Clifford Lowery

Lance Corporal Clifford Lowery – Welsh Regiment, 6^th Battalion

Family Background

Matthew Henry Lawrie and Elizabeth Jane Richards
marriage certificate
St. Peters church

The story begins in 1888 with the marriage at St. Peter’s Church, Cockett, between Matthew Henry Lawrie, son of John Lawrie, and Elizabeth Jane Richards, daughter of William Richards.

1891 Census

By the time of the 1891 Census, Matthew and Elizabeth were living at 73 Neath Road, Swansea, where their surname was recorded as “Laurie.” Matthew, 29, Swansea-born, was employed as a steel worker, while Elizabeth, 23, was born in Briton Ferry. They had one child at the time, Clifford, aged 2, whose birthplace was given as Llansamlet.

Following Matthew’s death, Elizabeth remarried in 1898 in Swansea, marrying John George Gunning.

Life at the Victoria Hotel

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, John and Elizabeth were living at the Victoria Hotel, 61 Wind Street, Swansea. John, 28, born in Bristol, was the licensed victualler, while Elizabeth, 31, assisted in the running of the inn. Elizabeth’s sister, Jenny Richards, 22, worked there as a barmaid, and another employee, Mary Curtis, 21, also lived on the premises.

Elizabeth’s children from her first marriage—Clifford Laurie, 11; Percy Laurie, 10; and Irene Laurie, 7—were all present, along with John and Elizabeth’s own daughter, Beatrice, then 16 months old.

Clifford’s Early Years

Attestation Papers

Herald of Wales

Swansea Prison Records

Clifford enlisted in 1907, joining the 41^st Foot (Welch Regiment). However, his name appeared in less honourable circumstances in the Herald of Wales in September 1910, when Clifford, along with John Jones, was charged and found guilty of pickpocketing on Oxford Street. He was sentenced to six weeks of hard labour in prison.

The 1911 Census

1911 Census

By 1911, John George Gunning was still recorded as the licensed victualler of the Victoria Inn. Elizabeth Jane, 38, assisted in the business. Clifford, now 20, was employed as a fitter, while his brother Percy, 19, worked as a baker. Their half-siblings—Olive, 12; Lillian, 9; Winifred, 7; and Leonard, 4—were also living in the household.

The 6^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment

The 6^th (Service) Battalion, Welsh Regiment was raised in August 1914, soon after the outbreak of the First World War, as part of Kitchener’s Army. Based in Swansea, it drew many of its recruits from the surrounding area and quickly became a battalion with a strong local identity.

The battalion formed part of the 76^th Brigade, 25^th Division, and trained in Britain before being sent to France in September 1915. Once overseas, the 6th Welsh served on the Western Front, where they faced the hardships of trench warfare—mud, bombardments, and constant danger from enemy fire.

As part of the 25th Division, they took part in significant actions, including early operations in the Ypres Salient and, later, the Battle of the Somme in 1916. It was within this context of exhausting service that Clifford Laurie’s war came to its tragic end.

Military Service and Death

Clifford served as a Lance Corporal with the 6^th Welsh Regiment. He was wounded in action during operations on the Western Front and later died of his injuries on 23^rd January 1916, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Burial

Clifford Laurie
St. Peter's Church, Cockett
credit - findagrave

Clifford Laurie was buried at St. Peter’s Church, Cockett, where his grave continues to mark the sacrifice of a Swansea man who answered the call to serve.

Legacy

Though his life was marked by both struggle and redemption, Clifford’s story reflects the complexity of many young men swept up in the Great War. His enlistment in the 6th Welsh, his service on the Western Front, and his ultimate sacrifice ensure that his name is remembered among Swansea’s war dead.