Robert Rowland and Edward Trevor Akrill-Jones

The Akrill-Jones Family – Two Sons Lost in the Great War

Early Life and Family Background

Reverend David Akrill-Jones, a Clerk in Holy Orders, married Ellen May Tolfree in 1892 at Pontypridd.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family was recorded under the name Jones rather than Akrill-Jones, and was living at The Rectory, Pendergast, Haverfordwest. David, born in Lancashire, was 33 and serving as a Clergyman of the Church of England, while Ellen, also 33, kept house. Their children were Dorothy P. (8), Robert R. (6), and Edward T. A. (2). Also present was Robert C. William (41), a fellow Clergyman from Cambridge, as well as two servants, Lucy E. John (19) and Phoebe John (17).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to The Railway, Sketty, and the surname was now recorded as Akrill-Jones. David, aged 43, continued in his role as a Clergyman (Established Church), while Ellen was also 43. Their daughter Dorothy (18) remained at home, and their eldest son Robert Rowland (16) was described as a Pupil in Engineering. The household also employed two servants, Martha Ellen Adams (20) and Lucy Emily John (27).

The younger son, Edward Trevor, does not appear in the 1911 Census household, and his place of residence at that time is unknown.

Second Lieutenant Robert Rowland Akrill-Jones – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 4^th Battalion

Born in 1894, Robert was the eldest son of David and Ellen. After his education, he pursued a career in engineering before gaining a commission in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 4th Battalion, part of the 49^th Brigade, 16^th (Irish) Division.

Robert Rowland Akrill-Jones
Cojuel British Cemetery
credit - findagrave

On 9^th April 1917, during the opening assault of the Battle of Arras, Robert advanced with his battalion under intense artillery preparation. The KOYLI was among the regiments pushing forward beyond ruined trench lines, supported by creeping barrage and aerial reconnaissance. Despite strong German resistance, especially from machine-gun and entrenched rifle fire, Robert was killed in action.

The day’s fighting involved many British units being pinned down or suffering heavy losses due to the formidable strength of the German defensive positions. Robert was just 23 years old when he fell. He was buried at Cojuel British Cemetery, France, which was established after the battle to receive those who fell in the surrounding fighting.

Lieutenant Edward Trevor Akrill-Jones – Royal Flying Corps, attached Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), 4^th Battalion

Edward Trevor Akrill-Jones

The youngest son, Edward Trevor, was born in 1899. After completing his education, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and gained a commission as a Lieutenant, while also being attached to the 4th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment).

His service placed him in the dangerous and pioneering world of military aviation, flying missions in support of ground troops during a period when air combat was in its infancy and extremely hazardous.

Edward Trevor Akrill-Jones
St. Mary’s Churchyard, Bolsover
credit - findagrave

Edward died on 18^th March 1918, aged only 19, during the closing months of the war. He was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Bolsover, Derbyshire, where his grave remains a lasting memorial.

Legacy

The Akrill-Jones family paid a profound price during the First World War, losing both of their sons within the space of a single year.

Robert and Edward served in very different branches of the armed forces — one in the infantry and the other in the air — symbolising the breadth of service and sacrifice made by families across Britain.

Their names are commemorated on the St. Paul’s memorial, Swansea, ensuring their sacrifice is remembered within the community where they lived. Together, their story stands as a powerful reminder of the deep and personal cost of the Great War for Swansea families and beyond.