Gerald Hartnell Savage

Rifleman Gerald Hartnell Savage – King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 16^th Battalion

The Final Days of the Great War

Gerald Hartnell Savage

The First World War was nearing its end when the Armistice was signed on 11^th November 1918, bringing over four years of conflict to a close. In those last days, fierce fighting continued along the retreating German lines, and many soldiers lost their lives in what would be the final actions of the war. Among them was Rifleman Gerald Hartnell Savage, one of Swansea’s last casualties of the Great War.

Early Life

Gerald Hartnell Savage was born in 1896 in Swansea, the son of John Arthur Savage and Emily Jane Anderson.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the family living at The Lodge, Sketty. John A. (43) was employed as a Foreman at the Copper Works, and Emily J. (39) managed the household. Their children were Lillian E. M. (19), a Draper’s Assistant; Isabel M. (15); Gladys V. (13); Frederick R. (10); Lancelot R. (7); Gerald H. (5); Iris M. (3); and Averil L. (1).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family was still residing at The Lodge, Sketty. John A. (53) was then a Foreman at the Electrolysis Copper Works, and Emily J. (49) continued to care for the family. Their children included Frederick Rayment (20), a Clerk at a Tin Works; Lancelot Clewer (17), a Founder; Gerald Hartnell (15), working as a Farm Labourer; Iris Maud (13); Averil Lynda (11); Richard Arthur Cecil (9); and Leslie Glynn (7), all attending school. Also present were two servants, George Elwood (32) and Ann Thomas (60).

Military Service

Attestation Papers

Gerald’s Attestation Papers record that he enlisted on 4^th September 1914, shortly after the outbreak of war. He joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) and was posted to the 16^th Battalion, part of the 100^th Brigade, 33^rd Division.

The battalion served on the Western Front, taking part in several major engagements, including the Battles of the Somme, Arras, and Ypres. By the autumn of 1918, the 16th Battalion was engaged in the final Allied Hundred Days Offensive, advancing steadily as German forces retreated across Belgium and northern France.

In early November 1918, the battalion was operating near the Sambre–Oise Canal, supporting attacks designed to break through the last German defensive positions. The men faced persistent machine-gun fire and artillery bombardments, even as rumours spread that the war was nearing its end. It was during one of these final actions that Rifleman Savage was killed.

Death

South Wales Daily Post

Rifleman Gerald Hartnell Savage was killed in action on 7^th November 1918, just four days before the Armistice was declared. His death came amid the closing battles of the campaign — days when hope of peace was in sight but the dangers of war still claimed many lives. He was 23 years old.  The South Wales Daily Post published an article on the 14th regarding Gerald's death and a photograph on the 18th.

Burial

Gerald Hartnell Savage
Leval Communal Cemetery
credit - CWGC

Gerald is buried at Leval Communal Cemetery, France.

Legacy

Rifleman Gerald Hartnell Savage is remembered as Swansea’s last man to fall in the First World War. His name is proudly inscribed on the St. Paul’s Church War Memorial, Swansea, honouring his sacrifice alongside those of his fellow parishioners who served and died in the Great War. His story stands as a poignant reminder of how the cost of war endured right up until the final hours of peace.