Pte 94191 William Roberts

 

In 1901 his parents are living at 3 Tyneywydd, LLysfaen, (St. Cynfran parish), Caenarvonshire. Joseph, 30, is a builder’s labourer, Mary is 29, and William is 3. 

 

In 1911, now with five children, they are at Bryn Golen, Llysfaen, His father is a general labourer, Willie is 13, Alun 10, George 5, Nellie 3, and Owen 13 months.  

 

Willie enlisted on the 02nd March 1916, as Private 94191, joining the 17th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment. As his service record has not survived, the details are unknown.  He was discharged from Depot, aged 21, on the 01st November 1918, and awarded Silver War Badge #36410 as no longer physically fit for war service through either wounds or disease.

 

Willie died at home on the 07th November 1919 from acute appendicitis aged 22.

 

He now rests at Llysfaen (St. Cynfran) Churchyard.

 

There are 7 First WOrld War burials in the Churchyard.

 

He earned two medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

 

His pension card shows that his parents were refused a War Pension, and a subsequent appeal was disallowed. Another application was made in 1921; results not reported. Application for a War Gratuity was also refused (as the Gratuity was awarded for at least six months’ service at home or any length of service overseas, the reason for the refusal is not clear, given that his records show that he served a total of 2 years and 8 months, including time overseas).       

 

William Roberts is commemorated on the Llysfaen Window, St. Cyfran Church, Llysfaen, Clwyd.

 

(William is not named on the Llysfaen War Memorial).