David Aubrey Sandbrook

 July 31^st, 2025, marks the 108^th anniversary of the First Day of the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres.

The Battle of Passchendaele was one of the most infamous and brutal battles of the First World War. 

The British launched an offensive at Pilckem Ridge, achieving some initial gains. However, heavy rain in August turned the battlefield into an impassable quagmire, stalling progress. In late September, the British made renewed advances during the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, followed by further operations at Polygon Wood and Broodseinde Ridge into early October. A poorly executed assault on 12^th October, known as the First Battle of Passchendaele, resulted in heavy Australian and New Zealand Army Corps casualties. In late October, the Canadian Corps took over, planning a methodical and better-prepared series of attacks. From 26^th October to 6^th November, the Canadians gradually advanced through horrific conditions. Finally, between 6^th and 10^th November 1917, they captured the ruined village of Passchendaele, marking the end of the battle—though at a massive human cost and for limited strategic gain.

One of the casualties who was killed on the first day was David Aubrey Sandbrook, who was ranked as a Captain and served with the Welsh Regiment, 14^th (Swansea) Battalion.

David was born in 1883, was the son of Thomas Sandbrook and Hariette Sarah Lotherington, who were married at St. James' church, 1873.

Thomas Sandbrook and Hariette Sarah Lotherington
marriage certificate
St. James church

At the time of the 1891 Census, the Sandbrook family was living at 1554 Weston Place.

1891 Census

Thomas, aged 46, was employed as a Brick Manufacturer, while Harriett was 40 years old.  Their children were

Alice, aged 15; Jonathan, aged 14; Harriet, aged 10; David, aged 7, and Oliva, aged 6, all attended school.

In the 1901 Census, Harriett and two of her children were living at 8 Pen y Graig Road.

1901 Census

Harriet, aged 50, was living on her own means.

David, aged 17, was employed as a Coal Shipping Clerk, and Olive, aged 14.

On the outbreak of the First World War, David returned to enlist from Rhodesia.

South Wales Daily Post

David, who lost his life on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele, wrote a letter to his mother on the eve of action. The letter was published in the South Wales Daily Post, August 1917.

David’s body wasn’t recovered, and his name is commemorated at the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.

David Aubrey Sandbrook
Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres
credit - findagrave