Stanley Colt Faber

Major Stanley Colt Faber – Royal Field Artillery, 47^th Brigade

Introduction

Some of the names commemorated on the war memorial at Clyne Chapel, Blackpill, can be difficult to link directly with the local community. Often, only through patient research are these connections revealed. One such name is that of Major Stanley Colt Faber, whose distinguished military career and service forged a lasting connection between Malvern, Worcestershire, and Swansea.

Early Life

Henry Milford Faber and Florence Ellen Colt
marriage certificate
Christ Church, Malvern

Stanley Colt Faber was born in 1884 in Malvern, Worcestershire, the eldest son of Henry Milford Faber and Florence Ellen Colt, who were married in 1882 at Christ Church, Malvern.

1891 Census

According to the 1891 Census, the Faber family was residing at 1 College Grounds, Malvern College, where Henry, aged 39 and born in Buckinghamshire, served as a Clerk in Holy Orders. Florence, born in London, was 36 years old. Their children at that time were Stanley C. (7) and Geoffrey C. (1).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, Stanley was recorded as a Military Pupil at the Cadet School, Woolwich, marking the beginning of his professional military education and preparation for a commission in the Royal Artillery.

In his formative years, Stanley Colt Faber attended the Cadet School at Woolwich — the renowned Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. At this institution, young gentlemen cadets underwent rigorous training in mathematics, fortification, gunnery, and the practical skills of artillery service. Over a two- to four-year period, cadets progressed from theoretical classes into practical application, preparing them for commissions in the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. This education laid the foundation for Faber’s later service as an officer in the Royal Field Artillery.

Golconda Lodge - Freemason Records

In 1910, he was initiated as a Freemason of the Golconda Lodge, his occupation recorded as Lieutenant, confirming his progression through the ranks of the Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A.).

1911 Census

The 1911 Census lists Stanley back at the family home, 1 College Grounds, Malvern College, where his father Henry, aged 59, was a Schoolmaster, and his mother Florence was 56. Two of their children were present: Stanley, aged 27, serving as a Lieutenant, R.F.A., and Dorothy, aged 19.

Marriage and Connection to Swansea

Stanley Colt Faber and Evelyn Frances Maria Barrett 
marriage certificate
Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road, London

In 1913, Stanley married Evelyn Frances Maria Barrett at Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road, London (Westminster). At the time of his marriage, Stanley’s occupation was listed as Captain, Royal Field Artillery, and his home address as the Tenby Hotel, Swansea.

Prior to the outbreak of the First World War, Stanley served as Adjutant of the Welsh Howitzer Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force), headquartered in Swansea. Through this posting, he became closely associated with the city and its surrounding district, including Blackpill and Clyne Chapel, where his name would later be commemorated.

Military Service

During the First World War, Major Stanley Colt Faber served with the 47^th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, part of the 14^th (Light) Division of the British Expeditionary Force. The 47th Brigade was heavily engaged in artillery operations on the Western Front, providing both direct and supporting fire for front-line infantry battalions throughout 1916 and 1917.

By early 1917, the brigade was positioned near Arras, northern France, where the British Army was preparing for a major offensive — the Battle of Arras. Artillery brigades such as the 47th were crucial to this effort, conducting intensive bombardments to destroy German wire, gun emplacements, and defensive strongpoints in the weeks leading up to the attack.

War records describe this period as one of continuous preparation and heavy shelling, with artillery brigades maintaining near-constant firing schedules and operating under enemy counter-battery fire. It was during this period of intense activity that Major Faber was killed in action.

Death

Major Stanley Colt Faber was killed in action on 30^th March 1917, during the preliminary bombardments that preceded the Battle of Arras, which began on 9^th April 1917. The work of the artillery was especially perilous, as gun crews and forward observation officers were frequently exposed to retaliatory fire. Major Faber’s death occurred amid this dangerous and demanding phase of operations, and his loss was deeply felt by his comrades and subordinates.

 Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

His name was later published in the Roll of Honour of the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder in April 1917, acknowledging his service and sacrifice, and reflecting the strong connection he had forged with the Swansea district through his pre-war role with the local artillery brigade.

Burial and Commemoration

Stanley Colt Faber
Faubourg-d'Amiens Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Major Faber was laid to rest at Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France, a burial ground dedicated to those who served and fell in the Arras sector. His headstone bears the insignia of the Royal Field Artillery.

Stanley Colt Faber
Great Malvern Priory Churchyard
credit - findagrave

He is also commemorated locally on the Clyne Chapel War Memorial, Blackpill, reflecting his Swansea connection, and at Great Malvern Priory Churchyard, Worcestershire, honouring his family’s enduring ties to Malvern.

Legacy

Major Stanley Colt Faber exemplified the professionalism and dedication of the early twentieth-century officer — disciplined, dutiful, and devoted both to his men and his mission. His life bridged two communities, Malvern and Swansea, united through service and sacrifice. His name endures with honour in official records, local memorials, and the wartime press that bore witness to his courage and ultimate sacrifice during the Great War.