David George Thomas

Private David George Thomas – Welsh Regiment, 21^st Battalion

Early Life

David George Thomas was born in 1892 in Swansea, the son of John Thomas and Sarah James, who had married in 1881.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, nine-year-old David was living with his family at 29 Mysydd Street. His father, John, 45, ran his own fruit business, while his mother, Sarah, 42, managed a fishmonger’s shop. Their children were Lillian, 16, a pupil teacher; Irene, 11; David, 9; Muriel, 7; Elaine, 5; and baby Amelia, just 7 months old.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 29 Plymouth Street. John, now 56, and Sarah, 53, were still running their fruit and fishmongers’ businesses. Their children present were Gertrude M., 23, and Irene Annie, 21, both working as shop assistants; David, 19, employed as a fishmonger; Elaine M., 14; and Amelia, 10.

Military Service

Short Service

David George enlisted at Cardiff on 9^th February 1916, joining the Welsh Regiment, 21^st Battalion. His short service record has survived, giving a clear picture of his time in the army.

In May 1916, while serving in France, David developed pulmonary tuberculosis. He was declared unfit for further service in August 1916 after having completed just one month on the Western Front, from July to August 1916.

Death

Despite treatment, David’s condition worsened. In January 1917, a doctor’s certificate confirmed the seriousness of his illness, and on 19^th February 1917, he passed away at the age of 25.

Burial

Herald of Wales

David’s funeral was reported in the Herald of Wales as a solemn and moving occasion. His coffin, draped with the Union Jack, was borne with respect to Danygraig Cemetery, where a large number of mourners gathered to pay their last respects.

Family members, neighbours, and fellow tradespeople from the markets where the Thomas family had long worked as fruiterers and fishmongers were present, testifying to the family’s deep ties within the community. Members of the Welsh Regiment also attended, providing a military presence at the graveside.

The service was conducted with dignity, the prayers commending David’s soul, and floral tributes surrounded the coffin, many sent by friends, comrades, and relatives. The Herald noted the quiet respect shown throughout, a mark of the affection in which David was held and the sadness at the loss of a young life cut short by illness brought on during his service.

Legacy

Though his time on the front was tragically short, David’s story is a reminder of the many soldiers whose lives were claimed not only by combat but by illness brought on or worsened by wartime conditions. His death in 1917 links him with the long roll of Swansea men remembered at Danygraig Cemetery, their graves telling the story of sacrifice in its many forms.