Walter Leslie Lloyd

Private Walter Leslie Lloyd – South Lancashire Regiment, 1^st/4^th Battalion

Early Life

Some of the men commemorated on the St. Paul’s war memorial were born in different parts of Swansea and enlisted in other areas of Wales. One such man was Walter Leslie Lloyd, born in Morriston, Swansea, in 1896, the son of William Thomas Lloyd and Edith Frances Gambold, who had married in 1885.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Lloyd family was living at 7 Lower Odo Street, Swansea. William T., then 43, was employed as a Clerk at the Steel Works, while his wife Edith, born in London, was 35. Their children were Edith E. (15), Llewellyn (13), and Gladys (11), all at school. The younger children were Walter (recorded as Leslie, aged 5), Ida (3), and Hector (11 months).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 61 Odo Street, Hafod, Swansea. William, now 53, was working as a Steel Works Checker, while Edith was 45. Their children included Richard Llewellyn (23), a steelworker; Walter Leslie (15), employed as a Telegraph Messenger; Ida Frances (13); Hector Gambold (10); and Lionel Francis (4).

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records the Lloyd family at 33 Sketty Avenue, Swansea, linking Walter’s family more closely with the Sketty community, where his name is commemorated.

Military Service

Walter enlisted in the South Lancashire Regiment, serving with the 1^st/4^th Battalion, a Territorial Force unit mobilised for overseas service at the outbreak of the war. The battalion landed in France in February 1915, joining regular divisions on the Western Front before transferring to the 55^th (West Lancashire) Division in January 1916. Within this formation, the 1/4^th South Lancashires often served as pioneers, undertaking essential tasks such as trench works, engineering, and construction duties, while still taking part in combat when required.

In early 1918, the 55th Division was holding the line around Givenchy and Festubert, enduring heavy German raids in March and April, particularly during the Operation Georgette offensive (Battle of the Lys) launched on 9^th April 1918. Despite repeated assaults, the Division held its ground and prevented a breakthrough, earning a reputation for steadfast defence.

Death

On 8^th June 1918, during the continuing fighting in northern France, Private Walter Leslie Lloyd was killed in action. He was 22 years old.

Burial

Walter Leslie Lloyd
Houchin British Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Walter is buried at Houchin British Cemetery, near Béthune, Pas-de-Calais, France. The cemetery was used by field ambulances and front-line units in 1918, and it contains many burials of men who died of wounds or in local actions.

Legacy

Private Walter Leslie Lloyd is commemorated on the St. Paul’s memorial, Sketty, where his name stands among the men of the parish who gave their lives in the Great War. His story, beginning in Morriston and Hafod and ending in Sketty, reflects the wider Swansea experience of loss during the First World War, as families from across the city contributed sons to the war effort and shared in its sacrifices.