Brinley Arthur Morgan – Royal Flying Corps

Second Lieutenant Brinley Arthur Morgan – Royal Flying Corps

Birth and Family Background

Brinley Arthur Morgan

Brinley Arthur Morgan was born in 1893 in Swansea. He was the son of William Rhandir Morgan, a native of Llanelli, and Elizabeth Jane Hopkin.

Early Life

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Morgan family were residing at 15 Gwydr Crescent, Swansea. William Morgan (36) was employed as a steamship agent, while Elizabeth Jane (36) undertook household duties. Their children present were Blodwen M. (10) and Brinley A. (8), both attending school; Winifred E. (7); William T. (5); Florence M. (4); Lilian G. (3); and Annie V. (5 months). Also present in the household was a domestic servant, Florence Rees (21).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Westfa, Brooklyn Terrace, Mumbles. William Morgan (45) was employed as a steamship company’s manager, and Elizabeth Jane (46) remained at home. The children present were Blodwen (20), a telegraphist; Brinley (18), a clerk; Winifred (15), a part-time student; Trevor (15), a student; Florence (14); Lily (13); Violet (10); and Gwyneth (6), all attending school.

Military Service

In September 1914, Brinley Arthur Morgan enlisted in the Glamorgan Yeomanry, volunteering shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. While serving with the Royal Field Artillery, he was gazetted Temporary Second Lieutenant in May 1916, and was subsequently confirmed as a Permanent Second Lieutenant in February 1917.

In January 1917, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, joining the air service during one of the most dangerous periods of the air war on the Western Front.

Death in Action

Second Lieutenant Brinley Arthur Morgan was killed in aerial action on 4^th March 1917. His death occurred during a period of escalating air combat, as the Royal Flying Corps undertook intensive reconnaissance and patrol operations in preparation for major Allied offensives.

The death of Second Lieutenant Brinley Arthur Morgan forms part of the wider pattern of heavy Royal Flying Corps losses in early 1917, a period that would culminate in the severe casualties of “Bloody April”. His experience reflects the dangers faced by officers newly transferred to aviation and highlights the rapid, often unforgiving nature of aerial combat during the First World War.

South Wales Daily Post

News of his death reached home quickly, with the South Wales Daily Post reporting his loss on 8^th March 1917, bringing confirmation of his death to his family and the Swansea community.

Burial and Commemoration

Brinley Arthur Morgan
Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
credit - findagrave

Brinley Arthur Morgan is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. His grave commemorates a young officer whose service bridged artillery and aviation, and whose death exemplifies the heavy price paid by Royal Flying Corps airmen during the most hazardous phases of the First World War