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WORLD WAR ONE

The Men Who Died

WORLD WAR ONE

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battalion to Aden in October that year (as we have heard).

The news of his death was sent by cable to his mother at Merthyr with the only particulars being that his death was caused by sun and heart failure. He had previously been in excellent health and his illness was reported as being only a few hours, duration and he had bravely held on to duty when he perhaps should have been in hospital. The suddenness of his death caused quite a gloom over the battalion.

The Brecon County Times carried an account of the funeral as sent in by a comrade of his. This stated he had died suddenly at Station Hospital and was buried the same day at the English Cemetery on Maala plain which was mid-way between Steamer Point Barracks and Crater Barracks.

A full military funeral was held and was a most imposing and impressive affair. The procession was headed by the battalion band, followed by the funeral party, furnished by G Company (Cefn-Coed) and then the gun carriage bearing the coffin enshrouded in the Union Jack with helmet, belt and bayonet.

This was followed by many officers including Lieutenants Frank and Stephen Best and men from the remaining companies.

They marched slowly to the pier side watched by the many people, with the natives very picturesque in their Eastern dress. All appeared to show the deepest respect.

On arrival at the pier the coffin was transferred to one barge, with another set aside for the troops and a short journey was undertaken up the harbour to the coaling station. On arrival the procession was reformed and the coffin lifted by the bearers and carried to the cemetery where they were met by the chaplain and Colonel Lord Glanusk.

A beautiful Church of England burial service was read, followed by the Lord’s Prayer. A salute of three rifle rounds was fired and the Last Post sounded.