William David Owen – King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 1st Battalion attached 1/4th Battalion

Second Lieutenant William David Owen – King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 1^st Battalion  attached 1/4^th Battalion

Early Life

David Llewellyn Owen and Emily Seldon
marriage certificate
St. Mary's Church, Swansea

William Llewellyn Owen, born 1889 in Swansea, was the son of David Llewellyn Owen and Emily Seldon, who were married in 1886 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1891 Census

In the 1891 Census, the Owen family were living at 144 St. Helens Avenue, Swansea. David L. Owen, aged 27, was working as a Coal Merchant, while his wife Emily, aged 25 and born in Devonshire, was at home with their two young children: William L., aged 2, and Florence J., aged 6 months. Also living with the family was Emily’s sister, Margaret A. Seldon, aged 11, indicating strong extended family ties within the household.

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family remained at 144 St. Helens Avenue. David L., now 37, continued to work as a Coal Merchant (own account), and Emily, aged 36, kept the home. Their children had grown and now included William L., 12; Florence E., 10; Ernest, 9; and Gwladys, 6. The household also included Alice Seldon, aged 19, another of Emily’s sisters—suggesting the Owens continued to support extended family members.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census shows the Owen family still settled at 144 St. Helens Avenue, a residence they had occupied for at least two decades. David L., aged 47, was still employed as a Coal Merchant, while Emily, now 45, managed the household. Three of their children were recorded at home: William, 22, working in the family trade as a Coal Merchant; Florence, 20, attending college; and Gladys, 16, described as “Helps at Home”.

Marriage

In 1915, William married Violet Sarah Wearne, of 59 Finsbury Terrace, Swansea, marking the beginning of his own family life.

Military Service

Later in 1915, William enlisted for military service during the First World War. He attained the rank of Second Lieutenant in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, serving with the 1^st Battalion and being attached to the 1/4^th Battalion. In early 1918, the 1/4^th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry transferred to 56^th Brigade, 19^th (Western) Division, placing them directly in the path of the later stages of the German Spring Offensive.

On 6^th June 1918, the 1/4^th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry took part in the Battle of Bligny, carrying out a determined counter‑attack on Montagne de Bligny. During this action, the battalion retook a strategically vital hill, captured one German officer and twenty‑eight men, and helped to stabilize the Allied line during fierce close‑quarters fighting. For this gallantry, the battalion was awarded the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme, later presented on their regimental colour in 1922.

Death and Burial

William David Owen
St. Sever Cemetery, 
Rouen, Seine‑Maritime, France
credit - findagrave

William died of his wounds on 12^th June 1918. Given the timing—just six days after the severe fighting at Bligny—it is likely he was wounded during this action or in the immediate aftermath. He was evacuated to the major British medical centre at Rouen, where numerous General and Stationary Hospitals operated throughout the war. William is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine‑Maritime, France