Gwyddelwern

With deep regret we announce the death at the age of thirty-one of "Jimmy," eldest son of Mr and Mrs James Phillips, School House, which took place at his home on Sunday, the 14th November, to the inexpressible grief of a wide circle of relatives and friends. It was only on the previous Thursday that he came home from Codford St. Mary's Military Hospital, Wiltshire, and his unexpected death cast a gloom over the whole district and grieved his numerous friends near and afar. Forsaking a good post as certificated assistant master at the Daisybank Council School, Coseley, which he worthily held for the past nine years, he answered the call of his country in October, 1914, and became attached to the 3rd Birmingham City Battalion, Royal Warwicks. As in his scholastic career, rapid promotion awaited him in the army. He soon became a corporal, then a sergeant, and subsequently refused commission, choosing rather to be amongst the men. His kind and genial ways made him very popular with his young charges and with his colleagues at school and these qualities and his bright disposition and great enthusiasm for what he had at heart won the admiration of his fellow-soldiers and made him a friend of all. A successful course of training in musketry instruction on Hayling Island brought him a distinguished certificate, and qualified him as first class musketry instructor.

Of the numerous letters of condolence received by the bereaved family, the following quotations from those of his military officers suffice to prove how capable he was as a soldier and how highly he was held in the esteem of those amongst whom he served. Major A. Bernard Lovekin, commanding "C" Company, 16th Royal Warwicks, wrote: - "He was the best of my non-commissioned officers; always so very keen and reliable. I selected him to attend an advanced course of musketry in which he more than fulfilled my expectations, bringing back a distinguished certificate. The battalion will feel the loss of a real good soldier and the news of his death has been a blow to us all." Lieut. and Adjutant Martin wrote: - "Your son was one of the smartest and most capable N.C.O.'s of the unit and his loss will be greatly felt by all ranks." Lieut. Dingley wrote: - "He was a splendid sergeant and I shall always miss his assistance with the platoon. It is terribly hard that he should not be spared when the time has just arrived when hew would have been of exceptional value to his country. No. 12 Platoon particularly wish me to offer you their deepest sympathy. Your son was always greatly liked by his men."

The above portions of letters received as well as those of the following persons were read by the Rev. A. Lloyd Hughes, Corwen, on the day of his funeral: - The Rev. Berwyn Roberts, former pastor of the Wesleyan circuit; the Rev. J. Foulkes Ellis, Gwyddelwern; on behalf of the members of the C.M. Chapel; the Rev. J. Lloyd Hughes, Llandudno; Mr Bernard Steward, Rose Hill House, Coseley, as chairman of the Athletic Club; and Mr T. B. Davies, on behalf of the teachers of Coseley.

The numerous other letters of sympathy received from all parts of the country bore high testimony to the excellent character of the deceased.

A great number (men only) attended the funeral on Thursday of last week to pay a last tribute of respect to one who had rendered faithful services in all circles. The following ministers attended and officiated: - The Revs. J. Aneurin Hughes, Corwen; J. Pugh Jones (minister); Owen Hughes, Corwen; W. G. Williams, Ruthin; T. Jones (Tryfar); T. Lloyd Hughes, Llandudno, and J. Foulkes Ellis (C.M.), Gwyddelwern. There were also present several public men, including Dr. Walker, Corwen; Dr. Edwards, Corwen; Mr Joseph Davies, Wernddu, his old friend; Mr Harry Richards, The Hollies, Coseley; Mr Hale, headmaster of Daisybank Council School; and Mr Poole, secretary of the Coseley Education Committee.

The coffin, on which had been placed the Union Jack, was borne by the following relatives and friends: - Messrs. Christmas Williams, Wallasey; William Jones, Pwllheli (cousins); Herbert Jones, Caenog; E. James Hughes, Stores; Bowen Jones, Corwen; and R. Ernest Hughes, Wernddu.

A short service was held at the Wesleyan Chapel where suitable addresses were delivered by Mr Hale, Coseley; Mr Poole and Mr Joseph Davies, Gwyddelwern. Mr Hale bore high testimony to deceased's unblemished character and paid a noble tribute to a faithful servant. He seemed, Mr Hale said, to have adopted for his own the motto of the Principality - "I serve." He was the first teacher to enlist and though he had not fallen on the field of battle he had done his duty. He was very much respected by the children of Daisybank School and by the whole body who now felt his loss most keenly. Mr. Poole, on behalf of the Coseley Education Committee, conveyed a message of sincere sympathy with the family in their sad bereavement. Deceased was highly esteemed by the Committee and they deeply mourned his loss. Mr Joseph Davies, Wernddu, who said he knew the deceased from childhood, in an eloquent address dwelt on the influence of a religious home in the moulding of so fine a character. He succeeded in life because of his practising the advice of loving parents to the best advantage. He gave of his best to all he came in contact with and thus secured the best of all - life eternal.

Amongst relatives present were the father of the deceased: Mr W. Jones Phillips, Cartref, Pelsall, only brother; Messrs Richard Jones, John Jones, both of Aberdaron; Griffith Jones, Cardiff; Pickering Hughes, Aberdaron, uncles; Mr Marson Harris, Carmarthen.

Deceased's memory and deeds will long be cherished and kept green in the minds of those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Much sympathy is extended to his sorrowful parents, his brother and sister-in-law of Pelsall; Nurse Phillips, Carmarthen Infirmary, and his younger sister (Miss Dilys), and all the family in their sad bereavement.

Thou shalt realise above
All was but the work of love.

The following is a list of the numerous and costly floral tributes: - With sorrowful hearts, from Daddy, Mam, Nance, and Dil; with loving thoughts of Jim, from Janie and Will; in deep sympathy, from Auntie Claudia and Uncle John, Aberdaron; in loving memory of our dear cousin J. J. Phillips, from Willie and Maudie;

"God calls our loved ones but we lose not wholly
What he hath gen,
They live on earth in thought and died as truly
As in His heaven."
with deepest sympathy, Marsden; From his old friends, Harry, L..y, and Lall, The Hollies, Coseley; with deepest sympathy, from Elizabeth Williams, Aberdaron; with deepest sympathy, from Mr and Mrs Beayley; "Daisy Bank Coucil School, with deepest sympathy from the staff of the school," loyal to colleagues, King and country; Coseley Teachers' Association, as a token of deep regret and sincere sympathy; with deepest sympathy and regret, from the members of the Coseley Athletic Club; from the children of the Daisybank Council School, in loving memory of Mr. Phillips; from Sydney Parkes and a few old Daisybank boys and girls, in loving sympathy; a notre ame regret, Famille Tilkin, Grove House; as a token of regard and esteem of a faithful servant from the Coseley Education Committee; with loving sympathy and deep regret, from Ivor; with deep sympathy, from Mrs Williams, Angharad; with deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs W. R. Jones, Chester; a very sincere regard from Matron and Nurses of the Carmarthenshire Infirmary; with deepest sympathy from Mrs and Misses Davies, Bryngwyn; with deep regards from Mr Horatio E. Walker, Corwen; a token of deep regret from Miss Jane Roberts, Birkenhead; in loving memory of a faithful soldier from the Sergeant's Mess, 3rd Birmingham City Battalion; officers and men of 12th Platoon, 16th Service Battalion, Royal Warwicks. in deep regard; in affectionate memory from the Rev. L. J. Lamplough, Coseley. R.I.W.

(The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard, 26th November 1915)
__________________________________________________

2564 Private Robert Lewis, 7th Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Kille in action on 8th November 1915, aged 21. Son of Evan and Jane Lewis, of Beuno Terrace, Gwyddelwern.



PTE. ROBERT LEWIS, Gwyddelwern,
was killed in action in Gallipoli shortly before the evacuation. He was attached to D Co. 1/7th R.W.F. and served in the great Suvla Bay battle. He was greatly loved by all and will be missed by his Company. Deceased was the son of Mr and Mrs Evan Lewis, Beuno-terrace, who mourn the loss of a worthy son at the age of 21.

(The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard, 3th March 1916)
__________________________________________________



PRIVATE JOHN ELLIS ROBERTS,
Gwyddelwern, Corwen. Private Roberts is a native of Gwyddelwern and joined the army in 1906, becoming attached to the 2nd Batt. R.W.F. Two months prior to the outbreak of war he returned with his battalion from India, having served his time and bringing with him excellent certificates as to his ability and conduct. No sooner had he donned civilian clothes, than he found work as postman at Dolwyddelen. He married Miss Annie Bearn of London. He had served in the capacity of postman for two days only when he was again called to the colours as a reservist. His battalion formed part of the first army sent to France and as a member of that force Private Roberts took part in the historic battle of Mons. He also fought at Le Chateau, the Marne, and the Aisne, and is now doing his bit at the western front none the worse for his terrible experiences. He seems to possess a charmed life, having had remarkable escapes. He was the only one of a party of ten who escaped with his life and unhurt. Six were killed outright by an exploding shell and three were severely wounded; but Private Roberts was saved though his rifle was utterly destroyed in his hands. On another occasion a bullet penetrated his cap and an exploding shell killed his friend. The fumes only slightly dazed him. A shell burst right above his billet and he was one of two who escaped unhurt. His numerous letters are highly appreciated by his friends and acquaintances who wish him a safe return home when victory has been obtained.

(The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard, 10th March 1916)
__________________________________________________

37093 Private David Roberts, 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers. 22nd June 1916, aged 20.





Mae rhyw don o lawenydd yn myned dros yr holl wlad wrth ddarllen am wrhydri y Fyddin Brydeinig yn Ffrainc y dyddiau hyn. Clywsom y dydd o'r blaen am wroldeb yr enwog Royal Welsh yng nghanol yr enbydrwydd mwyaf. Ac O! fel y llonodd y "newydd da" hwn yr holl Dywysogaeth. Ond rhyw lawenydd cymysglyd iawn ydoedd serch hyny - "llawenhau mewn dychryn" yr oedd ugeiniau o deuluoedd yn ein hardaloedd. Gwelsom ambell fam yn derbyn y newydd gyda gwyneb gwelw, ac yn lle symud ymaith ei phryder, mae hwn yn trymhau ei phwn, ac yn cymeryd oddiarni yn llwyr ei hysgafn gwsg. Pam? Wel, am y gwyddar os mawr y llwyddiant, mawr hefyd yr aberth. Cofiai y byddai I "rywrai" orfod talu y gost, a beth wyddai nad y fuddugoliaeth hon oedd i ddwyn oddiarni ei thrysor penaf at y ddaear - ei hanwyl fab oedd yn Ffrainc er ys misoedd. Mae rhyw fardd wedi rhoddi mewn barddoniaeth dlws, brofiad a gweddi connoedd o riaint ein gwlad y dyddiau hyn: -

"Yn wylo dwr heli mae'th fam a dy dad
Am danat, fy machgen ymhell o dy wlad,
Mae pryder yn difa ein cysur a'n hedd,
Mae hiraeth yn gorphwys yn drwm at
O Arglwydd fy Nuw! [ein gwedd
O! cadw ein bachgen anwylaf yn fyw.

Pan fyddost yn gwyglio at waelod y ffos,
'Rym ninau'n dy wylio trwy gydol y nos,
Yn gwmni, mae genyt at adeg mor drist
Dy fam fach a finau a'th ffrynd Iesu Grist,
Mor felus y gainc
Pan ddychwel ein bechgyn o "Rywle yn Ffrainc."

(Yr Adsain, 11th July 1916)
__________________________________________________

16893 Serjeant Oliver B. Leah, 8th The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action in France on 10th July 1916, aged 21. Son of Thomas and Sarah Leah, of Berwyn House, George Street, Alderley Edge.





The above soldier was recently killed in action somewhere in France. He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Leah, of London Road, Alderley Edge, and grandson of Mrs Davies, Elwern Villa, Gwyddelwern. Oliver, who on many occasions visited Gwyddelwern, was well known in the locality, and the sad news of his death caused great grief to a wide circle of relatives and friends.

He joined the army in 1914, and the fact of his being promoted to the rank of sergeant at the age of 20 proves his efficiency as a soldier. Letters from officers and friends speak well of his character. He was a brave soldier and one of the most popular sergeants in the Loyal North Lancs. He was attached to the machine gun section, which in his death lost one of its best men. He was also very popular at Alderley Edge, being a keen athlete and a member of all clubs within his sphere of life.

Much sympathy is felt with his family in their sad bereavement. He fought a good fight - may he rest in peace.

(The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard, 12th September 1916)
__________________________________________________

Private Evan Roberts Royal Welsh Fusiliers 7-8.1916, aged 22



(Yr Adsain, 22nd August 1916)
__________________________________________________

Er Serchus goffadwrriaetham fy anwyl gyfaill,

yr hwn a fu farw dros ei wlad Gorff. 20, 1916.

Adsain rhyfel fwyaf Ewrop,
Cyrhaedd wnaeth i'r ardal hon,
Chymerwyd oddiarnom
Etto in o'n bechgyn llὸn.

Rhyfedd fel mae pethau'n dyfod,
Chwala'n gobaith dan ein traed,
Mwy nis gallwn ddisgwyl Evan
Adre'n ol o faes y gwaed.





(Yr Adsain, 19th September 1916)
__________________________________________________