1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade

[lambo220]

Hi

I'm working on a project to identify and remember the men of the 1st Welsh Howitzers  (Swansea, Morriston, Neath and Briton Ferry) from their formation in 1908, through to the end of the War - my great uncle served with them, and researching him has evolved into wanting to know more about the unit.

To date, I've found over 900 of them from various sources, but I'd love to talk to anyone who has any information relating to the men or history of the unit that they are prepared to share.

Many thanks.  John.

[David Porter]

I've done quite a bit of work on them and have a section devoted to them in my forthcoming book. I have charted the movements from the outbreak of war to going overseas and looked at the numbers the men were allocated. 725001 - 730000 was allotted to 1st Welsh Brigade RFA for the TF renumbering in January 1917 and 967 were given numbers from this block at the time (up to 725967). Prior to this, I think you will find numbers 844 - 1555 were issued from August 1914 to October 1915 but further numbers were added up to June 1916. There was also a 530 Battery formed in July 1916 which used up the last 153 of the 967 - but most of these were from 3rd East Lancashire Brigade. After that it gets complicated and it is best to ignore them.

I do have a distant relative who was in the brigade and can give you his details if you wish. 

[Jonathan Hughes]

My grandfather Trefor Tawe Davies is in that photograph! Born and lived in Morristown Swansea. As you look at photo he’s seated and fourth from the right. He was informed after training in Uk that he would not fight as he had a “dodgy heart”. It probably saved him and made him smile when he passed away at the age of 96! He spent WW1 training horses and colleagues for the corps and was discharged during 1919. Hope this assists with research.

[Jonathan Hughes]

Apologies. It’s Morriston not Morristown!