Frederick Roach
Private Frederick Roach – Welsh Regiment, 14th Battalion
Early Life
Frederick Roach was born in 1877 in Swansea,
the youngest son of Richard Roach and Elizabeth Davies, who had
married in 1861 at St. James’ Church.Frederick Roach
Tragically, Richard died in 1875, two years before
Frederick’s birth, and was buried at Danygraig Cemetery.
 |
| 1881 Census |
At the time of the 1881 Census, Elizabeth, then aged 40, was recorded as still married, though in reality she was widowed. She lived at 37 Jersey Street, Swansea, with her children: Eliza Jane, 19, who was working as a domestic servant; David John, 15, employed as a labourer; Fanny, 11; and Richard, 4, both still attending school. Also in the household were two boarders, William Painter, 38, a labourer, and Alfred Painter, 36, a cooper.
 |
| 1891 Census |
By the 1891 Census, Elizabeth had remarried to Ebenezer Forest, a Scot. The family were still living at 37 Jersey Street, Swansea. Elizabeth’s children Fanny, 21, and Frederick, 14, were still at home, while Alfred Paynter, 44, remained a lodger in the household.
Marriage and Family
 |
| 1911 Census |
In 1906, Frederick married Elizabeth Clark. By the time of the 1911 Census, the couple were living at No. 21, both aged 34. Frederick’s occupation was recorded as a Lead Works Labourer. Their young family included Elizabeth Ellen, 4, Kate Helena, 3, David Charles, 2, and baby Frederick Daniel, just 3 months old. Also present was Elizabeth’s widowed mother, Ellen Clark, 63.
Military Service
Frederick had earlier served with the Grenadier Guards,
seeing action during the Boer War. At the outbreak of the First World
War, he re-enlisted, joining the Welsh Regiment, 14th Battalion.
Death
 |
| Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects |
Burial
 |
| Herald of Wales |
Frederick’s body was brought back from Liverpool to
his hometown of Swansea for burial. The Herald of Wales reported on his
funeral, which took place with full solemnity at Danygraig Cemetery. His
coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was borne to the graveside by soldiers
of the Welsh Regiment, who stood as an honour guard for their fallen
comrade.
 |
| Frederick Roach Danygraig cemetery credit - findagrave |
The service was attended not only by his wife Elizabeth and their children but also by extended family members, neighbours, and many local mourners who came to pay their respects to a man well known in the community. The presence of old comrades and representatives of veterans’ groups reflected his earlier service in the Grenadier Guards and his role as a Boer War veteran.
At the graveside, the burial service was read with dignity,
and floral tributes surrounded the coffin, sent by family, friends, and fellow
soldiers. The ceremony concluded with the firing of a volley salute and
the sounding of the “Last Post”, marking the close of his service to
both his regiment and his country.
His grave at Danygraig became one more resting place in the
growing roll of Swansea’s war dead, but also a special marker of continuity,
honouring a man who had fought in two different wars in the service of
Britain.
Legacy
 |
| Herald of Wales |
 |
| John Henry Rickard Roach St. James’s cemetery, Dover credit - findagrave |
Frederick Roach’s grave at Danygraig Cemetery links Swansea to two generations of military sacrifice. Not only had Frederick served in two major conflicts, but during the Second World War, two of his sons also lost their lives — a devastating continuation of the family’s burden of service and loss.
Comments
Post a Comment