Robert Harwell Bibby

 Warrant Officer Class II Robert Harwell Bibby

Morriston Hospital

The story of Robert Harwell (Bert) Bibby is closely tied to Morriston Hospital, the wartime emergency hospital where he sadly passed away.

Morriston Hospital was founded in 1942 as part of Britain’s emergency medical response during the Second World War. Built on the estate of Maesygwernen Hall, it was originally designed with 15 Nightingale Wards, providing 600 beds for military and civilian casualties. These large open wards, lined with rows of beds on either side, were very different from the modern hospital design we know today. Over the years, the site developed further, becoming the major regional hospital, it is now. It was here, on 21^st June 1944, that Robert died while serving his country.

Robert was 28 years old, the son of Thomas John and Mary Gwendoline Bibby. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps.

Early Life

1921 Census

Robert was born in 1916, and the only census record in which he appears is the 1921 Census. At that time, he was living with his family at 10 De la Beche Road, Swansea. His father, Thomas, 32, originally from Caernarvonshire, worked as a commercial traveller, while his mother, Mary, also 32, came from Gloucestershire. Their children were Lillian May (6), Robert Howell (5), and John Hadyn (1). Also in the household were relatives and a boarder.

Thomas John Bibby and Mary Gwenllian Helena Watts had married in June 1913 at St. Matthew’s Church, High Street, Swansea.

Wartime Service

Robert, known to family and friends as “Bert,” had attended Brynmill School and was well known locally for his cricket, playing as a bowler for Swansea I and II. The South Wales Daily Post reported that he had joined the Territorials before the war, later being directed to the Royal Army Service Corps, where he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class II.

Funeral at St. Paul’s

South Wales Daily Post

South Wales Daily Post

Robert Harwell Bibby
St. Paul's Church, Sketty
credit - findagrave

Robert’s death was reported in the South Wales Daily Post in June 1944. The newspaper described his passing at Morriston Hospital and paid tribute to his sporting life and military service. A further notice detailed his funeral, which took place at St. Paul’s, Sketty, where he now rests.