William Thomas - Narberth
Talking Stones. How can two headstones tell a different story, and what importance do they have?
St. Andrews church, Narberth.
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| William Thomas Narberth Cemetery |
The first headstone is the grave of William Thomas.
The inscription reads
William Thomas,
of York House, Narberth [and Cilgerran].
Who died March 25th
1916, Aged 27 Years.
Peace Perfect
Peace.
As things go that would be the end of it.
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| William Thomas Narberth Cemetery |
However, the headstone in front of this main headstone. The inscription reads
48948 Private
W. Thomas
Royal Army
Medical Corps
22nd
March 1916. Age 27.
He Gave His
Life Helping Others
So, what information is there regarding William?
Information on the Commonwealth War Grave Commission website
states that William was the son of David and Margaret Thomas, husband of Daisy
Victoria Thomas. Born at Kilgerran
[Cilgerran], Pembrokeshire. A
Schoolmaster at Llanddewi.
William spent four years as a pupil teacher at Cilgerran School
before he went on to Cilgerran Intermediate School, following training at
Carmarthen Training College.
Following his training, William now qualified as a teacher
was appointed as headmaster at Henry Moat’s School, Pembrokeshire. Eighteen months later, William, was promoted to
headmaster at Llanddewi Valley School, where he remained for five years before
enlisting at the end of 1915.
William enlisted with the Royal Army Medical Corps, F
Company, and training was undertaken at Redan Hill, Aldershot.
Whilst based at Salisbury Plain, on 1st January
1916, William married Daisy Victoria Thomas, of York House at the Parish church, Narberth. Daisy was also a teacher.
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| William Thomas and Daisy Victoria Thomas marriage certificate |
11th March 1916, William returned home to Narberth,
suffering from ill health, and sadly died at home on the 22nd.
Daisy remarried in April 1918, to William G. Mathias. They were to have a son, John Edward Mathias.
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