Back to Main News Page

January 1st

Soldiers home on leave - Privates W Chant and T B Jones, Bombardier T Hambley and Gunner M Evans, Seaman Lot Varmin, R.N., Private Jack Edmunds, Sergeant W Edwards, R.W.F., Lance Corporal D Evans, A.S.C., Private H Daunton, Sapper Will Hopkins, R.E., Driver Albert Way, A.S.C. of 3 Mackintosh Terrace, Trelewis.
A supper was held at the Nelson Inn on Wednesday evening in honour of several local heroes who were home on rest leave from the front. The guests of the evening were: Lot Varmin, Privates Tom Pollard and Tom Addis, Gunner M Evans and Lance Corporal Harry Phillips.

Trelewis news - Soldiers home for Christmas - Corporal W Jewell (Wounded), Privates J Isaac, Ivor Lewis, Owen Williams, J.O. Williams, J.F. Ninnis, J Owen, Sapper F Evans and D.H. Thomas (Munitions Worker).

January 8th

Welcome home - A supper and concert was held at the Royal Oak Hotel on Friday for Sapper Will Hopkins, Monmouthshire Engineers, son of Mr W H Hopkins, Grocer, Commercial Street. There was a good attendance over which Sergeant C A Osborne, 5th Welsh, presided.
Sergeant W S Price, Welsh Regiment is home on leave.
Mr E T Owen, former headmaster of the Council School, who enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps and was speedily promoted to Sergeant has now accepted a commission in a line regiment.

Trelewis news - Home on leave are: Driver Ted Nathan, R.F.A. and Privates Carsley, J Morgan, Bert Williams and Dan Jayne.

January 15th

Wounded at the Balkans - Mr Richard Andrews of 6, Station Terrace has received an official notice from the War Office stating that his son, Sergeant M Andrews, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been again wounded and is also suffering from dysentery. Sgt Andrews has also written a letter home confirming this, and stating that he is coming on as well as can be expected. His numerous friends will join in wishing him a speedy recovery. A postcard was received from him on Friday notifying his arrival at an English hospital.

Driver Leslie Lewis, R.F.A., son of Mrs Edgar, Dynevor Terrace, has written home from France stating that he is now in hospital as a result of being kicked by a mule, injury being caused to his leg. Sapper Tom Smith, Monmouth Engineers, son of Mr William Smith, Ashgrove Terrace is now home on short rest leave from the front where he has been for nearly twelve months. Sergeant Tom Loveridge, D.C.M., Royal Warwicks, who lost an arm through being wounded in the early stages of the war, has now been furnished with an artificial arm. He is at Nelson this week on furlough, and his friends are quite pleased at the improvement in his appearance.
Butcher Harry Griffiths, A.S.C. formerly employed at the local Co-operative Store, is now slowly recovering from the serious accident he sustained at Basingstoke some months ago. He has been home on furlough during the past week.
Mrs Davies, 71 Heol Fawr, received a letter from her son, Private E J Davies, Shropshire Regiment, describing how he spent Christmas in France. His friends will be pleased to learn that he is quite well. During last week khaki armlets were issued to all who attested under the group system.

Driver Arthur Davies - Mr Davies, 23 Dynevor Terrace, has received another letter from Nurse Leah Carnegie, 13th General Hospital, British Expeditionary Force, informing him of the condition of his son, Driver Arthur Davies who, we announced in last week’s issue, has been severely injured. Readers will note with regret that Driver Davies has lost one of his eyes in consequence of his wounds. The nurse’s letter reads as follows;
“January 1st, 1916 - Dear MR Davies, Your boy, I wrote you, came into the hospital a few days ago with a shrapnel wound in neck and forehead. The neck wound is very clean and doing well, but the left eye was so badly damaged that the doctor had to remove it yesterday otherwise it would have very soon damaged the other eye. He is wonderfully well himself and not having much pain, so that he will soon improve and you may expect him in a hospital in England soon. Will write you soon again, for I know how anxious you are. He is a splendid patient, so good and so patient. Yours sincerely, Leah Carnegie”

A supper and concert were held at the Nelson Inn on Tuesday night to welcome home from the front Sapper Tom Smith of the Monmouth Engineers. This function was one of a series which have been arranged by a local committee to give every local hero a fitting reception. There was a large attendance, and the excellent supper provided by Mr and Mrs Jones gave every satisfaction. Sapper Smith is a Nelson boy and was in the Royal Engineers prior to the outbreak of war. He also served in the old 3rd (Volunteer Battalion) Welsh Regiment some years ago, and is very popular and well respected by all classes. He arrived home on short leave from Belgium on Friday week and returned ‘home’ as he humorously called it, on Wednesday. He is the eldest son of Mr William Smith, Ashgrove Terrace, who has also got another son, Private Ted Smith, serving at the front with the Welsh Regiment. During the course of the supper, another soldier, Rifleman Will Varmin of the Rifle Brigade made his appearance, having that evening arrived home unexpectedly from the front. His arrival in full war kit and covered with mud, created great enthusiasm. This is Rifleman Varmin’s second visit home, he having spent about four months at Nelson last year recuperating from severe wounds

January 22nd

Quartermaster Jack Miles, Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr David Miles, Wern Crescent, is home on furlough. Corporal Will Hughes, Kings Own Scottish Borderers, has been wounded in action and is now in hospital. Serjeant Mordecai Andrews, Royal Irish Fusiliers, son of Richard Andrews, Station Terrace, is now in hospital in Cardiff. Driver Jack Probert, Royal Field Artillery, of Llanfabon Road, is home on rest leave. Privates H Harding, 5th Welsh, Trevor Date, Royal Welsh Fusiliers are home on short leave.

A letter has arrive home from Private Eddie Walters, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, saying he is now in the trenches and having a hard time.
A letter has been received by Mr Bert Tucker from Private Dennis Lodwick, South Staffordshire Regiment who, prior to enlisting, was employed at local Co-op Stores. A visit home has been made by Driver Herbert Spiller, Canadian Field Artillery, son of Mrs Lowe, 48, Shingrig Road. Herbert emigrated to Canada a few years ago and arrived back in England a few months ago to commence his training at Shorncliffe.

Trelewis news - Privates R Storey, Amesbury, Bromley, J Williams, A L Davies and Austin Williams are home on leave, as well as Corporal George Hughes.

January 29th

Home from the front - Observer Tom Edwards of the Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr Edwards, Ty-Draw Farm, Llanfabon, arrived home on Tuesday from France on rest leave. He looks in excellent condition and was given a hearty welcome by his relatives and friends.

Late Private Lewis Edmunds - Touching letters respecting the death in action of Private Lewis Edmunds, Welsh Regiment have been received from his chums, Private Jim Shaughnessy, Albert Lee and Morgan Bevan. It appears that Private Edmunds was shot through the head by a sniper as he was leaving the trenches and only lived for about fifteen minutes afterwards.

Another well attended smoking concert was held at the Railway Tavern Thursday evening for the purpose of giving a hearty welcome home to Driver Jack Probert, R.F.A. who was home on rest leave from the front. This was Driver Probert’s first visit home he having been in France since April. An excellent programme had been arranged by the reception committee and everything passed off satisfactorily. Dr McGhie, Brynllefrith presided in his usual genial manner. A collection taken up on behalf of the returned soldier realised a substantial sum. The usual loyal toasts were drank.

Roll of honour - The following members of the ‘Major Dowdeswell’ Lodge of the R.A.O.B. are now serving their King and Country. Their names have been inscribed on a Roll of Honour which hangs in the Buff Headquarters at the Royal Oak Hotel. The names are as follows:
H E Osborne, J Carter (killed), Lewis Morgan, Treharne Jones, T Edwards (killed), A O Williams, H Jones (killed), E Davies, J Davies, G Innes, G Leyshon, Lewis Edmunds (killed), C A Osborne, J P Rees, J Evans, E Jones, J Haskell, R Dowdeswell, H Price, P Lewis, R Brace and E Lewis (killed). As will be seen, four of the men have already been killed whilst another, H E Osborne, 5th Welsh, is missing since August 9th last year.

Items of interest - Sergt M Andrews, Royal Irish Fusiliers, is now home for a few days recuperating from his wounds. He arrived in Nelson Wednesday week. Private Tom Andrews, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, brother of Sergt M Andrews, has been severely wounded in both legs and is now in hospital in Cardiff. Driver Arthur Davies, R.F.A., who has lost an eye as the result of wounds is still lying at the 13th General Hospital in France, and his latest letter states he is making very slow progress. Sergeant Tom Loveridge, D.C.M., Royal Warwicks, is now a recruiting Sergeant in Swansea. He was in Nelson the weekend on furlough. About a dozen young men who were in the first four groups were summoned to appear at Caerphilly on Saturday. A few were rejected on medical grounds and the remainder were sent back as they were engaged on colliery work. A party of wounded soldiers from Caerphilly Red Cross Hospital were entertained by Mrs Leigh at Glynbargoed House, on Tuesday afternoon.

Readers will be interested to learn that Bandsman Harold Symonds, Welsh Regiment, of 16, Dynevor Terrace, is now in hospital at Devonport having dislocated a cartilage of his knee. In a letter to Mr and Mrs Gardner, High Street, he says “ We were shifted from France to Alexandria, we were there a month and then we were shifted again to Salonika. We stopped there three weeks and I met with an accident, dislocating the cartilage of my knee. It took three weeks for me to come home from Salonika to England and I arrived at this hospital on Christmas morning, and I am pleased to say that I enjoyed a very nice Christmas dinner, the first for me to have in England for eight years.”.
Bandsman Symonds was in the Welsh Regiment for some years prior to the outbreak of war and went to France with the first draft of the Expeditionary Force. He was a chum of Drummer Gardner, the first Nelson man killed in the war, and he it was who first sent the sad news to Drummer Gardner’s parents. He has seen service in India and Africa, having been stationed in both places for some years. He is the son of Mrs Frank Spiller, 16, Dynevor Terrace.

Trelewis news - Corporal W Jewell, Privates J Francis, J Ninnis, J Isaac, Ira Hughes have been home on short leave during the past week, some of them recuperating from wounds received in France.

February 5th

Prisoners of War - Three Nelson men are known to be prisoners of war in Germany. They are Private R Huckle, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, Private Robert Williams, Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Private William Edmunds, Welsh Regiment. Other Nelson soldiers are reported missing, but it is not known whether they are prisoners or not.

On Rest Leave - Sergeant James Fowler, R.A.M.C. arrived home last week from Salonika on rest leave. Sgt Fowler served at Suvla Bay for some months and there contracted typhoid fever, which necessitated his removal to hospital. He has been given six weeks furlough. He is an old army man and wears both South African medals and the China medal. At the outbreak of the present war he re-enlisted in the Royal Engineers, but subsequently transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Smoking concert - A smoking concert was held at the Hollybush Inn for two Nelson soldiers, Sgt M Andrews, Royal Irish Fusiliers who has seen service and been wounded at the Dardanelles and in Serbia, and Observer Tom Edwards of the Royal Flying Corps.
Corporal W Hughes, Kings Own Scottish Borderers was not wounded as previously reported, but was in hospital through illness. Corporal Oliver Williams, A.S.C. is now home on short leave recovering from a recent illness.
Private Edward Date, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, son of Mr James Date, Shingrig Road, was married at Llandudno on Wednesday week to Miss Margaret Jones a native of that town.
Sgt M Andrews, Royal Irish Fusiliers, returned to Dublin Friday evening week, after being home for ten days.

Trelewis news - Privates J Jones and W Phelps were home on short leave.

Soldier’s letter - An interesting letter has been received from Private Jim Shaughnessy, 10th Welsh, by Mr W J Evans, Woodville, Shingrig Road, Nelson, in the course of which he refers to the patriotism of the men of Nelson. Private Shaughnessy, formerly worked at Penallta Colliery and enlisted early in 1915. He has now been several months at the front. Extracts form his letter read as follows:
“Somewhere in France. I am glad to hear that there are a lot of boys from the village in khaki. I don’t think anyone can say that our little village has not done its share in this big conflict, which I hope will soon be over. I am glad to hear that you are doing your bit to make our lot a bit more comfortable. I can tell you it is very cold out here in the trenches, but we follow the famous words “ Stick it, Welsh”, and they can depend on the boys of Nelson to stick to it”
Mrs Tucker, of 30, Wern Crescent, has received a letter from her grandson, Private Stanley Tucker, Civil Service Rifles, who has recently been home on a week’s rest leave. Private Tucker says in the course of his letter that since going back he has been five consecutive days in the trenches, and is having a rough time of it. Whilst out there he has met Sergeant Sidney Evans of Nelson, who, he says, gets the Merthyr Express sent him every week and there is always a rush to read the paper when it arrives. We do not know of any soldier of the names of Sergeant Sidney Evans in Nelson but we presume that he refers to the son of Councillor Jonah Evans, J.P., Trelewis who bears that name and who is serving in France.

February 12th

Nelson man wins D.C.M. - To the name of Sergeant Tom Loveridge, Royal Warwicks, as a local winner of the D.C.M. must now be added that of Sergeant James Northey, 2nd Welsh Regiment, son in law of Mr John Allen, 12 Caiach Terrace, Nelson. Sergt Northey was a reservist when the war broke out and went to France with the first draft of the Expeditionary Force. He was in the famous retreat from Mons and also took part in the big battles of the Aisne, Marne and Neuve Chapelle. Up to the present he has not had a scratch, but his latest letter states that in the last engagement five of his platoon were killed, and he himself had a narrow escape. The D.C.M. was awarded him on January 17th last for conspicuous gallantry and we are informed that he has been recommended for the V.C. Sergt Northey was home on leave last July, and whilst home was married to Miss Beatrice Allen at Pentre Church, Rhondda.

Smoking Concert - A smoking concert was held at the Royal Oak Hotel. Soldiers present were Sergeant Will Edwards, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who has been twice wounded in action and Trooper J Edwards of the Welsh Horse.
Driver Arthur Davies, R.F.A. who was so seriously wounded in France, has now been brought over to an English hospital. Bombardier Bert Watkins, R.F.A. of Station Terrace, has been slightly wounded in the arm in France, but is now better. His injuries were not of such a serious enough character as to necessitate his removal to hospital. It is estimated that at least 30 Nelson soldiers have been wounded since the beginning of the war.
Private Tom Andrews, R.W.F., who is in hospital in Whitchurch is slowly recovering from his wounds.

At The Front - Private E J Davies, Shropshires of 71, Heol Fawr, now serving at the front, has written a very interesting letter to his brother Charlie Davies, Donald Street, describing his experiences. Private Davies acknowledges with thanks the receipt of a parcel sent by Miss Leigh, Abernant, on behalf of the Red Cross sewing guild and also states he is quite well and is in hopes of coming home shortly on rest leave. Private Davies enlisted early in 1915 and has now been several months in France.

Home From the Front - Corporal Albert Matthews, 15th Hussars, son of Mr and Mrs H Matthews, 31 Shingrig Road, arrived at Nelson on Wednesday week for a brief furlough from the firing line in France. Cpl Matthews was a reservist when war broke out and was residing in Cape Town, South Africa where he was employed as a railway signal fitter. He came to England with the first drafts of South African troops, and rejoined his regiment. He has been in France for several months. His brother Private James Matthews, Welsh Regiment, is also at the front.

February 19th

Promotion - The many friends of Private Eddie Walters, R.W.F., son of Mr Robert Walters, Shingrig Road, overman at the Ocean Colliery, Treharris, will be interested to learn that he has been offered, and has accepted, a commission in the Pioneer Battalion, Worcester Regiment. Second Lieutenant Walters has been in France with the Fusiliers for several months and returned to England on Saturday last in order to take up his new duties. Prior to the war Mr Walters was on the Treorchy staff of the Ocean Coal Co.

Smoking concert - The series of smoking concerts held to welcome soldiers home on leave from the front was continued Monday evening at the Ffaldcaiach Inn, Mr Geo Street presiding. The accompanist was mr Stanley Herbert. The soldiers present were Sergt Jack Fowler R.A.M.C. and Bandsman Harold Symonds, 2nd Welsh, both of whom have been invalided home from Salonika. There was a large attendance. Songs were rendered by Messrs Jack Haverlot, W Peek, P Peek, H Haig, Bob Williams, B Andrews and others.

Items of interest - A number of young men from the village proceeded to various recruiting offices last week, their groups being called up. Some of them were immediately enrolled and others were placed back ten groups. Sergeants W S Price, Welsh Regiment and Tom Loveridge, Royal Warwicks were home during the weekend, also Trooper Eddie Bevan of the Glamorgan Yeomanry, who is the first Nelson man enlisted under the group system to be seen home in khaki.

Trelewis news - Home on furlough - During the past week the following soldiers have been home on short leave: Sappers Frank Evans and Charles Owens, R.E., and Privates W Ninnis and J Jones. All the men looked well.

February 26th

Home from the front - Four Nelson soldiers have been home on leave from the front during the past week. Second Lieutenant Eddie Walters, Worcester Regiment who we referred to last week. He returned to his depot last Monday morning. The others are Gunner Harry Day, R.G.A. who has been invalided home from Gallipoli and who has been some months in a Manchester hospital. Driver Ernest Pitt, R.H.A. who has been several months in France and Private Frank Harley, 2nd Welsh, who has been at the front since the commencement of the war. Another soldier home was Bombardier Joe Hall, R.F.A. who was wounded in France some months ago and was on his final leave before going out again this weekend. Their many friends and relatives were pleased to see them.

Soldier’s letter - Mrs Davies, 71, Heol Fawr, Nelson, has received an interesting letter from her son, Private E.J. Davies, Shropshire Regiment, extracts from which we quote below:
Somewhere in France, 16th February, 1916 - “ We have been in the trenches for four days. We went in last Friday and had a jolly fine reception from our neighbours, known as the ‘baby-killers’. They made an attack on our position, but we repulsed them quite easily with only two companies in the line, but I believe it was the good old French 75ers that saved our position. They didn’t half send some ‘black lizzies’ over to them. Sorry to say that we lost rather a large number of men out of our two companies that were in reserve. One chap out of our platoon who was killed was from Cilfynydd. He has left a wife and four children. I am writing to his wife tomorrow. Pleased to say that myself and Alf (his chum) came out without a scratch and I thank God for his goodness towards us. We came out of the trenches last night. The part of the line we are at present holding is called ‘Hell Corner’ and I can assure you it is a warm shop. It is the place where the huns are expected to make their dash for Calais, and we are waiting for them to start”.

Sergt Charlie Watkins and Driver Percy Lewis were home on short leave during the weekend. Driver Arthur Davies R.F.A., who was so seriously wounded in France is now in hospital in Canterbury and hopes to be home shortly. Lieut E T Owen, Lincoln Regiment, formerly headmaster of the Council Schools, paid a visit to his friends at Nelson during the weekend. Six Nelson men now hold commissions in His Majesty’s forces. Corporal Albert Matthews, 15th Hussars, son of Mr Henry Matthews, Shingrig Road, who was recently home on leave from the front, has not yet returned to France. He was taken ill on the return journey and is now in a London hospital.

Trelewis news - During the past week Sapper Bert Frowen and Privates Tom Jones, W Bufton and Cyril Worthing have been home on rest leave. A smoking concert was held for Privates Bufton and Jones.

March 4th

Home on furlough - Private Frank Gibbs, Welsh, arrived home from France on Friday and returned to the front on Monday. He had intended to come home this week before for his mother’s funeral but was unable to obtain leave. Another soldier home is Driver Rees Thomas, R.F.A. of Ty Llwyd Farm, Pentwyn. Gunner Harry Day, R.G.A. has had his leave extended. The only soldier noticed on leave from a home camp is Private W Richards, Butcher in the Welsh Regiment, who served in the South African War.
A smoking concert was held in the Balfour Club for Gunner Harry Day and Driver Rees Thomas.

Trelewis news - St David’s Day celebrations took place at the council school. The school roll of honour was read out and the children were set to make a laurel wreath in memory of the fallen heroes from the village: Lieutenant T Watkins, Sergeant Ralph Watkins, Corporal G Watkins and Private Hopkin Isaac.

March 11th

A smoking concert was held at the Railway Inn for Driver Rees Thomas, Royal Field Artillery. Private T B Jones , Welsh Regiment, was home on short leave. Private Tom Andrews, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, is now making good progress towards recovery from his wounds at Whitchurch hospital. His brother Sgt M Andrews, R.I.F., who was recently invalided home from Salonika has returned to France.

March 18th

Driver Percy Lewis and Private Lyn Austin have been home during the weekend. Several young men from the village have been called up under the group system. A smoking concert was held at the Hollybush Inn for Private Tom Andrews who had that day been discharged from the Whitchurch hospital where he had been for some months recovering from wounds received in France. Bombardier Tom Hambley and Driver Will Walters, R.F.A. have both been home for the weekend.

Trelewis news - Private Tom Storey and Driver Jack Nathan have been home on short leave. Arthur Williams of the Royal Navy was also expected home on Tuesday for a brief rest. Also home is Corporal W Jewell and Private Bert Sellick.

March 25th

Wounded - Mrs Davies, 71, Heol Fawr, has been notified that her son, Private E J Davies, Shropshire Regiment, has been slightly wounded in the head by shrapnel, but has sufficiently recovered to resume duty. Private D J Thomas, Welsh, of Donald Street, formerly Trelewis, has also been wounded. Driver John Hadley, R.F.A., son of Mr J Hadley, Shingrig Road, has been in hospital in France for the past month, suffering from blood poisoning due to being cut by some wire.
Soldiers home include: H Symonds, Private T Andrews, Trooper Eddie Bevan, Private D Morgan, Welsh, wounded in France.

April 1st

Private Dennis Lodwick of the 8th South Staffordshire Regiment arrived at Nelson for a few days on Monday. Corporal R Jones, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of Heol Fawr was also home. Serjeant W Edwards, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of Thomas Street, who has been twice wounded in France, left Nelson on Tuesday for his deport en route to the front for the third time.
2nd Lieutenant E Walters, Worcester Regiment, is home on short leave while Sapper Tom Andrews returned to Chatham.
Corporal W Coles of Caerphilly Rd has been wounded. Percy Lewis, R F A and W Walters, Glamorgan Yeomanry are home. Gunner Martin Evans, R F A, is home for a few days.
A smoking concert was held at the Royal Oak Hotel for Sergeant Will Edwards and Corporal Dick Jones, R W F.

April 8th

Lance Corporal D Jones, Welsh Horse, son of Mr J Jones, Nelson Inn, has been home on short leave.
A smoking concert has been held at the Nelson Inn for Private Ben Evans, Pentwyn and Private Morris and Driver D Morris of Mackintosh Terrace.

Trelewis news - Sapper Arthur Cooper, Royal Engineers, Private Tom Jones and Driver D Morris have been home on leave.

April 15th

Sergeant Tom Loveridge was home during the week.

Trelewis news - Another local soldier home on rest leave is Private Thomas Mansell, Welsh Guards, of 9 Mackintosh Terrace. This is his first leave after 9 months at the front. He enlisted in the Grenadier Guards, but transferred to the Welsh Guards on the formation of that regiment. He has been through a number of battles and has had the good fortune to escape injury up to the present time. He was also guest of honour at a concert held at the Balfour Club.
Sapper Charles Owen, Royal Engineers, who was invalided home some time ago from the Dardanelles, was home during the weekend, returning to his depot on Tuesday. Privates T Watkins, C Jones, T, Jones and Harry Phillips have also been home on short leave. The streets were decorated with flags in their honour. Private Jack Beynon has been wounded and is now in Netley hospital. His many friends will wish him a speedy recovery. A smoking concert was held at the Ffaldcaiach Inn Saturday evening in aid of Private Fred Thomas, Welsh Guards, who has lost his right eye and sustained other wounds in action in France. Private Thomas is a married man with four children and resides at The Huts, Treharris.

Patriotic Nelson Family - We publish this week the photos of three sons of Mr and Mrs Daniel Williams of 2 Station Terrace, Nelson, who are now at the front. Their names and regiments are as follow:
Private W.A. Williams, 10th Welsh; Corporal A.O. Williams, Army Service Corps; and Gunner Ivor Reed Williams, Royal Garrison Artillery.
All three enlisted in the early stages of the war. The first named was for a number of years a member of the Merthyr Vale detachment, 3rd Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment. In addition to those at the front, four other sons of Mr and Mrs Williams have attested under the Derby Group Scheme, namely, Albert, Leonard, Ernest and Idwal, the first three named being employed at collieries producing Admiralty coal. The eldest son, Daniel Henry, who is over military age, is an official at the Treharris Colliery. Mr and Mrs Williams and family are natives of Llantrisant but have resided in Nelson for the past twenty years.

Gallant Trelewis Soldier - Corporal Frank Parry, Welsh Guards, son of Mr J J Parry, Penygraig Fargoed Farm, Trelewis, has received an official commendation of a brave action performed by him in September last at the battle of Loos. This gallant soldier, who is not 21 years old, enlisted in the Grenadier Guards at the outbreak of war and transferred to the Welsh Guards on the formation of that regiment. He is well known locally, especially amongst the local farmers and has won several prizes in ploughing competitions prior to his 17th birthday. The news has created great satisfaction in his district. Full particulars of his gallant action are contained on a parchment certificate which has been sent to his father for safe custody by Colonel Lord Harlech, commanding officer of the Welsh Guards. It was for this action that he was promoted to Corporal on the field. Lord Harlech’s letter reads as follows:
“Headquarters, Welsh Guards, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W. - 4th April, 1916 - Sir,I forward herewith for safe custody, a parchment certificate of good service rendered in the field by No 266, Private Frank Parry, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. Will you kindly acknowledge its receipt, I am your obedient servant, Harlech, Colonel commanding the Welsh Guards.”
The parchment certificate reads as follows:
“Guards Division, 1916. This is to certify that No 266, Private Frank Parry, First Battalion, Welsh Guards, performed the following act of gallantry on 27th September 1915 at Loos: In company with three other privates, remained on Hill 70 from September 27th until midnight September 30th-October 1st, in a hole between the British and German trenches, with two German prisoners and a dead German officer. They lived on food taken from the Germans, and returned on Oct. 1st with the two prisoners and the papers found on the dead German officer, This certificate is issued in appreciation of the act, but does not entitle or qualify the recipient to any reward, extra emolument, or pension, (Signed) A Fielding, Major-General, commanding the Guards Division.”

April 22nd

At sea again - Mr Ernest F Cole, son of the Rev E E Cole, Primitive Methodist minister at Nelson, left the village on Friday week to join his ship at Sunderland. Our readers will remember that this young seaman, who now holds the position of third mate, was on the Cardiff steamer S S Bankfields, when it was sunk by the German cruiser Leipzig in the Pacific Ocean.

Smoking concert - The weekly smoking concert held by the local reception committee to welcome soldiers home on rest leave from the trenches, was held at the Railway Inn on Monday evening .Mr Percy Barnes read some interesting letters of thanks for the committee’s welcome from Corporal R Jones, R W F, Sapper F Gibbs, R E, and Second Lieut E Idris Walters, 14th Worcesters.

Social Evening - The members of the Primitive Methodist Church held a social at Salem Schoolroom Wednesday evening to welcome home from the trenches Private John Parkins, North Staffordshire Regiment, of 15 Heol Fawr, Nelson. Mrs W Jones of Ty Nant presented Private Parkins with a donation of 10 shillings which the recipient acknowledged in the course of an interesting speech. The singing of a hymn, “God be with you until we meet again” concluded a pleasant evening.

April 29th

Wounded - Corporal George Jones, R W F. has been wounded in France, but we are informed that he is now making satisfactory progress.

Home on furlough - During the Easter holidays we have noticed several Nelson soldiers on leave from home camps. Among then were Second Lieut Hubert Morgan, Manchester Regiment and E Idris Walters, Worcester Regiment, bombardier Joe Hall, R F A, Private T B Jones, Welsh Regiment, Corporal F Whiteman and Private S Lambert, Welsh Guards. They all looked well.

Items of interest - Corporal Albert Matthews, 15th Hussars, son of Mr and Mrs H Matthews, 31, Shingrig Road, is now in the Red Cross Convalescent House, Clapton, recovering from a serious illness. Trooper Will Walters, Glamorgan Yeomanry, has been home during the holidays on short leave.

Home from hospital - Driver Arthur Davies, R F A, of Dynevor Terrace, arrived at Nelson Thursday week from hospital. In November last year this gallant young soldier was terribly wounded in France, his injuries being so serious that his life was at first despaired of. After some weeks at the 13th General Hospital in France, he was brought to Canterbury, later to Wolverhampton, and then to Sully. His wounds include the loss of his right eye, left arm rendered useless by shrapnel, wounds in the side and severe injury to the jawbone. Prior to enlistment Private Davies worked at the Abercynon and Treharris Collieries.

Home from land and Sea - Two local soldiers arrived home Thursday week from France, both being accorded cordial welcome. They were Private Jack Green, Rhondda Battalion, Welsh Regiment, of Thomas Street, and Private George Bradley, Kings Royal Rifles, of Dynevor Terrace. The first named has been nearly three months in the trenches and has been invalided home through an attack of rheumatic fever. Private Bradley is home on rest leave, having gone through the entire campaign. He was on the reserve at the outbreak of war and was employed at Treharris Colliery. Wednesday morning, Stoker Charlie Herbert of HMS Ajax, arrived home for a few days rest leave. This young sailor was in the Navy prior to the war, and has seen considerable service. Before joining he resided with Mr and Mrs R Hope, Shingrig Road and was employed by C Evans and Co, Supply Stores.

Trelewis News - On Furlough - During the holidays we have noticed Privates W Morgan, H Phillips, J Davies and R Storey home on short leave. Private G woodhouse has also been home on short leave from the front.

May 6th

Seaman Lot Varmin, HMS Noble, and Private John Parkins, North Staffordshire Regiment have written letters of thanks to the local reception committee for the donation of ten shillings they were given. Corporal A O Williams, Army Service Corps, is in hospital in France. Driver Arthur Davies, R.F.A. has returned to hospital after a brief furlough at home. Letters received from Salonika state that Private Dick Morgan, S.W.B., son of Mrs Morgan, Royal Oak Hotel, has been wounded in the arm.

Trelewis News - Private Lewis Williams, Welsh Guards, of Pontsquire, arrived home on Friday week on rest leave from the trenches. Other soldiers home have been Privates Arthur Davies and Dan Jayne. A smoking concert was held at the Ffaldcaiach Inn for Lance Corporal W Jones, Dorset Regiment.

May 13th

Soldiers that we have noticed home on short leave have been Corporal Herbert Spiller, Canadian Field Artillery, Sgt E Jones, Suffolk Regiment, Sgt W S Price and Private H Milsom, Welsh Regiment.

Trelewis News - Home on Furlough - Amongst the soldiers home on furlough this week we have noticed Sgt J H Evans of the Australian Contingent, son of Councillor Jonah Evans, J.P., Gwalia House. Another local lad who has enlisted in the Canadian contingent is also home in the person of Private Llewellyn Palmer. Private Dick Palmer has also been home.
Private Willie North, son of Mr and Mrs North, formerly of Quakers Yard but now living in Trelewis, is expected to arrive in England shortly, having joined an Australian Infantry Contingent. He left these shores about four years ago.

May 20th

In Salonika - Bombardier A E Woods, R.F.A., who formerly resided with Mrs Knight of Hollybush Terrace, has written an interesting letter to our Nelson Correspondent, describing the conditions now prevailing in the Balkans.
Sgt James Northey, D.C.M., 2nd Welsh,, son-in-law of Mr John Allen, 12 Caiach Terrace, arrived home from the trenches for a few days rest leave last Saturday. The streets were decorated with flags and streamers in his honour and he was given an enthusiastic reception. Sgt Northey won the D.C.M. in January and was the second local soldier to achieve that honour.
Corporal Albert Matthews, 15th Hussars, has now left hospital at Clapton and has returned to the front. Corporal Oliver Williams, A.S.C. is still in hospital in France, as also is Corporal George Jones, R.W.F. Sapper Dick Pockett, Royal Engineers is home on rest leave.

Trelewis News - Private Richard Addis, K.S.L.I. has been wounded in France and is now in hospital.
Private Bert Williams, who has been in hospital has now returned to duty. Lance Corporal W Lewis of Cwrt y Celyn farm is home on sick leave from hospital.
Private W Jones, R.A.M.C. is home on rest leave from France, and Sgt W Jewell is on short leave from his depot.
Smoking concerts have been held for Sergeant James Evans of the Australian contingent.

May 27th

Readers will be interested to learn that Acting Bombardier Edgar Lewis, R.F.A. has been promoted to Full Bombardier on the field for conspicuous gallantry. In company with six other men he rescued a gun while under heavy fire from the enemy. For his gallant action, he was personally complimented by his commanding officer.

Soldiers home on leave include Gunner Ivor Reed Williams, R.G.A. of Station Terrace, Corporal Ivor Williams, Welsh Regiment, of Hollybush Terrace, Private Hughie Gibbs, R.W.F., Sgt C Watkins, Privates W Chant, R Williams, W Rees, B Tucker and L/Cpl A Harding.
Bombardier Tom Hambley, R.F.A. is now acting assistant quartermaster at Preston.

June 3rd

Private Eddie Price, Canadian Contingent was home for a few days last week. He is the son of William Price the blacksmith and emigrated to Canada a few years ago.
Sgt Tom Edwards, 5th Welsh is home on leave. Private Llewellyn Palmer, 51st Canadian Infantry is home in Trelewis for a few days.

June 10th

Driver Wyndham Davies, R.F.A., son of Mr T Davies, the local postmaster, has been home on short leave. His brother Gus Davies is in British East Africa as a telegraph operator. Corporal A O Williams, A.S.C. is once again in hospital with fractured ribs.
Private William Edmunds, R.W.F. who was severely wounded and captured by the Germans some months ago, has written home to say that he has now been sent to Switzerland and will probably arrive in England shortly as an exchanged prisoner.

June 17th

2nd Lieuts Hubert Morgan, Manchester Regiment and E Idris Walters, Worcestershire Regiment were both home on short leave. Company Sgt-Major C A Osborne is also home. Private J Pearce, South African Contingent and Private Trevor Date, R.W.F. are also home for a few days.

June 24^th.

Patriotic family.

Readers will be interested to learn of the proud military record possessed by Mr and Mrs W.F. Portlock and family of 27 High Street, Nelson. In the course of an interview with Mrs Portlock on Monday evening, our reported was informed that four sons, one son-in-law, two brothers and thirteen nephews were at present, serving with the colours on active service and that another son had been killed at the Dardanelles in August of last year.
The names and regiments of Mrs Portlock’s sons and brothers are as follows:

Driver Sidney Portlock, Royal Field Artillery,
Private Cyril Portlock, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry,
Sergeant Percy Portlock, 1^st Queens Regiment (lying wounded in Gloucester hospital with his left leg amputated and right eye out),
Private Charles Portlock, 1^st Gloucester Regiment (A prisoner of war),
Gunner Ernest Portlock, Royal Field Artillery, killed at Gallipoli,
Lance Corporal Edward Anniss, Mechanical Transport Company (son-in-law),
Sgt Ernest Herbert, 1^st Gloucester Regiment (brother),
and Sapper Albert Portlock, Royal Engineers (brother-in-law).

Privates T B Jones, Welsh Regiment and S Lambert, R.W.F. have been home on short leave. Cpl A O Williams, A.S.C. is now in hospital at Sheffield. Troopers Edgar Hopkins and Will Walters, Glamorgan Yeomanry, and Privates Lyn Austin and J Maslen were home during the weekend. Private Jack Green of the Welsh Regiment has now recovered from the attack of rheumatism which necessitated his coming home from the front some months ago. Private Jack Beynon, Dorsetshire Regiment, one time goalkeeper of Nelson AFC has been wounded, and is now in Netley Hospital. Mr Will Crockett, Commercial Street, is serving with the Royal Naval Division at the Crystal Palace. Another letter has been received from Private W Edmunds, Welsh Regiment, who is now in Switzerland as an exchanged P.O.W., mentioning the good treatment they received there as compared with Germany.
Private E J Davies, Shropshires, of 71, Heol Fawr, was slightly wounded by shrapnel a fortnight ago but has now resumed duty.
Also home were Private J Pearce, Trooper Gwilym Davies, Welsh Horse and Private J Bonney, Welsh Regiment.

July 1st

Trooper Eddie Bevan has been home on short leave.

July 8^th.

L/Cpl W Jones (Royal Engineers) of Heol Fawr, has been wounded in France and is now in hospital. Sgt Major Jim Jones and Mr Willie Jones, sons of Mrs Jones, Brynhyfryd, Heol Fawr have been home for a brief holiday.
The former took part in the retreat from Mons, and was also chief telegraphist to Lord Kitchener during the South African war.

July 15th

Sapper Vernon Jenkins, Royal Engineers, son of Mr Jenkins, headmaster of the National School, has been home on short leave. A set of knives, including the famous “kookri”, used by the Ghurkas, is on view at Mr Burton’s shop in Commercial Street. They were brought from the front by Sgt Major Jim Jones

July 22^nd.

Wounded in action -Bugler George Davies (Welsh Regiment) of 6 Dynevor Terrace is at Frensham Hill Military Hospital and Private J Burley, 10^th Welsh, son of John Burley, Shingrig Road, Nelson, is at Eastleigh Hospital, near Winchester.
Private Jack Day, Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Private M Bevan, both wounded in the big advance are at Whiston Hospital, Manchester.. Lance Corporal Dennis Lodwick, South Staffordshire Regiment has been wounded in the face and is now at Bradford Hospital. Prior to enlisting, he was employed at the local Co-op store.

Killed in action - We have every reason to believe judging from letters from soldiers, the five Nelson men have been killed in the recent fighting in France.

Gunner W Asaph Jones, R.G.A., is now stationed with the anti-aircraft section near Newcastle. Corporal Fred Whiteman, Welsh Guards is home on leave.

July 29th

From the Front - Bombardier W Amos of the R.F.A. arrived at his home 29, Caiach Terrace Saturday evening for a week’s rest leave from France where he has been since December last. He looks in fine condition and his relatives and friends accorded him a heart welcome.
Mr Will Crockett of the Royal Naval Air Service has been home on short leave from the Crystal palace during the weekend. Other soldiers home were Bomb J Hall, R.F.A., M Martin, J Phillips, J Pugh and Lance Corporal D Jones. All the men looked fit and well.

Wounded - Corporal Richard Jones, Somerset Light Infantry, of 73, Heol Fawr arrived at his home Tuesday morning from Doncaster Hospital where he had been recovering from a gunshot wound in the right shoulder. Sgt W Edwards, R.W.F. of Thomas Street is also home this week. This soldier has been wounded three times.

No tidings - Unofficial news has reached the village that several Nelson soldiers are killed or missing. As there has been no news from the soldiers themselves for nearly three weeks, grave anxiety has arisen among their relatives. Eight soldiers’ names are mentioned.

Our Wounded Heroes - The lads from the village have suffered severely in the recent fighting and although full particulars of each case are not yet to hand, we are able to give a little information as to the whereabouts and the wounds sustained by many of our brave heroes. Private James Shaughnessy, 30490, 10th Welsh, whose home is 31 High Street, was wounded in the legs at the battle of Mametz Wood, where most of our local casualties seem to have occurred. After treatment at Rouen he was brought to the 1st Western General Hospital at Fazakerley, Liverpool and was later transferred to Southport, where he is now making good progress. Private Morgan Bevan, Welsh Regiment, of Heol Fawr, was wounded in the hand and is now at Whiston Hospital, Manchester also making good progress. Bugler George Davies, Welsh Regiment of 6 Dynevor Terrace is slowly recovering from a gunshot wound in the hip at Frensham Hill Hospital, Farnham. Private Jack Burley, Welsh Regiment of The Square, has been transferred from the hospital at Winchester to one at Cardiff. He is suffering from a damaged shoulder. Private Tom Pollard, 1st Dorsets, of Ashgrove Terrace has been wounded in the arm and is now in a French hospital. This gallant soldier was gassed in the fighting at Hill 60 in 1915. Private Lewis Edwards, Welsh Regiment, of Thomas Street has been severely wounded and is now in hospital at Oxford. Driver R Jones, R.F.A. has been wounded in the hand and is now at Prescott. His home is at 81 High Street. Private Dennis Lodwick, South Staffs Regt, who resided at Wern Crescent, is in hospital at Bradford with wounds to the face, but we learn he is progressing favourably. Corporal Frank Parry, Welsh Guards, son of Mr J J Parry, Penygraig Farm, has also been slightly wounded and is now in hospital. Private Jack Day, R.W.F. of Springfield Terrace, was wounded in the hand and is at a base hospital in France. Corporal Oliver Williams A.S.C. is still in hospital near Sheffield slowly recovering from fractured ribs. Driver Arthur Davies, R.F.A. who was home during the weekend, is being fitted with an artificial eye at a London hospital.

August 5th

On the battlefield - Private D Beck, 5th Dorsets, of Springfield Terrace, states that he has been promoted to Lance Corporal and recommended for the D.C.M.

Home on leave - Corporal Harry Spiller, Canadian Field Artillery, Private Dick Morgan, S.W.B. of Mrs Morgan, Royal Oak, has written home to say that he is now in hospital in Malta. Also home are Trooper Gwilym Davies, Welsh Horse and Eddie Bevan and Trooper Will Walters, Glamorgan Yeomanry, Private Lyn Austin, Royal Fusilier.
Privates R F Meacham and W A Williams are wounded and in French hospitals.

Sergeant killed - MR and Mrs R Jenkins of Caiach Terrace, have been notified that their son, Sergeant J T Jenkins, 10th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on July 20th. The sad news reached them Monday morning by letters from the deceased’s company officers and non-commissioned officers. Sergeant Jenkins was 23 years of age and had been at the front since September last year. Prior to enlisting he worked at the Ocean Colliery, Treharris and was very popular amongst all classes. The letters from France read:
10th Batt, R.W.F., 26th July 1916 - Dear Madam, It is with very great regret that I have to inform you that your son, 16024, Sergt Jenkins, was killed in action on the 20th inst. He was one of the best men in my company, and knew no fear. In the event of any personal effects being found in his kit, I shall have them sent to you. Yours truly, E.M. Sell, Captain.
Company Sergeant W E Phillips writes:
Dear Mrs Jenkins, It is with very deep regret that I inform you of the death of your son, Sergt J T Jenkins, who was killed in action on 20th. He was a good friend of mine and I feel his loss very much. I may say that he was very popular with all his comrades and that he was one of the best and bravest N.C.O.s we had in the battalion. Please accept my sincerest sympathy in your loss. Yours Sincerely, W E Phillips, Sergt.
Harry Price of the same battalion, writing to his mother at Trelewis says “One of my chums has been killed, Jack Jenkins. I don’t know his people’s address or I would write to them. He lived near the Ffald somewhere. I would like you to go and tell them that little Jack died leading his platoon into action and setting a good example to the N.C.O.s under him. We were out for a walk a few nights ago and he was saying there were only three of us from the village in the battalion. Tell his mam the little hero died quite peacefully and suffered no pain. Please offer them my sincere sympathy in their sad bereavement.”

August 12th

Private John Burley, Welsh, of 7 The Square, is home. He was one of the local men in the battle of Mametz Wood, being wounded in the right arm by a bursting shell. Also home are Private Jack Green, Welsh, Sgt T Edwards and Bombardier Joe Hall, R.F.A.

The present roll call of those killed is:
Private W H Lawrence, Devonshire Regiment, from Treharris
Sergeant J T Jenkins, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Caiach Terrace, Trelewis
Private Arthur Dobbs, Welsh, Donald Street, Nelson
Sapper D T Williams, Royal Engineers, Bedlinog
Private Henry Brown, Dorsets, Shingrig Road, Nelson
Private William Edwards, Welsh, Quakers Yard
Private William George, Welsh, Bedlinog
Lance Corporal W J Davies, Shropshire Regiment, Penn Street, Treharris
Private D W Richards, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Treharris

August 19th

Private George Davies, Welsh, arrived at his home in Dynevor Terrace Friday week from hospital at Farnham, where he has been recovering from wounds received at the battle of Mametz Wood. Pte Davies received a gunshot wound in the hip during the charge, and was carried out of danger by a soldier from Blackwood, named Edwards.
Driver Wyndham Davies, R.F.A. has been home on short leave. Mr Harry Levett, butcher, Commercial Street, was called to the colours on Wednesday week. Private Edwin Morgan, R.W.F. has been released from the army to resume colliery work. Private John Burley, Welsh, returned to his depot on Monday. Private Lewis Edwards of Thomas St, is still in a serious condition at Oxford Hospital.

August 26th

Killed in Action - A rumour is current that Lt Charles Leigh, grandson of the Rev Jno Leigh, formerly Rector of Llanfabon, has been killed in the recent heavy fighting. Deceased was prior to the war, studying for the Church at Cambridge.
[Temp Captain John Charles Thomas Leigh ,6th Buffs (East Kent) Regiment, was killed in action on 3rd July 1916 near Ovilliers-La Boisselle, The Somme]

His numerous friends will be pleased to hear that Corporal A O Williams, A.S.C. who has been in hospital at Sheffield, wounded for some time, is now well on the road to recovery/
L/Cpl Dennis Lodwick who has been in hospital at Bradford suffering from wounds, has now almost recovered.

How a Promise Was Kept - Private George Davies, son of Mrs Davies, 6 Dynevor Terrace, Nelson has just been home for a few days, but has returned to Cardiff. It will be remembered that Pte Davies was one of the most popular members of the local C.L.B. club, and when he was wounded it caused great concern. He owed his life to the fact that when he was struck, a comrade of his, Private J R Jones of Aberfan, picked him up and carried him to safety. When the regiment left for France, Pte Davies’ mother came to the station to see her boy off, and she recalls Pte Jones saying “Don’t you worry, I am a father, and I will look after him”. Subsequent events have proved how faithful Private Jones was to his promise.

Wounded heroes - Several Nelson boys wounded in the fighting are now home on leave. In an interview with our correspondent had with Pte J Shaughnessy, High St, Nelson, he said he joined the colours in April 1915, and is home through a bullet hole in the leg sustained at Mametz Wood, where so many local lads have been put out of action. He met several old chums out there, and had a thrilling experience, but he can hardly realise his escape when he thinks of the way his comrades were falling all around him. He praises the work of our artillery very highly.
Private M Bevan, Heol Fawr is also home on leave through wounds, as is also Private B Jones, 81 High Street, Nelson.
Official intimation has been received that Pte J Powell, Hollybush, is missing, whilst Pte W Davies, 1 Warren Terrace, Trelewis is also reported to be missing. There is still no news of Lt H E Osborne, who was reported missing in the Suvla Bay fighting.
Mrs Tucker, Wern Crescent has received a brief letter from her grandson, Cpl S Tucker who is so far unhurt, although he has been in France since the early days of the war. Mr and Mrs Meredith, High Street, have received word from their son Arthur, who is a steward on the Union Castle liner “Pollglas”, that he likes the life and is quite well.

September 9th

Sgt S Portlock, Gloucester Regiment, of Commercial Street, Nelson, is home from hospital. The gallant Sergeant has lost his left leg and right eye as a result of wounds received in France. Private J Shaughnessy, Welsh, who was recently home wounded, has now returned to his depot at Cardiff. Private George Davies, Welsh, who was wounded at Mametz Wood, was home during this weekend. Sergeant Jack Hughes, K.S.L.I. is now in hospital at Huddersfield.

Trelewis News - Sapper Bert Frowen, R.E. is home on short leave. Gunner W Asaph Jones, R.F.A. son of Mr William Jones, Maesybryn, has also been home over the weekend.

September 16th

Two sons of Mr Daniel Williams, Station Terrace, Nelson, are in hospital recuperating from wounds. L/Cpl W A Williams, Welsh, is in a French hospital and has just undergone a successful operation to his foot. The other son, Corporal A O Williams, A.S.C. has been at the Wharncliffe War Hospital, Sheffield for over three months recovering from severe wounds received from a bursting shell.
Private Tom Jenkins, Welsh Guards, of 3 Hollybush Terrace, arrived in Nelson on Friday from Cambridge where he has been in hospital as a result of wounds received at the front. Privates V Tuthill, 3rd Welsh, George Davies, Welsh, Trooper W Walters, Glam Yeomanry and 2nd Lieutenants E I Walters and H H Morgan are home on short leave.

Trelewis news - Private Lewis Williams, Welsh Guards, is in Gower Street hospital, London, suffering from bad feet. Pte Mansell, Welsh Guards, is home on short leave. Sergeant Lewis Thomas, R.W.F. has been wounded.

September 23rd

Corporal Oliver Williams, A.S.C. is home from hospital. Sapper Jack Briscoe, R.E. of Heol Fawr, Nelson, is home on short leave from hospital. Private Jim Shaughnessy, Welsh Regiment, from High Street, is home for the second time from hospital. Driver Bert Watkins, R.F.A. of Station Terrace, Corporal Frank Parry and Private Jack Walters, Welsh Guards, of Trelewis, are reported to have been wounded in action. Sapper Vernon Jenkins, R.E., son of Mr John Jenkins, Mafondy, is in hospital at Monmouth with an injured hand.

September 30th

Bombardier Bert Watkins and Cpl Will Fowler were both wounded by the same shell in France. Both reside in Station Terrace and enlisted at the same time. Sapper Leonard Morgan, R.E., is home on leave as is Private Tom Hopkins. Sgt Jack Hughes, K.S.L.I. of Wern Crescent who was recently wounded in France, arrived home on Thursday from a hospital in Huddersfield. Cpl S Tucker, Civil Service Rifles, has been severely wounded in the right arm and is now at the 11th General Hospital in France. Driver Oliver Williams returned to his depot. Private R F Meacham, recently wounded, has been home on short leave.

Trelewis News - Private Bromley Amesbury of the Royal Fusiliers, Will Hughes and Sgt Evans have been home on leave. Sgt Lewis Thomas is still in hospital. Private W Hughes, Devon Regt, is home on leave. Sapper Frank Evans is also home. Another wounded soldier is bombardier W Lewis, Anti-Aircraft Section, R.F.A., of Cwrt-y-Celyn farm.

Military Medal Won - News has been received by Mr and Mrs William Evans, 4 Warren Terrace, that their nephew, Private Sid Williams, Dorsets, who was residing with them, has been awarded the M.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty under heavy fire. Although a native of Mardy, he has resided in this district for the last seven years. He has now been transferred to the Army Service Corps.

October 7th

Trelewis News - Roll of Honour - We regret to announce that Private Tom Storey, Coldstream Guards, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Charles Storey, High Street, Trelewis, was killed in action on September 15th. Private Storey was well known in the village and of splendid physique. It is stated that so great was Private Storey’s determination to enlist, that after being rejected five times, he underwent an operation in order to become medically fit. Official intimation has also been received that Private David Stephens, Welsh Guards, is missing, believed killed, since September 10th. Private Stephens is a son of Mr Ben Stephens, Lower High Street, Trelewis.

October 14th

Full details have now been received by Mrs Tucker, Wern Crescent, about the wounds sustained by her grandson, Corporal S Tucker. It appears that Corporal Tucker was struck by a German bullet, which broke his right arm and then penetrated his side, narrowly missing the spine. He is now in hospital at Colchester.

Trelewis News - Sgt Ernest Moss, Welsh Guards, is home on leave and Private Charlie Jones is a P.O.W. in Germany.

October 19th - South Wales Echo

Trelewis Prisoner of War - Private Charlie E Jones who joined the Welsh Regiment and later was transferred to the South Lancashires was reported by the War Office to be wounded and missing. Pte Jones now writes home stating that he is quite well and wants a parcel as he is a priosoner of war at Gefangenlager, Dulmen, I.W., Germany. He is the son of Noah Jones, 39, High Street, Trelewis and was employed at the Ocean Colliery Treharris. He is only 21 years of age.

October 28th

Private A C Pugh, Gloucester Regiment has been reported missing. Private Pugh was recently wounded, but returned to duty after a short spell in hospital. Prior to enlisting he worked at the Penallta Colliery. He resided with Mr and Mrs James Guy, 12, Thomas Street, Nelson.
Sapper L G Morgan, R.E., and Rifleman E Hughes, Monmouthshires, have been home on short leave. Leading stoker C Herbert, who has taken part in many naval engagements, was home on rest leave. Trooper Emlyn Pearce is also home on short leave. Able Seaman Lot Varmin, 11, Thomas Street is home on leave. Cpl A C Wood, R.F.A. has been discharged from hospital, and is now back in the firing line.

November 4th

During the past week, we have noticed several local soldiers home on short leave. Drivers Martin Evans, Wyndham Davies and Charlie Davies, Trooper W J Bevan and Sapper Vernon Jenkins. Bombardier Bert Watkins who was wounded in the left hand at Ypres, is now at Abbots Ripton Hall, Huntingdon. Corporal Will Fowler who was wounded the same time as Bert Watkins is now back on the front line. Private Morgan Bevan was home last week.

November 11th

Private G H Jones, Welsh, of Wern Cottages is home on furlough. Sgt M Andrews, R.I.F. is now in hospital in Truro. Driver Rowe, A.S.C. is also home. 2nd Lieut E T Owen, Lincolns is home on sick leave and Private Trevor Date is home on leave.

Trelewis News - Sergeant W Owens, Welsh Regiment, has been awarded the Military Medal.

November 18th

Corporal Luke Rusbatch, A.S.C. is home on leave. Sgt D Jones and Private D Williams of the Welsh Regiment and Sappers Ben Date and Fred Durbin, R.E. are home. L/Cpl W A Williams, Welsh, was given a social evening at the Salem chapel.

Trelewis News - Sgt Lewis Thomas, R.W.F. who was wounded in the big push, is home. Private Dan Jayne is home from Bristol hospital.

December 2nd.

Corporal Frank Harley, Welsh Regiment, of Springfield Terrace, arrived home last week on rest leave from the front. This gallant soldier has seen considerable service having been in France since the outbreak of war. He has been home on leave once previously. His many friends accorded him a hearty welcome. Bombardier Bert Watkins of Station Terrace, who has been wounded in the hand, also arrived home last week on hospital leave from Huntingdon. Whilst at hospital he had a very narrow escape through the motor car in which he and others were being taken for a ride, taking fire. Private Morgan Bevan, Welsh Regt, of Heol Fawr, recently wounded, has again been home, and we have also noticed Cpl J Edwards, Welsh Horse, Trooper Edgar Hopkins, Private Lyn Austin and Private Hughie Gibbs home on short leave.

Readers will be interested to learn that Cpl S Tucker, Civil Service Rifles, is now slowly recovering from his wounds at a convalescent home in Ongar, Essex.

Died of Wounds - Mrs Hughes of Wern Crescent, Nelson, received a letter from an army chaplain on Wednesday morning stating that her son, Private W E Hughes, Kings Own Scottish Borderers, whom we reported last week as being seriously wounded, had died of his wounds at the London Casualty Clearing Station, France and was buried on the 24th November in the British Cemetery at Grovelands. The sad news has created great sympathy in the village where Private Hughes was well known and highly respected. This makes the sixteenth Nelson soldier officially reported killed.

Private Jack Haskell, Welsh Regiment of 26, Wern Crescent, arrived home on sick leave from France on Tuesday evening.

Sgt Jack Hughes, K.S.L.I. of 20, Wern Crescent has forwarded home a Christmas greeting card and silver bullet, the gift of Princess Mary. Sgt Hughes was recently wounded in the Battle of The Somme and is now an instructor at the Regimental Depot. He is a brother of Private W E Hughes reported last week as having died of wounds.

Trelewis News - Official notice has been received by Mrs Williams, Railway Street, Trelewis that her brother, Private W Jones, has been killed in action at Salonika. He worked at Treharris Colliery.

Home on leave - Private Jack Walters and Private Mansell, Welsh Guards and Private Johnson, Welsh Regiment are home on leave.

December 9th

During the past week we have noticed Sgt Maj C A Osborne, Private Lyn Austin and Private H C Lovett home on leave from home camps.
A smoking concert was held in the Ffald Inn on Saturday evening in honour of Privates Lewis Williams and Jack Williams, two local soldiers, both of whom have been wounded in action. On Wednesday evening week, Cpl Jack Fowler, R.F.A of Station Terrace, arrived home on ten days furlough from France. Cpl Fowler has been at the front since Dec 1915, and has participated in many of the big battles, including the Somme fighting. A few months ago he was wounded in the leg, but was able to resume duty after a short spell at a base hospital. On Saturday evening, Private Tom Hadley of Springfield Terrace and Private Dick Williams of Commercial Street, arrived home on rest leave from France. Sapper Tom Andrews of Station Terrace, who was severely wounded in France whilst serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, arrived home on Friday evening for a short rest leave, before proceeding again to the front.

December 15th

Social Evening - The members of Ebenezer Church held a social evening on Monday last at Heol Fawr vestry to welcome home from the front Driver Tom Hadley of the A.S.C. Driver Hadley has been over twelve months in France, this being his first leave. Tea was provided by the younger ladies of the church, after which speeches of welcome were made by a number of his friends. Driver Hadley acknowledged his thanks in the course of a few well chosen words.
Lieut F Mathias, Royal Flying Corps, son of Councillor and Mrs J H Mathias, The Hollies, was home during the weekend. Private J Haskell, Welsh Regiment, returned to his depot on Thursday week. Private J Burley, Welsh Regiment, who was wounded at Mametz Wood, was home on final leave during the weekend before leaving for Mesopotamia. We have also noticed Sapper L G Morgan home on leave from Monmouth.

Wounded Heroes - Private R F Meacham, K.S.L.I. who was wounded in the Battle of The Somme, was home last weekend on final leave from Pembroke Dock before proceeding again to the front. Prior to enlisting he was in the employ of Dr Leigh, Glynbargoed. Sergt Jack Hughes, K.S.L.I. of Wern Crescent who was also wounded in the Big Push arrived home from Pembroke on leave on Friday. He is now acting as an instructor. On Wednesday evening Corporal S C Tucker, London, paid a visit to his relatives at Nelson. This gallant soldier was severely wounded on September 15th and has been in hospital at Boulogne, Colchester and Ongar. He is now well on the road to recovery. Corporal W Fowler, R.F.A. of Station Terrace, who has been home on ten days leave, returned to France on Friday.

Welcome Home - A social evening was held at the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom on Wednesday last for the purpose of welcoming home from the front Corpl Will Fowler, R.F.A. (Station Terrace). Corpl Fowler went to France in Dec 1915 and has seen much service. He was wounded some months ago by a high explosive shell, but resumed duty after some weeks in a hospital in Boulogne. This was the fourth social held at Salem Church, the others having been held in honour of Private J Parkins, Driver A O Williams and Lance Corpl W A Williams.

December 23rd

Home from the front - Battery Q.M.S. Jack Miles, R.F.A. and Privates Jack Day and Will Jones, R.W.F. are now home on furlough from France. All three have been in the army from the early stages of the war and have been over twelve months at the front. Trooper Sam Bundy, Welsh Horse, was home on leave on the weekend.

Killed in Action - We regret to announce that Private John Parkins, North Staffs Regiment, of 15 Heol Fawr, Nelson, was killed in action in France on November 26th. Official confirmation of the news was received on Monday morning by Mrs Jenkins, Holly Cottage, the deceased’s mother-in-law. Private Parkins was a reservist at the outbreak of war and had previously been on foreign service in India and Africa. He went to France with the first draught of the expeditionary force and has been home on rest leave twice since. With his regiment he had participated in many big engagements, and had come through them all uninjured. Two young children are left, his wife having died about four years ago. Prior to the war he was employed at the Deep Navigation Pits, Treharris. This is the seventeenth Nelson soldier officially reported killed in action.

December 30th

On Christmas Leave - Privates Albert Lee and D J Thomas, Welsh Regiment, of Caerphilly Road and Donald Street respectively, arrived home at Nelson on Christmas morning on ten days leave from France. Both have been at the front for over a year and took part in the battle of Mametz and other big engagements, Private Thomas being wounded. They were accorded a hearty reception by their friends. Sapper W Jones, R E. returned to France on Christmas morning after spending his rest leave at home. Other Nelson soldiers we have noticed during the holidays are Lieut H H Morgan, Sergt-Major C A Osborne, Sergt M Andrews, Sergt J Fowler, Sapper Vernon Jenkins, Sergt W S Price, Driver Fred Brick, Troopers J Griffin and S Bundy, Bandsman H Simmonds, Privates H Gibbs, J Bonney, T Phillips and J Day.