Swansea Family History

 31st July 1917.  First Day of the Battle of Passchendaele Listed below are the 5 men from Swansea, whom were killed on the first day. Surname Forename Age Rank Regiment Battalion Cemetery Additional Info GIFFORD DAVID Private Suffolk Regiment 8th Bn. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Son of the late James and Harriet Gifford, of 77, Courtney St., Manselton, Swansea. MITCHELL THOMAS CAREW 29 Corporal Rifle Brigade 16th Bn. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Son of Thomas and Annie Mitchell, of 112, Milton Terrace, Swansea; husband of the late Elizabeth B. Mitchell. MORGANS JOHN Private Manchester Regiment 16th Bn. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Cousin of Mary Evans, of Voga House,

  This month we will be looking at some memorials; our first port of call is St Cenydd Church in Llangennith, North Gower. St Cenydd ( above ) dates from the 6th century and was originally a wooden construction. It is believed that  Cenydd , a Christian hermit laid the foundation stone; he is buried in the chancel where we can see his gravestone which dates from the 9th century. The original wooden church was burnt down by the Danes and was replaced during the 12th century with the building that we see today which was dedicated to St Cenydd. The church was remodelled during the Victorian period. Situated inside the church, is the effigy ( below left ) of a Normandy knight (Dolly Mare), who is thought to be of the  de la Mere  family. Buried here is the traditional singer  Phil Tanner  (1862 – 1950) who was known as the Gower Nightingale ( below 2nd left ). You can hear his wassailing song on YouTube. Also buried here is Wing Commander  Anthony Eyre  ( below 3rd left ) who was a prisone

 The Battle of Somme was fought between 1st July to 18th November 1916 List below are the names of Swansea who lost their lives during this period  Surname Forename Age Date Rank Regiment Unit Cemetery Additional Information GRIFFITHS DAVID DANIEL 21 01/07/1916 Private Devonshire Regiment 2nd Bn. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Son of Sarah Ann Griffiths and the late David Griffiths, of Manselton, Swansea. Police Inspector. His brother Stanley also fell. THOMAS GEORGE JAMES 32 01/07/1916 Private Devonshire Regiment 2nd Bn. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Son of Peter Thomas, of 20, Oakwood Rd., Brynmill, Swansea, and the late Harriet Thomas. TUCKER (MM) THOMAS JOHNS 30 01/07/1916 Se