David Thomas Parry

Serjeant David Thomas Parry – Monmouthshire Regiment, 3^rd Battalion

Early Life

David Thomas Parry, of the Monmouthshire Regiment, 3^rd Battalion, was born the youngest child of Evan Webby Parry and Mary Jane Brooks, who had married in 1898.

Evan Webby Parry

Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People

Two years later, Evan appeared in the Cambria Daily Leader in an article promoting Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People. These popular patent pills, produced by the Dr. Williams Medicine Company, contained ferrous sulfate and magnesium sulfate, and were advertised as cures for a wide range of ailments—from St. Vitus’ Dance and rheumatism to heart palpitations and nervous headaches.

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the Parry family was living at 190 Treharne Road. Evan, aged 42, worked on his own account as a labourer, while Mary Jane, aged 41, managed the home. Their children were Margaret Tarma (17), Evan Walter (13), Evelyn Muriel (9), Elizabeth Ann (6), and David Thomas, then just 2 years old. The family remained at the same address at the time of the 1939 Register.

In December 1939, David married Iris Elizabeth Lewis.

Military Service

With the outbreak of the Second World War, David enlisted in the Army, serving with the Monmouthshire Regiment, 3^rd Battalion. By the time of the D-Day landings in June 1944, he had been deployed to Europe.

David fought on the Western Front, where he was wounded during the final months of the war.

Death

South Wales Daily Post

On 21^st March 1945, at the age of 25, Serjeant David Thomas Parry died of wounds sustained in action. His death was reported in the South Wales Daily Post, bringing home the news of the family’s loss.

Burial

David Thomas Parry
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

David was the last burial before VE Day on 8^th May 1945, laid to rest alongside his fellow servicemen who fell during the closing stages of the war. His resting place was recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ensuring that his name and sacrifice would be preserved in perpetuity. Today, his grave stands among the CWGC cemeteries that continue to honour those who gave their lives and never returned home.

Legacy

South Wales Daily Post

South Wales Daily Post

In May 1945, just two months after his death, David’s family published birthday wishes for him in the South Wales Daily Post—a poignant reminder of their grief and love. In June 1945, his daughter, Eleanor M. Parry, married G. Aubrey Jones at St. James Church, an event also reported in the paper, showing how life moved forward even in mourning.

Serjeant David Thomas Parry’s sacrifice is remembered as part of the story of the Monmouthshire Regiment and the many Welshmen who gave their lives during the Second World War. His unique distinction as the last burial before VE Day ensures his name holds a special place in both his family’s history and Swansea’s wartime heritage.