Thomas David McKeand

 18^th September 1939, South Wales Evening Post published the funeral arrangements for Private Thomas David McKeand, who was serving with the 6^th Battalion, Welch Regiment.

South Wales Evening Post

The Herald of Wales

16^th September Thomas David McKeand, was killed after he was knocked down on Crymlyn Burrows Road. Thomas was 41 years old, which was reported in The Herald of Wales

At the time of the 1911 Census, Thomas David McKeand, who was recorded on the census record as Thomas Davies, was residing at Phoenix Quay Dock, Swansea.

1911 Census

Hugh MacKeand, who was Thomas's stepfather, was 33 and employed as Labourer. Mary MacKeand was 36.  Their natural daughter was Elizabeth Ann MacKeand, who was 11. Thomas was 12.  They both attended school.

A decade earlier at the time of the 1901 Census, the couple were residing at Railway Crossing, Llangan St. Canna, Carmarthenshire, the home of Mary’s mother.

1901 Census

Mary Davies, 67, was Housekeeper

Hugh McKean, 23, was a Plate Layer GWR, whilst Mary, 26.  Their natural daughter was Elizabeth A., aged 10 months.  Thomas Davies was 2.  Could he have been the son of Mary?

Attestation Papers

Thomas enlisted to join the army in 1915, where he served with the 6^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. His address that was given was 1384 Neath Road.

At the time of the 1921 Census, Thomas was still living at 1384 Neath Road, where he was the boarder of Enos Ware’s home.  Thomas is recorded as Labourer at the National Oil Refineries, Skewen.

Thomas married Gertrude Hewitt in 1922.  Gertrude died in 1933

At the time of the time of the accident, five children were left orphans. Thomas's name is recorded on the Brookwood 1939-1945 Memorial.

Brookwood 1939-1945 Memorial