Beersheba's Cymry

[michaeldr]

I had thought of adding these to my other thread on Beersheba War Cemetery, however the Welsh are too well represented here, particularly as a result of 6th November 1917, so this thread is dedicated to them

"It is only when one saw them lying there side by side, the pick of the Battalion, grown men and boys with all their lives before them – but such splendid fellows all – that one realized the awfulness and wickedness of it all."

E. H. Evans to writing to his wife November 11, 1917.

[michaeldr]

Lance Corporal Roberts' next-of-kin have generously provided a bi-lingual inscription

ROBERTS, THOMAS

Initials: T

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 22

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 265621

Additional information: Son of the late William and Margret Roberts, of Bodvean, Pwllheli

... ... ... ... ...

At least two of the inscriptions are biblical and the NoK have thoughtfully provided the references which allow us translate for ourselves

'DYN A ANED I FLINDER FEL YR EHEDA' JOB V 7'

In the King James version, Job V 7 reads

'Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.'

This is the inscription on the headstone of

JONES

Initials: O

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn

Age: 25

Date of Death: 10/11/1917

Service No: 265723

Additional information: Son of the late Richard and Mary Jones, of 10, British Terrace, Holyhead

This is a late edit as looking once again at the originals I now realize that, like Lance Corporal Owen Rawson Owen below and notwithstanding the biblical inscription, the NoK of Pte. O. Jones also chose not to have any religious symbol on his headstone.

Edited 4 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

The second is from the New Testament

Paul's epistle to the Philippians, Ch. I, v. 21 in English reads

'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is to gain.'

and is on the headstone of

OWEN, OWEN RAWSON

Initials: O R

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 25th Bn

Age: 22

Date of Death: 31/10/1917

Service No: 40905

Additional information: Son of James Rawson Owen and Mary Rawson Owen, of 6, Mandeville St., Walton, Liverpool

Despite the quotation from the NT, Lance Corporal Owen's next of kin chose to have no religious symbol on the headstone

[michaeldr]

This inscription appears on the headstone belonging to

HUMPHREYS

Initials: T

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/9th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 203688

Additional information: Son of David and Jane Humphreys, of Tanygraig, Llanrhaiadr, Oswestry

Do the numbers at the end of this inscription perhaps indicate that it too is a biblical quotation?

This answer has been supplied by LST_164 (see his post # 13)

"Diar(hebion) 4.3" = Proverbs 4.3:

"For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother."

(Authorised KJV)

… … … … … …

This inscription may be a repeat of the 'Additional information'

JONES, OWEN

Initials: O

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 25

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 266524

Additional information: Son of Owen Hugh and Ellen Jones, of Hafod Caeronwy, Upper Llandwrog, Groeslon, Carnarvonshire.

… … … … …

And this one also looks like the home address

JONES

Initials: H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 266463

Additional information: Son of Henry and Jane Jones, of Tyn Pwll, Llanbedrgoch, Anglesey

Edited 3 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

From here on the inscriptions become even more enigmatic, to this Saxon at least.

If anyone can post translations, then I will be pleased to add them beneath the pictures as edits

This is the inscription on the headstone of

NICHOLAS, JOSEPH HAYDN

Initials: J H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Corporal

Regiment/Service: London Regiment (Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifle)

Unit Text: "D" Coy. 2nd/15th Bn

Age: 24

Date of Death: 31/10/1917

Service No: 531153

Additional information: Son of John and Sarah Nicholas, of Glasfryn, Port Talbot

This answer was received from LST_164, see his post # 13:

Joseph Haydn Nicholas -

"His name is as a fragrance, and his slumber is so peaceful".

Part of a verse by "Ieuan Glan Geirionydd" (Evan Evans, 1795-1855) from his hymn Gorphwys yn y Bedd / Resting in the Grave (in imitation of Isaac Watts); and also changed from the original plural to the singular. Seen on six CWGC stones in Belgium.

… … … … …

This inscription appears on the headstone of

WILLIAMS, ROBERT

Initials: R

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Serjeant

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn

Age: 27

Date of Death: 13/11/1917

Service No: 265580

Additional information: Son of William and Mary Williams, of Tyn-Y-lon, Bethel, Llanddeiniolen, Carnarvonshire

This reply received from LST_164 in his post # 13:

Robert Williams, Bethel -

"You sang to the Lord whilst you lived".

Not sure what the source for that is.

… … … … …

This inscription is at the foot of the headstone of

JONES, EDWARD LEWIS

Initials: E L

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn

Age: 28

Date of Death: 09/11/1917

Service No: 268541

Additional information: Son of Catherine Jones, of Pioneer Stores, Cemaes Bay. Anglesey

See this reply from LST_164 in his post #13:

E.L.Jones - has a clever rhyming couplet known as an englyn, composed by a country bard with the pen-name "Rhydfab". His real name was Thomas Williams, and he came from the same place as ELJ : Cemaes a village in the parish of Llanbadrig, not far from the port of Amlwch on the north coast of Anglesey. Rhydfab composed at least one Welsh Wesleyan Methodist hymn, amongst other publications. Also wrote a memorial verse in the Amlwch area's In Memoriam volume 1920 for the local lads who fell (and in which ELJ has a section, including two more verses by this poet).

No poetry translates well (esp. at my hands), but this type is specially difficult because the words are always few and chosen with great care both to rhyme and to match syllables alliteratively across the lines. Pauses are indicated by the dashes. Quality stuff, requiring a mastery of language in any country, and much appreciated in that age and culture. However, I'd render it:

A place to remember -

His name and his dust are righteous -

Very dear

(Rhydfab)

LST_164 has also kindly supplied a photograph of Edward Lewis Jones - see post #19 below

Edited 3 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This is the inscription on the headstone of

DAVIES, DAVID BENJAMIN

Initials: D B

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Company Serjeant Major

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn

Age: 26

Date of Death: 04/11/1917

Service No: 240286

Additional information: Son of Benjamin and Sarah Davies, of 5, Powell St., Bedlinog, Treharris, Glam

Thanks to LST_164 (his post # 15) for this:

David Benjamin Davies - straightforwardly,

"Though you are far, you will never be forgotten".

… … … … …

This inscription is at the foot of the headstone of

READ

Initials: R

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Serjeant

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 25th Bn

Age: 38

Date of Death: 31/10/1917

Service No: 355546

Awards: D C M

Additional information: Son of John and Margaret Read; husband of Elizabeth Read, of 42, Jersey Rd., Blaengwynfi, Port Talbot

My thanks to Dragon (Gwyn) for tracking down the original here (see her post # 20)

Diarhebion [Proverbs], Pennod XIX, 21:

"Bwriadau lawer sydd yng nghalon dyn on cynghor yr ARGLWYDD hwnnw a saif"

"There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand"

(Schofield Reference Bible, 1917; AV)

Gwyn adds; Welsh from the Bible that was given by Eglwys Salem, Coedpoeth to Brawd Elias Roberts (my grandad) who left and joined the Cheshire Regiment

Serjeant Read's DCM - from the SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 18 FEBRUARY, 1918.

355546 Cpl. (A./Sjt.) R. Read, R.W. Fus. (Blaengwynfi).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid. Though he was wounded, he went to the assistance of a wounded officer, and showed great determination and self-sacrifice.

Edited 3 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This inscription is on the headstone of

JONES, JOHN

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: "B" Coy. 24th Bn.

Age: 26

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 320234

Additional information: Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, of Sunny Cottage, Gwernogle, Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire.

See LST_164's post # 15:

John Jones Nantgaredig - a bit of verse

"Though dying far from fair Gwalia / it's the same distance to a brighter heaven".

Gwalia is a more florid, poetic name for Wales.

… … … … …

Just four regimental numbers later is another John Jones

JONES, THOMAS JOHN

Initials: T J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: 24th Bn.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 320238

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Jones, of Tycefn, Llansawel, Carmarthenshire.

This translation is thanks to LST_164 (see his post # 15):-

Thomas John Jones Llansawel - another englyn,

"Without boastfulness after fighting, he remains with a cross above his place".

[That's a bit stilted - anyone else prefer a more stylish rendition?]

The following alternative has been suggested by Huw Davies – see his post # 24

'After battling, he remains,

Unassuming - a cross above his grave'.

The original was finally tracked down by Carmania (Aled); see post # 33

These are … the last two lines of the englyn Beddargraff Milwr (A Soldier's Epitaph) by Gwilym Williams and published (posthumously) in 1917 in a collection of his poems 'Dan Yr Helyg' (Beneath the Willows).

Aeth o'i ing i fwth ango', - i wely

Y milwr i huno;

Heb rodres, wedi'r brwydro,

Erys a chroes uwch ei ro.

An attempt at a translation:

From his anguish to a haven of remembrance

To sleep in a soldier's resting place

After the battle, unassuming, he remains

With a cross above his grave.

Edited 5 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This inscription appears on the headstone of

PHILLIPS, JAMES HOWELL

Initials: J H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: 24th Bn.

Age: 23

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 320314

Additional information: Son of John and Anne Phillips, of "Ysgerfa," Talog Rd., Abernant, Carmarthen

This reply from LST_164 (see his post # 15):

James Howell Phillips -

"Until the day dawns and the wars shall cease".

It rhymes, but I don't know what the source (if any) is.

Possibly based on The Song of Solomon

"Until the day break and the shadows flee away"

… … … … …

This inscription is at the foot of the headstone of

DAVIES, LLEWELLYN

Initials: L

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.

Age: 23

Date of Death: 03/11/1917

Service No: 241723

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Davies, of Teifi Villa, Aberdare Rd., Mountain Ash, Glam.

Thanks to LST_164 (his post # 15) for this translation:

Llewellyn Davies -

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8).

Used on 3 CWGC stones in Belgium.

… … … … …

This inscription is on the headstone of

OWEN, WILLIAM

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 22

Date of Death: 04/11/1917

Service No: 267281

Additional information: Son of Griffith Owen, of Penbrynlas, Tasarnau, Merioneth

Translation thanks to LST_164; see his post # 15:-

William Owen, Talsarnau -

"His God and his country admire his pure life and his sacrifice".

Edited 4 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This inscription appears on the headstone of

WILLIAMS, THOMAS JOHN

Initials: T J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/7th Bn.

Age: 24

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 290431

Additional information: Son of the late Thomas and Margaret Williams, of 8, High St., Penrhyndeudraeth, Merioneth.

This reply is from LST_164 - see his post # 15:

Thomas John Williams, Penrhyndeudraeth -

"For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh" (Matthew 24:44) (KJV).

... ... ... ... ...

This appears at the foot of the headstone belonging to

PRITCHARD, JOHN

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/7th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 291376

Additional information: Son of William and Elizabeth Pritchard, of Bryndu Isaf, Tycroes, Anglesey

Thanks again to LST_164 for this - see his post # 15:

John Pritchard, Tycroes -

"Never forgotten by his dear parents W and E Pritchard, Ty Croes, Anglesey".

His stone does however illustrate how the CWGC people - or the carver - sometimes misread the unfamiliar language. The second word should be YN not "YU", and the bit "W. (ac) E.Pritchard" has the letters welded into " W. ACE.".

... ... ... ... ...

The following inscription is on the headstone of

EDWARDS

Initials: E W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/7th Bn.

Age: 34

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 203320

Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Edwards, of 29, Alexandra Rd., Wrexham. Native of St. Asaph, Flints

Thanks to LST_164 for this translation; see his post # 15:-

E.W.Edwards, Wrexham -

"Lovingly remembered by father, mother, his only child, brothers and sister".

Edited 3 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This inscription is from the headstone of

WILLIAMS, JOSEPH

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: "A" Coy. 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 265519

Additional information: Son of Griffith Owen Williams and Mary A. Williams, of Derlwyn, Llanrug, Carnarvonshire.

Thanks to LST_164 for this translation; see his post # 16:

Joseph Williams, Llanrug -

"(For) to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21 (KJV).

Used on 5 CWGC stones in Belgium [see also the headstone of OWEN RAWSON OWEN in post # 3]

... ... ... ... ...

The inscription here belongs to

JONES, WILLIAM HUMPHREY

Initials: W H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 24

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 265875

Additional information: Son of William Humphrey and Mary Jones, of 6, Well St., Llanberis, Carnarvonshire

Translation by LST_164; see his post # 16:-

William Humphrey Jones, Llanberis -

"He hath done what he could". Mark 14:8 (KJV)

but not a straight Bible quote, since in the original it is in the feminine, referring to the woman who anointed Christ's feet. Used nevertheless on civil gravestones as well as CWGC ones - at least 12 times in Belgium.

... ... ... ... ...

This inscription is from the foot of the headstone belonging to

OWEN, WILLIE

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 265218

Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Owen, of Llanllyfni, Penygroes, Carnarvonshire.

Thanks to LST_164 (see his posts # 15 & 32) for the following:-

Willie Owen Penygroes - an "englyn milwr"(soldier's englyn) in type - a three-line alliterative stanza, the smallest variety under the rules, and so named because it was originally used for soldiers' epitaphs

"Blessed, he sailed from Gwalia / through the battle, good hero / to his long rest in Beersheba".

Edited 5 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This is the inscription from the headstone of

ROBERTS, WILLIAM

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/7th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 290888

Additional information: Son of John and Emma Roberts, of Weir Cottage, Dinas Mawddwy, Merioneth.

Thanks to LST_164 for this translation; see his post # 16:-

William Roberts, Dinas Mawddwy - in verse,

"O, Canaan of dear Jesus! / In you tonight / a great piece of my heart / sleeps sweetly."

Edited 3 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[michaeldr]

This inscription appears on the headstone of

MICHAEL, DAVID

Initials: D

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Unit Text: 1st/6th Bn.

Age: 22

Date of Death: 07/11/1917

Service No: 267315

Additional information: Son of William and Elizabeth Michael, of Pencroesau, Penysarn, Amlwch, Anglesey

Thanks to LST_164 for the following translation; see his post # 16:

David Michael - "Though in a foreign land, not forgotten will be the little site of his grave by his parents".

LST_164 has also sent the following additional information and a photograph of Pte David Michael

'Enlisted July 1916, and died of wounds probably following 3rd Battle of Gaza.'

... ... ... ... ...

The following is from the headstone belonging to

REES, BENJAMIN SIMON

Initials: B S

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: 1st/4th Bn.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 04/11/1917

Service No: 201535

Additional information: Son of Samuel and Margaret Rees, of Tyriet, Gellywen, St. Clears, Carmarthenshire

Please see Steve's post # 14 for more details and a photograph of Pte Benjamin Simon Rees

And LST_164's post # 16 for the following translation of the headstone inscription:

Benjamin Simon Rees, St.Clears -

"Life is but a single hour, nor man to last but an hour".

Edited 6 July , 2010 by michaeldr

[clive_hughes]

Hi Michael,

what a superb collection of Welsh epitaphs. Makes it all the more poignant that these lads lie so far from home: chances are that a grave photo was the most their families ever saw of them again.

The variety of Welsh epitaphs reflects those seen elsewhere, as on the Western front. Those in Belgium and some adjoining districts of France have been collected and categorised by Lieven Dehandschutter of Flanders, but I'm not sure he published his work.

I'll start commenting - anyone else feel free to correct my translation efforts!

O.R.Owen, Walton - scripture translation not needed, but it's not the first one I've seen without a cross. I have been told that certain religious groups wouldn't appreciate the use of the symbol - eg Quakers and Unitarians (though at Authuille on the Somme I saw a stone proudly proclaiming the man's Unitarianism in the epitaph, complete with cross!). Again, if the man wasn't an adherent of any faith, the symbol would be superfluous; but that doesn't explain the scripture beneath.

H.Jones and Owen Jones - as you say, their home address or straight translations of the CWGC entry respectively.

T.Humphreys - "Diar(hebion) 4.3" = Proverbs 4.3: "For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother." (Authorised KJV)

E.L.Jones - has a clever rhyming couplet known as an englyn, composed by a country bard with the pen-name "Rhydfab". His real name was Thomas Williams, and he came from the same place as ELJ : Cemaes a village in the parish of Llanbadrig, not far from the port of Amlwch on the north coast of Anglesey. Rhydfab composed at least one Welsh Wesleyan Methodist hymn, amongst other publications. Also wrote a memorial verse in the Amlwch area's In Memoriam volume 1920 for the local lads who fell (and in which ELJ has a section, including two more verses by this poet).

No poetry translates well (esp. at my hands), but this type is specially difficult because the words are always few and chosen with great care both to rhyme and to match syllables alliteratively across the lines. Pauses are indicated by the dashes. Quality stuff, requiring a mastery of language in any country, and much appreciated in that age and culture. However, I'd render it:

A place to remember -

His name and his dust are righteous -

Very dear

(Rhydfab)

Robert Williams, Bethel - "You sang to the Lord whilst you lived". Not sure what the source for that is.

Joseph Haydn Nicholas - "His name is as a fragrance, and his slumber is so peaceful". Part of a verse by "Ieuan Glan Geirionydd" (Evan Evans, 1795-1855) from his hymn Gorphwys yn y Bedd / Resting in the Grave (in imitation of Isaac Watts); and also changed from the original plural to the singular. Seen on six CWGC stones in Belgium.

R.Read DCM - "Many intentions are in the heart of Man; but the counsel of the Lord, that remaineth" I've formalised the language rather, because it sounds as though it should be a Bible quote but I just can't pin it down at this time.

Back later with some more.

LST_164

[larney]

Interesting thread Michael- I'm a proud Welshman, but come from 'Little England Beyond Wales', so can't speak the lingo!

Regarding Benjamin Simon Rees, both Ben and his brother David John Rees fell in the Great War. They lived at Gelliwen, which is just north of St. Clears, and were educated at Meidrim School, in a very Welsh speaking part of Carmarthenshire. David is buried at Gaza War Cemetery.

In memory of them both,

SteveJ.

[clive_hughes]

More attempts...

David Benjamin Davies - straightforwardly, "Though you are far, you will never be forgotten".

Thomas John Jones Llansawel - another englyn, "Without boastfulness after fighting, he remains with a cross above his place". That's a bit stilted - anyone else prefer a more stylish rendition?

John Jones Nantgaredig - a bit of verse "Though dying far from fair Gwalia / it's the same distance to a brighter heaven".

Gwalia is a more florid, poetic name for Wales.

William Owen, Talsarnau - "His God and his country admire his pure life and his sacrifice".

Llewellyn Davies - "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Used on 3 CWGC stones in Belgium.

James Howell Phillips - "Until the day dawns and the wars shall cease". It rhymes, but I don't know what the source (if any) is.

E.W.Edwards, Wrexham - "Lovingly remembered by father, mother, his only child, brothers and sister".

John Pritchard, Tycroes - "Never forgotten by his dear parents W and E Pritchard, Ty Croes, Anglesey". His stone does however illustrate how the CWGC people - or the carver - sometimes misread the unfamiliar language. The second word should be YN not "YU", and the bit "W. (ac) E.Pritchard" has the letters welded into " W. ACE.".

Thomas John Williams, Penrhyndeudraeth - "For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh" (Matthew 24:44) (KJV).

Willie Owen Penygroes - a 3-line englyn "Blessed, he sailed from Gwalia / through the battle, good hero / to his long rest in Beersheba".

More anon.

LST_164

[clive_hughes]

Still more:

Joseph Williams, Llanrug - "(For) to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21 (KJV). Used on 5 CWGC stones in Belgium.

William Humphrey Jones, Llanberis - "He hath done what he could". Mark 14:8 (KJV) - but not a straight Bible quote, since in the original it is in the feminine, referring to the woman who anointed Christ's feet. Used nevertheless on civil gravestones as well as CWGC ones - at least 12 times in Belgium.

William Roberts, Dinas Mawddwy - in verse, "O, Canaan of dear Jesus! / In you tonight / a great piece of my heart / sleeps sweetly."

Benjamin Simon Rees, St.Clears - "Life is but a single hour, nor man to last but an hour". I can't think that I've got that right. Anyone else have a go?

David Michael - "Though in a foreign land, not forgotten will be the little site of his grave by his parents". That's also a bit clumsy as a translation.

Have I forgotten any?

LST_164

[Carmania]

Michael, thank you very much for posting the excellent photographs.

LST_164, thank you for your intelligent translations. I quite agree that some of the poetic epitaphs can be difficult to turn into English phrases.

Diolch

Aled

[michaeldr]

My grateful thanks to LST_164 for all the hard work involved in the translations,

to SteveJ for the further information and the press cutting (including photograph) regarding B. S. Rees,

and to Carmania (Aled) for your comments

If anyone else has any further information on these casualties, then please feel free to add it here

regards

Michael

[michaeldr]

Thanks again to LST_164 for this photograph of Edward Lewis Jones (see post # 5 above)

[Dragon]

R.Read DCM - "Many intentions are in the heart of Man; but the counsel of the Lord, that remaineth" I've formalised the language rather, because it sounds as though it should be a Bible quote but I just can't pin it down at this time.

Is it not a Proverb? Will search...

Gwyn

Edit. Diarhebion, Pennod XIX, 21: "Bwriadau lawer sydd yng nghalon dyn on cynghor yr ARGLWYDD hwnnw a saif" - "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (Schofield Reference Bible, 1917; AV) - Welsh from the Bible that was given by Eglwys Salem, Coedpoeth to Brawd Elias Roberts (my grandad) who left and joined the Cheshire Regiment.

Michael - thank you for the images. It is especially moving to see them all together. LST - thank you for the thoughtful translations.

Gwyn

[michaeldr]

Diarhebion, Pennod XIX, 21: "Bwriadau lawer sydd yng nghalon dyn on cynghor yr ARGLWYDD hwnnw a saif" - "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (Schofield Reference Bible, 1917; AV) - Welsh from the Bible that was given by Eglwys Salem, Coedpoeth to Brawd Elias Roberts (my grandad) who left and joined the Cheshire Regiment

Superb Gwyn!

Many thanks for your help here

best regards

Michael

[clive_hughes]

Gwyn,

that's it exactly! Well done. I had hunted counsel through a long list in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible but missed that entry.

LST_164

[Andrew Hesketh]

What a fantastic thread to follow. Tremendous collaboration and a credit to you all.

[Huw Davies]

This inscription is on the headstone of

JONES, JOHN

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: "B" Coy. 24th Bn.

Age: 26

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 320234

Additional information: Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, of Sunny Cottage, Gwernogle, Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire.

See LST_164's post # 15:

John Jones Nantgaredig - a bit of verse

"Though dying far from fair Gwalia / it's the same distance to a brighter heaven".

Gwalia is a more florid, poetic name for Wales.

… … … … …

Just four regimental numbers later is another John Jones

JONES, THOMAS JOHN

Initials: T J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Welsh Regiment

Unit Text: 24th Bn.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 06/11/1917

Service No: 320238

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Jones, of Tycefn, Llansawel, Carmarthenshire.

This translation is thanks to LST_164 (see his post # 15):-

Thomas John Jones Llansawel - another englyn,

"Without boastfulness after fighting, he remains with a cross above his place".

[That's a bit stilted - anyone else prefer a more stylish rendition?]

Many thanks for this very moving thread - I had no idea that so many from my home county rested in Palestine. It must have been very poignant for their families back home to know that their sons were buried in places that sounded so familiar to them. ( Almost every village has a chapel named after a Palestinian location.)

Whilst the translation of TJ Jones, Llansawel is quite correct, it is as you say rather stilted. May I suggest:

'After battling, he remains,

Unassuming - a cross above his grave'.

'Gro', meaning gravel, especially river gravel is often used poetically in Welsh to mean 'grave.' See the poem 'Ystrad Fflur' (Can't remember who wrote it!)

' A deuddeg abad yn y gro

Yn huno yno'n dawel.'

Trans: Twelve monks in the gravel, Sleeping quietly.'

Cheers,

Huw

[Hywyn]

Another great posting Michael and excellent work by LST_164 in translating in a manner that keeps the meaning and intention of the inscriptions.

There are two Caernarfon brothers buried there, both killed on 6/11/1917. They are 265702 Eliseus Evans in F51 and 265671 Robert Evans in F53. Do you know who is in F52?

Hywyn