William Lewis Howells

 In May 1940, the 14^th (Swansea) Battalion, Glamorganshire Home Guard was raised.  The Battalion was formed by the redesignation of the Local Defence Volunteer Company and was made up of platoons of men who were in reserved occupation or those who were either over or underage to serve in the armed forces.  They wore khaki uniforms and were equipped with rifles.

William Lewis Howells, who was ranked Lieutenant, served with the 14^th and died on 22^nd March 1944, aged 48 years.

William was born in 1898, the son of Samuel Lewis Howells and Mary Jane Morgan, who were married in 1888.

However, the records show that William was born two years earlier in 1896.

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Howells family was residing at 2 Fleet Street.

1901 Census

Samuel, 49 years was employed as a dock labourer, whilst Mary was 36 years, born in St. Clears, Carmarthenshire.

Their children were Harriet C., 11; Thomas G., 7; William L., 5, and 1-year-old Elsie M. All the children were born in Swansea.

Samuel died in 1909.

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to no.12.

1911 Census

Mary now widowed is 46 years old.  The children that are still living at the property are Harriet Carolien, 21, who is a Laundress; Thomas George, 17, who is a Blacksmith Striker; William Lewis, 15, who is Junior Clerk Student and Elsie Maria, 11, and Frances Adeline, 9 who both attend school.

By the time of the 1921 Census, some of the Howells are still living at no. 12 Fleet Street.

1921 Census

Mary, 57, who undertakes the household duties; Thomas George, 27 is employed as a Police Constable. William Lewis, 25, is employed as a Motor Driver Oil and Hardware, and Frances Adeline, 19, is employed at South Sales Laundry Co. Ltd.

Boxing Day 1926, William marries Annie Beatrice Hayward at St. James church.  His address is still recorded as 12 Fleet Street.

William Lewis Howells and Annie Beatrice Hayward
marriage certificate
St. James church

At the time of the 1939 Register, William and his wife, Annie were living at 12 Fleet Street, with their daughter, Brenda, and William’s mother, Mary.

1939 Register

William’s occupation is recorded as Fitter’s Labourer.

South Wales Daily Post 

The South Wales Daily Post reports about William’s funeral at Danygraig Cemetery.