Pte Thomas Hughes 25025 16th RWF

[Hywyn]

Thomas Hughes was a 19 year old farmer from Talsarnau near Harlech when he enlisted in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 5th February 1915 and allotted as Pte 25025 in the 17th Battalion. After training he went to France with the 17th Bn in December 1915 and was there until 22nd March 1917 when he was returned to the UK (nephritis) and is shown as posted to the Depot and 3rd Bn until it's back to France on 17th August 1917 and a posting to the 16th Battalion after a few weeks with the 2nd Bn.

He was killed in action aged 22 years on 22nd April 1918 when the 16th Battalion as part of 113th Brigade took part in an action to secure some high ground giving observation into the Ancre Valley.

The RWF Regimental Records refer to it as a 'minor affair' and 'there is nothing much to be said for this affair except that it was gallantly carried out...'

The 'minor affair' cost the 16th Battalion 7 Officers killed, 2 missing, 2 wounded and 46 OR killed, 20 missing, 159 wounded!

Hywyn

[Bernard_Lewis]

Remembering Thomas and his chums with gratitude. Not forgotten.

Bernard

[Adam Llewellyn]

Thomas and pals not forgotten.

Llew.

[clive_hughes]

I was up on the Bouzincourt Ridge last October and could see quite easily the advantages of observation into Albert and the Ancre valley.

Likewise it was clear what had happened as the 113th Brigade toiled up the bare, muddy slopes towards the enemy positions on the crest. The artillery bombardment was inadequate, and some units were stopped in their tracks by MG fire. "Partial observation" was gained from penetration of the German lines at one point (and improved in a minor operation a little later), but the number of casualties from North Wales was considerable.

Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery is in lonely isolation on a high point, and contains many of those who died nearby (as does Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension down in the village).

Cofio'r hogiau

Remembering the lads

LST_164

[geraint]

Tra mor, tra Meirion

(Meirionnyddshire in perpetuity)

[Kevin O'Marah]

As LST_164. I visited Bouzincourt Ridge a few years ago with two others from work to pay respect to one of lads great uncle from Blaenau. It was bleak, wet and miserable on that day. Was unable to reverse the van up the narrow lane due to the slippery conditions. Albert seemed so near. A few years earlier walked from Bouzingcourt to the cemetery with Linda on a fine, sunny day.

We were surprised to see so many hand grenades on the cemetery wall?

Er cof am y gwaed rhoddwyd dros "achos bychan" Tra Mor Tra Meirion.

Kevin