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January 6th

Private Edwards Date, Welsh, and Trooper E Bevan, Glamorgan Yeomanry, have been home on short leave, also Gunner Asaph Jones, R.F.A. Privates D J Thomas and A Lee, Welsh, returned to the front on Sunday evening.

January 13th

A Roll of Honour has been unveiled at Heolgerrig School in memory of the brave lads from that district who have fallen in the war. One Nelson soldier is on the memorial, namely, Private John Parkins, North Staffordshires, of Heol Fawr, Nelson, killed on November 26th.

Home from th Front - Sgt George Bishop, Privates Jim Meredith and J Breeze, Welsh, Sgt W Edwards, R.W.F. and Driver H Pitt, R.F.A. have all been home on rest leave from France. L.Cpl W A Williams, Welsh, is home on hospital leave.

January 20th

Sgt C A Osborne, Welsh, and Sapper Ben Date, R.E. are home on leave. A smoking concert was held for Driver W R Lewis, R.F.A., an old Nelson footballer, home on leave from France. Private Dick Addis, Dorsets, of Caiach Terrace, Trelewis is on rest leave from France.

February 3^rd.

Private Thomas Thomas, Royal Welsh Fusiliers of Heol Fawr arrived home last week on rest leave from fighting line. Pte Thomas enlisted early in 1915 and has been over a year at the front. A smoking concert was held for Privates W Hughes and G H Jones at the Nelson Inn. Private Walter Hughes, South Lancs, of Heol Fawr, arrived home on Thursday from France on rest leave. Private Hughes who was employed at the Treharris Colliery prior to enlisting, has been nearly two years at the front. Private Tom Thomas, R.W.F. of Heol Fawr, also arrived home last week on rest leave from the fighting line. Private Thomas enlisted early in 1915 and has been over a year at the front. On Saturday evening Private E J Davies, K.S.L.I. of 71 Heol Fawr, arrived home on rest leave. This gallant soldier has been slightly wounded in action on two occasions. Private G H Jones, Welsh, has also been home.

Trelewis News - Killed in Action - Official information has been received by Mr and Mrs Richard Ninnis, 3, Bontnewydd Terrace, Trelewis, that their son, Private Willie Ninnis, K.S.L.I. has been killed in France. The deceased lad was well known in the district and great sympathy has been extended to the bereaved family. He enlisted in the early part of the war and had been nearly two years in the war. The deceased’s company officer, in a letter, states that Private Ninnis was killed with several others by a German shell whilst in a dug-out on December 30th, last.

Died in France - We regret to announce that Gunner R J Jones, R.F.A. of 2 Bontnewydd Terrace, Trelewis has died in hospital at Havre as the result of a serious illness. Deceased who enlisted in March 1915, is one of three soldier sons of Mrs Jones, and was very well known in the district. It appears that he was admitted into the No 2 General Hospital, Havre on January 7th, suffering from severe headache and earache. An operation was performed, but he gradually got worse and died on Friday last. Mrs Jones was kept informed of her son’s progress by a series of letters from Miss Eva Schofield, the sister in charge, from which it appears that everything possible was done to save him.

Home on leave are Lt J H Evans, Australian Forces, son of Councillor and Mrs Jonah Evans, Gwalia House.

Roll of Honour - The village of Trelewis, with a population of barely over a thousand, has a glorious record in the nation’s roll of honour. Practically one out of every three eligible is serving with the forces, and like other towns and villages, Trelewis has suffered heavily with killed and wounded. The following names are of those who have paid the supreme price of their patriotism and have fallen in the field of battle:
Lt T Watkins, Sgt R Watkins, Cpl G Watkins, Cpl F Parry, Pte H Isaac, Pte D Stephens, Pte T Storey, Pte D Lewis, Pte E Hardman, Pte D W Ninnis, Pte W Jones, Pte W Ninnis, Pte S Herbert, Pte S Mansell and Pte R J Jones. Privates M Owen, A Edwards and T Jones are reported missing, and Private C Jones is a prisoner of war.

February 10th

Bombardier Edgar Lewis, R.F.A., of Dynevor Terrace, Nelson arrived home on Tuesday on rest leave from France. A Sunday-School tea and social evening was held at Calfaris on Thursday last to welcome home from France Private E J Davies, K.S.L.I. There were 200 present. Private Cyril Day, R.W.F. is also home. Private W.H. Jones, R.W.F. was wounded in action in Mesopotamia on January 14th. Driver Chas Davies, R F A is home on short leave.

February 17th

Picked up in France - Mrs Brace, 67, Heol Fawr, wife of Lance Corporal Richard Brace, Welsh, recently killed in action, has had forwarded to her by a soldier in France, her husband’s pocket book, containing a number of letters and photos. It appears that the pocket book was picked up on the battlefield where L/Cpl Brace was killed.

Home from France - Private Arthur Collier, Cheshire Regiment, of Hollybush Terrace, has been home on rest leave from France looking well. On Wednesday evening Private Will Phillips, Welsh, of Shingrig Road, arrived from the front where he has been for 18 months. On Friday evening, two more local soldiers, Lance Corporal Jim Matthews, Shingrig Road and Private Eddie Beddoe, Commercial Street, both of the Welsh Regiment, arrived home on rest leave. Private Cyril Day, R.W.F. and Bombardier Edgar Lewis, R.F.A. returned to France this week. His many friends will be interested to learn that L/Cpl Dennis Lodwick, South Staffs, formerly of the local Co-op stores, who was severely wounded in France, is now engaged at a munitions factory in the north of England. A smoking concert was held at the Balfour Club, soldiers present were Bomb Edgar Lewis and Privates Eddie Beddoe and Will Phillips and a number of discharged soldiers including Private William Varmin, Rifle Brigade who was invalided home some months ago.

February 24th

This week, regimental signaller, Herbert Vine, S.W.B. of 61 Heol Fawr, arrived home on rest leave from the Mediterranean. Private Vine was working at Port Talbot when war broke out and joined the colours in September 1914. He was recently awarded the Military Medal. This is the fifth medal to be won by Nelson men during the present war.
A tea and social evening was arranged at Penuel Chapel on Wednesday to welcome home from France Private W Phillips, Welsh, of Shingrig Road.

Trelewis News - Private Lewis Williams, Welsh Guards, of Pontsquire, is now home on rest leave. Another local soldier home is Pte Tom Harris, Dorsets, of St Mary Street. He has been wounded on two occasions.

Brave Trelewis Soldier - News has been received that Private John Ninnis, Welsh Regiment, son of Mr & Mrs J Ninnis, 47 High Street, was with several others, the hero of a raid on the German trenches some weeks ago. Pte Ninnis is well known in the district and joined the colours shortly after the outbreak of war, with his brother Private D W Ninnis, who is reported as missing since August 1915 in Gallipoli. The incident in which Private Ninnis took so prominent a part was graphically described in the Daily Express.

March 3rd

Lt Hubert Morgan, Manchester Regiment, came home last week on a brief visit to see his mother who was seriously ill, she died a few days later.
Corporal Fred Whiteman, Welsh Guards, of 39, Shingrig Road is home after 12 months at the front.

Wounded - Mr William Jones, 9 Wern Crescent, has been officially notified that his son, Private Gus Jones, Welsh, has been wounded in Mesopotamia. He has been wounded on five occasions.

Driver Fred Brick, A.S.C. of Caiach Terrace and Cpl Luke Rusbatch, A.S.C. of High St, Nelson are home on short leave. Private W Davies, Munster Fusiliers, son of the late John Davies, 1, Warren Terrace is home on leave.

The wife of Private D J Thomas, Welsh Regiment, was buried at Llanfabon Churchyard on Wednesday. Private Thomas was unaware that she had died although telegrams and letters were dispatched to him conveying the news of his wife’s death. He remained in ignorance of the occurrence until told by another Nelson soldier who happened to meet him on the day of the funeral. Private Thomas was then on his way into the trenches. They lived at 10, Donald Street.

March 10th

Ill in France - 2nd Lt E T Owen, Lincolns, is lying seriously ill in a French hospital. Mr Owen was headmaster of the local council school. On the outbreak of war he enlisted in the R.A.M.C. and was speedily promoted to Sergeant and later on accepted a commission in the Lincolns. Airman W Crockett, R N.A.S., has been home on short leave. We are informed that Trooper Edgar Hopkins and Privates Ted Smith and Ted Williams are in hospital in France.

Trelewis News - Private Aneurin Williams, K.S.L.I., son of Mr and Mrs W Williams of High Street, Trelewis arrived home on Thursday. Private James Jones, Somerset Light Infantry, of Bontnewydd Terrace has been wounded in the shoulder. Private Charles Blunt, Monmouthshire Regiment, of Field Street, Trelewis is home on leave.

March 17th

Private Tom Packer, Welsh Regiment, of Wern Isaf Farm, is now home on rest leave from France where he has been for several months. Sgt-Major C A Osborne, Welsh Regiment and L/Cpl H Jones, Gloucester Regiment are home on short leave.
A welcome home party was held at the Salem Chapel for Cpl Fred Whiteman, Welsh Guards, and Driver Fred Highnam, A.S.C., two of the Church members who are home on leave from France.

Wounded - G A Jones, 1623, Welsh Regiment from Nelson

March 24th

Private Eddie Price, Canadian Scottish Rifles is home on leave from France. He is staying with his uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs William Jones, Fairfield House. Private Price is the son of Mr William Price, blacksmith, who emigrated to Canada some years ago. Sgt M Andrews, R.I.F., son of Mr Richard Andrews, Station Terrace, who has seen active service in France, Gallipoli and Salonica and has been wounded twice, has received his discharge from the army.

March 31st

Promotion - Two more Nelson soldiers have been granted commissions. Corporal Fred Whiteman, Welsh Guards, son of Mr and Mrs T Whiteman, Shingrig Road has been home a few weeks. The other is Lance Corporal Will Walters, R.W.F., who is the son of Mr Robert Walters, Efail Shingrig. L/Cpl Walters was in the Glamorgan Yeomanry before being transferred to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He is now at an instruction school in England. No fewer than 9 Nelson men now hold commissions in the army.
Private Donald Beck, Dorsets, is in hospital near Wigan suffering from trench feet. Private W A Williams, Welsh, was home during the weekend. Sapper L G Morgan, R.E. is also home.

April 7th

2nd Lieut W Walters and Sapper Vernon Jenkins are home of short leave.

April 14th

Home on leave - Sgt Maj C A Osborne and Private E Williams, Welsh, Drivers P Mathias and J Haverlott, R.F.A. and Sapper J Fowler, R.E.

April 21st

Lieut H H Morgan, Manchester Regiment and Sapper W Nicholas, Royal Engineers were home during the weekend.
A social evening was held at the Primitive Methodist schoolroom on Wednesday for Private Ted Williams, Welsh, of Heol Fawr.

April 28th

Trelewis News - D.C.M. hero - Mr Frank James, Clerk to the Gelligaer Council, has received a letter from the Infantry Record Office, Shrewsbury, enclosing the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to the late Sgt J Northey of the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, for presentation to Mrs J Northey of 12 Caiach Terrace, Trelewis. The Gazette states that the medal has been awarded for conspicuous gallantry, when Sgt Northey went out four times over the parapet under heavy shell fire at about 150 yards range and successfully brought in four wounded men. The medal was presented to Mrs Northey on Wednesday evening, 25th, at the Council School, Trelewis.

May 5th

Trooper J Griffin, Glamorgan Yeomanry, has been home during the weekend. Two years have now elapsed since the death of Drummer W C Gardner, Welsh, the first Nelson soldier to be killed in the war.

May 12th

Soldiers home on rest leave from France: L/Cpl Tom Smith, R.E. from Ashgrove Terrace, Sapper Eddie Spiller, R.E., of 48 Shingrig Road and Driver Jack Pugh, R.F.A. of Heol Fawr.

May 19th

Mr nad Mrs Jno Jones, Nelson Inn, have received official notice that their son, Cpl D Jones, Royal West Kent Regiment, has been wounded in France. Corporal Jones enlisted in the Welsh Horse in the early stages of the war , transferring later to the Royal West Kents.

Trelewis news - Gunner Alfred Stephens, R.F.A., son of Mr and Mrs Benjamin Stephens, Hillside, Trelewis, in a recent letter home, states that he has been recommended for the Military Medal for coolness and bravery under heavy shell fire. Although 2 of his gun crew were wounded, Gunner Stephens continued to work his gun at full speed, thus earning the commendation of his officers.

May 26th

Lt H H Morgan, Manchester Regiment, was home during the weekend. Trooper Edgar Hopkins, Glamorgan Yeomanry, of Commercial Street is home recuperating from illness. Private Tom Edwards, R.A.M.C is also home.

June 2nd

Private Albert Pugh, Gloucester Regiment, is still missing since July of last year.
Home on furlough - 2nd Lt, C Lewis, S.W.B., 2nd Lt W Walters, Trooper W J Bevan, Glamorgan Yeomanry, Trooper Edgar Hopkins, Welsh Horse, Sapper Vernon Jenkins, R.E., Private C Watkins, K.S.L.I., Bugler D Griffiths, Welsh, and Doctor Peter Mathias, R.F.A., and Trelewis soldiers home include Gunner Asaph Jones, R.G.A., Private Sam Jayne, R.W.F. Private Aneurin Williams, K.S.L.I., Private John Williams, Welsh and Private D J Lambert.

June 9th

Injured in France - A/Sgt James Matthews, Welsh, of 33, Shingrig Road, has sustained a fractured leg through a fall in a trench. He is now in hospital at Carrington near Nottingham. Mr Fred Whiteman, Welsh Guards, of 39 Shingrig Road, who has been granted a commission for services rendered at the front, was home on the weekend from Pirbright, Surrey, where he is undergoing a course of instruction with the officers cadet battalion. Other soldiers home on leave are Sgt Maj C A Osborne, Welsh and Private Date, Welsh.

June 16th

A social was held at Ebenezer Chapel for Private Reg Pugh, R.W.F., son of Mr and Mrs A Pugh, 5, Dynevor Terrace. L/Cpl Tom Hopkins, R.E. of Commercial Street is home on leave. Private Llewellyn Palmer, Canadian Scottish, is home from the front. Corporal D Jones, R.W.K, of the Nelson Inn, who was recently wounded is now in hospital near Wigan.
Sgt T J Hughes, son of Mrs Hughes, 20, Wern Crescent, is in hospital suffering from shell-shock.

Two Trelewis soldiers, Private C Blunt and D D Richards are reported as being in hospital wounded.

June 23rd

Sgt Frank Harley, M.G.C. of Springfield Terrace is home from Grantham hospital. Private Lewis Edwards, Welsh, of Thomas St, Nelson, continues to make progress from the wounds received at the battle of Mametz Wood. He is in hospital in Oxford.

Trelewis news - Sgt W Owens, Welsh Regiment, of St Mary Street, Trelewis is home on rest leave. He was awarded the Military medal a few months ago. Private C Blunt, 2nd Monmouthshires, of Bontnewydd Terrace, has been severely wounded, injuries having been received to the spine from a bursting shell.

June 30th

Home on leave - Rifleman George Bradley, K.R.R., Private D Morgan, Welsh, Airman Tom Edwards, R.F.C., Cpl Ted Williams, A.S.C., L/Cpl W A Williams, Welsh and Private Lyn Austin, R.F

Trelewis News - Private D J Griffiths, R.A.M.C. arrived home on furlough last week after 19 months active service, during which he served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France.

July 7th

From Hospital - Private Lewis Edwards, Welsh, of Thomas Street, Nelson arrived home on Wednesday week after spending nearly 12 months in hospital at Oxford. Gunner Wyndham White, Canadian Field Artillery, has been on a visit to Nelson from a London hospital. Gunner White is well known in the district, being the son of the late Mr Elijah White, G.W.R. ganger at Nelson. He emigrated to Canada about 6 years ago and joined the forces at the outbreak of war. He has seen much active service and was wounded in action. Whilst in Nelson he stayed with Mr Arthur Price, Wern Ganol Cottages. Rifleman Idwal Williams, 1st Monmouthshires, L/Cpl W A Williams, Welsh and Sapper Ben Date, R.E. have been home on short leave.

July 14th

Captain Leigh - Captain H V Leigh, R.A.M.C., son of Dr W W Leigh and Mrs Leigh, Glynbargoed, has been mentioned in Sir A Murray’s despatches relating to operations in Egypt from October 1st, 1916 to February 1917. Captain Leigh was originally attached to the 5th Welsh, but owing to the urgent call for doctors he transferred to the R.A.M.C., retaining his rank. When in France a call came for volunteers from the R.A.M.C. to fill the places of fallen doctors in the trenches, and Captain Leigh was the first to volunteer, and was attached to one of the line regiments. He was in the trenches during the whole of nine months fighting. He was then put in charge of a dressing station and afterwards of the base hospitals in France; then, when they were fixing up a new hospital in Egypt, he was sent out as assistant registrar to a hospital in El Arish, and later was moved as registrar in charge of the 27th General Hospital Egyptian Expeditionary Force, which post he holds at the present time. This hospital has over 1000 beds.

July 21st

Trooper Jack Griffin, Glam Yeomanry, and L/Cpl Harry Jones, Devonshire Regiment are home on short leave.
A welcome home party was held at Salem Chapel for Private W Steers, Welsh Regiment, of 18 Caiach Terrace, Trelewis.
Private W Steers, 10th Welsh, married Miss Esther Butler from Walsall at Gelligaer Church on Saturday last.

Driver Morris Jones, R.F.A. and Private J Ninnis, Welsh, of Trelewis came home on leave.

July 28th

From France - Sapper Will Hopkins, R.E., Commercial St, Driver D Hill, R.F.A. of Station Terrace, Driver Edgar Jenkins, R.F.A. of Bontnewydd Terrace and Private R Addis, K.S.L.I., Caiach Terrace are home from France while Pte R Williams, R.W.F., Commercial St, L/Cpl W A Williams, Privates G Lockier, T Davies and E Morgan, S.W.B. and Sgt Smith are home from home camps.

August 4th

Private J Pearce, South African Contingent, son of Mrs Evans, 53 Shingrig Road, is now home from hospital having had his left hand amputated as result of wounds received in action. He has now been fitted with an artificial hand.
Sgt J Hughes, K.S.L.I., son of Mrs Hughes, 20 Wern Crescent, is home on a much needed rest leave from France. Last year Sgt Hughes was severely wounded and on his return to the trenches only served a few months before being again taken to hospital suffering from shell shock.
Driver Jack bridges, R.F.A. of High St, Trelewis, Private T Hurley, M.G.C, Mackintosh Terrace and Private Dick Addis, Dorsets, of Caiach Terrace, are all home on rest leave.
Sapper Will Hopkins, R.E. of Commercial Street returned to France on Tuesday. Private Blake, Royal Marines, of 75, Shingrig Road, and Trooper Edgar Hopkins, Glam Yeomanry, are on rest leave from home camps. Private Treharne Jones of the Cardiff Pals is recovering from injuries he received at Salonika recently.
Sgt Jim Matthews, Welsh, continues to make good progress at Carrington hospital.

August 11th

Private C Watkins, R.W.F. of Ashgrove Terrace and 2nd Lt Fred Whiteman of Shingrig Road are both on leave from home camps. Ex Sergeant M Andrews, Royal Irish Fusiliers, of Station Terrace, who fought at Gallipoli, Salonika and France, and later returned to civil life as the result of wounds is at present at Howard Gardens Military hospital suffering from dysentery.
Sgt Maj C A Osborne, Welsh Regiment, of Station Terrace, has been home during the holidays. Private Richard Addis, Shropshire Regiment, who returned to the front on Tuesday was married at Gelligaer Parish Church on Thursday week to Miss A Powell, daughter Mr and Mrs Edwin Powell, Thomas Street.
Mr Angus Thomas, architect, son of Mr and Mrs T E Thomas, 128 Shingrig Road has joined the Army Pay Corps and has made his first appearance home in khaki during the weekend. Private Denis Smith, R.W.F.,son of Mr John Smith, Dynevor Terrace is home on leave. Private Smith enlisted with the majority of Nelson’s young men early in the war, and has been twenty months at the Western front, this being his first spell of leave.
A Nelson soldier, writing home from France, asks that the name of Shingrig Road shall not be changed to Llancaiach Road as the boys in khaki want to find everything the same when they return after the war.

Nelson’s Roll of Honour - During the three years that have passed since the commencement of the Great War, the village of Nelson, in common with other places, has suffered heavily in men killed, wounded or taken prisoners. It has been impossible to keep an accurate number of the men wounded, the number being so large, but a record has been kept of the other casualties and, on this the third anniversary of the war’s commencement, it is though that a perusal of the list will prove of interest. Twenty one soldiers are reported killed, two are reported missing, two have died through illness in home camps and three are prisoners in Germany. Two local soldiers have been awarded the D.C.M., two others have been presented with the Military Medal and one local sailor has been awarded a Russian Order. The complete list of casualties and honours are as follows:

Killed: Drummer W C Gardner, Welsh Regt, High Street; Pte Lewis Edmunds, Welsh Regt, Station Terrace; Pte Ben Jones, Welsh Regt, Heol Fawr; Pte Arthur Harding, Welsh Regt, Thomas Street; Sgt J Carter, Welsh Regt, Station Terrace; Sgt J Northey, D.C.M., Welsh Regt, Caiach Terrace; Sgt J T Jenkins, R.W.F., Caiach Terrace; Pte Harry Brown, Dorsets, Shingrig Road; Pte W E Hughes, K.O.S.B., Wern Crescent; Pte Jack Parkins, North Staffs Regt, Heol Fawr; Pte Tom Edwards, Welsh Regt, Ashgrove Terrace; Pte Harry Jones, Welsh Regt, Heol Fawr; Pte Arthur Dobbs, Welsh Regt, Donald Street; L/Cpl Richard Brace, Welsh Regt, Heol Fawr; Sgt E J Davies, Welsh Regt, Station Terrace; Cpl S Jenkins, Welsh Regt, Llanfabon Road; Cpl Charles Ruck, South Wales Borderers, Caerphilly Road; Pte Jack Powell, Welsh Regt, Hollybush Terrace; Pte W North, AIF, Caiach Terrace; Pte T Jenkins, Welsh Guards, Hollybush Terrace and Cpl James Meredith, Welsh Regt, Heol Fawr.
Died: Pte Reginald Hadley, Dorsets, Springfield Terrace and Driver W Cook, A.S.C., Heol Fawr.
Missing: Lt H E Osborne, 5th Welsh, Shingrig Road and Pte A C Pugh, Gloucester Regt, Thomas Street.
Prisoners: Pte Robert Williams, R.W.F., Wern Crescent; Pte W Edmunds, Welsh Regt, Station Terrace; Pte R Huckle, D.C.L.I, Powells Works.
Honours won: D.C.M. to Sgt Tom Loveridge, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Shingrig Road, and Sgt J Northey, Welsh Regiment, Caiach Terrace. The M.M.: Pte H Vine, S W.B., Heol Fawr; The Russian Order of St Stanislaus to Able Seaman Lot Varmin, Thomas Street.

Trelewis - Private Gilbert Phillips, Gloucester Regiment was home last week on leave from Netley hospital where he had been recovering from trench fever. He was given a hearty welcome. Private Fred Brick, Welsh Regiment, of Caiach Terrace is now home awaiting his discharge from the army as the result of wounds received in France.

August 18th

A social evening was held at Mount Zion, to welcome home Private Dennis Smith, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, son of Mr John Smith, Dynevor Terrace
Killed in action - Official news has been received by Mrs Mansell, 8, Mackintosh Terrace, Trelewis, that her husband, Private Thomas Mansell, Welsh Guards, was wounded in action and succumbed to his injuries on July 31st. Private Mansell was very well known in this district and had worked at the Treharris and Penallta Collieries. He joined the Grenadier Guards in November 1914, a few days after he learned that his brother Private Sam Mansell, of the same regiment, had been killed in action. He was later transferred to the Welsh Guards and with them went to France. He was severely wounded in 1916 and spent several months in hospital at Eastbourne. He again went to France on his recovery and was home on rest leave in December last. Whilst hiome he was entertained to a smoking concert by the reception committe. Private Mansell who was only 33 years old, leaves a wife and five children. This brings the Nelson death roll of soldiers in action up to 22. Mrs Mansell has received a message of sympathy from the King and Queen and the following letter from deceased’s company officer:
“Dear Mrs Mansell, With great regret I have to inform you that your husband, Pte T Mansell, has died of wounds received on July 31st. I was with him myself just before the advance on that date and he was in high spirits and among his friends. His death is a great loss to the company. He was a very good soldier and set an excellent example to the younger men, both in smartness when out of the line, and in courage when in it. He was wounded severely in both legs. Yours truly, B T Herbert, Lieut, Welsh Guards.”

We are glad to note that several Nelson soldiers have been home on rest leave from France during the past week. Private Tom Pollard, Dorset Regiment, of Ashgrove Terrace, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the war. He has seen much fighting and was wounded and gassed at Hill 60. He formerly worked at Penallta Colliery. Private Sam James of Warren Terrace enlisted in the Grenadiers but was later transferred. he arrived home on Saturday. Other soldiers home from France are L.Cpl Frank Gibbs, R.E. and Private G Bishop, Welsh Regiment. All the above were accorded hearty reception. On Wednesday week Bombardier Arthur Meyrick, R.G.A., of High Street arrived home on 14 days leave after being nearly two years on service in Singapore. Bombardier Meyrick appears in excellent health and spirits and he was warmly welcomed home once again. We regret to note that Private Ted Date, Welsh Regiment, of Shingrig Road, has been wounded in action and is now in a French hospital. Private Denis Smith, R.W.F. of Dynevor Terrace, returned to France on Sunday and was given a hearty send off at the local G.W.R. station. Driver Albert Matthews, R.F.A., son of Mr and Mrs Henry Matthews, 31, Shingrig Road arrived in Nelson on rest leave from France on Monday evening. Driver Matthews, who is an old soldier, was married an living in South Africa when war broke out, but as a reservist, came to England to rejoin his old regiment. He has been home once previously suffering from a nervous breakdown. He was given a hearty reception. Captain T D Williams, R.F.A. of Brooklands, Shingrig Road, was home during the weekend on rest leave. A social was held at the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom on Wednesday evening for the purpose of welcoming Private Hunt on his return from hospital and the front.

August 25th

A social evening was held at Salem Chapel to welcome home Private Harry Hunt, K.S.L.I. after being nearly two years in a Lancashire hospital as the result of wounds received in action.
A social evening was held at the Penuel Chapel for Private Arthur Meyrick, R.G.A., home after two years service at Singapore. Other soldiers home include Driver Bert Way, A.S.C., Driver Albert Matthews, R.F.A, Pte S Williams, Dorsets of Warren Terrace, Pte D Thomas, Welsh, of High Street, Driver J Probert, R.F.A., Driver Leslie Lewis, R.F.A., Sapper R Pockett, R.E., Driver Ernest Pitt, R.H.A., Pte Williams Blake, R.M.L.I of HMS “Emperor of India”, Pte E Price, Canadian Scottish, Pte J Storey, Devonshires of High St, Trelewis.

September 1st

A social evening was held at the Salem Chapel for Driver Leslie Lewis, R.F.A, Driver Emlyn Edwards, A.S.C., Pte William Blake, R.M.L.I., Stoker C Herbert, R.N., and 2nd Lt Fred Whiteman. Also home are Sgt J Matthews, Welsh Regiment, from Carrington hospital, Private Percy Evans, Training Coy, Sapper A Rosser, Royal Engineers and Corporal W Chant, Welsh Regiment.

September 8th

Home on leave - Privates T Lowe and D H Thomas of High Street, Trelewis, Cpl Tom Abraham, S.W.B., bandsman Harold Simmonds, Private Tom Peek, 2nd Engineer W Williams, Driver W Bevan, Driver Martin Evans, Trooper Edgar Hopkins and Cadet Lewis Thomas.
Lt E T Owen is at present lying in hospital after receiving serious wounds in action.

September 15th

Home on leave - L/Cpl H Phillips, Sgt J Hughes, Quartermaster Tom Edmunds, R.A.M.C. and Sgt M Andrews is home from hospital.
Soldiers wounded include Pte Len Morgan, R.E., Pte W Jones, Springfield Terrace and Pte Richard Morgan.

Trelewis News - Killed in Action - Official information has been received by Mrs Jayne of High Street, Trelewis that he son ‘Dan’ was killed in action on September 5th. It is reported that Lt E T Owen received his wounds performing a daring feat of bravery.

September 22nd

Mrs Bates, Heol Fawr has been officially notified that her husband, Private Harry Bates, Army Service Corps, is lying seriously ill at the 21st General Hospital in Salonika.
Private Gwilym Davies, son of Mr and Mrs David Davies, 52 Shingrig Road is home from France. Able Seaman Will Whiteman, R.N.V.R. is also home on leave. Private Jack Burley, Welsh Regiment is home from hospital. Ex Corporal Oliver Williams of Commercial Street, who has been discharged from the army is back in hospital. Private Percy Williams, M.M. who resides at Glenview, is home.

Trelewis news - Driver Jas Jones, R.F.A. of Mackintosh Terrace, Trelewis is home.

September 29th

Lt H H Morgan, Manchester Regt is home from France. Driver John Hadley, R.F.A., Oak Villa, Shingrig Road, is home after two years in France.
Private Donald Beck, Dorsets, is home after eight months in hospital. Corporal Joe Edwards, Welsh Horse, of Shingrig Road is home. Private Dick Morgan, S.W.B. is in a Manchester hospital. Private Morgan was invalided home from Malta. Private Tom Powell, Welsh, from High Street, is home on leave as is Private Tom Thomas, Welsh, of Springfield Terrace.
Gunner Ivor Reed Williams, R.G.A. and Station Terrace, has been wounded and gassed and is in a French hospital.

October 6th

Sapper Tom Andrews, R.E. is home on leave. Pte Harry Bates, A.S.C. of Heol Fawr is down with malaria at Salonika. Sapper Fred Durbin of Heol Fawr is home on leave and Corporal David Evans, A.S.C. of Hollybush Terrace is home. Sapper Harry Daunton, Royal Engineers has also arrived home from France.
A social evening was held by the members of the Parish Church on Tuesday to welcome home from France Private Tom Powell, High Street.
On Wednesday evening, at Salem Schoolroom, High Street, the members of the Primitive Methodist Church held a social to welcome home Private Donald Beck, Dorset Regiment.

Trelewis News - Local Hero - Private Harry J Davies, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, son of Mr M R Davies, late of Brynhyfryd Villa, Ffaldcaiach, has been discharged from the army in consequence of severe wounds. Pte Davies was wounded at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. After some months in an English hospital, he went to Egypt in 1916 and later to Palestine, where he saw over 16 months service, receiving severe wounds at the battle of Gaza on the 26th March, 1917. Pte Davies’ wounds comprised a damaged hip and shattered arm, rendering him unfit for further service.
Private Austin Williams, Dorsets, from Trelewis is home on rest leave. Also home is Gunner W Asaph Jones, R.G.A,, Private Tom Phelps of Field Street, Trelewis. Private J Williams, Suffolk Regiment of Glynbargoed, who has been wounded, is on rest leave from a home camp.

October 13th

Private Samuel Bundy was reported as killed in action on 24th September 1917.
Private Reg Pugh was reported killed in action on 26th September 1917.
Privates E Bonney, W Willis, A Thomas, R Williams and W Kelland have been home on short leave.

Trelewis News - Gunner Harry Davies R.G.A. of High Street, Trelewis is home on leave.
 

October 20th

Military Medal Won - The Military Medal has been awarded to Battalion Quartermaster Sergt John C Miles, son of Mr and Mrs David Miles, Wern Crescent, Nelson, now of Gilfach-Bargoed, for gallant conduct in action on the western front. This is the first occasion on which honour has been conferred on a boy born and bred in Nelson. BQMS Miles, in civil life, was employed by the T.V.R. as booking clerk at Pontypridd, and formerly held a similar position at Abercynon. He enlisted on September 4th, 1914, and by strict attention to duty was promoted to his present rank within five months of his enlistment. The official announcement of the award states that:
“During the Ypres operations between the 31st July and 17th August, 1917, this N.C.O. has shown great devotion to duty and gallantry under fire, especially on 3rd August, 1917. At Ypres, when the battery moved to a forward position he was engaged in drawing ammunition from the old position. During the time he had to pass through heavy shell fire over bad ground with tired horses. He stuck to his work under very trying circumstances and succeeded in keeping up the supply of ammunition to the battery at a time it was badly needed. It was also due to his bravery and determination that the supply of ammunition was maintained.”
Accompanying this announcement was a parchment certificate commending his unflinching devotion to duty.

October 27th

Private Ted Smith, Welsh, is home for a few days. Sapper Albert Rosser, R.E. has been wounded in action and is now in hospital in Manchester. Sapper Len Morgan, R.E. is in a London hospital suffering from shell shock.
Private Cyril Day, R.W.F. is in a Cheshire hospital with wounds in the hand and thing.
Seamen W Whiteman and W Jenkins, H.M Crystal Palace, and Reg Sgt Maj C A Osborne are home on leave.
Driver Peter Mathias of the Royal Field Artillery is home.
Private George Innes, A.S.C. is in hospital at Salonika suffering from malaria.
Corporal D Jones is still in hospital suffering from the wounds he received six months ago.

November 3rd

Battalion Quartermaster Sergt J C Miles, R.F.A; who was recently awarded the Military Medal for bravery at Ypres, was home on rest leave during the weekend. He appeared in excellent condition, and was given a hearty reception.
On Wednesday evening Corporal H Spiller of the Canadian field Artillery, son of Mrs Lowe, 48, Shingrig Road, arrived home from France. Corporal Spiller enlisted in the Canadian Force early in the war and has been many months at the front. He was probably the last Nelson soldier to see the late Private Sam Bundy alive, having spoken to him the night before he was killed in action. Cpl Spiller did not hear of his death until he reached Nelson on Wednesday.
Signaller Edgar Hopkins, Pembroke Yeomanry, son of Mr Wm Hopkins, grocer, Commercial Street, has also been home on leave. Signaller Hopkins was invalided home from France some months ago.
On Wednesday morning Seaman Harold Meredith of the Mercantile Marine, son of Mr James Meredith, Brynglas, High Street, arrived home on sick leave after a voyage to India and South Africa.
Private Idwal Williams, Monmouthshire Regiment has been home on short leave and we have also noticed that Pte Jack Burley, Welsh Regiment home on draft leave. Readers will remember that Private Burley was severely wounded at the battle of Mametz Wood, but will be pleased to learn that he is now much better.
Signaller Tingle, Leeds Rifles, has now left Nelson for an officers’ instruction school, having accepted a commission.

November 10^th.

The Rev John Jenkins, chairman of the local war pensions committee has received a letter from an army Chaplain in response to inquiries made by him concerning the death of Pte Reginald Pugh, R.W.F. of 5, Dynevor Terrace. A report of Private Pugh’s death in action was received a fortnight ago and appeared in these columns.

Wounded and missing: L/Cpl Lyn Austin, D.C.M. of the London Regiment and son of Mr Gwilym Austin, grocer, High Street, Nelson is officially reported wounded and missing. The news reached Nelson on Tuesday morning in a letter from one of L/Cpl Austin’s chums. Mention is made that L/Cpl Austin was wounded in the leg on Friday 26^th October 1917 and that since then nothing has been heard of him. The missing N.C.O. has only recently been awarded the D.C.M. for bravery in action at Bullecourt, and was to have come home shortly in order to accept a commission.

Cpl Will Fowler, R.F.A. of Station Terrace, arrived home on Thursday week from France for fourteen days rest leave. This is Corporal Fowler’s second rest leave, he having been home once previously in November 1916.
Another soldier home from the front is L/Cpl Percy Lewis, R.E., son of Mr George Lewis, Quarry Proprietor, Llwyncelyn House. Cadet Jack Hughes, O.T.C. of Wern Crescent has also been home on leave. As a Sergeant in the K.S.L.I. Mr Hughes saw much service in France, being severely wounded in one engagement and invalided home with shell shock on another occasion. Cadet Will Walters O.T.C. of Shingrig Road, has also been home for a few days.

November 17th

A grand welcome home social was given by the members of the Primitive Methodist Church on Tuesday night to Corpl W Fowler, R.F.A., who was home on leave from the front. This was Cpl Fowler’s second rest leave and the second social accorded to him by this church.
Pte Cyril Day, R.W.F., of Springfield Terrace is now home on hospital leave. He was wounded severely some months ago and had one of his fingers amputated.
Mrs Davies, 71 Heol Fawr, Nelson, has received a letter from her son, Private Tom Davies, Welsh Regt, describing an interesting experience he recently had. It appears that while his regiment was recently stationed at Durban in Africa, several of the soldiers were invited to the homes of the townsfolk. Private Davies was in amongst the number, and in the course of a conversation with his hostess, discovered that she was from this part of South Wales, her name before marriage being Miss Annie Peters. As it was over twelve years since she last had news of life at Nelson, there was naturally much to be talked about.

Trelewis News - Readers will be interested to note that Private Fred Brick, Welsh Regiment, of Caiach Terrace, has now been discharged from the army. Some months ago Private Brick was severely wounded by shrapnel in the thigh and spent a considerable time in hospital, and can only walk now, with the aid of a stick. Prior to enlisting Pte Brick was employed as a haulier at the Ocean Pits, Treharris.

December 1st

Corporal D J Thomas, Welsh, of Donald Street, is now home on rest leave from France. A few months ago Cpl Thomas wife died after a few das illness and he was unable to come home at the time. This is his first rest leave since then.
Also home are: Pte W J Osborne, High St; Trooper Edgar Hopkins, Commercial Street and Sapper W Nicholas, Commercial Street.
Sgt M Andrews, R.I.F., arrived home from a Cardiff military hospital.

December 8th

Driver Jack Haskell, R.F.A of 26 Wern Crescent is home. Also home are R.S.M CA Osborne, Pte J Powell, Seaman V Holloway and Bambardier Hopkins.
Cpl Willie Chant , Welsh, is wounded and in an Exeter hospital

Trelewis News - Private D J L Griffiths, R.A.M.C. was wounded in action on 29th October in France. He is now in the 50th Casualty Clearing Station.

December 15th

Home from France - Private Jack Day, R.W.F., son of Mr Harry Day, Springfield Terrace has been home on leave from the front. He appears in excellent health and spirits, and was accorded a warm welcome. Pte Day has been nearly two years at the front.
Lieut E T Owen, Lincoln Regiment, headmaster of the Council Schools, who was seriously wounded some months ago, is now making good progress. Writing from Lady Ridley’s hospital, London to one of his former scholars, Lieut Owen says he was shot through both legs but is now able to get about a little in a wheelchair and hopes soon to have crutches.

Nelson D.C.M. heroes - During the present war, three Nelson soldiers have won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery in action, and it is a strange coincidence that all three have since met with misfortune. Sergt Tom Loveridge, Royal Warwicks was the first to win the honour, and has since had his left arm amputated as a result of wounds. He is now a drill instructor. Sergt James Northey, 2nd Welsh, was the next winner, and he died from wounds at Netley hospital. Lance Corporal Lyn Austin, London Regiment, who was reported wounded and missing only a fortnight after being awarded the coveted honour. One of Nelson’s Military Medallists, Pte H Vine, S.W.B. is also reported to have been dangerously wounded at Salonika.

Private Angus Thomas, Army Pay Corps, has been home on short leave. Driver Martin Evans, R.F.A. of Wern Crescent and Pte Will Smith, Welsh Regt of High Street have been home on short leave.

December 22nd.

On Wednesday week, Cpl W Pugh, R.E., son of Mr Ben Pugh, Contractor, High Street, arrived home from hospital. Cpl Pugh was wounded in the Messines Ridge battle on May 28th last, a bullet from a German machine gun passing right through his chest lung. He was at a Brighton hospital for six months and latterly at a convalescent home in Eastbourne. He is still far from being fully recovered.
Private William Jones, R.W.F., son of Mr Charlie Jones, Heol Fawr is home on a well-earned rest leave. He last came home in December 1916.
Two other soldiers home are Driver Harold Pitt, R.F.A., of 77, Shingrig Road and Private Edward Breeze, Welsh.
Cpl S C Tucker, London regt, is now in hospital at Redcar.
L.Cpl W A Williams, Welsh, and Driver Peter Mathias, R.F.A. are home on leave.

L/Cpl Lyn Austin is a prisoner of war at Munster, Germany.

Trelewis News - Gunner Oatley Taylor, R.G.A. and Seaman W Jenkins of Caiach Terrace are home on rest leave.