Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

David Solomon Williams was born in Llanrug, Caernarvonshire on 23 December 1882, the youngest son of Richard and Ellen Williams.  In 1891 David, aged eight was living at Gwyn Fryn, Llanrug with Richard (53) coal merchant, Ellen (52), Ellen (20) dressmaker and Thomas (16) a carrrier.  The family are at the same address in 1901 and David (18) was working as a slate quarryman.  On 3 December 1909, David married Ellen Davies at the Ebenezer Wesleyan Church, Carnarvon and they lived at Douglas Hill, Llanrug, Carnarvon.

David attested at Wrexham on 16 October 1916, and joined the Denbighshire Yeomanry.  He was just under 34 years of age, was of a slight build with a height of 5’3” and weighed 114lbs.

In October 1916 the 2/1^st Denbighshire Yeomanry and the 2/1st Monmouthshire Yeomanry converted to form the 3rd (Denbigh & Montgomery) Yeomanry Cyclist Battalion.  For more information about the Denbighshire Yeomanry, please see  http://bit.ly/2EVp33K

David passed through Peterborough East Station on 24 February 1917 and wrote in the visitors’ book “Many thanks for the kindness and Comfort I have received here”.  He was serving with the 3^rd Yeomanry Cyclists Regiment and was stationed at Beccles, Suffolk and was with three other soldiers serving with the 3^rd Yeomanry Cyclists Regiment; Privates Evans, Jones and Crump.

On 26 February 1917, he transferred to the Royal Engineers 324^th Quarry Company as a Sapper and a month later joined the British Expeditionary Force in France.   He transferred to the 328^th Quarry Company in June 1917.  He was classed as a proficient quarryman on 26 February 1917, with the rate of pay of one shilling; this increased to one shilling and four pence from 31 October 1918 when he was promoted to a skilled quarryman.  He was demobilised on 23 October 1919 and awarded the British War and Allied Victory medals.

In 1939 David and Ellen were living at Bryn Awelon, Gwyrfai, Carnarvon. David was listed as a slate quarryman, heavy worker.  There are two records still closed on the 1939 register, which could indicate they have two children.

David died at Bryn Awelon, Llanrug on 28 June 1955, aged 72 years.

Do you recognise this name – was he a relative? Please contact us if you can help.