). Her position when torpedoed was in the Mediterranean 90 miles SExS1/2S of Cape Matapan. There were 21 casualties. Aged 22, he was the son of Ada Assman, (formerly Welch), of 32, Barry Road, Barry Dock, Glamorgan, and the late Charles Welch.
Messroom Steward Albert Benjamin Vincent of the SS Mary Baird, Mercantile Marine, died on the 18th May, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On May 18th, 1917, Mary Baird on a voyage from Rouen to Newport in ballast, was sunk by a mine from the German submarine UC-47 (Paul Hundius), 2.5 miles W1/2N from Pendeen Cove. Seven persons were lost. Aged 17, he was the son of George and Elizabeth Vincent, of 42, Tydfil Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. He was born at Llandaff, Cardiff.
Lieutenant Ivor John Clarke of the 28th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, was killed in action at Vimy on 20th May, 1917 and is buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St Eloi, five miles North West of Arras. Aged 24, he was the son of Uriah Barwell Clarke, of 61, Trinity Street, Barry, South Wales. In 1915, he was residing in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where he worked as an electrician. He sailed from Halifax on the SS Olympic leaving for the UK on 12th October, 1916.
Fireman Samuel Ashton Cartwright of the SS Porthkerry, Mercantile Marine, died on 20th May, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. The SS Porthkerry, a 1,920 ton 280ft steamer was torpedoed on the 20th May, 1917 by UB-40, 16 miles west by south from Beachy Head, English Channel. The Captain and seven crew were killed.
The Porthkerry had stopped to pick up survivors and was torpedoed by the same U-Boat that sank the SS Tycho seven minutes earlier. Fifteen men and the master of the Tycho were killed. When about 8 miles south of Beachy Head on the 20th May, the British steamer Tycho was torpedoed without warning and began to go down by the head. The ship was abandoned, the crew taking to the boats. The crew then rowed towards the steamship Porthkerry which had seen the explosion and was standing by about 200 yards away on the port beam to pick up any survivors. As the boats came alongside Porthkerry, another torpedo was discharged by the submarine. This blew up one of the boats, killing the master and 14 men, and capsizing the other boat. The Porthkerry was abandoned, with eight casualties, the vessel going down in three minutes after being struck by the torpedo. Survivors from both ships were picked up at seven o'clock that night by a small coasting steamer and landed at Newhaven at midnight on the 21st May.
Aged 24, he was the Son of Samuel and Lily Cartwright; husband of Beatrice Maud Cartwright (nee Griffiths), of 93, Merthyr Street, Barry, Glamorgan. He was born at Cadoxton, Barry.
Gunner Martin Leonard Albert James of the 223rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on 21st May, 1917 and is buried in Athies Communal Cemetery Extension, France. He enlisted in Barry and left a widow, Margaret James and children.
Sergeant William Harris of the 49th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action by shell fire on 23rd May, 1917 and is buried in La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville-St,Vaast. Sergeant Harris had been in France from the commencement of the war, and was a reservist. Information of his death was given in a letter sent to his relatives at home by Sergeant Edgar Leaman, Royal Garrison Artillery, also of Barry Docks. Aged 30, he was the son of Mr and Mrs Henry Harris of 97, Dock View Road, Barry Dock. His family home was at 47, Castleland Street, Barry Docks. He left a widow and one child. He was previously employed as a coal tipper at Barry Docks.
Private George Arnold Connelly of “C” Company, 11th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry was killed in action on the 25th May, 1917. He is buried in Vraucourt Copse Cemetery, Vaulx-Vraucourt, France. Aged 31, he was the son of Thomas and Alice Violet Connelly of “St. Georges”, Wenvoe Terrace, Barry.
June 1917
Driver William Richard Conibear of “D” Battery, 106th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery was killed in action on the 4th June, 1917. Aged 20, the son of William Richard and Ellen W. Conibear, of Teegoffe Cottage, Linkinhorne, Callington, Cornwall. Native of St. Neot, Liskeard. He was born in Barry, Glamorgan, and is buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm), Belgium. Corporal (Gunner) John Benjamin Bartlett of "A" Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Heavy Branch), was killed in action in the Battle of Messines on the 7th June, 1917. He is buried in grave A18, Underhill Farm Cemetery, Ploegsteert, Belgium. Aged 29, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Bartlett, of 49, Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun, Glamorgan, and husband of Edna Myfanwy Bartlett, of Pen-y-Bryn, 55, Tynewydd Road, Barry, Glamorgan.
Private Richard G. Chilcott of 16 Platoon, “D” Coy, 6th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, was killed in action on the 9th June, 1917. The youngest brother of Mr. H. J. Chilcott of 24, Harvey Street, Cadoxton, Barry, he is buried in the Heninel Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Correspondence with his sister Mrs. A. M. Palmer of 23, Hunter Street, Cadoxton, survives and includes his last letter to his sister dated 30th May and her last letter to him dated 12th June which was returned unopened. The local paper reported:
“Official news has reached the family of their brother’s death in action. He was previously wounded (gunshot wound left thigh) on the 26th August, after treatment at Harlow Hospital returned to the front on March 21st and was killed by a shell on the 9th June 1917. He was 20 years of age and prior to the war was employed by the Barry Railway Company and resided with his sister at 23, Hunter Street.”
Fireman and Trimmer George Thomas of the SS Marie Elsie, Mercantile Marine, died on 10th June, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. Aged 49, he was the son of William and Mary Thomas of 2, Lombard Street, Barry, born at Lisvane, Cardiff. On June 10th, 1917, the SS Marie Elsie on a voyage from Penarth to Archangelsk with a cargo of coal was sunk by the German Submarine U-28 (Georg Schmidt), 125 miles north west of Cape Teriberski. Three persons were lost.
Private Charles William Brown of the 16th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 14th June, 1917. Aged 31, the son of Bessie Hill (formerly Brown), of 298 Holton Road, Barry Dock, and the late William John Brown, he is buried in Essex Farm Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium.
Private John Hybart of the 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, and was killed in action on the 16th June, 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium. He was born in Barry, the son of Henrietta Hybart.
Private Richard Hayne of the 1st Battalion, the Rifle Brigade was killed in action on the 23rd June, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. On the night of the 23rd June at 10.30 pm “B” Company of the 1st Battalion, the Rifle Brigade, attacked German positions. Initially all went well, seven German prisoners were taken and numerous casualties inflicted, but as the attacking force withdrew over no man’s land they took many casualties including Hayne, whose body was not recovered. Aged 22, he was the son of Edmund and Martha Hayne of 100, Queen Street, Barry.
Private Charles Elmer Williams of the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, was killed in action on the 25th June, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Aged 23, he was born in Barry Dock, Glamorgan, the son of John Williams of 150 Arran Street, Roath, Cardiff, and the husband of Edyth Williams.
Lance Corporal Arnold Dickens of the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, was killed in action on the 26th June, 1917. He is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. The Barry Dock News reported: OUR BRAVE HEROES AT THE FRONT – FORMER POLICE OFFICER KILLED
“Captain J. D. Black, adjutant of 19th Welsh (Pioneer) Regiment, has written to Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Dickens, 83, George Street. Barry Docks, informing them of the death of their eldest son, Corporal Arnold Dickens, of the same Battalion, which occurred on the night of June 26th when the deceased at his post of duty, was struck by a shell, death being instantaneous. Corporal Dickens, who was 24 years of age, previous to enlisting two years ago was a member of the Glamorgan Constabulary, stationed at Oystermouth, near Swansea. Mr. and Mrs. Dickens have had two sons-in-law discharged from the Army, one having been disabled at Mons, and the other physically unfit.”
Private Charles Osborne of the 123rd Field Company, Royal Engineers, was killed in action on the 28th June, 1917.Aged 46, he is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. The Barry Dock News reported: SOUTH AFRICAN VETERAN KILLED IN FRANCE
“Lieutenant W. A. Evans, the officer commanding No. 3 Section, 123rd Field Company, R.E., France, writes to inform Mr. Sidney Osborne, 46, Kingsland Crescent, Barry Docks, that, his brother, Sapper Charles Osborne, has been killed in action in France, by a shell. "He was without doubt one of the best and most reliable sappers in the company," Lieutenant Evans states, and was a favourite with the men. He refused to take non-commissioned rank, and did excellent work at Mametz Wood, during raids, and other dangerous work in our present area. The N.C.O.'s and men of the section wish to extend their deepest sympathy to you.”
Sapper Osborne served throughout the South African War with the Grenadier Guards. He was 46 years of age and re-joined the Army when war broke out.”
July 1917
The 31st July, 1917 saw the start of a major battle known officially as the Third Battle of Ypres, but more commonly as Passchendaele. It was to last until 10th November, 1917. At the end of the first day significant advances had been made, the 38th (Welsh) Division did particularly well and was singled out for praise by Field Marshal Haig. Unfortunately, heavy rain then fell in torrents, the worst weather in Belgium for many years turned the battlefield into a muddy quagmire, which was to be the most memorable feature of the battlefield, with attacking troops struggling to make progress in the mud.
Second Engineer David Oliver Davies of the SS Southina, Mercantile Marine, died on the 7th July, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On 7th July, 1917, the SS Southina, on a voyage from Cardiff to Oran with a cargo of coal and government stores, was sunk by the German submarine UC-67 (Karl Neumann), 6 miles West North West of Cap Sigli, Algeria. One person was lost. Aged 37, he was the son of Samuel and Hannah Davies; husband of Margaret Mary Davies (nee Roberts), of 8, Welford Street, Barry, Glamorgan. He was born at Maesteg. Private George Henry Northcott of 901st Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, died of heart disease on 7th July, 1917. He is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Aged 27, the son of William and Elizabeth Jane Northcott, of Melrose, Sully and husband of Mary Elizabeth Northcott. He was educated in Dinas Powis County Schools; he was a motor mechanic. He enlisted in the Army Service Corps on 15th March, 1916 and served with the Indian Expeditionary Force in Mesopotamia from 2nd March, 1917.
Mess Room Steward Sidney John Dench of the SS Calliope, Mercantile Marine, died on the 12th July, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On 12th July, 1917, SS Calliope, on voyage from Seville to Newport with a cargo of iron ore, was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat U-155 (Kapitänleutnant Karl Meusel) 150 miles North of Madeira. All 27 crew died. Aged 15, he was the son of Mrs. Florence Kate Smith, of 30, Holmes Street, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan. He was born at Twickenham.
Sapper Sydney George John of the 557th Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers, died of wounds on the 11th July, 1917. He is buried in Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium. He was born and enlisted in Barry and went to France 8th March, 1915.
Carpenter William Eakon of the SS Mariston, Mercantile Marine died on the 15th July, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. Aged 52, he was the husband of Ellen Eakon (nee Saunders), of 3, Lee Road, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan. He was born at Stettin. On 15th July, 1917, SS Mariston, a defensively armed British Merchant steamer was on a voyage from Almeria to the Clyde, Glasgow with a cargo of copper ore when 82 miles West of the Fastnet, Ireland, when she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by German submarine U-45 (Erich Sittenfeld). Twenty-eight lives were lost including the Master.
On the 16th July, 1917, SS Ribston was on route from Melilla to the Clyde with a cargo of iron ore when she was torpedoed by German submarine U-45 and sank 85 miles west from the Fastnet rock. The crew of 25 were all lost including the master and nine Barry Merchant seamen:
Able Seaman William Jenkin Bartlett, aged 20, son of Rachel Bartlett of 4 Clive Road Barry, Island.
Carpenter Zanis Constantine Coutsoudis, aged 58, son of the late Constantine and Stamaton Coutsoudis; husband of Assimio Coutsoudis, of 8, Travis Street, Barry. Born in Chile. Tower Hill Memorial.
Sailor George Mansel Durbin, aged 18, son of William Henry and Kathleen Ellen Durbin, of 13, Bassett Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Tower Hill Memorial.
Fireman Benjamin Charles Evans, aged 23, son of David and Elizabeth Evans, of 101, Merthyr Street, Barry, Glamorgan.
Fireman Joseph Kays, aged 32, son of W. Henry and Emma Kays; husband of Beatrice Kays (nee Chick), of 5, Palmerston Road, Cadoxton, Barry. Born at Bedminster, Bristol.
Sailor George Henry Lixton, aged 18, son of John and Mary Ann Lixton (nee Smith), of 15, Commercial Road, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Newport, Mon.
Able Seaman George Henry Taylor, aged 21, son of George and Lucy Ann Taylor (nee Baker), of 4, Gilbert Street, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan. Tower Hill Memorial. Fireman John Owen Charles Vincent, aged 28, son of George and Elizabeth Vincent; husband of Minnie Evelina Vincent (nee Taylor), of 40, Tydfil Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Cardiff.
Fireman Charles Stanley Wilson, aged 24, son of John and Emily Wilson; husband of Annie May Wilson (nee Thomas), of 60, Graving Dock Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Cardiff.
Second Lieutenant Ivor Llewellyn Dadds, Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers, died on 17th July, 1917, he is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. Aged 30, he was the son of Samuel Llewellyn Dadds and Elizabeth Dadds of “Brynhyfryd,” Miskin Street, Barry.
Private William T. Hookings, Caterpillar Driver, Base Mechanical Transport Depot, Army Service Corps, died through the effects of excessive heat in Mesopotamia, on 23rd July, and was buried in Kut War Cemetery, Iraq. He had been in the Army for eighteen months, and had been in the East for the last twelve months. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Hookings, 5 Brickyard Terrace, Cadoxton, Barry. He was formerly a locomotive fireman on the Barry Railway. He was 26 years of age, educated at Cadoxton Council School, and left a wife – Florence Elizabeth and two children, having lived at Church Road, Cadoxton.
Ship’s Cook Thomas York of the SS Ludgate, Mercantile Marine died on the 26th July, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. On 26th July, 1917, SS Ludgate, on a voyage from Huelva to Garston with a cargo of iron ore, was sunk by a mine from the German submarine UC-51(Hans Galster), two miles south from Galley Head. Twenty-four crew were lost. Aged 51, he was the husband of Eleanor York (nee Murphy), of 26, Fryatt Street, Barry. He was born at York.
Gunner Thomas Sidney Bryant of “Y” Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery, 38th (Welsh) Division was killed in action on the 28th July. Aged 19, he was buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. The Barry Dock News reported: ONE OF THE VERY BEST O.C. KILLED SEVEN DAYS AFTER RETURNING FROM LEAVE.
In a letter to Mr. and Mrs. James Bryant, 131, Dock View Road, Barry Docks, the Commanding Officer, “Y” Battery, Trench Mortar Battery, 38th Division, Royal Field Artillery, informed them of the death in action of their son, Tom S. Bryant. In the communication, the O.C. says:
“Your son was killed by a German shell on July 28th. It is a very great blow to me, as he was my best gunner. He died a soldier's death, by his gun, but we cannot afford to lose good men, and he was one of the very best. There has been some hot fighting here lately and he did splendidly."
Gunner Bryant was home on leave on July 10th, returned to France on the 19th, and was killed on the 28th. He joined the Army when he was 17, and spent his 19th birthday in the trenches. He was formerly employed in the Barry Railway Engine Sheds. An old pupil of Hannah Street Council School, he played for the school football team, and captained Hannah Street when they won the Schools' Football Shield. His mother is a lineal descendant of Sir Henry Matthews, who fought in the Battle of Street Fagan's on the side of the Royalists.”
Gunner Percival Christmas Thomas of “B” Battery, 122nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds on the 29th July, 1917. He is buried in Canada Farm Cemetery, the son of Caroline Thomas. He lived (in) and enlisted in Barry.
Second Lieutenant John Humphrey England of the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment was killed in action on the 31st July. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to The Missing, Ypres, Belgium. He had been “Mentioned in Despatches”. The Barry Dock News reported: LIEUTENANT KILLED IN THE MEMORABLE PUSH
Lieutenant Jack England, who was killed whilst leading his men in the push on July 31st, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. England, of Llanishen, and grandson of Mr. J. Jewel Williams, of Glanhafren, Barry. He was educated at Cardiff High School and King's College, Taunton, afterwards entering the service of Messrs. Spillers and Bakers.
Immediately war broke out he joined the Welsh Cyclists, and assisted for nearly twelve months in guarding the North-East Coast, he obtained his commission in August 1915, and went to the front a year later with the Welsh Regiment. Accounts to hand show that he acquitted himself with great vigour and bravery. He will be a great loss, writes the colonel. He was a fine, brave boy, and always did his work well. Your boy's company had fought their way to the final objective before he was killed.
Private Leslie Richard Thomas, “A” Company, 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, was killed in action on the 31st July. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate “Memorial to The Missing”, Ypres, Belgium. In the attack on the Pilckem Ridge on the 31st July the 14th Battalion, of the Welsh Regiment had five Officers killed, four officers wounded and 80 Other Ranks killed, and 141 Other Ranks wounded. Aged 19, the son of William and Catherine Mary Thomas of 36, Dyfan Road, Witchill Estate, Cadoxton, Barry.
Second Lieutenant Norman McCallum, of the 11th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was killed in action on the 31st July. He had been in France since June, 1915, and was severely wounded in the neck at the battle of Loos. Mr. James A. McCallum, Windsor Road, Barry, was informed of the death in action of his son, Second Lieutenant Norman McCallum, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was 22 years of age, and had enlisted in September, 1914. Lieutenant McCallum was a keen sportsman and footballer, and a staunch supporter of the Barry Rowing Club. Educated at Barry County School. A brother, Graydon McCallum, of the Royal Engineers, was training for (a) commission.
Private Frank Wood of the 13th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, was killed in action on 31st July. He is buried in Duhallow ADS Cemetery, Belgium. Born in Barry Dock, he enlisted in Birmingham, and was married to Kate Wood with one child.
Private Edward Theophilus Christie of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in action on 31st July. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to The Missing, Ypres, Belgium. Born in Barry, he lived and enlisted in Hull, and was the son of Sarah A. Christie.
Captain Williams, the subject of the sand art, was killed in the build-up to the Battle of Pilkem Ridge which commenced on 31 July. 17 RWF was part of the 38th (Welsh) Division;
In the XIV Corps area, the Guards Division on the left flank had crossed the Yser Canal on the afternoon of 27 July [1917]. The German front position was empty and the Guards lurked forward for 500–700 yd (460–640 m) beyond with French 1st Division on the left. The 38th (Welsh) Division line on the right was on the east side and encountered German small-arms and artillery-fire when it pressed forward. On 31 July, the British and French advanced 3,000–3,500 yd (2,700–3,200 m) to the Steenbeek River.
August 1917
The Third Battle of Ypres continued in the mud of Flanders with the capture of Westhoek on the 10th of August, and the Battle of Langemarck 16th to 18th August, a defeat for the allies.
Private Denis Cornelius Ferrissey of the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, was killed in action 1st August, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres. (His name is on the St Helens War Memorial.) He served in France from 4th October, 1915. Born in 1897, he was the son of William and the late Norah Ferrissey of 46, Harvey Street, Cadoxton, Barry.
Private Albert Coslett of the 15th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 4th August, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres. His brother Private Herbert Coslett, of the Cardiff City Battalion, wrote to his mother, Mrs. Coslett, 36, Dinam Street, Barry Docks, informing her of the death of his youngest brother, Private Albert Coslett, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, in France, in the recent fighting, having been shot in the heart during a bombing attack on the German trenches by a sniper. Private Coslett, who was 19 years of age, had only been at the Front four months, this being his first battle. His brother, who had seen the grave, said that it was kept trim and tidy (sadly the grave was lost in subsequent fighting and Albert is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres). Another brother, Sergeant-Major E. R. Coslett, Royal Field Artillery, was also at the Front; whilst Sapper W. Coslett, another brother, had been discharged and invalided from the Barry Company of the Royal Engineers.
Private Arthur Nelson Cirell of the 12th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 3rd August, 1917. He has no known grave and is thus commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres. Age 21, he was the son of Mrs. Alice Jane Stapleton, of 20, Churchill Terrace, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan.
Lance-Corporal Walter Thomas Scott of the 11th (Service) Battalion, Rifle Brigade, was killed in action in France on 10th August, 1917. He is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. He enlisted in September, 1914, and had served in France 25 months, having previously been wounded in September 1916. Before he enlisted he had been employed by the Barry Railway Company. Born in Newport, Monmouth in 1887, he was the son of the late Mr. Thomas Scott and of Mrs. Elizabeth George, 65, Graving Dock Street, Barry Docks.
Gunner Alfred Ernest Doyle, “B” Battery, 71st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds on the 14th August, 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres. On the 7th September, the Barry Dock News reported that: “Private Alfred Ernest Doyle, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Doyle, 19, Lombard Street, Barry Docks, and husband of Mrs. Doyle, 33, Brook Street, Barry Docks, has been killed in action in France, whilst serving with his regiment, the Royal Field Artillery.
Private Doyle was 30 years of age, and was employed by Messrs. J. Marshall and Co., meat purveyors, Barry Docks, for eleven years, and was latterly employed by Messrs. England and Co., potato importers. He was an old pupil of St. Helen's Roman Catholic School. (His name is on the St Helens War Memorial.) His father served through the Zulu Campaign with the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment, and holds the Zulu medal. Private Doyle enlisted on December 12th, 1916, and was in France the following June. He leaves a widow and one child.”
Driver Charles Frederick Beecham of ‘B’ Battery, 122nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed action on the 14th August, 1917. He is buried in Canada Farm Cemetery, Flanders, Belgium. Born in Barry, he was the son of Harriet Beecham, he enlisted in Mountain Ash.
Private Arthur Champ, of the 1st/2nd Monmouthshire Regiment, youngest son of Mr. J. Champ, 17, Beatrice Road, Cadoxton, Barry, was killed in France on August 18th, by a shell as he was returning to his trench from an attack. He is buried in Artillery Wood Cemetery, Belgium. Aged 19, he had joined the 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment eighteen months earlier with his brother, Private William Champ, who served in France in the Warwickshire Regiment. He arrived in France on 14th March, 1917 and had previously been wounded on the 26th May, 1917.
Corporal William George Pratt of the 15th Battalion, Welsh Regiment was killed in action on the 22nd August, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. The Barry Dock News reported that:
“The War Office have informed Mrs. Pratt of 110, Porthkerry Road, Barry, that her husband, Corporal William George Pratt (22), 15th Welsh Regiment, was killed by a shell in France on August 22nd. Corporal Pratt had been with the Forces since the outbreak of war, being called up as a Territorial. He was formerly with the 7th Welsh Cyclists but was later transferred to the 15th Welsh.
He had one child, and before enlisting was a haulier in the employ of Messrs. J. Gay and Son, coal merchants, Barry Docks. He had two brothers in the Army, Sergeant Ernest Pratt serving in Egypt with the 53rd Cyclists' Division, and Signaller Thomas Pratt, Welsh Guards, who had been home on leave last week.”
Corporal Stanley W. Beckinsale of the 75th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on the 23rd August, 1917. He is buried in Canada Farm Cemetery. Aged 23, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Beckinsale of 34, Gaen Street, Barry.
Private Herbert Albert Barrett of the 45th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (formerly 49466, Welsh Regiment) was killed in action on the 23rd August, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Flanders, Belgium.
Private John Leonard Baker of the 3rd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, died at home on the 23rd August, 1917 and is buried in Plymouth (Western Mill) Cemetery. Born on the 9th September 1898, Barry Dock, the son of Walter and Frances Baker, he had previously served as a Boy Seaman in the Royal Navy from 16 March, 1914 to 25th November, 1914 before enlisting. He had arrived in France on 26th October, 1915.
Donkeyman John Goddard of the SS Veghtstroom, Mercantile Marine, drowned on the 23rd August, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. The SS Veghtstroom, on a voyage from Penarth to Havre with a cargo of coal, was sunk by the German submarine UC- 47 (Paul Hundius), seven miles northwest of the Godrevy lighthouse. Five persons were lost. Aged 34, he was the son of Sarah Goddard and the late George Goddard; husband of Mabel Gertrude Goddard (nee Dyer), of 42, Arthur Street, Cadoxton, Barry. Born at Penarth.
Sailor Ivor Leslie Curtis of the SS Heatherside, Mercantile Marine, drowned on the 24th August, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. The SS Heatherside, on a voyage from Newport via Milford Haven to Malta with a cargo of coal, was sunk by the German submarine U-93 (Helmut Gerlach), northwest from Cape Ortegal. Twenty-seven persons were lost. Aged 17, he was the son of Lionel Edgar and Emma Elizabeth Curtis (nee Benneworth), of 2, Station Street, Barry Docks, Glamorgan.
Second Lieutenant Reginald Rees Jones D.S.O. of the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards was wounded on 31st July, 1917, and died of his wounds on the 25th August, 1917. He is buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Aged 21, he was the only Son of John B. and Elizabeth Jones, of the Cash Supply Stores, 86 High Street, Barry, Glamorgan. He had served with the British Expeditionary Force since 25th September, 1916, and had been Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his cool judgement and bravery.
The Welsh Guards history records that in the attack on 31st July encountering blockhouses for the first time: “Second Lieutenant R. R. Jones rushed one of them, and fired a rifle through the loophole, killing the machine gunner, while his men dealt with those trying to escape from the rear. The casualties of the battalion for the day were 138, amongst them was the gallant 2nd Lieutenant R. R. Jones, mortally wounded.”
The deceased young officer was assistant scoutmaster of the 1st Barry Scouts, and had been awarded the silver wolf as a mark of efficiency whilst serving with the Scouts. He was also a member of the 1st Barry Company when they won the King's Challenge Banner. Prior to joining the Army in January 1916, Lieutenant Jones assisted his father in business, and was an old pupil of Barry County School. He was nephew of Councillor S. R. Jones Barry Docks; a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Barry, and assistant secretary of the Sunday School.
Private George Bellamy of the 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, died on 27th August, 1917, of wounds received in action 15th August at Langemarck. He is buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Bellamy, 34, Davies Street, Cadoxton. Before enlisting, Private Bellamy was a platelayer on the Barry Railway, where he had been employed for twenty years. A brother, Private James Bellamy, Welsh Pioneer Regiment, was serving in India.
Private William Herbert Harry of the 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment (11th Battalion South Wales Borderers) was killed in action on the 27th August, 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial in France. Aged 20, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham William Harry, of Trehill, St. Nicholas, Cardiff. Private Harry was for four years booking clerk at Barry Railway Station, and was living at 37, High Street, Barry when he enlisted.
Rifleman William James Surridge of the 9th Battalion, the Rifle Brigade died of wounds on 30th August, 1917, and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. He had been evacuated back to the military base at Etaples for treatment, having been wounded in the fighting around Langemarck during the Battle of Passchendaele. Aged 20, he was the son of Ernest and Lucy Surridge of 56, Castle Street, Barry and before the war he was working for Barry Railway at the cleaning sheds.
Sergeant Frederick Hunt of ‘A’ Coy 1/5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, died on 31st August, 1917 and is buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No.3, Flanders, Belgium. Aged 32, he was the husband of Marian Alice Hunt, of 27, Plymouth Road, Barry Island, Glamorgan.
Private Reginald Hookings of the 114th Company, Machine Gun Corps, formerly South Wales Borderers, died of wounds on the 31st August, 1917 and is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery,Belgium. Aged 24, he was the son of Jack and Eliza Hookings, of 3, Fore Street, Beer, Devon; husband of Caroline Elizabeth Bubbins (formerly Hookings), of 51, Vale Street, Barry, Glamorgan.
September 1917
The Third Battle of Ypres continued in the mud of Flanders with the Battle of the Menin Road (20th to 25th September) and the Battle of Polygon Wood (26th September to 3rd October).
Lance Corporal Edward James Rawlings of the 2/2nd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), died on the 2nd September, 1917. He was buried in Gwalia Cemetery, Belgium. He had previously served as a Private in the Army Service Corps in France from 27th September, 1916, transferring to the London Regiment on 5th August, 1917. Aged 29, He was the son of Mary Ann Dando (formerly Rawlings), of 18, Quarella Street, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan, and the late William Rawlings.
Private William Francis Jackson of the 14th Battalion, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action by a shell, on Sunday, 2nd September, 1917. He is buried in Canada Farm Cemetery, Belgium. The Barry Dock News reported that Private Jackson had been killed after serving in France for only six weeks. He had enlisted in the South Wales Borderers in March this year, and was transferred to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Aged 32, born in Newport, Gwent, he was the son of Mr and Mrs F Jackson of 6, Hill Street, Barry Dock, and the husband of Mrs Edith Jackson of 86, Woodlands Road. He left a widow and two children.
Sapper Sydney Randolph Howells, 151st Field Company, Royal Engineers, was killed in action on 4th September, 1917. He was buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. After enlisting he arrived in France on the 4th December, 1915. Aged 24, he was the son of Alban and Lucy Howells, of 64, Bradford St., Caerphilly, Cardiff. He was born in Barry in 1893, and in 1901 was living with his parents and siblings at 16, Wynd Street, Barry Dock.
Private Richard William Thomas of the 75th Company, Labour Corps, was killed in action on 9th September, 1917. He was buried originally in Brielen Military Cemetery, then exhumed and reburied in Hagle Dump Cemetery, Belgium. He had previously served in the 10th Labour Company and the King's (Liverpool Regiment) before transferring to the 75th Company, Labour Corps. Aged 30, he was the husband of Cornelia Emmeline Thomas, of 53, Clodien Avenue, Heath, Cardiff. He was born at Cadoxton, Barry, and lived at Oban Street Cadoxton.
Engine Room Artificer George Dewi John of the Royal Navy Reserve was drowned in the accidental loss of the HM Submarine “G9” in the North Sea on the 16th September, 1917. Aged 26, he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret John of 34, Tynewydd Road, Barry. He was born on 28th February, 1891 and was educated at Holton Road, School Barry Dock.
Commanded by Commander, The Hon. B P Cary, DSO, HMS/M G9 had left the Tees on 9th September, 1917. On the 16th she was on patrol off Norway between latitudes 60 degrees 30 minutes north and 61 degrees north 30 minutes north. It was very dark and there was heavy rain, a German U-Boat was thought to be in the area. HM-S/M G9 was sunk by the destroyer HMS Pasley after it mistook HMS Pasley for a U-boat in the foul weather on the night of 16th September, 1917 and fired two torpedoes at her. The first struck the destroyer on her starboard quarter, but too acutely to detonate; the second passed astern. On seeing the submarine's wash, Pasley's officer of the watch, Midshipman Frank Wallis, RNR, turned the boat hard to starboard and rammed G9 just aft of amidships all but cutting her in two, and she sank less than one minute later with the loss of all but one of her crew, Stoker William Drake. The Commanding Officer of HMS Pasley had received no instructions regarding probable presence of British submarines in this area. The subsequent Court of Enquiry attributed no blame to the Captain of HMS Pasley, Commander Charles Ramsey.
Private Thomas Duchien of the 1st/4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, died of wounds on the 16th September, 1917. He is buried in Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Palestine. Aged 32, he was the son of Jane Ricketts (formerly Duchien) and John Ricketts (Stepfather); husband of Margaret Duchien, of Workman's Hotel, Lower Holmes Street, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan.
Lieutenant Colonel James Robert Angus, 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, attached to 11th Battalion, South Wales Borderers was accidentally drowned when bathing in the River Lys on the 17th September, 1917. He was buried nearby in Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, near Armentieres, France. Aged 45, he was the husband of Edith Angus, of 8, Ash Grove, Graig, Hengoed, Cardiff.
The Aberdare Leader had reported in August that:
“Major J. R. Angus, of the Welsh Regiment, is about to take command of a battalion of the South Wales Borderers. The new Lieutenant Colonel was an Inspector of Police at Barry and Abercynon and was mentioned in dispatches for his service, in France with the battalion of the Welsh Regiment raised by the late Colonel Frank Gaskell, and since commanded by Colonel Fred Smith, D.S.O., also an Inspector in the Glamorgan Constabulary. Both served in the Boer War and the promotion of both has been rapid.
Lieutenant Colonel Angus, who is in his 46th year, spent his early days in Brecon, where his father, a Crimean veteran, was a sergeant-major. He married a daughter of the late Alderman Prosser, of Treharris. He had served in the Boer War and had also been Mentioned in Despatches.”
The Barry Dock News reported:
“Barry received the news last Friday with deep regret of the sad death in France of Lieutenant Colonel J. R. Angus, who was in charge of a service battalion of the South Wales Borderers. The gallant officer was drowned whilst bathing in a canal behind the lines on the previous Monday, when it is supposed he was seized with cramp.
Colonel Angus was police officer at Barry when war broke out, and before receiving his commission into the Cardiff City Battalion he was the first drill instructor of the Volunteer Training Corps at Barry. He was an exceedingly smart officer, had served in the South African War as reservist of the Grenadier Guards, and held the Queen's and King's Medal. The sad and untimely death of so capable and popular an officer is deeply regretted.”
Private Ernest Church of the 11th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, was killed in action on the 19th September, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Aged 23, He was the son of Frederick Church, of 7, Jenkin Street, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan, and the late Lucy Church. A lieutenant of his regiment wrote to Mr. F. Church, to sympathise with him in the loss of his only son, and said the deceased young soldier "showed great bravery and coolness, and was well liked by his regiment." Rifleman Church enlisted at the first appeal made by Lord Kitchener, and had been in France 27 months. He was previously employed on the Barry Railway.
Corporal George Raymond Lawday of the 21st Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps was killed in action on the 20th September, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Aged 25, he was the son of George and Ellen Lawday, of 6, Lower Morel Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. He was born on 22nd July, 1892 and resided in Barry. He was educated at Archdeacon Cambridge School, Twickenham.
He enlisted in Canada in November, 1914, in the Canadian Field Artillery. His occupation was given as electrician and he stated he had previous service in the Glamorgan Yeomanry. In 1915, he was discharged from the Canadian Army being unfit for duty due to disease. He returned to the UK and was employed by the Barry Railway Company.
Private Frederick William May, ‘D’ Company, 20th Australian Infantry Battalion, 5th Australian Brigade, 2nd Australian Division, was killed in action on the 20th September, 1917. Aged 24, he is buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium. He was born in Boston, USA, the son of Mr. Henry May of 252, Holton Road, Barry. He later moved to Sydney, Australia and enlisted in Liverpool, New South Wales. Red Cross and Service records confirm that in the attack on Westhoek Ridge “he was hit in the head and body and died instantly”. He had previously served in Gallipoli and France.
The Barry Dock News reported on Friday 12th October, 1917:
GALLANT BARRY-AUSTRALIAN KILLED
“The death occurred in France on September 20th of Private Frederick May, Australian Light Horse, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. May, 252 Holton Road, Barry Docks. Private May joined early in 1915, and was in Gallipoli nine months, after which he was shell-shocked and had enteric fever.
He was transferred to England, and then sent to France. At the taking of Poziere in August 1916 he was one of a bombing party in company with a lieutenant and a corporal. After descending into a German dug-out which they had bombed, they found at the far end of the dug-out 64 Germans in hiding, and they were taken prisoners. Private May was to be recommended for the military medal, but both captain and lieutenant were killed before his brave deeds had been notified. He was wounded by shell fire, but went to France again in June this year, and was killed with four other soldiers by an enemy shell.” He was 24 years of age, and formerly a pupil at Holton Road Council School, Barry Docks. He joined the Australian Forces in Sydney.”
Second Lieutenant Llewellyn Price Jones of the 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, (formerly Assistant Paymaster RN) was killed in action 20th September, 1917. Llewellyn was the second son of William Price Jones and Gertrude Jones of 12, The Parade, Barry, later “Bryn Rhos,” 37, Romilly Park Road. He was born on 18th September 1893 and was educated at the Barry County School, the Cathedral School, Llandaff, and then Llandovery College from 1908 until 1910. In 1911, Llewellyn joined the Royal Navy as an assistant clerk, then clerk, then Acting Assistant Paymaster. For reasons unknown, his name was removed from the Navy List on 18th October, 1916 (it is believed there were no vacant positions for Paymasters). He then enlisted in the Army in Barry on the 12th December, 1916, and was commissioned on the 26th April, 1917 into the 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He was then posted to the 9th Welsh, which was attached to the 58th Brigade,19th (western) Division.
By September 1917 Llewellyn was at the Front. The Division was at Ypres, and took part in an attack from the Ypres-Comines Canal to the railway north of Langemarck. Conditions were atrocious with heavy clinging mud preventing the troops from keeping pace with the artillery barrage, which had been deliberately accelerated to keep them clear of any enemy counter barrage. However, thus exposed the attack came under heavy enemy machine-gun fire which resulted in many casualties. Llewellyn was killed here on the first day of the Battle of Menin Road on the 20th September 1917. He was 24 years old, has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, Belgium.
Lieutenant and Quartermaster Gwilym Robert Lougher of the Welch Casualty Clearing Station, Royal Army Medical Corps died on the 22nd September, 1917 and is buried in Cairo War Memorial Cemetery. Born in Llanvythin, Llancarfan in 1879, he married his wife Margaret Howells in 1914 and lived at 6, Archer Road, Penarth.
Fireman and Trimmer John Gardner of the SS Trongate, Mercantile Marine, drowned on the 22nd September, 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine.
Aged 49, he was the husband of Mrs. E. C. Gardner, of 4, Holmes St., Cadoxton. He was born at St. Christopher, British West Indies and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. SS Trongate was a 2,553 grt British Merchant steamship. On the 22nd September,1917, when on route from Tyne for France she was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-71 when 5 miles North from Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. two lives were lost. The vessel was owned by Turnbull, Scott & Co, London.
Private Albert Kitt of the 21st Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, died of his wounds on the 23rd September, 1917. He was buried in Westouter Churchyard and Extension, Belgium. Aged 19, he was the son of Albert and Margaret Kitt, of 54, Hengoed Rd., Penpedairheol, Pengam, Cardiff. He was born in Barry Dock, Glamorgan.
Sergeant Henry George Maycock of “C” Coy, 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 26th September, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Aged 24, he was the youngest son of the late Thomas Maycock, and Mrs. Agnes Maycock, of 1, Evelyn Street, Barry. He was born in Chiswick on the 13th June, 1893, and educated in the County Council School, Beckton Road, Chiswick. In 1911 the family were living at 7, Thompson Street, Barry Dock, Henry’s occupation was given as a shop assistant in a Butchers. He joined the Welsh Territorials in 1910, and was called up on mobilisation in August, 1914 and transferred from the Welsh Regiment to the Welsh Fusiliers. He was for some time Sergeant Instructor in Scotland, Hartlepool and Durham. He served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders and was killed in action at Polygon Wood and buried where he fell (his grave was subsequently lost).
Private Richard John Brown, a Machine Gunner with the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 27th September, 1917. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Aged 21, he was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Brown, 2, Commercial Road, Cadoxton, Barry.
It was reported in the Barry Dock News that Private Brown:
“…was shot through the head and died instantaneously in action in France on 26th September. There are two other brothers in the Army, Private Moses Jones, Welsh Regiment, and Private Joseph Jones, Dragoon Guards.”
October 1917
The Third Battle of Ypres continued in the mud of Flanders with the Battle of Broodseinde (started 4th October), the Battle of Poelcapelle (started 9th October), the First Battle of Passchendaele (started 12th October) and the Second Battle of Passchendaele (26th October – 10th November).
Gunner Bert Mason of the 151st Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action on the 2nd October, 1917. He was buried in The Huts Cemetery, near Ypres in Belgium.
Aged 24, he was the son of Thomas and H E Mason, of 92, Graving Dock Street, Barry Dock. He was born in Cardiff and prior to enlisting had worked as a hairdresser in Maesteg. He had been a choir boy at St. Mary's Church, Barry Docks, and was educated at Holton Road Council School. He had served in the Glamorgan Fortress Territorial Force Siege Battery for eight years.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Albert Blythe, of the SS Mersario, Mercantile Marine drowned on the 1st October 1917 as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Aged 17, he was the son of Sidney Arthur and Rose Blythe, of 54, Archibald St., Newport, Mon.
The Mersario was a turret ship built by Doxford’s in 1906. She was registered in Glasgow. She sailed from Barry on 16th September, 1917, under Admiralty orders, carrying coal and coke to Alexandria, according to the report into her loss. At around 11:15am on 1st October she was off the Moroccan coast (at 35.40N, 7.38W, to be precise) zigzagging eastwards at around 8 knots.She was struck by single torpedo on the starboard side "about cross bunkers". One seaman, Mohammed Hagar (aged 20) was killed by the force of the explosion. The ship went down in under three minutes, according to the report, turning turtle as she went. She took with her Ernest Albert Blythe, 18, from Newport (Monmouthshire) and William Timothy Gwynne Jones, 22, from Pennant in Cardiganshire. The U-39 surfaced and hauled the third engineer (R Chadwick from Wrexham) on board for questioning. The crew of the submarine were described as young and clean shaven but dirty-looking and spoke very good English. After confirming the name of the vessel, her cargo and the destination (which he didn’t know), the Third engineer was put on some wreckage and was subsequently picked up by the rest of the crew in one of the Mersario’s lifeboats. They were in the lifeboat overnight and were picked up early the following morning by the French steamer "La Somme" which took them to Gibraltar. The crew then made their way back to Britain when space was available on other vessels.
Sailor Ronald George Baxter, of the SS Nuceria, Mercantile Marine drowned on the 2nd October, 1917, as a result of an attack by an enemy submarine. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. Aged 19, he was born in Cardiff, the son of George Hayward and Alice Baxter, of 14 Main Street, Cadoxton, Barry. On October 2nd 1917, Nuceria, on a voyage from Barry to Italy with a cargo of coal, was sunk by the German submarine U-39 (Walter Forstmann), 120 miles W1/2N from Cap Spartel. Two persons were lost.
Company Sergeant Major Joseph Simmonds (No.18082) of the 205th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Formerly 11467, Worcester Regiment) was killed in action on the 3rd October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. Aged 29, he was born in Cadoxton, the son of David and Jane Simmonds, of Sydenham Street, Barry Dock, Cardiff; husband of Ivy Madge Simmonds, of 9, Larkhall Terrace, Bath. He had been mentioned in Despatches for valuable services. In 1911 he was serving with the 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, Shaft Barracks, Western Heights, Dover.
Private Harry Jarrett Littlehales (No.307522) of the 1st/8th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was killed in action on the 4th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. Born in Penarth, he was the younger son of the late William and Mrs. Ellen Hannay of 22, Holton Road, Barry. Prior to enlistment he was working for Messrs. Frazers, ships chandlers of Barry Docks.
On October 5th, 1917, SS Forestmoor, on a voyage from Huelva to Dublin with a cargo of copper ore, was sunk by the German submarine UB-51 (Ernst Krafft), 54 miles WxN3/4N Cape Spartel. 22 persons were lost including two men from Barry:
Sailor Thomas Jeremiah Haley, Mercantile Marine. Aged 20, the son of the late Michael and Annie Haley. Born at Barry.
Boatswain Charles Henry Williams, Boatswain, Mercantile Marine. Aged 31, he was the son of the late Charles Walter and Alice Williams; husband of Mary Annie Williams (nee Hunt), of 4, Station Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Belfast.
Lance Corporal Charles Edward Brooks (40610) of the 7th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, died of wounds received in action on the 4th October at No.4 Casualty Clearing Station on the 8th October, 1917, and was buried in nearby Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, he was the eldest son of Albert Edward and Adelaide Mary Brooks of Sunnydale Villa, Fairwater Grove, Cardiff. He was educated in Holton Road Council School, and on leaving school was employed by the Barry Railway Company as a booking clerk at the Barry Island Station. He enlisted on 22nd June, 1916. His commanding officer Captain J.D. Lindner wrote:
“As I daresay you know, practically ever since he came to this battalion your son has been my company clerk, so that I came personally into contact with him a good deal, and I can assure you from a personal point of view, I feel his loss very keenly. He was very quick picking up his work, and whether back in rest or up the line he always did his job well, and I had absolute trust in him. On the day he was wounded he had insisted on going up with the front line of the attack, though his duties as clerk would I the ordinary way have kept him somewhat in rear”. https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/lifestory/522463
Private Richard William Thomas (44866) of the 75th Company Labour Corps (formerly the King’s Liverpool Regiment, 10th Labour Company) was killed on the 9th September, 1917 and is buried in Hagle Dump Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Aged 30, he was married to Cornelia Emmeline Thomas, of 53, Clodien Avenue, Heath, Cardiff. He was born at Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorgan. The Barry Dock News reported on 2nd November that:
“Private R. W. Thomas, of the Labour Battalion, formerly of Oban Street, Cadoxton, Barry, was killed by a German shell on October 9th (sic), whilst engaged in unloading British shells in France. His widow now lives in Cardiff.”
Private Charles Barclay John of the 1st/6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, died of wounds on the 9th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. The Barry Dock News reported on October 26th 1917:
FORMER BARRY BUTCHER DIED OF WOUNDS.
“News reached his young wife on Sunday morning last, that Private Charles B. John, of the 1/6 Gloucester Regiment, had died of wounds received in action. Private John was in charge of a machine gun section, and was shot by a German sniper. He enlisted in September, 1915, and had been in France since March last. Before enlisting he was in the employ of Mr. B. Jeremiah, butcher, of Cadoxton, Barry, and was well-known and respected.
He was 25 years of age, and his wife (Elizabeth) and child (the latter of whom he had not seen), resided at 7, Chilcote Street, Cadoxton, Barry. Writing to his wife, one of his comrades, Private F. Barnes, stated that: "all the men in the Company miss him, and he was buried by his friends.””
Private George Bracey (307513) of the 2nd/8th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers was killed in action on the 9th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. Aged 21, he was the son of Mrs. Emma Bracey, of 22, Bell Street, Barry, Glamorgan.
Private Thomas Edward Dunn (42091) of the 7th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment was killed action on the 12th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. Aged 39, he was the husband of Mrs Alice M. Dunn of 28, Evelyn Street, Barry Dock. Before enlisting he was a partner in Giddings and Dunn, ironmongers and house furnishers, Holton Road.
Private Frederick Lewis Whittington (35524) of the 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, was killed in action on the 12th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. He attested in November 1915, and was mobilised in October 1916 initially serving in the Inland Water Transport Section, Royal Engineers, before transferring to the East Surrey Battalion in 1917. Aged 26, he was the son of Frederick and Ellen Whittington, of 52, Salop Street, Penarth; and husband of Louisa Eleanor Whittington, of 6, Machen Street, Penarth, Glamorgan. He was born in Cadoxton in 1890, and in 1911 was living 12, Ivy Place, Penarth.
Private Thomas William Healey (1835), of the 34th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces was killed in action on the 12th October 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Aged 25, he was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Healey of 36, Commercial Road, Cadoxton, and husband of Enid Elizabeth Healey, 45 Jewel Street, Barry Docks (previously 34 Newlands Street, Barry). He was working as a waiter in Australia when he enlisted on the 28th April, 1916, and after training disembarked in France on 21st November, 1916. Suffering with Trench Feet, he was transferred to England on the 12th December, 1916. After treatment, He rejoined his unit in France on 31st August, 1917, and was initially reported missing in action, later killed on 12th October, 1917.
Gunner Robert Brooks (W/881) of “C” Battery, 121st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds at the 57th Field Ambulance on the 13th October, 1917 and was buried in Voormezeele Enclosures No.1 and No.2. He was born in Barry and was the husband of Evelyn Brooks. On the 13th October, 1917 when on route from Belfast for Barry, SS Eskmere was torpedoed by German submarine UC-75 and sunk when 15 miles West North West from South Stack, Anglesey, Wales. Twenty lives were lost including the Master and three men from Barry:
Chief Steward William Maxwell, Mercantile Marine. Aged 59, the son of the late William Maxwell; husband of Eliza Ann Maxwell (nee Rich), of 36, Fryatt Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Glasgow;
Assistant Steward Francis Morris Grey (Served as Osborne)., Mercantile Marine. Aged 15, son of Elizabeth Philp (formerly Grey), of 36, Fryatt St., Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Cardiff; Sailor William Frederick Smith, Mercantile Marine. Aged 19, son of Frederick and Jane Smith (nee Thomas), of 46, Sydenham Street, Barry.
Sergeant Edward Boyle (348060) of the 113th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action on the 15th October, 1917. He is buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. He was the husband of Evelyn Boyle, 2, George Street, Barry Docks. Born in Grangetown, Cardiff, Sergeant Boyle was well known in boxing circles, and before joining the Forces was employed by the Penarth Pontoon Company. On October 18th, 1917, SS Sten, on a voyage from Barry to Saint Malo with a cargo of coal, was sunk by the German submarine UC-64 (Erich Hecht), 5 miles north of Godrevy lighthouse. Nine persons were lost including two Barry men:
Sailor George Gill, Mercantile Marine.Aged 24, he was the son of Cleaphas and Elizabeth Alice Gill; husband of Mary Jane Gill (nee Fifield), of 3, Quarella Street, Cadoxton, Barry.Born at Ystrad, Rhondda.
Sailor Evan Owens, Mercantile Marine. Aged 19, he was the son of John and Ida Annie Owens, of 62, Station Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Bryngwran, Anglesey. On October 19th, 1917, the Australian government steamship Australdale with a cargo of coal from Wales to Gibraltar was sailing in convoy when she was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine U-22. The attack occurred off the north west coast of Spain in the Bay of Biscay. Three boats got away, of which the lifeboat with twenty-seven men was never heard of again. The other boats managed to make a landing in France, but two men died while the boats were adrift. Two Barry men were on board and lost their lives:
Trimmer Samuel Robert Bubbins, Mercantile Marine. Aged 16, he was the son of Samuel Bubbins, of 74, Graving Dock Street, Barry Dock, and the late Mary Ann Bubbins (nee Jones). He died from exposure a few hours before the lifeboat containing himself and ten other men, one of whom was also dead, was picked up by a fishing smack and landed in a French port. The other life-boat, containing 24 of the crew, was not found.
Boy Edward Powell, Mercantile Marine, also died on the 26th October. Aged 16, the son of Edward and Eleanor Powell, of 26, Travis Steeet, Barry Dock, Glamorgan. Born at Neath, Glamorgan.
Private Albert Edward Mundy (59843) of the 37th Casualty Clearing Station, Royal Army Medical Corps, died on the 20th October, 1917 as a result of an air raid. He was buried in Godewaersvelde British Cemetery. Born in Barry in 1897 he was the son of Mr. Frank and Mrs. Elizabeth Mundy, of 28, Jewell Street, Barry Dock. In 1911 he was living at 4, Lower Morel Street, Barry Dock with his parents. He enlisted in Barry and had arrived in France on the 18th November, 1915.
Driver William Evan Kent (54071), “B” Battery, 58th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds at No.3 Canadian General Hospital, France on 20th October, 1917, and was buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery. Aged 18, he was the son of Evan and Annie Kent, of 552, Cowbridge Road, Canton, Cardiff, late of St. Nicholas, Cardiff.
It was reported in the Barry Dock News that Gunner Kent was in hospital with wounds and gas poisoning received in action at Poelcappelle. He had joined the R.F.A. on 23rd November, 1914, served in Gallipoli from April 1915; took part in the landing there and in the evacuation in January 1916 during which he was nearly drowned by being capsized into the sea; then proceeded to Egypt; was drafted to France in June 1916 after having been in hospital for some time suffering from trench sores and septic poisoning. A later message stated that Gunner Kent had succumbed to his wounds on Saturday, 20th October.
Gunner William Albert Best (348355) of the 329th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, died of wounds on 23rd October, 1917 and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Aged 19, he was the son of Mr. George H. and Mrs. Elizabeth Best, late of 33, Tynewydd Road, Barry Docks, now of Woodfield, Sully. He enlisted on July 29th, 1915, and proceeded to France in April 1917. His major described him as” a good and brave soldier, and his death is a great loss to the Battery." Formerly a scholar of Gladstone Road School, and member of St. Mary's Church Choir.
When off Ushant on 23rd October, 1917 the Tredegar Hall survived a torpedo attack, which missed, and she held her own in an exchange of gunfire from the same German U-boat. She was finally torpedoed without warning by UB-57 at 6.40 a.m. and hit in the engine room on the port side. The vessel sank quickly with the loss of three lives including the Second Engineer, Ivor George John Sparks, Mercantile Marine. Aged 24, he was the son of John and Elizabeth Sparks (nee Allen), of Lyndhurst, Friar's Road, Barry Island. The Chief Officer and twenty-four crew took to the starboard lifeboat, the Master and remaining crew attempted to launch the dinghy but the ship sank before it could be lowered. They were now forced jump into the water, one donkeyman was drown after jumping overboard, they were picked up 40 minutes later by the other lifeboat. Eventually a Minesweeper came on the scene and picked up all the survivors and landed them at Grimsby.
Rifleman William Davies (R/2728) of the 17th Battalion of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps was killed in action on the 24th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. Aged 24, he was the son of Mr. David Davies of 142, Woodlands Rd., Barry Dock, Barry. Private Davies was born in Barry and was a member of the Tabernacle Congregational Church, Barry Dock.
Lance Corporal Henry George Hicks (37677) of the 9th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment died on the 24th October 1917 and was buried in Barry (Merthyr Dyfan) Cemetery. He was the son of Frederick and Melinda Hicks, of Treharne Road, Barry; husband of Florence Cummings (formerly Hicks), of 4, Fairford Street, Barry, later Twynyrodyn, Wenvoe, Cardiff. He joined the Welsh Regiment on the 19th May, 1915, and was posted firstly to the 3rd Battalion in May 1915, and was then posted overseas on the 16th December, 1915 with the 9th Battalion. He was wounded in his right foot by shell fire on the 7th July, 1916, and was hospitalised in Manchester. After treatment he was posted to the 59th Training Reserve Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment on 14th July, 1917, and was serving as an instructor at Kinmel Park, North Wales where he died of heart failure on the 24th October, 1917.
Private John Thomas Vaughan (51507) of “C” Company, 21st Battalion, Manchester Regiment was killed in action on the 24th October, 1917. He has no known grave and thus, is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. Aged 20, he was the son of the late J. H. and Maria Vaughan, of 33, Cross Street, Barry Dock, Glamorgan.
On October 28th, 1917, SS Redesmere, on a voyage from Barry to Southampton with a cargo of coal, was sunk by the German submarine UB-40 (Hans Howaldt), 6 miles West South West of St. Catherine's Point. 19 persons were lost, including one Barry man: Mess Room Steward Robert Fraser Campbell, Mercantile Marine.Aged 19, he was the son of Alexander and Marion Campbell, of 87, Court Road, Barry.
Sapper George Rendall (181662) of the Railway Operating Division, Royal Engineers, died of wounds on the 29th October, 1917, and was buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Aged 29, he was the husband of Emily Rendell, of 58, Church Road, Cadoxton, Barry. Before enlisting he worked at the Biglis Pumping Station.
Private Frank Yeandle (43711) of the 24th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, was killed in action on the 31st October, 1917 in Palestine, and was buried in Beersheba War Cemetery. Born in 1898, he was the son of Joseph and Julia Yeandle. Prior to his enlistment in 1915 he was living with his brother at 19, Wenvoe Terrace, Barry and worked for C.H. Burnett, Butchers of Barry.
November 1918
The War officially ended on the 11th November 1918.
Private Arthur James Griffiths of the 2nd (Garrison) Battalion, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers died of pneumonia in the 21st General Hospital on the 4th November 1918. Aged 32, he was buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery. He was born in Barry, and lived at 18 Lower Pyke Street, Barry Docks until his marriage to Elizabeth M. Winstone. On enlistment his occupation was given as groom.
Lance Corporal Christopher Palin Kilby of the 1st/16th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen’s Westminster Rifles) was killed in action on the 4th November 1918. He is buried in Sebourg Communal Cemetery, France. Aged 25, he was born in Barry and was the husband of Ethel Kilby of 29 Canon Street, Barry. He worked as a Railway Clerk.
Sapper John William Saunders of the 409th Field Company, Royal Engineers was killed in action on the 4th November 1918, and is buried in Le Rejet-de-Beaulieu Communal Cemetery, France. He was born and lived in Cadoxton prior to the war. He is said to be the last Barry man killed in action.
Private Douglas James Cawthorne of ‘A’Company, 19th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment died of pneumonia at No,1 South African General Hospital on 5th November 1918, aged 27. He was buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France and was the son of James Lee and Sarah Jane Cawthorne of Cadoxton, Barry.
Sapper Henry George Day of the Inland Water Transport, the Royal Engineers died at sea on the 5th November 1918, and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial. Sadly, there appears to be no record of his age or next of kin.
Private Thomas Thorne of the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards was killed in action on Wednesday, the 6th November 1918. He is buried in Mauberge – Centre Cemetery,France. Aged 21, he was born in Barry, the son of Annie & James Thorne of 32 Hewell Street, Cogan, Penarth. Prior to the war he had worked as an errand boy. He is commemorated on the Penarth War Memorial.
Private George Thurston Harris of the 1/8th Battalion, the Manchester Regiment (formerly serving in the Royal Army Service Corps) was killed in action on the 6th November 1918.He is buried in Hargnies Cemetery, France. Born and lived in Barry, son of Mrs Blanche Harris.
Private Cyril David Williams of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Welsh Fusiliers was killed in action on the 7th November,1918. He has no known grave and thus is commemorated on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial to the missing, the son of Mrs Ann Williams.
Lance Corporal Albert Chapman MM of the 9th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment died of his wounds on 8th November 1918 and is buried in Eth Communal Cemetery, France. Aged 27, he was born in Barry, the husband of Sarah M. James (formerly Chapman), 84 Coburn St., Cathay, Cardiff. He had served in France since 29th July 1915, and had been awarded the Military Medal.
Private Charles Leat of the 635 HSE Coy Labour Corps (previously Devonshire Regiment) died in the Fargo Military Hospital, Wiltshire, on the 11th November 1918, and is buried in Tiverton Cemetery. Aged 32, he was the son of Sidney Baker Leat and Annie Leat of Chapel St., Tiverton.
Sergeant John Edward Wall of the 2nd Advance Workshop, Tank Corps died on 15th November 1918.He is buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. Aged 29, he was the son of John & Mary Wall of Cardiff, Husband of Elizabeth Wall of 33 Coedcae St.,Cardiff
Private Fred Davies of the 2nd Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers died of sickness on 18th November 1918, he is buried in Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport. Prior to the war he lived in Barry.
Private George Whittaker of the 16th Battalion, the South Lancashire Regiment, died of pneumonia at Liverpool on the 9th November 1918 and is buried in Plot 1297 in Barry (Merthyr Dyfan) Cemetery. Aged 20, the son of John and Ellen Nora Whittaker, 25 Charlotte Place, Cadoxton, Barry.
Private David Lewis Jones, Army Service Corps died of pneumonia on the 5th November1918 at home. Aged 26, he is buried in Plot H352, Barry (Merthyr Dyfan) Cemetery, the son of David Lewis Jones and Elizabeth Ann Jones ,19 Churchill Terrace, Cadoxton, Barry.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.