William John Seldon
Able Seaman William John Seldon – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Howe Battalion, Royal Naval Division
A Seaman on the Western Front
Among those who fought — and fell — on the Western Front
was Able Seaman William John Seldon, who served not with the Army, but
with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, attached to the Howe
Battalion of the Royal Naval Division.
Early Life
William John Seldon was born in 1897, the son
of John Seldon and Jane Ann Seldon, originally from Newfoundland
and Cornwall, respectively.
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| 1901 Census |
The 1901 Census records the Seldon family living at 5 Roseland Terrace, Swansea. John (39) worked as a China Dealer, while Jane Ann (41) managed the home. Their children were George Henry (7), William John (5), and Frederick A. (9 months).
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Cwm Cottages, Cockett, near Sketty. John (50) was employed as a China and Glass Dealer, and Jane Ann (53) kept the household. Their sons George Henry (17) and William John (14) were both Apprentice House Painters, while Frederick Arthur (6) and an adopted daughter, Gertrude Taylor (6), were attending school.
Military Service
When war broke out, William enlisted in the Royal Naval
Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) and was posted to the Howe Battalion, part
of the Royal Naval Division — a formation composed of naval reservists
who served as infantry on the Western Front.
By November 1916, the Howe Battalion was
engaged in the Battle of the Ancre, the final phase of the Somme
Campaign. On 13th November, the Royal Naval Division
launched an attack on Beaucourt-sur-l’Ancre, a heavily defended German
stronghold. Supported by artillery and advancing behind a creeping barrage, the
men of the Howe Battalion fought through thick mud, shattered trenches, and
intense machine-gun fire. Despite heavy casualties, they succeeded in capturing
their objectives, helping to secure one of the last Allied victories of the
Somme.
Death
Able Seaman William John Seldon was killed in
action on 13th November 1916, during this assault on Beaucourt-sur-l’Ancre.
His battalion’s courage and determination under appalling conditions
contributed to the overall success of the operation, but at the cost of many
young lives.
William was 19 years old.
Burial
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| William John Seldon Ancre British Cemetery credit - findagrave |
Legacy
Able Seaman William John Seldon was one of the
remarkable “sailor soldiers” of the Royal Naval Division — men of the
sea who fought with bravery and distinction on land. His name is proudly
inscribed on the St. Paul’s Church War Memorial, Swansea, where he is
honoured among the parish’s fallen of the Great War. His sacrifice, made at
such a young age, stands as a lasting reminder of courage, service, and
devotion to duty.
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