David John Beard

 David John Beard was the first recorded casualty from the 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who lost his life on 10 July 1916—the battalion's initial day of engagement during the Battle of the Somme.

David, who was born in 1890, was the son of William Beard and Hannah Spiller, who were married in 1884, at St. John-juxta Swansea.

The 1891 Census records that the Beard family were living at 3 Caepistill Street.

1891 Census

William, aged 28 is employed as a Canal Boatman, while Hannah is aged 29.  Their three children are

Catherine, aged 5, who attends school; William, aged 3, and David J., aged 1.

A decade later, at the time of the 1901 Census, the Beard family were living at 134 Llangyfelach Street.

1901 Census

William, aged 37, is employed as a Boat Worker, while Hannah is aged 38. The number of children they have has increased, and they are

William, aged 13; David, aged 11; Mary, aged 9; Ester, aged 6; Sydney, aged 3, and the youngest Joseph, aged 3 months.

William at the time of the 1911 Census has a change of job, and they family are living at 73 Llangyfelach Street.

1911 Census

William, aged 48, is now employed as a Horse Driver, while Hannah is aged 48.  Their children are

William A., aged 23, is employed as a Furnaceman; David J., aged 21 is employed as Pickler Boy; Mary E., aged 18, is an Tailoress; Esther H., aged 16, is a Dressmaker; Sidney G., aged13; Joseph G., aged 10, and Alfred S., aged 7, who all attended school.

The year before the out break of the First World War, David, who was recorded as John David on the Arriving Passengers Lists, arrived at New York following the docking of the Celtic on the 24^th of May 1913.  The records, record that David was visiting his brother William.

New York, US, Arriving Passengers and Crew Lists 

The Commonwealth War Grave Commission have recorded the death of Corporal David as being on the 10^th of July, however, the Army Registers of Soldiers Effects, record his death as being on the 12^th.

Army Registers of Soldiers Effects

David John Beard 
Thiepval Memorial
credit - findagrave

David John Beard 
St. Peters church
credit - findagrave

David John’s name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, additionally his name is also inscribed on his family headstone at St. Peters.