David Aubrey Sandbrook

Captain David Aubrey Sandbrook – Welsh Regiment, 14^th Battalion

The Battle of Passchendaele

David Aubrey Sandbrook

July 31^st, 2025 marks the 108^th anniversary of the First Day of the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres.

The Battle of Passchendaele was one of the most infamous and brutal engagements of the First World War. The British launched their offensive on 31st July 1917, attacking Pilckem Ridge and making initial gains. However, torrential rain in August soon turned the battlefield into an almost impassable quagmire, halting further progress.

Renewed attacks in late September brought success at the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, followed by operations at Polygon Wood and Broodseinde Ridge in early October. A costly and ill-fated assault on 12th October, known as the First Battle of Passchendaele, resulted in severe losses for the Australian and New Zealand forces. In late October, the Canadian Corps assumed the offensive, planning a series of carefully coordinated attacks. Between 26^th October and 6^th November, they fought through dreadful conditions, finally capturing the shattered village of Passchendaele between 6^th and 10^th November 1917. The battle ended in victory — but at a terrible human cost and for only limited strategic gain.

Early Life

Among those who fell on that first terrible day, 31st July 1917, was Captain David Aubrey Sandbrook, serving with the Welsh Regiment, 14^th Battalion

Thomas Sandbrook and Hariette Sarah Lotherington
marriage certificate
St. James church

David was born in 1883, the son of Thomas Sandbrook and Harriett Sarah Sandbrook (née Lotherington), who were married in 1873 at St. James’ Church, Swansea.

1891 Census

According to the 1891 Census, the Sandbrook family lived at 1554 Weston Place, Swansea. Thomas (46) was employed as a Brick Manufacturer, and Harriett (40) managed the home. Their children were Alice (15), Jonathan (14), Harriet (10), David (7), and Olive (6), all of whom attended school.

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, Harriett (50) was recorded as living at 8 Pen-y-Graig Road, supported by her own means. Living with her were David (17), then employed as a Coal Shipping Clerk, and Olive (14).

Military Service

At the outbreak of the First World War, David returned from Rhodesia to enlist. His sense of duty and connection to his home city of Swansea led him to join the Welsh Regiment, serving with the 14^th Battalion, where he rose to the rank of Captain.

On 31^st July 1917, the 14^th Battalion took part in the opening assault of the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, the first phase of the Battle of Passchendaele. As part of the 114^th Brigade, 38^th (Welsh) Division, the battalion advanced at 3:50 a.m. behind a creeping artillery barrage. Their objective was to capture the German defensive positions around Iron Cross Ridge, pushing through the front-line trenches and consolidating the Black and Green Lines beyond.

The men faced heavy machine-gun fire, artillery bombardment, and rising rain that quickly turned the ground to mud. Despite these conditions, they achieved many of their early objectives and captured enemy strongpoints before being held up by fierce counter-attacks later in the day. By nightfall, the battalion had suffered heavy casualties but had secured much of the ground assigned to them near Pilckem Ridge — a costly but determined effort that marked the beginning of the long struggle for Passchendaele.

Death

South Wales Daily Post

Captain David Aubrey Sandbrook was killed in action on 31^st July 1917, during the advance on Pilckem Ridge. His final letter to his mother, written on the eve of battle, was later published in the South Wales Daily Post in August 1917, offering a poignant reflection of his courage, faith, and resolve.

David’s body was never recovered from the battlefield.

Commemoration

David Aubrey Sandbrook
Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres
credit - findagrave

As he has no known grave, Captain David Aubrey Sandbrook is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium, one of the most enduring symbols of remembrance for those who fell in Flanders and have no known resting place.

His name is also proudly inscribed on the St. Paul’s Church War Memorial, Swansea, honouring his sacrifice alongside those of his fellow parishioners who gave their lives in the Great War. His story stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery and devotion of the men of the Swansea Pals, who faced the horror of Passchendaele with courage and determination.