David I. Morris

Private David I. Morris – Welsh Regiment, 2^nd Battalion

Early Life

Little is currently known about the early life and family background of David I. Morris. The available records do not provide details of his birthplace, occupation, or relatives. Further information may be discovered in local archives, parish registers, or military service documents that have yet to be digitised.

Military Service

Private David I. Morris served with the 2^nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment, a veteran unit that had seen continuous service on the Western Front since 1914. By 1918, the battalion formed part of the 3^rd Brigade, 1^st Division, and took part in the final Allied offensives that forced the German Army into retreat. The battalion fought through France and Belgium, enduring major campaigns at Ypres, the Somme, and Arras, before joining the push through northern France in the autumn of 1918.

2^nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment — Actions near Le Cateau, October 1918

In October 1918, the region around Le Cateau saw some of the heaviest fighting of the final Allied advance, often referred to as the Second Battle of Le Cateau or part of the Advance to Victory / Pursuit to the Selle operations. By 10^th October, British divisions—including the 66^th (2^nd East Lancashire) Division—had captured Le Cateau and bridged the River Selle, allowing further advances eastward. Although the specific war diary for the 2^nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment in this period is incomplete or missing, it is clear from contemporary records that the battalion was engaged in operations supporting these advances.

The 2nd Welsh would have been involved in pushing forward beyond the Selle, consolidating captured ground, and engaging German rearguard forces resisting the Allied pursuit. Fighting was fierce and often disorganised, with troops facing sporadic shellfire, machine-gun nests, and counter-attacks as they moved through devastated villages and open countryside. It was during this critical phase of the war that Private David I. Morris lost his life, contributing to the hard-fought advance that helped bring about the end of the conflict.

Death

Private David I. Morris was killed in action on 23^rd October 1918, less than three weeks before the Armistice was declared on 11 November. His death came during the final drive of the British First Army toward the Sambre–Oise Canal, a campaign that cost many lives even in the war’s closing days.

Burial

David I. Morris
Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau
credit - findagrave

He was laid to rest with honour at Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, France. The cemetery contains the graves of over 600 soldiers, many of whom fell during the Allied advance of October and November 1918. His grave is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

Legacy

Though little is known of his personal life, Private David I. Morris is remembered for his service and sacrifice during the final months of the Great War. His name is inscribed on the St. Paul’s war memorial, ensuring that his contribution is not forgotten. He stands as a symbol of those who gave their lives at the very end of the conflict — men who fought until peace was finally achieved.