William Elliott – Welsh Regiment, 1st Battalion

Private William Elliott – Welsh Regiment, 1^st Battalion

James Elliott and Ellen Thomas
marriage certificate
All Saints' Church, Oystermouth

Private William Elliott, born William Harvey in 1891 at Oystermouth, was the youngest child of James Elliott, a house decorator, and Ellen Thomas. They married in November 1877 at All Saints’ Church, Oystermouth.

Early Life

1891 Census

The 1891 Census records the family at 10 Woodland Terrace, Blackpill. James (36) worked as a house decorator, Ellen (40) kept the home, and their children included Ada, Bertie, Mary Jane, James John, Ellen, and William Harvey, aged nine months.

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, they were living at 8 Woodland Terrace, Blackpill. James continued his trade, Bertie (19) and James John (14) were gardeners, and Ellen Caroline (12) and William Harvey (10) were still in school.

1911 Census

In 1911, the family were at 6 Woodland Terrace, Blackpill. James (56) remained a house decorator, Ellen (60) was his wife, and William (20) was working as a farm labourer.

Military Service

William enlisted and served with the 1^st Battalion, Welsh Regiment. In early 1915 the battalion formed part of the 84^th Brigade within the 28^th Division, holding lines in the southern sector of the Ypres Salient near Zillebeke, Hill 60, and Lindenhoek. During late March and early April 1915 they were engaged in the routine but hazardous cycle of front-line trench duty, relief work, and short periods in rear billets. Conditions were harsh: trenches flooded, dugouts collapsed, and the men were under frequent sniper fire, intermittent artillery bombardment, and trench mortar attacks. Although no major assault took place at this time, the battalion’s records show that “quiet days” still brought casualties through shell fragments, stray bullets, and accidents while repairing the line—typical dangers in the Ypres Salient’s static warfare.

Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects

William Elliott
Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium
credit - findagrave

The Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects confirms that Private William Elliott died on 2^nd April 1915. He is buried at Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium, a burial ground used for men who fell in or just behind the front positions held by his battalion. The circumstances of his death are not recorded, but the operational situation strongly suggests that he was killed during normal trench duties, most likely by shellfire or sniper action close to the Welsh Regiment’s forward positions.

Commemoration

Private William Elliott represents one of many young Welsh soldiers whose lives were shaped by the First World War. From his Oystermouth childhood to his death in Belgium, his story reflects the sacrifice and service of a generation.