David Edward Williams
This is the memorial page for David Edward Williams, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.
The information on David Edward Williams comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | David Edward Williams |
| Date of Death | 27th April 1916 |
| Place of Death | Near Sailly Labourse, France |
| Age at Death | 30 |
| Unit and Regiment | Royal Engineers; 253rd Coy. Served in S. W. B. Brecknocks Battalion for 15 months / Discharged on re enlistment into Royal Engineers 25/01/16 for duration of war |
| Rank | Sapper |
| Service Number | 146081 |
| Additional Information |
Born Newcastle Emlyn. Lived at Godre’rgraig. Enlisted at Chatham into the Royal Engineers and served with the 253nd Tunnelling Company. The Company were at work near Sailly Labourse in 1916, when David was killed in action.
Former Miner. Medals received: Victory and British War Medal |
| Cemetery | VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY - FRANCE; II. E. 21. |
| Local Memorials | Ystalyfera War Memorial |
| Family Details | Son of the late Edward and Margaret Williams of Lampeter. Husband of Gwenllian Williams of 127, Dyffryn Clwyd, Tinmans, Ystalyfera, Glam. (Married 17/02/1906) |
| Daughter | Mary Jane WILLIAMS (Born 17/06/1907) |
| Son | Daniel John WILLIAMS (Born 23/06/1908) |
The following information was kindly sent by Mr P. Walker who is researching the Tunnelling Company attached to the Royal Engineers:
3/1st Brecknockshire Battalion formed in April 1915 at Brecon. The Battalion became the 1st (Reserve) Battalion in April 1916. The following year in August, it amalgamated with the 1st (Reserve) Battalion Monmouthshires.
253rd Tunnelling Company
The Company moved after formation in January 1916 to Sailly Labourse and the front line areas of the Loos battlefield, north of the Vermelles-Hulluch Road. In mid 1917, the Company was engaged in constructing light railways to the battery positions of Fifth Army preparatory to the 31st July 1917 attack at Ypres. In March 1918, they were at rest in Wiencourt when the German attack opened and had to halt a panic retreat by French (and probably British) units on the Guillaucourt-Marcelcave road by placing trucks across the road. Absorbed into Carey’s Force and dug in as infantry in front of Marcelcave on 26th March 1918. After a disjointed defensive battle and suffering more than 100 casualties, the Company reformed in Boves.
It looks like David joined the South Wales Borders in 1914 but (probably because of his age) served at Brecon in one of the reserve battalions until early 1916. By this time the Royal Engineers were desperate for men for the tunnelling companies and many men were enlisted direct from civilian life as well as from existing units. Some of these men were in their 40’s and 50’s.
The records state that David was killed within a couple of months of arriving at the front.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 20th May 1916:-
Mrs Williams of Dyffryn Clwyd has received official intimation that her husband, Sapper D E Williams of the Royal Engineers, was killed in action on 27th April at some place not stated. The family formerly resided near Godre’rgraig Post Office, where they will be best known. Mrs Williams is left with two young children to provide for and deep sympathy is felt for her in her loss.