William James Thomas – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division
Able Seaman William James Thomas – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division
Early Life
 |
| Abraham Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Griffiths marriage certificate St. Mary's Church, Swansea |
William James Thomas was born in 1895 in Swansea, the son of Abraham Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Griffiths, who were married in 1885 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea.
 |
| 1901 Census |
At the time of the 1901 Census, the Thomas family were living at The Bryn Melyn Hotel, 22 Llangyfelach Street, Swansea. William’s father, Abraham, aged 40, worked as a Licensed Victualler, while his mother, Mary E., aged 37, assisted in running the household and business. Their children were Mary J. (14), William J. (6), and Thomas H. (3). Also present was Elizabeth Hopkins, a 21‑year‑old servant.
 |
| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family were still residing at The Bryn Melyn Hotel. Abraham, now 50, continued his work as a Licensed Victualler, and Mary Elizabeth, aged 47, remained at home. Their children were Mary Jane (24), William James (18), Thomas Henry (13), and Elsie May (5). Also living with them was William Thomas Griffiths, aged 36, listed as a boarder.
Naval Service
 |
| British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records |
According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, William James later enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, serving with the Anson Battalion of the Royal Naval Division as an Able Seaman. The Division, composed largely of naval reservists serving as infantry, fought in some of the most demanding battles on the Western Front.
Anson Battalion –
On 25th
August 1918, the Anson Battalion was heavily
engaged in the Operations at Bapaume, part of the wider Hundred Days
Offensive, the final Allied push that would ultimately bring the war to an
end. Following the success of the Battle of Amiens earlier that month, the 63rd
(Royal Naval) Division advanced eastwards, pressing the retreating German
Army and attempting to break through successive defensive lines. The fighting
around Bapaume was fierce, with the Anson Battalion encountering intense
machine‑gun fire from German rearguard positions, strongly fortified
blockhouses and dugouts, and heavy shelling directed at the advancing troops,
all while struggling across difficult terrain of shattered villages and ground
churned by years of bombardment. Progress was hard‑won and often involved close‑quarters
fighting as the battalion cleared one strongpoint after another, and casualties
across the Division were significant as they pushed forward under constant
fire. It was during this phase of the advance, on 25th August
1918, that Able Seaman William James Thomas was killed in action,
losing his life during the final, determined Allied effort that would, within
weeks, force the German Army into full retreat.
Commemoration
 |
| William James Thomas Vis‑en‑Artois Memorial, Pas‑de‑Calais, France credit - findagrave |
Comments
Post a Comment