The Hidden Stories of St Tysilio churchyard, Menai Bridge
This is about those remembered on the headstones of Ynys St Tysilio who had involvement with the Great War of 1914 – 1918, the Second World War of 1939 – 1945 and other conflicts. Some were lost in war; others were civilians who kept the town going, including H Harold Hughes the Architect who designed the Cenotaph. There are many others commemorated on the Cenotaph who are not mentioned here.
Note: St Tysilio is also known as Church Island
CWGC is Commonwealth War Graves Commission
After 1920 the spelling of Royal Welsh Fusiliers was changed to Royal Welch Fusiliers
St Tysilio Burials and Commemorations connected with WWI and WWII:
There are 8 official Commonwealth War Graves Commission burials here, 7 from the Great War and 1 from WWII, all marked ✿. Others are commemorations and burials for people who contributed to public life. Where there are inconsistencies in date and spelling, I have transcribed faithfully.
The title line for each person is the wording on their headstone.
Enter through the large gate, walk to the left and follow the unofficial path to the far corner of the churchyard, on your left – in the furthest corner, CWGC slate headstone with RWF badge
✿ 1 – 2785 Private L. Branwood – Royal Welch Fusiliers
Leonard James Branwood, Private Royal Welsh Fusiliers – son of Hannah Elizabeth and Leonard James; father worked as a Linesman; accident with a horse caused a broken skull in Training Camp in Cambridgeshire; contracted meningitis; died in hospital, age 17; given a military funeral, younger brother age 9 also in grave, probably died from flu
2785 Private - L. Branwood - Royal Welch Fusiliers - 14th November 1915 age 17 - Also in loving memory of - his brother Herbert - Died 24th Sept. 1918 - Age 9
Return to the path and walk back towards the gate, opposite the steps, on your right, ‘IHS’ design
2 – In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Williams . . . Also Lance Cpl. J. J. Williams, Son of the above
John James Williams, Lance Corporal 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment - lived in Hirael, Bangor; worked as a Gardener on the Faenol Estate; had been wounded and treated in hospital in Leeds; returned to the front, taken Prisoner of War, died there 9th October 1918; buried Hautmont Communal Cemetery
In Loving Memory of - Elizabeth Williams - The beloved wife of - Richard Williams, Penrhos Garnedd - Born Oct. 8th 1848 - Died Dec. 10th 1897 - “Thy will be done”. Matt. VI 10 - Also the above, Richard Williams. - Died June the 10th 1915 Aged 63 years - (verse) - Also - Lance Cpl. J. J. Williams, - Son of the above, who died prisoner of war in Germany - Oct 1918, Aged 29 years - Sadly missed
Walk up the steps and to the gravel path, slightly to the right, CWGC slate headstone, 3 feathers
✿ 3 – 47905 Private R. W. Rowlands - Welch Regiment
Robert William Rowlands, Private Welch Regiment (Depot) - lived at 8 Well Street with his mother Mrs Jane Rowlands; probably died at home of wounds, age 28
47905 Private - R. W. Rowlands - Welch Regiment - 9th April 1921 Age 28
Left, on path towards the sea, and on your left, CWGC slate headstone, sphinx
✿ 4 – L/36668 Private T. D. Jones - South Wales Borderers
Thomas Davies Jones, Private South Wales Borderers 9th Battalion - son of Thomas and Dorothy Jones of 9 Well Street; enlisted in Rhymney while living in Abetysswg; probably wounded, transferred to Labour Corps; died at home of wounds, age 27
L / 36668 Private - T. D. Jones - South Wales Borderers - 6th November 1918 Age 27
Veer off into the mass of headstones, slate headstone with weeping palm and much writing on it
5 – Er cof am John Williams. Pen y garreg yn y Plwyf hwn. . . . Also in Loving Memory of Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas Williams, Sapper Royal Engineers 123rd Company - family lived at Pen y Garreg, Hill Street; killed when acting as a Despatch Bearer at Mametz Wood, hit by a shell explosion; buried at Morlancourt British Cemetery (commemorated on 2 graves)
Er cof am - John Williams. – Pen y garreg yn y Plwyf hwn - A fu farw Tach 22ain 1866. - Yn 68 Mlwydd Oed - Hefyd am Catherine ei wedd,w - Yr hon a fu farw Hydref 6ed, 1898 - Yn 85 Mlwydd Oed. – (verse) - Also in Loving Memory of - Robert Thomas son of, - Robert and Jane Williams, Pengarreg - and grandson of the above named, - who was killed at Mametz Wood, France - While serving his King and Country - on July 10, 1916 and interred on the 11th in the - English Cemetery Markancoupt, France - aged 26 Years and 8 Months - His memory ever dear to his Father - Mother and Family.
Walk through the graves, towards the water, double size kerb grave with headstone
6 - In loving memory of Owen Jones . . . In fond remembrance of dear Tysilio
Arthur Tysilio Jones (served as Arthur Tysilis Jones), Signalman Royal Corps of Signals – son of Owen and Margaret Jones of the Tea Gardens; husband of Dorothy Ada (they lived at the Ship Hotel, Llangefni); worked for the Post Office Engineering Department; saved from the beach at Dunkirk, taken to Penhale Training Camp near Truro for recuperation; bombed by German plane, 22 men killed; buried Perranzabuloe (St Piran) Churchyard, Cornwall
Family headstone (stone, inset lead lettering): In loving memory of - Owen Jones - beloved husband of - Margaret Jones - Tea Garden, Menai Bridge - Died Oct. 24, 1943 - Aged 70 years. - At rest. - Also the above - Margaret Jones - Died March 22nd, 1947, - aged 73 years. – He giveth his beloved sleep - In fond remembrance - of dear Tysilio, - killed in action July 7th, 1940, - Aged 33 years. - Now interred at Cornwall. – In the midst of life we are in death.
Behind above headstone and directly behind slate bench, a stone slab with a cross
7 – Henry Capel Sandys, after whom Coed Cyrnol is named, Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Company’s Bengal Military Service (also known as Bengal Native Infantry and East India Company) is probably also buried here, from the wording on the gravestone:
In memory of Harriot the wife of Lt. Col. Capel Sandys who died Dec. 20th 1864 - Also in loving memory of Mary Anne Blanchford - widow of the late Richard Norman and daughter of the late Colonel A. G. Sandys - Who died the 2nd September 1913
Rejoin the tarmac path, turn right, look carefully on your right, a very small kerb grave, headstone lies flat, cross on grave, not next to path
8 – In Loving Memory of Sgt. Frederick H Williams, Gren Guards
Frederick Hugh Williams, Sergeant 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards; son of F H and E Ross Williams of Ty’Rardd, Menai Bridge; husband of Annie Williams of Shiney Row, Co Durham; crossed in the D-Day Landings of June 6th 1944; by March 1945 in Germany to secure the area of the Rhine and its bridges; died Monday 5th March 1945 age 27; buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany
In - Loving Memory of - Sgt. Frederick H - Williams, Gren Guards - Late Ty Rardd, M. Bridge - killed in action March 5th 1945. Aged 24 years. – Buried in Keppellin - Germany. Also his infant sister Iris Cynthia.
Next to path, slate, round topped headstone, decoration of clasped hands
9 – In Loving Memory of Gunner John Edwards
John Edwards, Gunner Royal Garrison Artillery 155th Battery – died Wednesday 24th October 1917; buried Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium
In Loving Memory of - Gunner John Edwards, - The beloved son of Ellen & John Edwards, - Slate Yard House Menai Bridge. - who died of Wounds in France Oct: 23rd 1917. - Aged 23 years. - Also James Edwards, - The beloved son of the above, - who died Sept: 16th 1918. - Aged 25 years. - Also the above named, - John Edwards, - who died June 29th 1923, - aged 62 years. - Hefyd am - Ellen Edwards, - Annwyl briod yr uchod - a fu farw Awst 30, 1954, - yn 85 mlwydd oed.
Next to path, slate headstone with ivy decoration, double kerb grave
10 – In Loving memory of Owen Jones . . . Also their son, Pte. Robert Jones R.W.F . . . Also Pte. Roderick Griffydd Jones, Royal Pioneer Corps
Robert Jones, Private Royal Welsh Fusiliers 19th Battalion – killed while on patrol in No Man’s Land, buried Fins New British Cemetery, France
10a - WWII - Roderick Griffydd Jones (served as Roderick Griffith Jones), Private 4202762, 132 Company Pioneer Corps; part of the invasion of southern Italy to drive the Germans back; buried Naples War Cemetery
In Loving memory - of - Owen Jones, - Husband of E. E. Jones - 2 Off Well Street, Menai Bridge, - who died June 24, 1928, - Aged 59 years. - “Rest in Peace”. - Also their son, - Pte. Robert Jones R.W.F. - Killed in Action Sept. 28, 1917, - Aged 18 years. - Somewhere in France in a soldiers grave - Lies our dear son amongst the brave - Only those who have lost are able to tell - The grief for one we loved so well. - Also - Pte. Roderick Griffydd Jones, - Royal Pioneer Corps. - Son of the late Owen Jones. - Died of wounds in Italy March 16, 1944 - Aged 31 years. (Also tablet on grave)
Next to the path, double kerb grave in granite, cross lies flat
11 – In Loving Memory of Charles Egerton Dixon, D.L., J.P., O.B.E. . . .
Lt Col Charles Egerton Dixon: career soldier Royal Irish Regiment, married to Susannah Snowdon Park (née Blood), lived at Glan Ceris; commandment of Carnarvonshire Volunteers, Order of the British Empire (OBE); Deputy Lieutenant for Anglesey, Justice of the Peace, Recruiting Officer during Great War and on Committee for St Tysilio War Memorial
His stepson: Adam St John Lloyd Park, Major Royal Field Artillery 38th Brigade – great grandson of Mungo Park explorer; career artilleryman, trained at Woolwich; served in South Africa and India; awarded the Military Cross; died Saturday 21st April 1917, age 30; buried Gorre British & Indian Cemetery, France
In Loving Memory of - Charles Egerton Dixon, D.L., J.P., O.B.E., - Lt. Colonel, late 18th The Royal Irish - Regt. Who passed away on Feb 17th, 1922. - “The memory of the just is blessed” (Also slab on grave to Susan S Dixon)
Double kerb grave at upper level in rough granite, low standing Celtic cross
12 – To The Dear Memory of Frederic William Turner . . . Emmeline Shutt
Emmeline Shutt (née Turner) of Cartrefle, married in 1913 to Herbert Cecil Shutt (known as Cecil); she worked as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment Nurse) during the war, in Holyhead. ‘F. W. Turner’ served on the War Heroes’ Memorial Committee for Menai Bridge. They raised money and ensured that the St Tysilio Cenotaph was built.
Lt Herbert Cecil Shutt, Royal Scots Rifles 3rd Battalion (attached 1st Battalion); son of J T Shutt of Noctorum in Birkenhead; educated Sedbergh School and Queen’s College, Cambridge; Barrister-at-Law on the Northern Circuit; was leading an attack on German trenches when he was shot; died Monday 13th November 1916; commemorated Thiepval Memorial, France
To The Dear Memory of - Frederic William Turner - Born December 26th 1858, - Died February 2nd 1935. - Also Elizabeth His Wife - Born April 21st 1865, - Died July 17th 1937. (Stone tablet: Emmeline Shutt - Died February 15, 1958 - ‘Lord in thy mercy, grant safe lodging’.)
This grave faces their house, Cartrefle.
Next to the path, slate headstone with kerb, cross and anchor design
13 – In Affectionate Remembrance Of Thomas Owen . . . Also of their dear Grandson, Tono
Thomas Williams, Private 4195693, 1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers - son of John and Maggie Williams; was part of a force sent to the Arakan (Burma) with orders to overwhelm Donbaik held by the Japanese, a bloody battle which failed; after the war Field Marshal Slim said of the RWF that ‘they showed valour which has rarely been surpassed’; died Thursday 18th March 1943; age 22; commemorated Rangoon Memorial
In Affectionate Remembrance Of - Thomas Owen – Bod Owen, Menai Bridge, - who departed this life March 25, 1925, - Aged 57 Years. – Thy will be done. – Also his Beloved Wife – Catherine – Died May. 16, 1950, - Aged 83 years. – Also of their dear Grandson, Tono – Killed in Action in Burma, - March. 18, 1943. – Come unto Me, all ye that labour – And are heavy laden – and I will give you rest. (Three slate plaques on grave)
Next to the path, double kerb grave, slate headstone decoration of vertical lines and tulips
14 – In Cherished Remembrance of Emily Davies . . . Also of John R. Davies, (Son)
John Richard Davies, Private Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd Battalion; born Holyhead, educated Beaumaris Grammar School; worked in the Marquis of Anglesey’s Estate Office; enlisted at Wrexham, overseas in June 1918; killed in action night of 7/8 August (CWGC 9th August); buried Le Vertannoy British cemetery, France
In Cherished Remembrance - of - Emily Davies, - Wife of William Davies - “Cambria” Menai Bridge, - Died March 18, 1945, - Aged 70 years. - Also of - John R. Davies, (Son) - Killed in Action in France - August 8, 1918, - Aged 18 years. - Also the above - William Davies, - Who died Feb. 25, 1955, - Aged 81 years.
Next to path, slate headstone, double size ledger slab
15 – Tirionaf Gofion Am Nel . . . Hefyd Cynan
Albert Evans Jones (Bardic name Cynan) served in the Royal Army Medical Corps – educated at Grammar School Pwllheli and University College Bangor; Bala Theological College after the war; teacher, preacher and poet; he wrote about his experiences in the war; he is known for updating the organisation and ceremonies of the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol (National Eisteddfod)
Tirionaf Gofion Am – Nel – 1893–1962 – Annwyl Briod – Y Parch A. E. Jones (Cynan). – “O thelir pwyth i haelion, – Taler ei haelder i hon.” – Hefyd – Cynan – 1895-1970 – Bardd a Llenor. On the bed of the grave: Hefyd – Emyr ap Cynan, - 1923 – 1975 – Meddyg Annwyl.
Next to the path, double grave with slate headstone and kerb, white chippings
16 – In loving memory of my dear husband . . . Also of his beloved sons Willie and Harold
William Henry Jones, Serjeant 31st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers – husband of Ann Mary Jones; during 1939 – 1945 boarding houses and hotels on the Isle of Man were used as an internment camp for civilians without British passports, also there were several bombing and firing ranges on the island; killed by accident in an artillery training exercise Tuesday 2nd November 1943, age 34; buried Douglas Cemetery, Isle of Man.
16a - WWII - Harold Harlan Jones Able Seaman Royal Navy, HMS Hood; a career RN man, it had been his ambition as a boy to sail on the Hood; British naval ships were sent to intercept German battleships as they left to attack the convoys in the Atlantic, Hood was hit by shells from the Bismarck, one fell through a turret into the magazines below decks; it took HMS Hood 3 minutes to sink, from a crew of more than 1,400 men, 3 survived; died Saturday 24.05.1941, age 20; commemorated Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
In loving memory - of - my dear husband - Renig Meirion Jones, – 11, Rhyd Menai, Menai Bridge. - Who died January 31, 1950, - Aged 53 years. – Also - of his beloved sons - Willie and Harold, - killed in action 1939–45. - “May light perpetual shine upon them - and grant them eternal rest”. (Also slate tablet: Also his beloved wife – Elizabeth, - a dear and loving mother. - Died May 8 1979, - aged 79 years.) (& on kerb: Also of Edward Tudno Jones, - Died November 15 1968 aged 49 years. “Mewn Hedd.”)
Turn right at the tree up the grass path, 2nd row on right, slate headstone and kerb with slab
17 – Er Gof Serchog am Annie . . . Hefyd am eu hannwyl fab Richard Robert
Richard Robert Williams, Private South Wales Borderers 4th Battalion – had worked at the Anglesey Arms Hotel, in Liverpool and at the Sunlight Soap factory on the Wirral; he was killed in action 12th August 1915, age 19; commemorated Helles Memorial, Gallipoli
Er Gof Serchog - am - Annie, - Annwyl briod John Williams, - 9, Beach Road, Porthaethwy. - Yr hon a fu farw Mai 18, 1950, - yn 77 mlwydd oed. - Hefyd y dywededig - John Williams, - A fu farw Hydref 4, 1951, - yn 83 mlwydd oed. - Hefyd am eu hannwyl fab - Richard Robert, - Yr hwn a gollwyd yn Gallipoli Awst 1915, - yn 20 mlwydd oed. - “Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig.” (Also slate tablets on grave)
Return to tarmac path, turn right, on right, slate headstone with vertical stripes and kerb with slab
18 – Er Serchog Gof Am Hugh M Roberts . . . Hefyd John Roberts, A laddwyd yn Ffrainc
John Roberts, Private Royal Welsh Fusiliers 17th Battalion – born in Llanbedrgoch; killed in action at Mametz Wood on 12th July 1916, age 23; commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, France
Er Serchog Gof Am - Hugh M Roberts - 18 Druid Road, Menai Bridge. - A fu farw Medi. 19, 1950. - Yn 76 mlwydd oed. - “Eu hûn mor dawel yw”. - Hefyd ei annwyl briod - Margaret Jane Roberts - A fu farw Tach. 17, 1959, - yn 85 mlwydd oed. - Hefyd - John Roberts, - A laddwyd yn Ffrainc 1914-1918. - yn 23 mlwydd oed. - “Hedd Perffaith Hedd.”
Follow path up hill, 3rd headstone next to path, CW?GC burial, family headstone, polished granite with anchors
✿ 19 – Er Serchog Gof Am William Annwyl briod Carrie Jones
William Jones, Ordinary Seaman Royal Navy, HMS Botanic – had been requisitioned by RN for use as a Minesweeper; one of the ships to evacuate troops from Dunkirk beach in June 1940; September 15th 1940 was in Dover harbour when bombed by a German aircraft, 6 crew killed
Er Serchog Gof Am – William –Annwyl briod Carrie Jones - A mab William a Martha Jones - 8 Bro-Hyfryd - Gollodd ei fywyd ar y Botanic yn Dover Medi 15 1940 - yn 25 mlwydd oed. - Yr Arglwydd a roddod a’r arglwydd a gymerodd ymaith.
Follow path up hill, 4th headstone next to path, Celtic cross (smaller version of Cenotaph cross)
20 – To the Dear Memory of H Harold Hughes
Henry Harold Hughes (known as H Harold Hughes), Architect and Diocesan Surveyor for Bangor, author of books on old cottages and churches of Snowdonia; visited and wrote about a military hospital in France; designed the cross that is the war memorial on St Tysilio
To the Dear Memory of - H Harold Hughes - Who died on the 7th Jan 1940 - Aged 75 years - He did justly and loved mercy - And walked humbly with his God - See Micah VI 8 - Also his wife - Charlotte Elizabeth - Who died 28 Aug 1946 - Aged 78 - Re-united
Adjacent to Celtic cross for H Harold Hughes
21 – In Loving Memory of Ruth . . . Also T G O Hughes Lost at sea May 21 1941 Aged 21 years
Thomas Charles Owen Hughes, Stoker 1st Class C/KX 106412 HMS Juno RN; commemorated Chatham Naval Memorial; the Juno was with the Mediterranean fleet, off Crete when she was hit by a bomb from an Italian Cant Z1007 warplane and she was split in two, sank in 97 seconds (crew of 183; 116 were lost); commemorated Chatham Naval Memorial
In Loving Memory of – Ruth – The beloved daughter of – T & S Hughes 32 Mount Street Menai Bridge – Who passed away Feb 21 1940 – Aged 18 years – Also T G O Hughes – Lost at sea May 21 1941 – Aged 21 years – Also Thomas William Hughes – Died Dec 18 1955 – Aged 55 years – Also Sarah Hughes - 1902–1963 – Until we meet again
Back on path going up hill, 6th headstone along next to path
22 – Er Serchog Gof Am Owen Evans . . . Hefyd eu mab Roy Vivian R.N. Rhagfyr 9, 1912 Medi 3, 1941
Roy Vivian Evans, son of Mr & Mrs Owen Evans; educated Beaumaris Grammar School; worked as a Builder & Contractor in 1939; married to Lucy from Bolton, Lancs; joined Royal Navy and served as Able Seaman / DEMS Gunner (Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship) on HMS Richepanse, commercial ship taken over by French Vichy government, captured by RN (9 February 1941); torpedoed and sunk by U-567 at 20.42 hours on 3 September 1941. Commemorated Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Er Serchog Gof – Am - Owen Evans - Annwyl Briod Elizabeth Evans. - 3 Brynafon Street, Menai Bridge. - Hunodd Hydref 5ed 1937, - Yn 70ain Mlwydd Oed. - Hefyd ei Briod - Elizabeth, - Tachwedd 26, 1876 (?) – Gorffennaf 11, 1960 - Hefyd eu mab - Roy Vivian R.N. - Rhagfyr 9, 1912 – Medi 3, 1941 - “Hedd perffaith hedd”
Continue up grass path, turn right onto another grass path and turn left (towards the tree) 3rd grave on your left. A double kerb grave with scroll tablet
23 – In Loving Memory of Emily Ann Ellis . . . Also their son Kenneth Lloyd Ellis Major 4th Batt. R.W.F. Killed in Normandy July 17, 1944, aged 29 years.
Kenneth Lloyd Ellis, commemorated in Barmouth as well as Menai Bridge; he married Margaret Williams in 1939; served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers 4th Battalion; was present when they returned to France as part of D Day invasion (landed 28th June 1944) and fought their way through France towards Belgium; killed in action in Normandy; buried in Brouay War Cemetery, near Caen
In Loving Memory of Emily Ann Ellis The beloved wife of William Ellis Anglesey Arms Hotel who died 18th May, 1939. Also their son Kenneth Lloyd Ellis Major 4th Batt. R.W.F. Killed in Normandy July 17, 1944, aged 29 years. Also her husband William Ellis who died June 14 1962. Also their son Leslie M.A. Oxon who died June 6, 1967.
Return to the ‘crossroad’, return the same way you came up; 3rd headstone on your left (you are looking at the back of it) polished granite with rough stone pillars, writing now unclear - between graves for ‘Christmas’ and ‘Mary Ellen Evans’
24 – Er Serchog Gof Am H Madog Jones . . . Hefyd eu mab J Ivor Jones A Gollwyd yn Ffrainc
John Ivor Jones, Private Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1st Battalion – brought up on Ynys Gorad Goch; attended Beaumaris Grammar School; worked in the Prestatyn branch of London, City and Midland Bank; enlisted in Rhyl in April 1916; killed in action in France, 27th February 1917, age 20; buried Queen’s Cemetery, Bucquoy, France
Er - Serchog Gof Am - H Madog Jones - Annwyl briod M C Jones - Bronwylfa Menai Bridge - Hunodd Mai 22 1932 yn 79 oed - Hefyd eu mab J Ivor Jones - A Gollwyd yn Ffrainc - Chwef 27 1917 yn 20 oed - Hefyd am - Mary Catherine Jones - A fu farw Mai 18 1943 - yn 85 mlwyedd oed
Continue on path towards church, turn right to face the shed, 2nd row in; right hand slate headstone
25 – Er Cof am Margaret Williams 1889 – 1962. . . . A’u mab Bob a laddwyd yn Caen
‘Bob Bwlch Glas’, joined the Welsh Guards in May 1939 (before war was declared); had been working as a Radio Engineer; Welsh Guards embarked for France on 21 May 1940, evacuated midnight 23 May (‘Dunkirk’); returned to France 28th June 1944, as part of the ‘D Day’ invasion to push the Germans out of France and Belgium; killed in action 25 July 1944
Er Cof am Margaret Williams 1889 – 1962. - A’i Phriod J R Williams 1876 – 1928. - A’u mab Bob a laddwyd yn Caen
Continue on path towards church, on your right, 2nd row in, tall headstone with crossed rifle and sword
26 – Thomas Rainforth Major 1st Battalion 24th Regiment
Thomas Rainforth, a professional soldier, son of a professional soldier who had fought at Waterloo; Thomas served with the 24th Regiment of Foot (South Wales Borderers after 1881); he fought in the Kaffir war 1877-78, Zulu war 1879, Battle of Ulundi; should have been in command at Battle of Rorke’s Drift, but message went astray
Thomas Rainforth - Major - 1st Battalion 24th Regiment (Late of S.W. Borderers) - Aged 55 years - Died 14th November, 1897 Sunday
On your left, slate headstone with ivy leaves design, broken chain outlines grave area
27 – Er Serchog Goffadwriaeth am Jane . . . Hefyd am eu annwyl fab Griffith John
Griffith John Jones, Private Australian Imperial Force 1st Battalion – brought up Menai Bridge; emigrated to Australia about 1913 as a Plasterer; embarked for UK June 1916; killed in action in France 5th May 1817, age about 30; buried at Vraucourt Copse Cemetery, France
Er Serchog Goffadwriaeth am - Jane - annwyl briod Robert Jones, - 3 Mount Street, Porthaethwy, - Yr hon a fu farw Awst 30ain, 1911, - Yn 50 mlwydd oed. - “Duw sydd noddfa a nerth I mi cymmorth - hawdd ei gael mewn Cyfyngder.” - Hefyd am y dywededig - Robert Jones. - Yr hwn a fu farw Mai 20, 1924, - Yn 70 mlwydd oed. - Hefyd am eu annwyl fab - Griffith John, - Collodd ei fywd yn y rhyfel fawr, - yn Bullingcourt, Ffrainc Mai 5, 1917, - yn 23 mlwydd oed
Continue to tarmac path, on your left and next to path, slate headstone and slate kerb with slabs
28 – Er serchog gof – Am – Annie . . . Also our dear brother John Idris – and beloved husband of Kathleen – Died September 18, 1965 – Aged 44 years
Menai bridge lad, played Centre Half for the Tigers football team, Captain in the year they won the North Wales Cup; worked for John Edwards Timber Yard (Porth Wrach, now dwellings) in the offices and then as salesman; volunteered for RAF in WWII, served as a Navigator in Vickers Wellington bombers; parachuted out 3 times (Member of Caterpillar Club “Life depends on a silken thread’), once to Bethesda, Snowdonia when he persuaded the Police to allow him to visit his parents; returned to John Edwards after war; married Kathleen from Birkenhead, they moved to Cheltenham where he was salesman for MacFarlane Langs (biscuits); died age 44, in 1965.
Stay on tarmac path, plot on left with polished granite pillar and broken metal fence, several slabs marking graves
29 – In Loving Memory of Gracie Wife of John Robert Davies
Mrs Gracie Davies née Habershon of Ceris – married to John Davies, eldest son of Richard Davies of Treborth; sister of Herbert Habershon, surgeon to Gladstone; she organised a Welsh Industries Association shop where needlewomen could sell their work; Assistant Commander of the Red Cross military hospital at Bodlondeb; ensured that there was money to pay the Belgian refugees who worked on the ‘Belgian Promenade’; Mentioned in Despatches
Her son, Richard Rees Davies served in the Lancers during the war, was injured and survived; son-in-law Guy Fison, an Olympic rower, served in Royal Field Artillery, won Military Cross, survived
Commemorated on the pillar: In Loving Memory of - Gracie - Wife of John Robert Davies, of Ceris - and eldest daughter of – S. O. Habershon, Senior Physician - of Guys Hospital and Vice President – of the College of Physicians - Born May 23rd 1855, - Died May 14th 1919. - “Let her own works praise her in the gates” - and of - John Robert Davies - of Ceris - Eldest son of Richard Davies - of Treborth, - Born March 11, 1856, - Died April 17, 1934.
29a – In Loving Memory of Catherine, Wife of Dr. S. H. Habershon
Catherine Habershon née Davies - third of nine children to Annie and Richard Davies of Treborth; married to Herbert Habershon, medical specialist (brother of Gracie, above); mother of Cyril, Kenneth and Leonard; all served during the war, both Kenneth and Leonard killed in action
29b – And of Annie Mary, Eldest daughter of Richard Davies Treborth
WWI - Annie Mary Davies, eldest daughter of Annie and Richard Davies of Treborth - sister of Captain Arthur Davies 1st/6th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who died 10th August 1915 at Gallipoli, age 38; there was doubt about his death, she visited Egypt in September 1915 to look for him in the military hospitals; she visited Gallipoli in 1928 to see where he had fought
Same plot, scroll style plaque: In Loving Memory of Catherine, Wife of Dr. S. H. Habershon and second daughter of Richard Davies of Treborth. Died December 9th 1930. Aged 71 “She shall sing there, as in the days of her youth.” Hosea 2.15. – And of Annie Mary, - Eldest daughter of Richard Davies Treborth, - Born Feb 15 1857, Died July 24 1947. - “My peace I leave with you”.
The Davies plot faces their family house, Treborth – now hidden by trees
Top of the steps, turn immediately right and look in the corner adjacent to the path, CWGC burial, family slate headstone with weeping palm tree design
✿ 30 – Er Serchog Goffadwriaeth Am Mary Roberts Menai Cafe . . . Hefyd am William Owen
William Owen Davies, Private Royal Welsh Fusiliers 3rd Battalion – injured in action, was on ‘Home Service’ in Limerick, Ireland where he contracted flu from which he died on 6th June 1918; had a full military funeral
Er Serchog Goffadwriaeth Am - Mary Roberts - Menai Cafe, Porthaethwy, - yr hon a fu farw Mehefin 6, 1912, - Yn 77 mlwydd oed. - Hefyd am William Owen - Anwyl fab William ac Anne Davies, - Menai Cafe, Porthaethwy, - Yr hwn a fu farw Mehefin 6ed, 1918, - Tra yn gwasanaethu y Brenhin a’i wlad - yn Limerick, Iwerddon, - Yn 26 mlwydd oed.
Return to the grassy area, slate headstone lies flat, design of clasped hands
31 – In Loving Memory of Private Thomas Evans. 74078. 10th Notts Derby Reg’t.
Thomas Evans, Private Notts & Derby Regiment 10th Battalion; commemorated on Pozières Memorial, France
In Loving Memory of - Private Thomas Evans. 74078. - 10th Notts Derby Reg’t. - the beloved son of Robert & Mary Evans. - 8 Druid Road, Menai Bridge. - Who (was) killed in France April 21, 1918, - Aged 20 years. - Also Evelyn Myfanwy - the beloved Daughter of the above, - who died Aug 15, 1919, - Aged 12 years. - “God takes our loved ones from our home - but never from our hearts.” - Also Archibald, - the beloved son of the above, - who died May 27, 1923, - Aged 12 years. - The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken - away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. - Also the above named Robert Evans - who died Sept 25, 1924, - Aged 54 years.
Look on your right, CWGC Portland stone (white) headstone
✿ 32 – 615 Corporal A. W. Connington - Australian Flying Corps
William Alexander Connington, Corporal Australian Flying Corps (originally ‘The Flying Squad’) – nephew to Rebecca Connington of Gwynfryn; a Fitter and Turner before the war; trained as an armament fitter for aeroplanes; did not have robust health, caught flu, died in Aylesbury, age 23; was given a full military funeral
His first cousin, Mary Connington served as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse) during the war. Ernest Victor, Mary’s brother, signed up with the Canadians under an assumed name, later reverting to his own name; survived the war; probably died in Canada in 1964
615 Corporal – A. W. Connington - Australian Flying Corps - 25th October 1918 Age 23 - The dearly beloved son - of Mr.& Mrs. W. J. Connington - of Goulburn, N.S.W.
Adjacent, white marble cross on stepped plinth with kerb, CWGC burial, private headstone
✿ 33 – R. I. P. In Loving Memory of Lieutenant Philip Corliss Gannaway, R.N.V.R.
Philip Corliss Gannaway, Lieutenant Royal Naval Reserve – married Alice Muriel shortly before leaving New Zealand; worked as a Surveyor in Hamilton; served on the Patrol Boats on the Strait; died from flu, age 32; he was given a full naval funeral, work stopped in the naval shipyards bordering the Strait for them to pay their respects as his coffin was taken past by boat
R. I. P. - In Loving Memory - of - Lieutenant - Philip Corliss Gannaway, R.N.V.R. - Beloved husband of Muriel Gannaway - and second beloved son of - Mr and Mrs F G Gannaway - Auckland New Zealand – Died at Bangor, November 6th 1918 – In peace he lived, in peace he died.
Next row away from Cenotaph, CWGC slate headstone
✿ 34 – 60692 Private David Jones - South Lancashire Regt
David Jones, Private South Lancashire Regiment – married to Annie, lived at 4 Well Street; a Butcher at Penrhyn Port before the war; was given a full military funeral
60692 Private - David Jones - South Lancashire Regt - 2nd May 1917 Age 55
Double kerb grave in furthest corner of this area (away from Cenotaph), lettering on kerb
35 – Er cof serchog am Jane . . . Hefyd gyda chof annwyl am - Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas Williams - see number 5
Hyn a allodd hon, hi a’i gwnaeth. - Er cof serchog am – Jane, Annwyl briod Robert Williams, Pen Garreg. - Yr hon a fu farw Tachwedd 6, 1923, - yn 72 mlwydd oed - Hefyd am Robert Williams - Hunodd Chwef. 29, 1936 - “Dal yr hyn sydd Gennyt fel na ddygo neb dy goron di” - Hefyd gyda chof annwyl am - Robert Thomas, eu mab, - A gollwyd yn Ffrainc Gorphenaf 10, 1916.
Turn back and slightly left; headstone, scroll design with lead inset lettering (now in poor condition) poppy to and ivy decoration on pillars
36 – In Loving Memory of Thomas Ellis . . . Also their son William Henry Ellis
William Henry Ellis, Shipwright 2nd Class Royal Navy – a career Naval carpenter, was serving on HMS Cadmus; died of heart failure, buried at sea; commemorated Chatham Naval Memorial
In Loving Memory - of - Thomas Ellis - The beloved husband of - Sarah Ellis - Demarara House, Menai Bridge - Died 25th Nov 1916, Aged 68 - Also their son - William Henry Ellis - First Class Petty Officer - Who died on the China Stn - on board HMS “Cadmus” - Jan 1st 1917, aged 33 - Also Sarah - Beloved wife of Thomas Ellis - Who died Feb 20 1951 - Aged 92 years - “Peace perfect Peace”
And, in Menai Bridge Cemetery on Ffordd Caergybi (A5):
Facing as you enter cemetery, first row of central plot, polished granite on rough stone base
37 - Er Gof Annwyl am Olwen Chambers . . . Hefyd eu mab Radio Officer Thomas Robert
Thomas Robert Chambers, 2nd Radio Officer Merchant Navy, S.S. Arakaka – educated Friars School in Bangor; a career Merchant Navy man; Arakaka had been chartered by the Ministry of Defence as a Weather Ship, she took meteorological readings of surface and upper air; there had been an unwritten rule that weather boats would not be attacked, however, in May 1941 a German weather boat was captured by the British, they took Enigma machines and code books; sinking of the Arakaka might have been a reprisal; lost 23rd June 1941; commemorated Tower Hill Memorial, London
Er Gof Annwyl – am - Olwen Chambers, priod Thomas Chambers - Castellior, - hunodd Medi 3, 1958,- yn 62 Mlwydd oed. - Hefyd eu mab - Radio Officer Thomas Robert - a Gollwyd ar yr S.S. Arakaka - Mehefin 23, 1941,- yn 21 mlwydd oed. - Hefyd Thomas Chambers, - bu farw Mawrth 317 1961, - yn 87 Mlwydd Oed.
Compiled from the Cymdeithas Hanes Teuluoedd Gwynedd Family History Society - Memorial Inscriptions; researched and compiled by Bridget Geoghegan to the memory of John Reilly, RSM 4th Hussars at the Battle of Balaclava; Lt 8th Hussars at the Battle of Gwalior; killed in action 21st June 1858.