William Bromfield

Serjeant William Bromfield – Welsh Regiment

Early Life

William Bromfield

Thomas Blomfield and Louisa Francis,
marriage certificate 
St. James Church, Swansea

William Bromfield was born in 1875, the son of Thomas Blomfield and Louisa Francis, who had married the previous year (1874) at St. James Church, Swansea.

1881 Census

At the time of the 1881 Census, the Blomfield family was living at 10 Keniston Place. Thomas, aged 30, was working as a blacksmith, while his wife, Louisa, 25, was at home with their three young children: William, aged 6; Thomas, aged 4; and Elizabeth A., who was only 9 months old.

1891 Census

By the 1891 Census, the family had moved to 5 Rutland Place, and their household had grown considerably. Thomas, now 40, was still working as a blacksmith, and Louisa, aged 35, was caring for their children. William, then 16, was employed as a blacksmith striker, while his younger brother Thomas H., 14, was working as a smith’s labourer. Their younger children included Elizabeth, 10; Alice M., 8; Adelaide, 6; Frances, 4; and Ethel, aged just 1. Also living at the address were boarder Thomas Pugsley, a 27-year-old boilermaker, his wife Catherine, 20, and their infant son Thomas, aged 9 months.

Marriage and Family

On Christmas Day, 1897, William married Margaret Ellen Lloyd at St. John-juxta-Swansea.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, William and Margaret were living at 20 Swan Street, Swansea. William, aged 26, was employed as an engine fitter, while Margaret, 25, was caring for their two young children: Frances, aged 2, and baby William, who was just 3 months old.

1911 Census

A decade later, the 1911 Census recorded the family still living at 20 Swan Street, but by now the household had grown. William, aged 36, continued to work as an engine fitter, and Margaret, aged 35, managed the home. Their children present were Florrie, 12; William, 10; Clifford, 8; Bryn, 7; and George, aged 4.

Military Service

At the outbreak of the First World War, William enlisted with the 1/6^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, where he rose to the rank of Serjeant.

Death and Burial

William Bromfield
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Serjeant William Bromfield died on 14^th October 1914, only weeks into the war. He was buried with full military honours at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea.

Legacy

William’s death came at the very beginning of the war, making him one of Swansea’s earliest losses in the conflict. His burial at Danygraig Cemetery placed him among the first of the city’s servicemen to be honoured with a full military funeral.

Today, his name is preserved in local memory and on military records, standing as a reminder of the families who gave so much during the First World War. His story, from blacksmith’s son to husband, father, and soldier, reflects the experience of many Swansea men whose lives were cut short in the service of their country.