MERTHYR TYDFIL BOER WAR MEMORIAL.
ROLL OF HONOUR.
The research for this part of helping to commemorate the forty-two men named on the Merthyr Tydfil memorial has proved intriguing, enjoyable and challenging in equal measure. The interested reader will see that some of the details inscribed to the panels on the monument are incorrect and I have entered my interpretation of what I believe to be correct. Any student of the medal rolls and casualty lists will be all too familiar with the anomalies associated with this body of data!
The men will have their biographical details by name listed in alphabetical order for ease of study.
7380 PRIVATE JOHN MORGAN BALL.
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Died of Peritonitis at Pretoria on 1st July 1900.
Interred at Pretoria 1. Monument 6
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff, and memorial plaque yo 1st Battalion Welsh Regiment in Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: CC/OFS/DH (WO200/190).
John was born in the 1st quarter of 1878. His attestation papers are available and tell us that he attested to the 3rd Volunteer Battalion the Welsh Regiment on 13th March 1897, and given service number 1436. He is described as an electrician, aged 19 years and 3 months. He was 5'6 1/2" in height and weighed 128lbs. His chest measurement 34" min 35 1/2" max.
He was of a dark complexion, brown eyed, brown haired and Church of England.
He is recorded as discharged by purchase in the sum of£1 on 7th July 1897. I cannot find his attestation for his return to the colours with the 1st battalion.
5743 PRIVATE FREDERICK BARNETT.
1ST BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS.
Killed in action at FREDERIKSTAD on 25th October 1900.
Interred at Olien Park, Potchefstroom. Monument 1.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff, and St. Giles Church, Wrexham.
QSA: CC/TV/TH/RofL.
Born at Newport, Monmouthshire in 2878. His attestation papers suggest he may have served in the militia with 'G' Company, 1st Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers with service number 6025 prior to RWF. Attested on 9th March 1896 at Cefn Coed.
His papers have him living at Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil as a collier working for the Dowlais Iron Company. He was married at the time of his enlistment.
He was 5'4 2/10", 134 lbs in weight with chest 32 1/2" min. 34 1/2" max. Fresh complexion, brown eyed and had brown hair. He was Church of England and had a scar on his left buttock.
3971 PRIVATE SAMUEL BROADSTOCK.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.
I cannot find a record of his death or interment.
His name is not on the Welsh National Boer War Memorial, this is because he was not born in Wales.
QSA: DofL.(EO100/183).
He was born in 1874 at Flaxley, Newham, Gloucestershire.
He attested to the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment on 30th May 1893 at Bristol at the age of 19.
He was 5'6" in height, 126 lbs in weight. 34" min chest 35 1/2" max. Of fresh complexion,grey eyes, brown hair. His next of kin was his father at Cinderford, Gloucestershire. His religious denomination was Wesleyan.
He received a certificate for Mounted Infantry in Egypt on 31sy October 1896.
His service record shows the following;
HOME- 30/05/1893 TO 31/10/1893.
MALTA-01/11/1893 TO 20/12/1895.
EGYPT-21/11/1895 TO 05/02/2897.
INDIA-06/05/1897 TO 19/09/1899.
SOUTH AFRICA-20/09/1900.
HOME-21/05/1900 TO 32/05/1901.
TOTAL SERVICE 8YEARS 2 DAYS.
He was discharged as unfit for further service on 31st May 1901 at Devonport. His address given as Quaker's Yard, Treharris, Glamorgan to give his Welsh connection. Possibly died due to the effects of service in South Africa?
He died in Merthyr Tydfil in the first quarter of 1903, aged 28.
5354 PRIVATE PATRICK CRONIN.
1DT BATTALION MANCHESTER REGIMENT.
Died of enteric fever at Ladysmith on 30th December 1900.
Interred at Intombi. Monument 104.
He was a Sergeant at the time of his death.
Also commemorated on St. Mary's Square, Manchester and on plaque inside Manchester Cathedral. Not on Cathays Park memorial as not a Welshman.
QSA: ELANDSLAAGTE and DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH.
The Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (86704) tells us that the paltry sum of 9d was received by his brother George.
The 1881 Census has Patrick as a newborn child living at 3 Pigeon Court, Merthyr Tydfil with his parents Patrick (labourer in iron works) and Margaret along with grandfather Patrick, a widower, and three other lodgers.
4301 PRIVATE DOMINIC DACEY (SPELT DASEY ON MEMORIAL)
19TH (PRINCE OF WALES OWN) HUSSARS.
Wounded dangerously at Dalmanutha on 31st October 1900.
Died of wounds at Dalmanutha on 11th January 1901.
Interred at Machadodorp. Monument 3a.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: DofL/ OFS/BF/LN..
Dominic was born in 1874 at Merthyr Tydfil. The 1881 Census finds him living at 309 Penydarten Road, Merthyr Tydfil with his parents Michael a 37 year old labourer, born in Ireland and mother Johanna. He also ha siblings John and William. In 1891 the family now resided at High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Dominic being a 16 year old Assistant Boilermaker. He was a trade union member as evidenced by him being admitted into the United Association of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders in 1892.
4640 PRIVATE EDWARD DAVIES.
2ND BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Killed in action at Klip Drift on 16th February 2900.
Interred at Jacobsdaal. Monument 2.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff. And plaque to the 2nd battalion SWB at Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: RofK.
A soldier by the name of E.A.Davies served with the 2nd battalion of the mounted infantry.
3056 PRIVATE HENRY DAVIES.
2ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Killed in action at Driefontein on 13th March 1900.
Interred at Bosrand, Driefontein. Monument U3S9.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff, and on memorial to 1st Battalion Welsh Regiment in Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: RofK,/PD/DF.
So many people by the name of Henry Davies around this time in Merthyr, not really possible to identify his history with any confidence.
5980 PRIVATE JOHN J. DAVIES.
1ST BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS.
Died of enteric fever at Johannesburg on 14th February 1901.
Interred at Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Monument 1.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff., And at Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: CC/TV/TH/RofL/DA1901..
His attestation papers tell us that he was born in 1880 and unusually, enlisted at Carlisle! His home address is difficult to read and could be Blaen Funstinog ( I am not aware of anywhere in the vicinity of Merthyr Tydfil with a like sounding name!
He was 5'6 7/8", 132 lbs with chest 34 2/2" min and 36 1/2" max. He had a fresh complexion with grey eyes and brown hair. He had a blue scar on his left shoulder blade.
John's military service is shown thus:
HOME--21/03/1899 TO 22/10/1899.
SOUTH AFRICA--14/02/1899 TO 15/02/1901.
5506 PRIVATE THOMAS DAVIES.
3RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of enteric fever at Builtfontein on 23rd December 1900.
Interred at Builtfontein. Monument 26.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: CC/OFS.
Attestation papers state Thomas was born in 1875 at Penydarten, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire. He attested for the militia at Brecon on 29th November 1894, aged 19 years and a collier living at 23 High Street, Penydarten, Merthyr Tydfil. He was 5'4 1/2" high, 140 lbs, so quite stocky. Chest measurement 35" min 37" max. His complexion was unusually described as muddy dark brown, brown eyed and with brown hair.. He was Church of England and had a scar on his right cheek.
He was placed on the militia reserve on 29th June 1897. His record for the militia shows that he was present through 1895/6/7/8/9. He volunteered for active service and embarked for South Africa on 14th February 1900.
The 1881 Census tells us that Thomas was living at Nantgare, Eglwyslan with his parents John, a collier and mother Ann. Also present were siblings William and Charlotte.
29200 TROOPER THOMAS W. DAVIES.
4TH COMPANY (GLAMORGAN) 1ST BATTALION IMPERIAL YEOMANRY.
Died of disease at Harrismith on 12th July 1901.
Interred at Harrismith Town Cemetery. Monument 3.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: CC,/OFS/TV/SA1901.
Watt ,(2000) shows rank of Corporal to the name but no service number.
Possibly taken as prisoner of war when attached to Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry.
4991 PRIVATE DENIS DONOVAN.
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Died of enteric fever at Kroonstad on 25th May 1900.
Interred at Marais Street, Kroonstad. Monument 3.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff, and on memorial plaque to 1st Battalion Welsh Regiment, Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: ?
The 1891 Census finds Denis living at Pond Street, Merthyr Tydfil with his Irish mother Bridget, 5 siblings and 3 boarders.
Denis attested to the militia on 14th September 1891. Described as 17 years and 10 months of age, a labourer working for The Dowlais Company. He was single and measured 5'7 1/2" height, 234lbs weight, chest 33 1/2" min 35 1/2" max. His complexion fresh, eyes blue and brown hair. He had a cut mark on his right forearm.
On 4th December 1889 he is said to have deserted.
The Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (82486) records that Denis was a collier by trade and his account was distributed as follows:
Brother Connelly received£1 6s 8d, sister Mary £1 11s4d.
Brothers Michael, Patrick and Jeremiah each received£1 11s 4d. The address for the latter three brothers was given as Nova Scotia. So the family became globally dispersed. I wonder what became of them all.
260 TROOPER CARADOC IFOR EVANS.
'A' SQUADRON PROTECTORATE REGIMENT.
Died of disease at Mafeking on 22nd April 1900.
Interred at Mafeking. Monument 02.
Commemorated; ?
QSA: Defence of Mafeking
Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (86115) shows a War Gratuity due in the sum of £5. However, no recipient is shown.
The 2891 Census has Caradoc residing at 11 Blanche Street, Merthyr Tydfil with father David a 46 year old Coal Contractor and mother Mary. They had a family comprising David (clerk), Anne (schoolteacher), Marie (milliner), John J, William, Evans and the youngest member of the Evans' Caradoc, a scholar.
5787 PRIVATE EVAN S. EVANS.
1ST BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS.
Died of disease at General Hospital, Fort Napier, Pietermaritzburg on 23rd March 1900.
Interred at Fort Napier. Monument 2.
Commemorated: ?
QSA: TH/RofL.
Not a great deal of further information available. The Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (102586) show a holding of 7shillings which was received by his father Thomas from Lichfield.
5904 PRIVATE MICHAEL FLYNN.
3,RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Invalided to England on 5th May 1900. Died at Devonport on 10th June 1900.
No reliable information regarding the actual cause of death.found concerning casualty details.
Michael was born in 1879 in Merthyr Tydfil and attested to the 3rd battalion South Wales Borderers on 2nd January 1896 at Cefn Coed. He was 17 years old and a single man working as a collier for the Cyfarthfw Iron Company in Merthyr.
He was 5' 4 8/10" height, 109lbs weight, sallow complexion, brown eyed, brown hair and of Roman Catholic denomination.
He was a regular, reliable militia man being present in 1896/7/8/9. He volunteered for active service and embarked for South Africa on 24th February 1900.
The 1881 Census shows Michael living at 1Brewery Lane, Merthyr Tydfil with parents James and Ann, two brothers and two sisters.
3970 CORPORAL THOMAS FOUHY (OR FOUGHY).
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Killed in action at Godwan River, near Kaapsehoop on 26th April 1901.
Interred: location unknown, most likely on the veldt near to the location of his death.
Commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff.
Also on memorial plaque for the 1st Battalion Welsh Regiment in Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: ?
Thomas as mentioned in despatches by Lord Roberts on 2nd April 1901, with London Gazette entry 10th September 2901, page 5945. No specific action is stated.:The brief Since killed in action' accompanies the entry.
The Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (86669) informs us that Thomas attested to the Welsh on 10th December 1890 in Cork, Ireland. His trade was that of a labourer. His fathe, James received the sum of£14 5s 4d including War Gratuity.
Online source says that he may have been a former Merthyr policeman, but I have no evidence to confirm this.
3540 TROOPER JOHN GRAY (CRAY ON MEMORIAL)
28TH HUSSARS.
Died of liver abscess at Ladysmith on 28th June 1900.
Interred at Ladysmith Town Cemetery 1. Monument 9A.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff. Minster South wall transept plaque to 18th Hussars, York, North Yorkshire, England.
QSA: NATAL.
Possibly born in 1871, if a union affiliation from the Merthyr area is correct. The union was for carpenters and joiners dated 1899, giving his age 28. Therefore, John would have been around 29 years old at the time of his death.
???? PRIVATE JOHN HAYES.
WELSH REGIMENT.
Cause and location of death unknown. Possibly died back in UK.
Commemorated: neither the Welsh National Boer War Memorial at Cathays Park, nor the memorial plaques in Llandaff Cathedral bear this man's name.
QSA:?
A man called John Hayes was born in Merthyr Tydfil in the fourth quarter of 1882. His mother's maiden name was Gorden. The name and age would fit for service during the Anglo Boer War.
No further information at the present time.
5437 PRIVATE WILLIAM F.HOWELL.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.
Died of disease at Wynberg, near Cape Town on 3rd October 1900.
Interred at St. Johns Cemetery, Wynberg, Cape Town. Monument 1.
Also commemorated on the RAMC Memorial, Gun Hill, Aldershot.
QSA: CC.
Census of 1891 has William residing at Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil. He was an 8 year old Scholar born in 1883. There were two other brothers in the family, Daniel and David E, and his grandmother.
5670 PRIVATE WILLIAM JAMES.
'A' COMPANY 3RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of enteric fever at Kimberley on 20th January 1901.
Interred at West End Cemo, Kimberley. Monument 2.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff. Also North Transept of Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: CC/OFS.
William's attestation papers are still available and record him as being born in Merthyr Tydfil in 1869. He attested on 3rd March 1895 as a 26years and 1 month old Blacksmith in the employ of Lewis and Davies at the Brittania Foundry, Merthyr Tydfil.
His vital statistics were as follows: 5'4 9/10" height, chest 33"min 35" max., sallow complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, tattoo marks on left forearm and Church of England by domination.
His record in the Militia states excellent attendance,being present 1895/6/7/8/9. He was embodied in 23rd January 1901, volunteered for active service in South Africa and embarked with his comrades 14th February 1900.
One lead suggests that he may have lived at Cardiff Road, Merthyr in 1891.
3196 COLOUR SERGEANT ARTHUR J. JENKINS (PRIVATE ON MEMORIAL).
2ND BATTALION GRENADIER GUARDS.
Killed in action at Biddulphsberg on 29th May 1900.
Interred at Senekal. Monument 10.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff and the Cavalry and Guards monument.
It would appear that Arthur was possibly killed by Boer marksmen as his casualty records do not make any mention of him suffering any burn injuries from the intense grass fire which was a feature of the action at Biddulphsberg. Maybe additional information may be forthcoming as I work my way through the eyewitness 'Letters from the Front' to be found in some of the local newspapers of the day.
His middle initial is given as 'J' on the memorial and 'L' on UK Casualties of the Boer War 1899-1902.
There may be more forthcoming for this individual.
LT. CHARLES MORRIS JENKINS.
THORNEYCROFTS MOUNTED INFANTRY.
Killed in action at Hlangwane, Colenso on 15th December 1899.
Interred at Colenso, Clouston.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: Relief of Ladysmith.
Born in quarter 4 of 1866 presumably at the family home of Pantscallog, Merthyr Tydfil. He was baptized on 20th January at Dowlais to the Wesleyan branch of faith.
The 1881 Census has Charles at 14 years of age living with his parents, Thomas, a farmer of 77 acres and also a Coal Contractor, his mother Margaret and brothers Howell W. (an undergraduate at Oxford University), Augustus and sisters Margaret, Catherine A., Marjory and Barbara.
It is highly likely that he fought with TMI at the notorious battle of Spion Kop. Again further research and alot of luck will be required in order to confirm his presence.
Excerpt from'The Last Post--Roll of Officers who fell in South Africa 1899-1902' by Mildred G. Sooner, published by Naval and Military Press.
"Jenkins--Lieut. Charles Morris Jenkins. Thorneycrofts Mounted Infantry was killed in action at the battle of Colenso December 25th 2899. He was 32 years of age, and formerly a Sergeant in the Glamorgan Infantry Volunteers. Lieut. Jenkins went to South Africa about 1888, and being a civil engineer was employed in the construction of the Harrismith Railway. From 1896 he was engaged at the Pretoria-Petersburg Line, but in October 1899, he was ordered to leave the Transvaal. On reaching Natal he offered his services, and was given a commission as Lieutenant in Thorneycrofts Mounted Infantry."
27232 TROOPER EDWIN JOHNS (PRIVATE ON MEMORIAL).
51ST COMPANY IMPERIAL YEOMANRY (SOUTH WALES BORDERERS ON MEMORIAL).
Died of dysentry at Kimberley on 1st May 1901.
Interred at West End Cemetery, Kimberley.
QSA: ??/SA1901.
This soldier proved to be very challenging indeed. The information that I give here will certainly be open for debate! I looked at every combination of possible surnames; John, John's, Jones, Johnson and the only man that seemed likely has more anomalies in the records than usual.
For a start, there is his regiment. Imperial Yeomanry was the only'fit:. His service number in Watt(2000) is given as 27632, on attestation 27232. Watt gives his unit as 19th IY, while attestation says he served with 51st and 73RD IY!
To further confound the researcher, there appears to be a potential double entry in the UK Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects as follows:
(77314) 27232 Edwin John's a student born in Lechlade, Gloucestershire.
(80835) same name and number, but showing War Gratuity of £5 received by his father James.
His attestation papers impart the following to add to the dilemma:
Edwin John's, a clerk, aged 29 years and 6 months attested to the 51st and 73rd Squadron of the Imperial Yeomanry (Paget's Horse) on 18th February 1901. He was 5'10 1/4" height, 150lbs in weight, chest 34"min 35" max. Fair complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair with no distinctive marks and no religious denomination offered..
His next of kin was his father, J. James of 53 Carmina Road, Upper Tooting, London.
His service record is one of the shortest that I have come across.
Simply:
HOME--18/02/1901.
SOUTH AFRICA--01/05/1901.
TOTAL=73 days.
Given that the journey possibly took between 50 and 65 days, he barely got in country before he succumbed to dysentry.
I would welcome comment on this record. As Edwin died very early into his service, maybe this may have caused discrepancies.
PRIVATE DANIEL JONES.
IMPERIAL LIGHT INFANTRY.
No casualty record of a soldier with this name and unit in Watt (2000) or Hayward (1982).
Interred: unknown.
QSA: TH/RofL/TV/LN.
Medal and clasp entitlement confirmed on the medal rolls for ILI (WO127) , where we find a double entry. Under 665 Private Daniel Jones with the remark "identical with 1356 on next page."
665/1356 Private Daniel Jones served with the unit from 25th November 1899 through to 15th January 1901. We can therefore surmise that he was most likely present at the battle of Spion Kop where the majority of men in the ILI were involved.
The story of Daniel Jones does not end here. A Daniel Jones was found on Familysearch who died of a strangulated hernia on 14th August 1901. He resided at 89 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, was a gentleman of 32 years old and left no property.
However, the clincher that this is our man, comes with his birthplace of Dowlais, South Wales in 1869. His father J. Jones was recorded living at Dowlais.
He also had a brother J. Jones whose address was Van Reyn Gold Mine, Brakpan, Transvaal.
2080 CORPORAL WILLIAM LEWIS ( PRIVATE ON MEMORIAL)
2ND BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of rheumatic fever at sea aboard the ship SS Bavarian on 25th January 1900.
He was buried at sea.
Commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: Unfortunately, no medal was awarded as he died on the outward journey to the theatre of war
He was born in 1867, possibly at Penydarten, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire.
William attested to SWB on 7th December 2886 and was in 'F' Company. At the age of 21, he sailed aboard the ship "Euphrates" to India as part of 1st battalion SWB, so most likely entitled to the India Service medal.
3797 PRIVATE CORNELIUS MAHONEY.
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Killed in action at Driefontein on 10th March 1900.
Interred at Bosrand Driefontein. Monument U2S9.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff.
Named on memorial plaque in Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: RofK/PB/DF.(WO100/120).
I can find no extant attestation papers, but Findmypast gives his birthplace as Merthyr Tydfil in 1875.
In 1881 he was living at 4Ball Court Lane, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam., With father Cornelius, a coal miner, mother Mary, grandmother Catherine and 4 brothers and 2 sisters..
He appears on the 1891 Census when his occupation was that of a moulder's apprentice. This would be in one of the foundries of the many ironworks in Merthyr.
3859 SERGEANT EDWIN MANSELL.
3RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of enteric fever at Taungs on 25th March 1901.
Interred at Vryburg. Monument U1.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff and SWB memorial in Brecon Cathedral.
QSA:CC/OFS/TV (EO100/181).
Another soldier whose attestation papers still survive. He was born at Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil in 1868. He attested to the SWB on 13th February 1892 at Brecon aged 24. His occupation was as a shoemaker (I assume for horses) for Joseph Hilton of Dowlais. He was 5'5 8/10" height, 127lbs weight, chest 34"min 36"max.(a good range for the time). Dark complexion, brown eyed and dark haired. His religion was Church of England.
His address was given as 15 St. David Street, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. The service number 1086 was possibly his when serving with'A' Company of the Militia.
Next of kin was his brother, David Mansell, 5 Herbert Road, Pontypridd.
He was marked present for the Militia 1895/6/7/8/9.
He obviously took well to the army life as he was promoted Corporal 7th June 1894 and Sergeant 16th May 1899.
He was embodied 23rd January 1900 and , as was required for all militiamen,, volunteered for active service, embarking for South Africa on 14th February 1900.
Census of 1871 finds him living at Alma Street, Merthyr Tydfil. 1881 at 147 Gibson's Row, Merthyr Tydfil with parents woodturner Evan and Catherine, brothers David(20), William,(18) Alfred(7, Evan (10)and George (7). Edwin was now 13 years old and working as a Blacksmith s Striker, he obviously progressed onto shoemaker from this early learning.
The Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects has brother George receiving two amounts of £4 11s 6d and another of £1 5s 11d.
4641 PRIVATE DAVID JOHN MOSES.
2ND BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. MOUNTED INFANTRY.
Died of disease at Bloemfontein on 24th May 1900.
Interred at Bloemfontein, President Avenue. Monument 2.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff and Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: RofK/PB/DF.
Not a great deal of information as attestation papers do not appear to be extant. The poor fellow went through the battles of Paardeberg and Driefontein only to get knocked over by disease.
Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (82075) informs us that David attested to the SWB on 9th July 1894. His mother Jane received the sum of £15 17s 11d.
5557 PRIVATE D SHEA (TIMOTHY O'SHEA ON MEMORIAL).
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Killed in action at Driefontein on 10th March 1900.
Interred at Driefontein, Bosrand. Monument U2S9.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff and the memorial plaque to the 1st bn. Welsh Regiment in Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: RofK/PB/DF (WO100/190).
His attestation to the militia states that Shea was born in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil on 15th February 1875. He was a labourer living with his parents at 6 Castle Street, Dowlais.
He was 5'5 3/4" height, and was of dark complexion, grey eyes, dark haired. We can also venture to say that he was illiterate as he signed his name with the mark of a 'X'.
Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (87338) simply says that 6s 6d was given to his father Daniel.
We can assume that Shea's christian name was also Daniel after his father.
6335 PRIVATE EDWARD OWENS.
4TH BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS, LATER 3RD BATTALION.
Killed in action at Klerksdorp on 23rd February 1902.
Interred: ?
Also commemorated on the Militia of the SWB section of memorial at Cathays Park, Cardiff. Not on plaque at Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: CC/OFS/TV(WO200/81).
KSA: SA1901/SA1902(WO100/328).
Attestation to the 4th Militia SWB on 16th January 1895 at Merthyr Tydfil, has Edward working as a haulier for the Dowlais Iron Company. He was single with no children.
At 5:' 7/10' in height and 108 Ibs in weight.
On 17th January 1895, he was subjected to a further medical examination at Brecon where he was passed otherwise fit despite being under height and underweight.. A fellow small in stature, he had a good chest expansion range of 32 1/2" to 34 1/2", which was above average for the time. This no doubt helped him get through the medical.
His complexion was fresh, eyes grey,hair brown and of Church of England faith. He had a burn scar on the back of the left arm.
He was living at 1East Street, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil at the time. Edward was present for the Militia 1896/7/8/9 and transferred from 4th to 3rd Battalion SWB on 8th April 1897. His record shows he re-engaged for the Militia on 5th February 1900, embodied on the 2nd and volunteered for active service to embark for South Africa on 14th February of 1900.
His death in action is recorded on the KSA roll.
2528 PRIVATE T POLLARD (HENRY ON MEMORIAL. FULL NAME POSSIBLY THOMAS HENRY POLLARD).
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Died of wounds sustained at Driefontein on 10th April 1900.
Interred at Bloemfontein, President Avenue. Monument 19.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff and 1st Battalion memorial plaque in Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff. Also initial 'T' in use at both locations.
QSA: RofK/PD/DF (WO100/1900).
To further complicate matters, his service number is given 2538 on the medal rolls!
A Thomas Henry Pollard was found living in Merthyr (Findmypast) and marrying either Martha Ann Coleman or Annie Jones in the first quarter of 1899. It would have been a short marriage.
11697 PRIVATE WILLIAM REARDON.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS (SOUTH WALES BORDERERS ON MEMORIAL).
Died of poisoning at Elandsfontein on 30th May 1902.
Interred at Germiston Primrose. Monument 1.
Record of casualty found in Hayward (1982) and Watt(2000).
Commemorated on Gun Hill Road Memorial RAMC, Aldershot, Hants., England.
Not on Cathays Park memorial, because I believe William was of Irish birth.
QSA: ?
Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (94632) questions the spelling of surname Reardon or Riordan. 11697 service number, and enlisted at Adare, County Limerick, Ireland on 31st January 1898 his account of £12 7s 2d was received by father John.
Findmypast has William, in 1871, living at Bute Terrace, Gelligaer, Merthyr Tydfil with parents James (in conflict with the Deceased account) and Margaret, both from Ireland. William was one of four boys who had three sisters.
1096 PRIVATE JOHN REES.
2ND BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of pneumonia at sea aboard the ship SS Bavarian.
Buried at sea.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff.
The memorial plaque to 2nd bn. SWB at Brecon does not bear his name. I suspect because he never made it to South Africa.
QSA: No QSA as he died on the outward journey and didn't serve in theatre.
Findmypast turned up an embarkation list for the 1st Battalion SWB, where a 20 year old Private John Rees sailed on 15th December 1885 aboard the ship"Malabar' bound for India.
A John Rees attested at Brecon on 26th Februaryl 1884 who was born in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil around 1866. He was living in Tredegar, Monmouthshire at the time of his enlistment to 'A' Company of 3rd Battalion South Wales Borderers, and in the employ of Tredegar Iron Company as a collier. He was a single man of 5'5 1/4" in height, 31 1/4" chest, fresh complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair and Church of England faith.
3670 PRIVATE SYDNEY REES.
2ND BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of enteric fever at Modder River on 17th February 1900.
Interred at West End Cemetery, Kimberley.
Commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff and on 2nd bn. SWB plaque in Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: CC (WO100/181).
The only connection I can find with Merthyr Tydfil, in the absence of attestation papers, is in the 1881 Census where Sidney resides at Side North E, 44 Tram Road, Merthyr Tydfil. He lived with parents John(32),a joiner, and Elizabeth, 10 years his senior at 42, a brother and sister, also two stepbrothers.
He was born in Popton, Pembrokeshire in 1871.
PRIVATE MORGAN ROBERTS ON MEMORIAL.
2ND BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSIIERS.
QSA: ?
I can find no match for Morgan Roberts or MOrgan-Roberts among casualty list for 2RWF, with any connection with Merthyr.
Research is ongoing.
5851 PRIVATE THOMAS RULE.
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Killed in action at Paardeberg on 18th February 1900.
Interred at Vendusie Drift. Monument 9.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff and on the memorial plaque to 1st WR inside Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff.
QSA: RofK/PB.
Watt (2000) and medal rolls use initial 'S'.
There are no extant attestation papers for Private Rule and no further information at time of writing.
6088 PRIVATE DANIEL SULLIVAN.
3RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Died of disease at Mafeking on 13th June 2901.
Interred: ?
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff and the SWB memorial plaque inside Brecon Cathedral.
QSA: CC/OFS (WO200/181).
No further information at the time of writing. Attestation documents not extant. Research ongoing.
162 PRIVATE SAMUEL THOMAS.
3RD BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Died of disease at Prieska on 10th February 1901.
Interred at Prieska. Monument 9.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff and on the memorial plaque to 3rd WR inside Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: CC/SA1901.
Samuel was born in 1881 at Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. He was 18 years and 11 months old when he attested to the Welsh Regiment on 31st October 1899 . He was a single man, a collier by trade working for the Dowlais Iron Company. He was 5' 3 1/2" height, 115lbs in weight with a chest range of 31 1/2" to 33". His complexion was fair, eyes blue and brown haired. Church of England was his faith.
He carried the marks of his profession with "scar on forehead, coal scar on right forearm, burn back of left hand, scar on right thigh".
He was declared fit for the militia on 2st November in Cardiff.
His record of service says that he was in South Africa from 12th February 1900, but there is no end date or report of his demise thereon. But as we know, in South Africa he was to remain.
7052 CORPORAL JAMES WALSH (PRIVATE ON MEMORIAL).
3RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Killed accidentally by gunshot wound. Died of wounds on 11th December 1900 at Warrenton.
Interred at West End Cemetery, Kimberley. Monument 1.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff.
James attested at Merthyr Tydfil on 19th August 1898 as an 18 year old single man, Dowlais born, who was a steelworker. He was Roman Catholic and was slightly over the average height at 5'8" in height, 116lbs in weight and a healthy range of chest at 32" to 34". Of a fresh complexion, grey eyes, brown hair and bearing a coal scar over his right knee.
At Brecon on 20th August 1898 he was considered fit for duty in the military and was embodied on 23rd January 1900. He volunteered for active service and embarked for South Africa with the regiment on 14th February 1900.
James appeared to be a good prospect for the military life as he soon gained promotion to the rank of Corporal on 1st July 1900, receiving pay of rank.
Unfortunately, just over a year later he met tragic circumstances in his loss of life by accidental shooting.
Future perusal through the South Wales Daily News will, I am sure allow me to add more to James' story.
7056 PRIVATE WILLIAM WAYT.
3RD BATTALION SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.
Also commemorated:?
QSA: CC/OFS.
Died of disease at Hoopstadt on 27th October 1900.
Interred at Hoopstadt. Monument 2.
William was born in Aberdare, Glamorganshire around 1865 and was living at Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil at the time of his enlistment at Aberdare on 19th August 1898. Single, he was a collier at Dixon's Navigation Colliery ,23 years and 6 months old. His height 5'4 5/8", weight 125lbs., Chest measurement range between a healthy 33 1/2" and 35 1/2". He had fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. Church of England was his chosen denomination. He also had a coal mark on his left forearm.
On his medical examination at Brecon on 20th August 1898, he was considered fit for military service. Embodied on 2nd February 1900, he volunteered for active service and embarked for South Africa with'C' Company 3SWB on 14th February 1900.
The Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (82432) has a short entry. William's father Charles received his account of£10 13s 11d. Interestingly, his unit is written as 2SWB.
28748 TROOPER EVAN G. WILLIAMS.
1ST BATTALION 4TH (GLAMORGANSHIRE) COMPANY IMPERIAL YEOMANRY.
Died of enteric fever at Harrismith on 20th May 1901.
Interred at Harrismith Town Cemetery. Monument 2.
Also commemorated on Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: CC/OFS/TV/SA1901.
28748 Williams of Troedyrhiw, Glamorganshire attested at Cardiff on 20th February 1901. He was 27 years of age and a farmer by calling. He was 5'71/4" in height, weighed 131lbs and had a larger than average chest range of 35 1/2" min. and 37 1/2" max. His complexion was sallow, he had brown eyes and brown hair. His religious denomination was'other protestant.'
His next of kin was his father, William Williams of Penrhiwyronen, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil.
It was his father who received Evan's account of £13 5s 6d, as detailed in the Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (93279).
When the total of Trooper Williams' service is considered, we find that he only served for 89 days. As the preparation for South Africa and the duration of the voyage would have amounted to between approximately 45 and 60 days, he was only in the theatre of war for a maximum of around 40 days. I would suggest that he was part of the cohort of Imperial Yeomen that were sent off to war with very little military training and expected to be polished into a fighting force in-country with many disastrous outcomes.
5635 PRIVATE LEWIS WILLIAMS.
1ST BATTALION WELSH REGIMENT.
Killed in action near Elandshoek on 20th May 1901.
Interred at Barberton. Monument 5.
Also commemorated on the 1WR memorial plaque inside Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff, Cardiff.
QSA: RofK/PB/DF/JB/DH/SA1901.
All I have on Lewis is the entry in the Register of Deceased Soldiers Effects (83680) informing us that Lewis attested at Merthyr Tydfil on 5th July 1898 and that he was a collier.
His father, also named Lewis, received the balance of his account in the sum of £20 11s 8d.
65617 GUNNER THOMAS WILLIAMS.
44TH BATTERY ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY.
Drowned in the Orange River at Orange River Station on 2nd April 1900.
Interred at West End Cemetery, Kimberley. Monument 1.
Also commemorated at Cathays Park, Cardiff.
QSA: CC (WO100/141).
It was fortunate that his body was actually retrieved from the river and did not get swept downstream never to be found. We can assume that he had a military burial to rest among his comrades.
No other information available at the present time. You can imagine the difficulty in tracing a man of this name in the Merthyr Tydfil area. My hope is that with further investigation of the local newspapers of the time, something may crop up to provide me with the necessary lead. Likewise for many men on the town's memorial.
