Splott War Memorial, St Saviour’s, Splott Road

The stone cross war memorial stands in front of St Saviour’s church on Splott Road, Cardiff.  It was unveiled on 11th November 1921 in a ceremony attended by Lord Tredegar.

St Saviour war memorial, Splott, Cardiff

The memorial contains 282 names of men who died in WWI.  The memorial was fully restored in 1996. Most of the names on the slate tablets on the memorial had been obliterated.  The names were rediscovered due to an appeal by letter to the readers of the Cardiff Echo.  The inscription reads:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD THIS CALVARY / WAS ERECTED IN MEMORY / OF THOSE WHO DIED / IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918 / AND RESTORED TO COMMEMORATE THOSE WHO DIED IN THE / 2ND WORLD WAR / AND SUBSEQUENT CONFLICTS / MAY THEY REST IN PEACE / 11.11.1996

St Saviour's SPlott Cardiff War Memorial plaque

St Saviour’s Splott War Memorial plaque

St Saviour's Splott Cardiff War Memorial Panel a

St Saviour’s,  Splott, Cardiff,  War Memorial Plaque a

St Saviour's Splott War Memorial Panel b

St Saviour’s, Splott, Cardiff, war memorial, plaque b

St Saviour's Splott War Memorial Plaque Panel c

St Saviour’s, Splott, Cardiff, war memorial, plaque c

St Saviour's Splott War Memorial Panel d

St Saviour’s, Splott, Cardiff, War Memorial, panel d.

The names on the memorial plaques are:

PANEL 1


ARTHUR ROBERTSON ADAMSON

Gunner, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number 106422)

Arthur Adamson was born in 1882 In Wallsend, Tyneside to John Adamson, a foreman blacksmith and Agnes Adamson née Robertson.  By 1891 the family had moved to Cardiff but Arthur’s father John died in 1902. When Arthur signs up for the army in December 1915 he describes himself as a laundry depot manager and living with his widowed mother and siblings at 21 Moorland Road. He is killed in action in France on 23rd March 1917 and buried at Faubourg-d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.


JOSEPH ACKERMAN

Private, 8th Battalion. Welsh Regiment (Service Number 12265)

Joseph Akerman was born in Cardiff on 22nd September 1894 to William Akerman, a dock labourer, originally from Ashcott, Somerset and Eliza Akerman nee Turner, who was born at sea.  Joseph attended Splott Road school after which he was employed as a boilermaker. He enlisted in Cardiff on 22nd August 1914 and served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force as a Private in the 8th Battalion. Welsh Regiment. He was wounded in the thigh by shrapnel at Chocolate Hill, Suvla, Gallipoli brought home and admitted to Splott Road Military Hospital on 30th August 1915. Joseph Akerman died of wounds on 16th September 1915 aged 20 in the school where he was educated which was being used as a military hospital on. He is buried at Cathays Cemetery, Cardiff (plot EB 18). The address of his parents at the time of his army service is recorded as being 12 Singleton Road, East Moors.

Joseph Akerman portrait and grave

Joseph Akerman portrait (Pic: South Wales Daily Post) and grave (Friends of Cathays Cemetery)


GEORGE ANDREWS

Private.  8th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)  (Service Number S/7411)

George Andrews was born in Spring 1895 in Cardiff to John Andrews a bathstone stonemason and Mary Andrews nee Lewis.  He was one of eleven children.  The family lived at 1 Moorland Road, Splott. He originally enlisted in Cardiff with the 2nd Welsh Royal Field Artillery in 1912.  He served on the Western Front with the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)  and died of wounds 16th February 1916 aged 20.  He is buried at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France in grave II. C. 142.  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial in front of St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


JOSEPH ATTWELL

Private, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 13236)

Joseph Attwell portrait pic

Joseph Attwell was born in Pontypool in 1879 to John Attwell, a blast furnace worker originally from Cwmbran, and Ann Attwell nee Dacey originally from Ireland. The Attwell family lived at 277 Portmanmoor Road.  Joseph Attwell, like his father worked as a furnaceman. He enlisted in Cardiff and served on the Western Front as a Private in the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment for one month. He was killed in action 25 May 1915, aged 36. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial in France and on the Splott War Memorial. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


ALFRED CHARLES BAKER

Private, 9th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 49058)

Alfred Charles Baker, known as Charles, was born in 1898 in Salisbury, Wiltshire to Frank Baker, a corn merchant’s assistant, originally from Axminster, Devon, and Kate Baker née Sheppard, originally from Salisbury. Charles was baptised on 16 Jun 1898. The Baker family moved to Cardiff around 1903 and lived at 193 Railway Street, Splott.  Frank Baker worked as a tram driver but he tragically died in Feb 1908 leaving Kate to bring up the five children.  Charles served with the 9th battalion, Welsh Regiment but he was killed in action on 26 Mar 1918 on the Western Front aged 19.  His body was not recovered. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial in France (Bay 6).  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial and the Splott Road Baptist War Memorial plaque. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


ROBERT HENRY BUSHALL

Private, 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment (Service Number: 17309)

Robert Henry Bushell was born in Barry in 1887 to Charles Bushell, a carpenter, originally from Wednesbury, Staffordshire, and Martha Jane Bushell née Edmonds, originally from Compton Greenfield, Gloucestershire.  In 1891 the family lived in Barry.  In 1901 they lived at 66 Seymour Street, Splott. In 1911 Robert had moved with his parents to 26 Baglan Street, Swansea and was working as a ship breaker.  He enlisted in Essex originally, and with many others was given a railway warrant to take him to Northampton, where his number was issued.  He entered France in May 1915. The Northants was a service Battalion whose job was largely trench digging and laying communications lines, but they also were engaged in combat.  The Northants regiment were in action at Ypres in June 1915, and later saw action in the Battle of Loos, from September 1915. Robert was killed in action on 22 Nov 1915 aged 28.  He is buried at the Vermelles British Cemetery in France (grave I.L.10.).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial outside St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.

Robert Henry Bushell portrait and penny

Robert Henry Bushell portrait and memorial plaque (pic credit and military history research courtesy of great nephew, Chris Bushell)


JAMES JOHN BARRY

Stoker 1st Class, HMS Defence (Service Number: SS/113905)

James John Barry was born in Cardiff on 6 Dec 1894 to John Barry, a brick layer labourer, and Nora Barry née McCarthy, both originally from Cork, Ireland.  In 1901 the Barry family lived at 31 May Street, Cathays and later moved to 136 Portmanmoor Road, East Moors. James Barry served as a 1st Class Stoker aboard HMS Defence. He was described as ‘a well-known athlete who at the time he died had just won the feather-weight boxing championship of the fleet’. HMS Defence was sunk in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. James died aged 21.  All 900 sailors on board were killed.  He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial and on the Splott War Memorial in Cardiff.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. Two of his brothers also served in WWI.

Pic Credit for Memorial - Cliff Barry and Find a Grave

(Pic Credit for Memorial – Cliff Barry and Find a Grave)


WALTER HENRY BATCHELOR

Sergeant, 10th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 16658)

Walter Henry Batchelor Headstone -(photo credit -  Find a Grave)Walter Henry Batchelor was born in Cardiff on 13 Sep 1885 to Henry Reuben Benjamin Batchelor, a painter and decorator, originally from Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Jane Batchelor née Williams, originally from Wick, Glamorgan. Walter grew up in Cathays and he attended Crwys Road School and later St Monica’s school.  After leaving school he was employed at Spillers and Bakers flour mill.  In 1910 he married Helen (Ellen) Coles in Cardiff and they went on to have a son Michael Henry Batchelor in 1912. They lived at 116 Portmanmoor Road, East Moors.  Walter served with the 10th Battalion Welsh Regiment and in May 1917 was awarded the Military Medal for bravery which was presented to him by Lieutenant General Sir Aylmer Gould Hunter-Weston. He was killed in action on 31 July 1917 on the Western Front, aged 32.  He is buried at Artillery Wood Cemetery (grave IV.B.12), north of Ypres, Belgium.  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


FRANK BECK

Bombardier, 267th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Service Number: 730085)

Frank Beck was born in 1893 in Cardiff to Frederick Beck, assistant superintendant at the postal telegraphs office and Louisa Beck née Windmill, both originally from Cardiff. In 1901 the Beck family were living at 15 Stacey Road and in 1911 Frank, aged 18, was living with his parents at 61 Walker Road, Splott and working as a clerk in a coal supplier’s office.  In WWI he served as a Bombardier with the 267th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was killed in action in Palestine on 9 Mar 1918 aged 25.  He is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery (grave L.54).  Frank is remembered on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record.


ALBERT RICHARD BARNES

Private, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 14278)

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Albert Barnes on the Le Touret Memorial in France (pic credit: Find a Grave website)

Albert Richard Barnes was born in Pembroke on 10 Aug 1880 to Richard William Barnes, a sawyer, originally from Bath, Somerset and Louisa Barnes née Vines, originally form Cardiff.  In 1891 the Barnes family lived at 5 Clive Place, Roath.  He attended Stacey Road School.  In the 1901 census, Albert, aged 21, is living at the family home in 34 Ordell Street and working as a timber laborer.  Later that year he married Ellen Senobian Louise Thompson, originally from Cardiff, at St Saviour’s church.  They went on to have four children together, living at 42 Ordell Street, Splott.  He served as a Private with the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment.  He was killed in action on 9 May 1915 on the Western Front, aged 34.  He has no known burial place.  He is remembered on Le Touret Memorial in France.  He is also remembered on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record.


WILLIAM JAMES BELLAMY

Driver, C Battery, 112th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Service Number: 52078)

Photo credit - Phillippe DeGroote Find a Grave website

(Photo credit – Phillippe DeGroote Find a Grave website)

William James Bellamy was born on 21 Jun 1885 in Cardiff to William Bellamy, a coal trimmer, originally from Lydney, Gloucestershire and Elizabeth Jane Bellamy née Bradley, originally from Cardiff.  ‘Willie’ attended Crwys Road School and later Stacey Road School when living in 18 Cecil Street.  The Bellamy family relocated quite frequently. They lived at 5 Zinc Street in 1891, and 8 Aberystwyth Street in 1901 and Monmouth Street in 1911 when by which time William was working as a coal trimmer.  William married Catherine Phoebe Peters in Cardiff later in 1911 and they went on to have three daughters together and lived at 17 Coveny Street, Splott.  In WWI William served as a driver with C Battery, 112th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was killed on 21 Mar 1918 on the Western Front in France aged 34.  He is buried at the Favreuil British Cemetery (grave II.F.4).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


JAMES WILLIAM BENDALL

Assistant Steward, S.S.Ben Lomond, Merchant Navy

James William Bendall on Tower Hill Memorial

Photo credit: CWGC and http://www.benjidog.co.uk

James William Bendall was born in Cardiff on 23 Jan 1888 to James Bendall, a general labourer, originally from Warwick, and Margaret Ann Bendall née Morgan originally St Andrews Major, Glamorgan.  In 1891 the Bendall family were living at 22 Adeline Street and in 1901 at 64 Ordell Street, Splott.  On 21 Feb 1910 James married Mabel Bailey at St Saviour’s Church, Splott.  They went on to have four children together but Mabel died in 1916.  James had a variety of jobs working as a fruitier, butcher’s carter and railway porter.  In WWI he enlisted in Feb 1915 and served in the Welsh Regiment but was badly injured (fractured left tibia) by a shell at Givenchy, France in Apr 1916.  He then served in the Labour Corps.  He was medically discharged in Jan 1918. He then joined the Merchant Navy and was an Assistant Steward on board the SS Ben Lomond (renamed SS Turnbridge) when it was torpedoed and sunk on 7 Jul 1918 off the coast of Ireland.  It had been carrying coal from Spain to Scotland.  Twenty four lives were lost including the Master and James William Bendall, aged 30.  He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial for Merchant Seamen and on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


JAMES BYRON BOWYER

Sapper, 96th Light Railway Operating Company, Royal Engineers (Service Number: 322820)

James Byron Bowyer was born on 31 Aug 1876 in Griffithstown, Monmouthshire to William Bowyer, a railway worker, originally from Eardisley, Herefordshire and Margaret Bowyer née Jones originally from Abersychan, Monmouthshire.  James, like his father, worked on the railways.  In 1891, aged 14, he was lodging at Prentrebach and working for GWR.  In 1896 he was baptized as an adult at St John the Baptist Church in Cardiff. In 1901 the Bowyer family were back living together at 60 Moorland Road.  In 1906 James married Annie Pound, originally from Bideford, Devon in Cardiff. They went on to have a son and daughter together and lived at 91 Moorland Road, Splott.  In 1915 he was charged with stealing a large number of wooden ‘keys’ from GWR which had been found in his coal shed. The company however stated that they did not want to press the case as James had a long service and was of good character.  In WWI he served as a Sapper with the 96th Light Railway Operating Company, Royal Engineers.  He was one of 600 people who lost their lives when the troopship Aragon was torpedoed off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt on 30 Dec 1917.  He was 41 years old.  His body was recovered and he is buried at Alexandria (Hadra) War Cemetery, Egypt (grave A.123).  The newspaper report of his death states he was formerly in the employment of the Prudential Insurance Company.  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial and the Tredegarville Baptist War Memorial plaque.  He is also remembered on the headstone of his brother’s grave at Cathays Cemetery (grave Y1270).  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His niece Gwendoline Rebecca Bragg was killed in an air raid when working as a nurse in Canterbury in WWII and is also remembered on the Tredegarville Baptist Church War Memorial plaque.

James Byron Bowyer Aragon and brothers headstone

Pic credits: Wikipedia (left) Ted Richards (right)


ALEXANDER BURNETT

Lance Corporal, 5th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders (Service Number: S/17922)

Alexander Burnett was born on 2 Dec 1890 in South Shields, County Durham to Isabella Ann Burnett, a domestic servant, originally from Bedlington, Northumberland.  In the 1891 census he was being bought up by his grandparents, Robert and Mary Burnet in South Shields.  By 1901 Isabella had married James Henry Gray and the family were living in Newport, Monmouthshire.  They moved to Cardiff and in the 1911 census appear at 20 Arthur Street, Roath and Alexander entered in the census as Alexander Burnett Gray and working as a cleaner on Great Western Railways. His step-father died in 1912 and his mother died in 1915. Alec enlisted in Cardiff when living at 97 Carlisle Street, Splott and quoting his trade as a boilermaker’s helper. He joined his regiment in Inverness in Apr 1915. He was appointed Lance Corporal in Oct 1915 but wounded in action the following month and had to return temporarily to England.  He was killed in action on 12 Oct 1917 in Belgium aged 26. He has no known grave.  He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial. He is remembered on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record.


WILLIAM FRANCIS BROOKS

Driver, 250th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Service Number: 730158)

William Francis Brook was born in Cardiff in 1895 to William Francis Brook, a bootmaker, originally from Bridgewater, Somerset, and Charlotte Eliza Brooks née Gray, born in Messay Hills, India.  In 1901 the Brooks family lived at 94 Pearl Street and by 1911 they were living at 56 Carlisle Street, Splott and William, aged 16 was working on a milk round.  He served as a driver with the 250th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and died of wounds on 18 Nov 1917 on the Western Front aged 22.  He is buried at the Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium (plot I.G.1).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.

WIlliam Francis Brooks Portrait and Headstone


WILLIAM JOHN BROWN

Ordinary Seaman. SS Geo, Mercantile Marine

William John Brown was born in Cardiff on 18 Dec 1899 to William Brown, a boilermaker, and Sarah Alice Brown née Griggs, both originally from Cardiff.  William was baptised at St Mary the Virgin church on 5 Jan 1900 when the family were living at 4 Margaret Street.  By 1901 they had moved to 59 Topaz Street and later to 12 Bradley Street, Roath.  William attended Stacey Road School.  In 1911 we find him living with his grandparents in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire when his parents and siblings are living in Llanelly Street, East Moors. In WWI William served in the merchant navy as an Ordinary Seaman but was killed when the SS Geo was torpedoed and sunk off the cost of Sicily in the Mediterranean on 29 Jan 1918 when William was 18. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial for Merchant Seamen. He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.

William John Brown war penny and Tower Hill Memorial

William John Brown memorial plaque and Tower Hill Memorial (pic credits: left – Nancy Wright-Find a Grave website, right – http://www.benjidog.co.uk)


GEORGE BUNCE

Private, 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 13972)

George Bunce was born in Cardiff in 1875 to George Bunce, a general labourer, originally from Aldbourne, Wiltshire, and Mary Ann Bunce née Williams originally from Fraystrop, Pembrokeshire.  In 1881 the Bunce family lived near Swindon and in 1891 in Barry.  By 1911 George had married widow Ann Jane Topliss originally from Burton-on-Trent and they were living at 19 Bridgend Street, Splott and George working as a dock labourer.  They had two children together.  George enlisted in 1915 served as a Private with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Regiment.  He was wounded on 18 Feb 1915 and rejoined his battalion on 27 April 1915 but was killed in action 25 May 1915, aged 40.  His final resting place is not known. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His elder brother Henry was killed on the Western Front just three weeks earlier.


REUBEN GEORGE BROOKS

Private, 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Service Number: 8624)

Reuben George Brooks picturesReuben George Brooks was born on 2 Sep 1880 in Abergavenny to John Brooks, a general labourer, originally from Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, and Margaret Brooks née Greenway, originally from Newchurch, Radnorshire.  He was baptized on 22 Sep 1880 at St Mary Church, Abergavenny.  In 1901 Reuben was living with his elder brother Charles in Aston Birmingham and working as a shoeing smith. In Dec 1904, when living in Canton, he enlisted aged 24 with the 41st Foot (Welch Regiment), later transferring to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in 1905.  The 1911 census shows he was serving in India at the time with the RFW.  He continued to serve with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in WWI on the Western Front and was killed on 20 Jul 1916, aged 36, in High Wood.  He has no known resting place.  He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 4A).  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His probate gave his address as 16 Carlisle Street, Splott.


HENRY BUNCE

Private, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment (Service Number: 3/7980)

Henry BunceHenry Bunce was born in 1870 in Islington, London to George Bunce, a general labourer, originally from Aldbourne, Wiltshire, and Mary Ann Bunce née Williams originally from Fraystrop, Pembrokeshire.  In 1871 the Bunce family lived in Islington and in 1881 near Swindon.  He is missing from the 1891 census but may have been away serving in the military. On 30 Dec 1895 he married dressmaker Keturah Naomi Cose, originally from Huish, Devon, at St Mellon’s church. Henry at the time gave his profession as a soldier.  In 1901 they were living in Merthyr Tydfil and Henry was working as a coal miner.  By 1911 they had moved to 99 Portmanmoor Road, Splott and Henry was working as a dock labourer and Keturah running a cook shop. They had nine children together and Henry later worked at the Dowlais Iron Ore Company.  His military history has been researched by Lawrence Brown and reported in the Echo.  It states that he lied about his name and age in order to serve in WWI, the upper age limit being 39 and Henry at the time being 44.  He served under the name Henry Burns as a Private with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment.  He died of wounds on 9 May 1915 at Ypres.  He is buried at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension Nord, France (grave II. A. 121).  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brother George was also killed on the Western Front, three weeks later aged 40.


WINDSOR JAMES BURGESS

Private, 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 31552)

WIndsor James Burgess headstone at Cathays Cemetery, CardiffWindsor John Burgess was born in 1897 in Cardiff, one of eleven children born to Thomas Burgess, a dock labourer, originally from Chippenham, Wiltshire, and Margaret Burgess née George, originally from Cardiff. In 1901 the Burgess family lived in Kent Street, Grangetown.  By 1911 they had moved to 37 Caerphilly Street, East Moors, and Windsor was working as a baker’s errand boy.  The family later moved to 50, Coveny Street, Splott.  In WWI Windsor served as a Private with the 19th Battalion, Welsh Regiment.  He died on 10 Mar 1917 at Edmonton Military Hospital, London, aged 20, as a result of haemoptysis, a disease soldiers would get after being exposed to chlorine gas.  His body was returned to Cardiff and he is buried in Cathays Cemetery (grave S.2785).  He is remembered both on the Splott War Memorial and the Grangetown War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His nephew Thomas George Leslie Burgess died in WWII.


GEORGE VICARY BUTCHERS

Private, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards (Service Number: 1288)

George Butchers was born in Cardiff in 1896 to George Vicary Butchers, a coal trimmer, originally from Teignmouth, Devon and Susannah Butchers née Morgan, originally form Withebrook, Monmouthshire.  The Butchers family lived at 108 Carlisle Street in 1897 and 200 Carlisle Street, Splott at the time of the 1901 and 1911 census.  In 1911 George Butchers, then aged 14, was working as a grocer’s assistant.  In WWI George, by then using the middle name Vicary, enlisted in Monmouth and served as a Private with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards.  He was killed in action on 2 July 1916 aged 19 on the Western Front in Belgium.  He is buried at Brandhoek Military Cemetery (II. J. 4).  George is remembered on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record. His parents moved to Llandogo, Monmouthshire and George is also remembered on the Llandogo War Memorial and a headstone in Llandogo Church.

George Vicary Butchers headstones and Llangogo War Memorial

George Vicary Butchers headstones and Llangogo War Memorial (pic credits: International War Graves Photography Project, Susan Bedford, Helen Steed)


HERBERT BUNKHAM

Private, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards (Service Number: 1611)

12112198_113855793794 - CopyHerbert Bunkham was born in 1890 in Cardiff to Walter Bunkham, a porter, originally from Dartington, Devon and Susan Mary Martin Bunkham née Knapman, originally from Totnes, Devon.  In the 1891 census the Bunkham family were living at 26 Pontypridd Street, East Moors, and were still living there in 1911 when Herbert, aged 20 was working as a labourer in the flour mill.  In WWI he served as a Private in the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards.  He was killed in action on 9 May 1916 aged 25 on the Western Front in Belgium. Walter was buried at the Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery (grave B.1).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


GEORGE WILLIAM BOWLER

Private, 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 23171)

G W Bowler on Thiepval Memorial, France (photo credit: Findagrave.com)

George William Bowler was born on 18 Feb 1898 in Splott Road to George Bowler, a boilermaker, originally from Leeds, Yorkshire and Selina Bowler nèe Davey, originally from Cardiff.  In 1901 the Bowler family were living at 127 Carlisle Street, Splott and in 1911 at 93 Moorland Road, Splott.  George William Bowler enlisted in the Cardiff City Battalion in 1914. He was killed in action at Mametz Wood on 7 Jul 1916 aged 18.  He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France and also on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record.


HARRY BREWER

Private, 1st/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (Service Number: 43965)

Harry Brower was born in Cardiff in 1893 to James Brewer, a house carpenter, and Ellen Brewer nèe Bragg, both originally from Sandford, Devon.  The Brewer family lived at 50 Swinton Street, Splott.  In the 1911 census it states he was employed as an apprentice showcard writer. In WW1 he served as a Private in the 1st/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment.  He was killed in action on 11 Apr 1918 in France, aged 25.  He is remembered on the Loos Memorial in France and also on the Splott War Memorial. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


ARTHUR HENRY BOWDEN

Private, 13th Battalion,  Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Service Number 267950)

Arthur Henry Bowden was born in Cardiff in early 1899 to James Rees Bowden, a haulier, from Cardiff and Mary Elizabeth Bowden née Gould also from Cardiff.  Arthur was baptised at St Saviour’s church on 9 Feb 1899 when the family were living at 31 Janet Street, Splott. In the 1911 census the family were living at 11 Walker Road.  Arthur worked as a grocer’s assistant before he initially signed up underage with the Welch Regiment on 29 Dec 1914 aged just 15 and was sent to France.  When his Uncle heard, who was already on active service, he encouraged Arthur’s mother to apply for him to be sent she which she did.  Arthur was duly found and sent back to Cardiff. He re-enlisted with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers as soon as he was able and was sent back to the Front.  He died on 22 April 1918 on the battlefields of the western front, aged 19.  He is buried at the Bouzincourt Ridge cemetery in the Somme region of France (grave ref: I. D. 10.).  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial at St Saviour’s church.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. The story of Arthur in WalesOnline.

Arthur Henry Bowden and mother and sister.

Left: Arthur Henry Bowden and mother and sister.


S BLACKMORE


FREDERICK GEORGE BOWDEN

Private, 7th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (Service Number 35382)

Frederick George Bowden was born on 27 Jan 1899 in Cardiff to William Henry Bowden, a labourer at an iron foundry, from Roath and Annie Bowden nee Jones originally from Neath. He was baptised at St Saviour’s church on 16 Feb 1899.  The family lived at 47 Habershon Street and Frederick attended Moorland Road school and then Howard Gardens school before leaving to become a clerk in the Ocean Coal company.  He enlisted in Cardiff and was killed in action on 28 Mar 1918 aged 19 at the Western Front.  He is remembered on the Arras Memorial (Bay 7) in France.  He is also remembered on the Howardian School War memorial plaque and the Splott Memorial at St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


W A BROWN

H J BROWN

W G BROWN


JOSEPH EDWARDS

Private, 2nd Garrison Battalion, Essex Regiment (Service Number 33203)

Joseph Edwards was born in Hereford on 28 Nov 1880 to Joseph Edwards, a chimney sweep, from St Austell, Cornwell and Elizabeth Edwards nee Davies, from Hereford. By 1891 the Edwards family have moved to Cardiff and Joseph attends St German’s school on Metal Street.  In 1901 the family are living at 32 Ordell Street, Splott with Joseph working as a dock labourer.  In 1903 he marries Bridget Aherne and they have five children together.  Joseph enlisted in the army and served in a number of regiments including the Welch Regiment and the Somerset Light Infantry and finally the Essex Regiment.  He survived most of the war but died of pleurisy in Mesopotamia on the day the war ended, 11th Nov 1918, aged 37. He is buried at the Basra War Cemetery and remembered on the memorial there, panel I.S.18.   He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial outside St Saviour’s church.


R BODENHAM

C D BODENHAM

C E BROWN

W BLACK

W CARNEY

H C B CARTER

D H CHAMPION

T H COX

T CHAPMAN

R CHORLEY

W COAKLEY

F CREEK

J A COLLINS

J W CORBETT

J H COTTER

A CLEMERSON

J COSTELLO

A CUMMINGS

T COUGHLAN

W J CUDDIGAN

E J CULLIFORD

A E COURTNEY

EV CUNNINGHAM

E COURTNEY

A A COCKIN

F C COOPER

G I COX

W H W COUTTS

R DAVIES

W DAVID


DAVID DAVIES

Private, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards (Service Number 2955)

David Davies was born in 1898 in Cardiff to Joshua Davies, a ship’s carpenter, from Cardiff and Louisa Davies nee Gould originally from Chilcompton, Somerset.  The Davies family lived at 4 Wimborne Street, East Moors.  Before the war David was an employee of the Gloucester Wagon Works Company  and was goalkeeper for the Moorland Road Boy’s Football team. David Davies was a Private in the 1st battalion Welsh Guards.  He died of wounds received in action on 28 Mar 1918 aged 20 and within 24 hours of his brother Joshua who was in the merchant navy. Their mother learnt about the tragic loss of her two sons on the same day.  He is buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in the village of Souchez, France (grave  VIII. Q. 13.). He is remembered on the Splott Memorial at St Saviour’s church.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.

David Davies picture, medal and headstone

Pic of headstone: kindly provided by Steve John, coordinator of West Wales War Memorial Project https://www.wwwmp.co.uk/


A N DANDO


ALBERT DAVEY

Private, 101st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), (Service Number: 53460)

Albert Davey was born in Machen, Monmouthshire in 1892, one of ten children born to Lewis Davey, a tin plate worker and later a coal trimmer and Hannah Davey, née Rowlands, both originally from Machen. The family moved to Cardiff around 1895 and were living at 118 Railway Street in 1901 and 40 Moorland Road in 1911 when Bert worked as a railway porter.  He enlisted in Jun 1915 and served with the 101st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. He was discharged in Aug 1917 after suffering gas poisoning. Bert died at home on 19 Nov 1917 from bronchopneumonia aged 25.  He is buried in Cathays Cemetery alongside his parents (plot Y806). Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brothers Harold and Alfred also died in WWI.  All three Davey brothers are remembered on Splott Road Baptist Church war memorial and the Splott War Memorial outside St Saviour’s church.

Albert Davey picture headstone and penny

Albert Davey picture, headstone and medallion (pic credit: Findagrave.com)


ALFRED DAVEY

Private, 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 26571)

Alfred DaveyAlfred Davey was born in Machen, Monmouthshire in 1894, one of ten children born to Lewis Davey, a tin plate worker and later a coal trimmer and Hannah Davey, née Rowlands, both originally from Machen. The family moved to Cardiff around 1895 and were living at 118 Railway Street in 1901 and 40 Moorland Road in 1911 when Fred worked as a pulley and block maker. In WWI Fred served as a Private with the ‘Cardiff Pals’ 11th Battalion, Welsh Regiment.  He first served in France in Sep 1915 before moving to the Balkans.  He was killed in action on 18 Sep 1918 aged 25 in Salonika. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Doiran Memorial, Greece.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brothers Harold and Albert also died in WWI.  All three Davey brothers are remembered on Splott Road Baptist Church war memorial and the Splott War Memorial outside St Saviour’s church.


HAROLD DAVEY

Private, 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (Service Number: 9444)

Harold Davey headstone picture - CopyHarold Davey was born in Cardiff in 1898, one of ten children born to Lewis Davey, a tin plate worker and later a coal trimmer and Hannah Davey, née Rowlands, both originally from Machen, Monmouthshire. The family were living at 118 Railway Street in 1901 and 40 Moorland Road in 1911.  Prior to the war Harold worked as a clerk. He enlisted in Cardiff in Jun 1916 aged 18 and served as a Private in the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company.  He was in hospitalised with trench foot in Oct 1917.  He died in France on 20 Nov 1918 of bronchopneumonia, aged 20, just a few weeks after the war ended.   He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France (plot L. E. 30.).  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brothers Albert and Alfred also died in WWI.  All three Davey brothers are remembered on Splott Road Baptist Church war memorial and the Splott War Memorial outside St Saviour’s church.


J DAVIES

E J DAVIES

W J DEMPSEY

W DENT

E DOWDING

J DOGGETT

P DRISCOLL

PANEL 2

J DUNFORD

J DURSLEY

T EVANS

W EDWARDS

W EMMETT

F EMMOTT

M J FARMER


WILLIAM FRANK FENNERTY

Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy H.M.S. Defence (Service Number SS/116201)

William ‘Billy’ Frank Fennerty as born on 10 Oct 1896 to William Henry Fennerty, a house painter, and Emily Fennerty née Godbeer, both originally from Devon.  At the time of the 1901 census the family were using the surname Lyons and living at 27 Topaz Street, Adamsdown and then in 1911 were living at 53 Stoughton Street, Grangetown before later moving to 47 Ordell Street, Splott.  He joined the navy in Oct 1914 and served aboard H.M.S. Defence as a stoker from Jan 1915.  The ship was lost in the battle of Jutland, off Denmark, on 31 May 1916 and 900 lives on board were lost.  He was 19 years old. He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial outside St Saviour’s church and the Plymouth Naval War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record


F W FILER

F FISHER

J G FARMER

A H FLETCHER

W FLYNN

E FREE

T FORD

JOHN EDWARD FOX

Private, 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers (Service Number 12768)

John Edward Fox was born in Bradford on 5 Aug 1897 to Arthur Fox, a police constable, originally from Pontefract, and Ada Sarah Fox nee Devine, originally from Llansamlet, Swansea.  In 1901 the Fox family are living in Swansea. In 1906 John and his two brothers were in school in Tenby.  By 1911 Ada and her three sons were living in Dowlais Cottages, 27 Layard Street, Splott and Arthur was back to Yorkshire and working on the police force in Bradford.  Before joining up John worked in the Cardiff Theatre Cinema.  He enlisted in August 1914. He served with the Mediterranean  Expeditionary Force  at Dardanelles from 4 July to 12 Aug 1915 when he was killed in action aged 18.    He is buried at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery in Gallipoli, Turkey (grave ref: IV. A. 3.).  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial at St Saviour’s church.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brother Maurice Arthur Fox was also killed in WWI.

MAURICE ARTHUR FOX

Private, 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers  (Service Number 4634)

Maurice A Fox - Copy

Maurice Arthur Fox was born in Bradford on 6 Jan 1894 to Arthur Fox, a police constable, originally from Pontefract, and Ada Sarah Fox nee Devine, originally from Llansamlet, Swansea. In 1901 the Fox family are living in Swansea. In 1906 Maurice and his two brothers were in school in Tenby.  By 1911 Ada and her three sons were living in Dowlais Cottages, 27 Layard Street, Splott and Arthur was back to Yorkshire and working on the police force in Bradford.  Before joining up Maurice worked as a dock labourer.  He signed up on 23 Mar 1912. He was mobilised on 5 Aug 1914,  went to France on 4 Oct 1914 and was killed in action on 20 Oct 1914 at Ypres, Belgium aged 20. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial (panel 22).  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brother John Edward Fox was also killed in WWI.


P FOOKS

J E FREDERICK

F GARLICK

G GARN

W J GEDRYCH

J E GLOVER

T A GOUGH

D J GWYNN

W D GOULD

J F GWYNNE

F GRISTOCK

W GODWIN

A GRAHAM

R GRIST

W H GARDINER

T E HAWKINS

S HAM

F HORNE

J HARDING

T HARRIES


THOMAS STEWART HAWKINS

Lance-Corporal, 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers  (Service Number 10087)

Thomas Stewart Hawkins picture

Thomas Stewart Hawkins was born in Grangetown, Cardiff in 1890 to George Stewart Hawkins, a mariner / rent collector from Cardiff and Mary Jane Hawkins nee Adams from Barry.  In his younger days Thomas Hawkins had played football for Court Road School when they won the Cardiff Schools football shield. Before joining the army he was a collier.   The Hawkins family lived at 59, Wimborne Street, Splott.  Thomas Hawkins joined the army in 1908. When WWI broke out he had been in India for three years with the army.  He returned to Europe, initially to Malta then Southampton, proceeding to the front almost directly.  He had been there two months when he was killed in action on 21 Oct 1914, aged 24.  He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial in Belgium.  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorialat St Saviour’s church.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


J F HURDIN


JAMES JOHN HEGARTY

Private, 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry (Service Number 16086)

James John Hagerty

James John Hegarty was born in 1880 to William Daniel Hegarty, a railway wagon repairer from Cadoxton and Mary Ann Hegarty née Norman from Cardiff.  in 1901 the Hegarty family lived at 21 Ruby Street.  James Hegarty was a dock labourer and in 1904 married Amelia Rose Thomas and they had five children together.  James was one of six Hegarty brothers to serve in WWI and the only one to lose his life.  His father William remarkably also enlisted in 1914 at the age of 58 although the age on his military records is given as 45.  James served in the Somerset Light Infantry but lost his life on the first day of the battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916, aged 36.  He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 2 A) in France.  He is also remembered on the war memorial outside St Saviour’s church in Splott, Cardiff.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


D HEIRENE

J T HILTON

A HULL

R HODGSON

S J HOLLAND

J HOLLINGSWORTH

L HUGH

W HOPKINS

H L HUGHES

J J HURFORD

W HULL

W HUBBARDE

G T HARRIS

F P HARDING


FREDERICK JOHN HOLBROOK

Private, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number 30649)

Fred Holbrook

Fred Holbrook was born in Splott on 5 May 1898 and baptised at St Saviour’s church on June 13th.  His mother was Ellen Holbrook née Streat, originally from Ottery St Mary, Devon and his father, Henry Thomas Holbrook, originally from Chard, Somerset and a bricklayer who died as the result of an industrial accident at the East Moors Ironworks in 1907.  In 1911 widowed Ellen and her children lived at 67 Llanelly Street, Splott.  Fred attended Moorland Road school and then worked as a bricklayer at the Dowlais works prior to joining up in February 1915.  He was posted to France on 12 May 1915 and therefore probably underage when he joined up. He was wounded on  16 July 1916 and the date suggests that his wounds were received in operations connected with the Battle of Bazentin Ridge.  Fred Holbrook died on 27 July 1916 aged 18.  He is buried in the Heilly Station Cemetery.  Three Casualty Clearing Stations (hospitals) were based around what is now the cemetery when the Battle of the Somme started, and it was linked by railway almost to the front lines.  More of Fred’s story is told in this well-researched piece. Fred Holbrook is remembered on the Splott War Memorial in front of St Saviour’s church and the Guest, Keen  & Nettlefolds memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


G F HARRIS


HENRY GEORGE HANKINS

Private, 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Service Number: 56690)

Henry ‘Harry’ George Hankins was born in Cardiff in 1898 to George Albert Hankins, a labourer at an oil and tar distillery, originally from Bristol, and Rose Hankins née Cole, also originally from Bristol. In 1901 the Hankins family lived at 67 Janet Street.  In 1911 they were at 1 Caerphilly Street, East Moors but by 1914 they were living at 70 Railway Street, Splott.  Harry served with the 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.  He was killed on 26 Sep 1917 aged 19 in France.  He is buried at the Tyne Cot Cemetery (plot XV. E. 19.).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial and the Trinity Methodist church war memorial plaque.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.

Harry Hankins portrait and headstone


E W HAWKINS

A HOLLEY

H HARDWARE

G ISGAR

A P IRWIN

W JAMES

A JAMES

E H JAMES

R H JAMES

H JENNINGS

H JONES

J H JEREMY

D JOHN


MILLARD FILLMORE JONES

Millard Fillmore Jones&William Selwyn seated

Millard Fillmore Jones (standing) and his brother William

Private, 3rd Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number 19014)

Millard Fillmore ‘Phil’ Jones was born on 20 Jun 1892 in Cardiff to William Jones, a ship’s donkeyman (engineer) and Maria Jones née James, originally from Merthyr.  In his early years he lived at 34 Pontypridd Street.  He was baptised at St Saviour’s on 25 Apr 1898 on the same day as his brother William and sister Gladys.  By 1911 the family are living at 74 Adeline Street, Splott and Phil was working as a coal haulier.  Later that year he was working as a porter on the railways.  He served in the 3rd Welsh Regiment.  He died on 17th Dec 1916, aged 24.  He is buried at Cathays Cemetery (grave I 471).  The grave records that he died at Kinmel Park which was a large military camp near Abergele, north Wales.  Records show that he died of cerebral haemorrhage.  He may have been transferred there after being injured elsewhere.  The grave also records he was part of the B.E.F. The British Expeditionary Force fought on the Western Front in France in WWI.  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.    Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


W H JONES

PANEL 3

T H JONES

B JONES

C JERMYN

H JONES

M L A JAMES

A C JAMES

E H KNIGHT

N KEHOE

J LUMLEY

D J LAKE

A E LEWIS

I H LEWIS

W J LLOYD

J E LUMLEY

W D LEWIS

T H LANE

W J LANE

F C LOCK

G LEWIS

D LLOYD

R A LATHAM

D J LUKER

J J LAKE


LEWIS PELEGRNA MAZZEI

Private, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers (Service Number 8673)

Louis Mazzei

Lewis ‘Louis’ Pelegrena Mazzei was born on 10 Mar 1884 on Sandon Place to Frederick Mazzei, a plasterer, originally from Holborn, London and Elizabeth Mazzei nee Hamilton, originally from Bristol. He was baptised on 2 Apr 1884 at St David’s church.  By 1901 his parents had passed away and he was living with his sister and brothers in 41 Nora Street giving his profession as a general labourer.  In the 1911 census he is already in the army with the South Wales Borderers and serving in South Africa. It appears from one record that he may have enlisted as early as Feb 1905. He returns to Europe and goes to the Western Front and was killed in action early in WWI on 21 Oct 1914 aged 30 at Langemark in the First Battle of Ypres.  He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial (panel 22). He is also remembered on the Splott War memorial at St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brother Alfred Mazzei is also killed in WWI.


J McCONNELL

J H McKERGO

W G MARKS


ALFRED MICHAEL MAZZEI

Private, 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers (Service Number 17042)

Alfred Michael Mazzei photo and grave

Alfred Michael Mazzei was born on 26 Dec 1892 on Nora Street to Frederick Mazzei, a plasterer, originally from Holborn, London and Elizabeth Mazzei nee Hamilton, originally from Bristol.  By 1911 his parents had passed away and he was living as a border in Nora Street giving his profession as a collier. He later lived with his sister 67 Constellation Street. He served with the South Wales Borderers and died on the morning of 27 May 1917 aged 24 when he was shot in the head on the western front in Belgium. The letter from his commanding office to next of kin said  ‘Alfred was universally popular both with officers and men a sportsman a fine boxer and clean minded, his loss is one that leaves a gap in the Battalion’. He is buried at the Nieuwkerke (Neuve-Eglise) Churchyard in Belgium not far from the French border (grave reference G.2). He is remembered in the Splott War memorial at St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brother Lewis also served and was killed in WWI and his brother William served with the 2nd Welsh Regiment and lost a leg.


S E MATHIAS

A MORGAN

R E MILMAN

J MISSON

P MIDDLETON

C MORGAN

J MORGAN

H J MORGAN

G MORGAN

P MORGAN

E C MORGAN

W MORGAN

D MULLANE

F MURPHY

W H MURRAY

A E MILLETT

A MUSGRAVE

A McGILLIVRAY

A McGILLIVRAY

E G MAT THEWS

W H E MORGAN

A MORGAN

S MATTHEWS

H J MERRETT

A NEURDEN

E B NOALL


JOHN EDWARD NOTLEY

Gunner, 150th (Rotherham) Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (Service Number: 6020)

John Edward Notley was born in Cardiff in 1887, the eldest child of Edward Velentine Notley, a coal trimmer, originally from London and Catherine Notley née Leary originally from Ireland.  At the time of the 1901 census the Notley family were living at 20 Duffyn Street, Newtown, Cardiff.  John’s mother died the following year and the family later moved to 36 Ordell Street, Splott.  By the time of the 1911 census John had left Cardiff and was working as a spring fitter in Rotherham and boarding at 4 Hollowgate Terrace, Rotherham. He served as a Gunner with the 150th (Rotherham) Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed in action on 22 Oct 1916, aged 29, on the Western Front.  He is buried at Thistle Dump Cemetery, High Wood, Longueval, France (grave E22). He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  He was also remembered on the Steel Peech & Tozer works memorial,Templeborough, Rotherham.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


A NORRIS

E NICHOLLS

S G OATES

C O’BRIEN

J O’BRIEN

J O’CONNELL

I OWEN


FRANK PINKARD

Private, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 22919)

Frank Pinkard name on memorial at Loos

The name of Frank Pinkard on the Loos Memorial.

Frank Pinkard was born on 7 Sep 1889 in Cardiff to Walter Pinkard, a haulier at an oil merchants originally from South Petherton, Somerset and Mary Pinkard nee Donoghan, originally from Bridgend. In 1891 the Pinkard family were living at 37 Janet Street, Splott. Frank attended Mooland Road school.  In 1901 the family had moved a short distance to 47 Janet Street. In 1911 Frank had left home and was a boarder at 1 Flora Street, Barry and working as a wagon repairer at Messrs Hall, Lewis Co.  He later moved back to Cardiff and worked in Cardiff Docks. He enlisted on 15 Jan 1915 and served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 4 May and a member of the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He was killed in action on the 25 Sep 1915 at the age of 26 at the Battle of Loos-en-Gohelle, Northern France.  He has no known grave but his death is recorded on Panel 77-78 of the Loos memorial, ‘Duds Corner’, north of Arras. He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record. His brother Walter Pinkard was also killed in WWI.


E PERKINS


WALTER PINKARD

Private, 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment (Service Number: 23120)

Walter Pinkard was born on 4 Nov 1891 at 47 Adleine Street, Splott to Walter Pinkard, a haulier at an oil merchants originally from South Petherton, Somerset and Mary Pinkard nee Donoghan, originally from Bridgend.  He was baptised on 10 Dec 1891 at St German’s church. Walter later attended Moorland Road school.  In the 1901 Census, at the age of eleven, he was living at St Andrew’s Truant Industrial School for boys, Dinas Powys, on the outskirts of Cardiff. Walter was a prominent member of Splott Wesleyan Methodist Church. He went to work as a coal miner in the Neath Valley and on the 1911 Census, at the age of 21, was lodging at 19 Norton Terrace, Glyncorrwg Neath. He married Catherine Kiell, a restaurant worker, on 19 Jul 1914 in Cardiff, with whom he had a son, Walter John, born in the third quarter of 1915.  The child died in the second quarter of 1919.  He enlisted on 1 Nov 1914 and served as a Private in the 16th Battalion (Cardiff City), Welsh Regiment. He was killed in action by a shell in Mametz Wood on 7 Jul 1916 aged 25. He is buried between Caterpillar Wood and Mametz Wood although his exact burial place is not known. Lieut Richards wrote “He was in action on 7 Jul and as we had no news of him afterwards he was posted as missing. News has now reached me that his body was found and buried by another regiment. As you are aware he was a machine gunner, and I am sorry to say that all the men on his gun were either killed or wounded by the explosion of an enemy’s shell”. He is remembered on the Thiepval War Memorial (Pier and Face 4.A).  He is also remembered on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record. His older brother Frank Pinkard was also killed in WWI.


W A PETERS

A PALMER

W R PANTING

E J PRANKERD

W PARSONS

T POWDITCH

PANEL 4

HAROLD PLEASS

Private, 6th Battalion,  King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (Service Number: 28088)

Harold Pleass was born in 1899 in Cardiff to Alfred Pleass, a wagon builder, originally from Manchester and Martha Ann Pleass, originally from Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.  Harold was baptised on 20 Apr 1899 when the family were living at 7 Moon Street, Adamsdown.  At the time of the 1901 census the Pleass family are living in Cheltenham Street, Bridgend.  By 1911 they have returned to Cardiff, living at 42 Pontypridd Street and Harold was attending school.  In WWI he served with the Cheshire Regiment before being transferred to King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action in France on 4 Oct 1918, aged 19.  He is buried at the Sucrerie Cemetery, Ablain-St. Nazaire, France (grave VII.A.5).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial at St Saviour’s churchCommonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His brother Alfred Pleass was also killed in WWI and his brother Ernest lost a leg.

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R V PLUM


ALFRED PLEASS

Private, 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment (Service Number: 53319)

Alfred Pleass was born on 15 Jun 1893 in Cardiff to Alfred Pleass, a wagon builder, originally from Manchester and Martha Ann Pleass, originally from Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.  Alfred was baptised on 28 Sep 1893 when the family were living at 10 Moon Street, Adamsdown.  Alfred attended Stacey Road school in 1898 when the family were living at 168 Broadway. At the time of the 1901 census the Pleass family are living in Cheltenham Street, Bridgend and Alfred attended Pen-Y-Bont Boys School. By 1911 they have returned to Cardiff and Alfred is working as a sawyer’s helper.  By Dec 1914 when he enlists he is a wagon builder like his father and living at 42 Pontypridd Street, East Moors. He enlists with the Glamorgan Service Bantam Battalion of the Welsh Regiment.  He was 5’ 1½” with a 35” chest.  On 2 Jul 1915 he married Florence Elizabeth Bainton at Cardiff Registry Office.  She was originally from Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, who had been working as a servant in Splott. They lived at 47, Pontypridd Street and had a son, Alfred, born on 29 Aug 1915 who passed away on 5 Oct 1915.  He was posted a number of times in 1916 and 1917 before embarking and transferred to the 11th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment in Mar 1918.  He was reported missing and assumed dead on 20 Apr 1918 on the Western Front, aged 25.  He has no known burial place.  He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.  He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial at St Saviour’s church.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His brother Harold Pleass was also killed in WWI and his brother Ernest lost a leg.

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E POUND

F A POOLE

O J POOLE

H J PORTER

W C PRICE

C POUND

E PRINGLE

G F READING

W A PERRY


ARTHUR REES

Driver,  “B” Battery. 2nd Brigade,  Royal Field Artillery (Service Number: 156910)

Arthur Rees - Splott, CardiffArthur Rees was born in Splott in 1896 to Thomas Rees, a coal trimmer, originally from Llantrisant, and  Gwenllian Rees née Bowen, originally from Pendoylan, Glamorgan. The family lived at 11 Eyre Street, Splott and spoke both Welsh and English and attended Ainon Baptist church on Walker Road.  In 1911 Arthur worked as an insurance clerk. He also worked for the West Hartlepool Steam Navigation Company in Cardiff before he joined up.  He served as a Diver in the Royal Field Artillery. In Dec 1917 the Western Mail reported that he had been injured.  He was killed on the Western Front in France on 26 Oct 1918 aged 22.  He is buried at Bertry Communal Cemetery  (plot C.5).  He is remembered on the Ainon Baptist Church memorial plaque currently in Redeemer Church, Railway Street.  His name also appears on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His brother Thomas Rees also served in WWI after joining up in Montreal, Canada where he had been working as a hospital attendant.  A picture of Arthur and Thomas together in their uniforms appeared in the Western Mail in Jan 1916.

J ROCKEY

E C RICHARDS

J C RICKETTS

W REED

R R RIXON

C ROBINSON

W P ROSE

F SPILLER

R P SALISBURY

L V SAUNDERS

T R SAUNDERS

A STRONGMAN


TREVOR RHYS SELBY

Private, 13th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment (Service Number: 18029)

Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium (plot VI.B.13) (photo credit: Findagrave.com)

Trevor Rhys Selby was born in Splott, Cardiff in 1894, one of thirteen children born to Thomas Selby, a builder/carpenter originally from St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire and Frances Ann Selby nèe Rees originally from Cardiff.  At the time of the 1901 census the Selby family were living at 116 Marion Street.  By 1911 they had moved to 71 Moorland Road and Trevor was working as a junior clerk.  Trevor enlisted at Treorchy and became a Private in the 13th Battalion (Service), Gloucestershire Regiment (Forest of Dean) (Pioneers).  The battalion went to France on Mar 1916.  The main role of the Pioneers was to build and repair roads and trenches in the forward areas.  Trevor was killed in action on 14 Mar 1917 on the Western Front aged 22.  He is buried at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium (plot VI.B.13). Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.


C SHROUDER


EDWIN JAMES SIMS

Private, 7th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (Service Number: 20649)

E J Sims headstone at Cathays cemetery

Photo credit: Ted Richards

Edwin James Sims was born in Cardiff on 20 Sep 1887 to Edwin Sims, a stationary engine fireman, originally from Tredegar and Rachel Sims née Thomas originally from Cardiff.  In 1891 the Sims family were living in Coveny Street, Splott.  His father Edwin died later that year. By 1901 Edwin’s mother had remarried and the family were living in Clive Street, Grangetown and Edwin attended Grangetown Elementary and Junior School.  On 24 Jul 1909 he married Rose Gwendoline Pritchard, originally from Newport, at St Saviour’s Church, Splott.  They went on to have five children together and lived at 8 Diamond Street in 1911 when Edwin was working as a coal tipper on the railway. They later lived at 118 Railway Street.  Edwin served as a Private with the 7th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.  He died at home on 19 Mar 1919 aged 32. He is buried at Cathays Cemetery (grave S.1070). His wife died in 1921 and is buried in the same plot.  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


J SPEAR

E SMITH

R SMITH

S G SMITH

W T STEPHENSON

H STEVENS

S J SUMMERS

G H SUCKLES

G STEVENS

J STEVENS


AUSTIN WILLIAM TOMKINS

Private, 24th (Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry) Battalion, Welsh Regiment  (Service Number: 60195)

Austin William Tomkins was born on 27 Nov 1885 in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire to Benjamin Tomkins, a publican, originally from Kings Pyon, Herefordshire and Elizabeth Eunice Tomkins née Williams, originally from Maesteg, Glamorgan. He was baptised at St Mary, Abergavenny on 19 Dec 1888.  In 1891 the Tomkins family were living in the Farmer’s Arms, Lion Street, Abergavenny.  Austin started school at Hereford Road Junior Boys School, Abergavenny in 1892.   By 1901 the Tomkins family had moved to Cardiff and living in Denbigh Street, Llandaff.  In 1911 Austin had moved to Swansea and was working as a gardener and boarding with the Packer family in Brynmill Park.  He married Mary Elizabeth ‘Lily’ Jones at St Fagans church on  8 Jul 1912.  They had three daughters together, the first of whom was born in Mumbles, Swansea before they moved back to Cardiff.  They lived at 144 Moorland Road, Splott.  He attested in Dec 1915 and was mobilised in Cardiff in June 1917 and served with the 24th (Pembroke and Glamorgan Yeomanry) Battalion, Welsh Regiment.  He was killed in action on 1 Dec 1917 in Palestine aged 31 just a week before Jerusalem was retaken.  He is buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery (grave E.74).  He is remembered on the Splott War MemorialCommonwealth War Graves Commission record.

Austin William Tomkins portrair and war penny


DAVID JOHN THOMAS

Private, 13th Battalion, The King’s (Liverpool Regiment). (Service Number 20656)

9530bfa0-99de-4c4d-83d5-cd08a08dfdd3 - Copy

David John Thomas was born on 11 May 1875 in Upper George Street, Cathays (later renamed Wyeverne Road). His parents were Frederick George Thomas, a shoemaker,  originally from Taunton, Somerset, and Emily Thomas nee Gainey, from Cardiff.  He was baptised in St John’s church on 16 Jun 1875. He married Jane Barnes, originally from Llanelli, on 17 May 1896 at St Paul’s church, Grangetown. They went on to have eight children. David worked at the Bute Spring Works. The family lived initially in Janet Street and later at 29 Ordell Street. He enlisted in Cardiff on 22 Sep 1914 aged 34 and after training embarked for France on 26 Sep 1915. He served in The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) and was killed in action at the Battle of Somme, Bazentin Ridge, France on 14 Jul 1916 aged 36. The sergeant of his platoon wrote to Jane Thomas saying ‘your husband was a good worker and whenever there was anything to be done he was always the first to be there…He used to look after the boys of his platoon just like a father looks after his children’. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial at Somme, France (Pier and Face 1 D 8 B and 8 C). He is also remembered on the Splott War Memorial at St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


W J TERRY

H E H THOMAS

W THOMAS

G TABBENER

J TIPPLES

E J TOOP

R C THOMAS

H THOMAS

A S THOMAS

J TIPPLES

J E TIPPLES

J THOMAS


WILLIAM EDMUND THORNE

Driver, Mobile Veterinary Section,  Royal Army Service Corps, (Service Number: T2/015432)

William Edmund Thorne was born in Cardiff in 1897, the eldest of eleven children born to William Alfred Thorne, a dock labourer, and Edith Naomi Thorne nee Collings, both originally from Cardiff.  He was baptised on 29 Apr 1897 at St Saviour’s church in Splott when the family were living at 171 Railway Street.  In 1901 they lived at 60 Janet Street and in 1911 they were at 5 Aberystwyth Street and William had a job as a newspaper messenger as well as being at school.  He enlisted in Cardiff.  He was killed at the end of the war when he was a driver in the Mobile Veterinary Section of the Royal Army Service Corps in Syria.  He died on 16 Oct 1918 aged 21.  He is buried at the Damascus Military Cemetery (grave B22).  He is remembered on the Splott War Memorial along with his brother Alfred John Thorne who was also killed in 1918.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.


ALFRED JOHN THORNE

Private,  9th Battalion,  Royal Welsh Fusiliers  (Service Number: 267949)

Alfred Thorne on Soissons memorial

Alfred John Thorne was born in Cardiff on 2 Dec 1898 to William Alfred Thorne, a dock labourer, and Edith Naomi Thorne nee Collings, both originally from Cardiff.  He was baptised on 23 Feb 1899 at St saviour’s church, Splott when the family were living at 43 Habershon Street.  In 1901 they lived at 60 Janet Street and in 1911 they were at 5 Aberystwyth Street. In 1915 the Thorne family had moved again and were at 11 Wimborne Street, East Moors.  When Alfred enlisted in Jan 1915 in the Cardiff City Battalion of the Welsh Regiment he claimed he was 19 but in reality was only 16.  He saw service in France in 1916 but was transferred back to England when his true age was discovered.  He returned to France in 1918 but was killed in action on 30 May 1918 aged 19 when serving with the 9th Battalion,  Royal Welsh Fusiliers.  An eyewitness at the time said he was killed by a shell when retiring from the frontline through a cornfield near Rheims.  He is remembered on the Soissons memorial in France.  He is also remembered on the Splott War memorial outside St Saviour’s church. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.  His brother William was also killed in 1918. Their mother Edith named her eleventh child William Alfred, born in 1921, after the two sons she had lost in WWI. Tragically both the baby and Edith died in 1921.


W UPHAM

W VAILE

W J VERNON

C VICKERY

W S WILSON

C WASON

J WADE

D J WALTERS

W W WANNELL

G J WARREN

F WAYTE

G WHITE

G WHITEHEAD

W WILLIAMS

W WILLIAMS

D H WILSON

E WOOD

J XUERUB


Inside the church of St Savour’s there are also a number of memorial plaques:

St Saviour's WWII plaque

In Honoured memory of those from this Parish who gave their

Lives for Humanity in the Second World War.

George Davies

Herbert J Davies

Seabourne Hall

Jack Harris

Joseph Holley

Sister L Ethel Hughes

Arthur E Moore

W Morne Myers

HAROLD STEWART NEEVE

Flight Sergeant (Pilot),   37 Squadron, Royal Air Force (Service Number 626638)

Harold Stewart NeeveHarold Stewart Neeve was born in 1921 to Alfred Harold Neeve, originally from Denmark, a seaman then a warehouseman, and Annie Mary Neeve nee Stewart from Cardiff of Scottish decent.  Harold was their only child and was educated at Moorland Road school, Clarke’s College and then Cardiff Technical College. The Neeve family lived at 15 Aberdovey Street, Splott. He joined the 37th Squadron of the RAF and was already a skipper in Jan 1943 but died on 30 Sep 1943 aged 22 when piloting Wellington III HF614. He is buried at the Medjez-el-Bab cemetery in Tunisia (grave ref: 7.F.9) having been reinterred in Aug 1944.  He is remembered on the WWII memorial plaque in St Saviour’s Church, Splott (note surname misspelt).  Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.

William Probert

Fred Saunders

John T Shellam

Leonard Vincent

Frederick C Williams

Their name liveth for evermore


In Memory of

Guardsman Colin Parsons

1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Killed in action in the Falklands

8th June 1982

Aged 18 years

Beloved son of Gill and Ken

Brother of Tracey and Antony


In loving memory of
Guardsman Nigel Arthur Roweberry
1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Killed in action in the Falklands
8th June 1982
Aged 20 Years
Beloved husband of Maria
Darling Daddy of Nigella
Beloved son of Pam & Fred
Beloved stepson of Trish & Eddie
Brother of Mark, Jill & Becky