David James Demery - Royal Marine Light Infantry, 4th Royal Marine Battalion, H.M.S. Vindictive

Private David James Demery - Royal Marine Light Infantry, 4^th Royal Marine Battalion, H.M.S. Vindictive

Family Background and Early Life

James Henry Demery and Gwenllian Coates
marriage certificate
St. Mark’s Church, Swansea

David James Demery was born in 1899 in Swansea, the son of James Henry Demery and Gwenllian Coates, who were married in 1897 at St. Mark’s Church, Swansea.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Demery family were living at 8 Hill Street, Swansea. James Henry Demery (23), born in Devon, was employed as a hydraulic crane driver, while his wife Gwenllian (23) managed the household. Their children were Mary Elizabeth (3), David James (2), and William (2 months).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family were still resident at the same address. James Henry (34) continued his work as a hydraulic craneman, and Gwenllian (34) remained at home. Their children were Mary (12), David, recorded in the census as James (12), Rheuben (8), Robert (5), Beatrice (3), and Ivor (2).

Military Service

H.M.S. Vindictive

David James Demery enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry and served as a Private with the 4^th Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Navy Division. During his service he was attached to H.M.S. Vindictive, one of the most heavily committed ships of the Royal Navy during the later stages of the First World War.

H.M.S. Vindictive and Operations in 1918

H.M.S. Vindictive was originally a protected cruiser and became famous for her leading role in the Zeebrugge Raid, carried out on the night of 22–23 April 1918. The raid was a daring attempt by the Royal Navy to block the Belgian ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend, which were being used as bases for German U-boats and destroyers operating in the English Channel. During the assault, Vindictive came under intense enemy fire and suffered heavy casualties and serious damage.

Following repairs, Vindictive was returned to service later in 1918, operating in a variety of roles including troop movements, coastal operations, and the transport of Royal Marine and naval personnel between Britain and the Continent. Service aboard the ship remained hazardous, with the constant threat of mines, submarine attack, and operational accidents in active war zones.

As a member of the 4^th Royal Marine Battalion, David formed part of the naval infantry force supporting wider Allied operations during the closing months of the war.

Death and Burial

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

The British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records record that Private David James Demery was killed on 23^rd April 1918. He is buried at St. James Cemetery, Dover, a burial ground closely associated with naval and military casualties from Channel operations.

David James Demery
St. James Cemetery, Dover
credit - findagrave

David James Demery’s service and sacrifice reflect the dangerous and demanding role undertaken by Royal Marines serving both afloat and ashore during the final year of the First World War.