Gerwin Jones – Welsh Regiment & Labour Corps

Private Gerwin Jones – Welsh Regiment & Labour Corps

Early Life and Family Background

Gerwin Jones was born in 1896, in Swansea, the son of James Jones and Margaret Edwards, who had married in 1884 at Swansea.

1901 Census

By the time of the 1901 Census, the Jones family were living at Wassail House, Cockett, Swansea. James, aged 47, born in Carmarthenshire, worked as a Grocer Shopkeeper, while his wife Margaret, aged 42, also born in Carmarthenshire, managed the home. Their children were Herbert E. (15), William J. (13), Mary Jemima (12), and Gerwin (6). The household was a busy one, with three servants—Catherine Thomas (19), Evan H. Williams (16), and John Mathias (18)—also residing at Wassail House.

The Family in 1911

1911 Census

A decade later, the 1911 Census shows the family still at Wassail House. James, now 56, continued as a Grocer, and Margaret, aged 57, was also recorded as a Grocer, reflecting the family’s involvement in running the business. Their sons William James (23) and Gerwyn (17) were both employed as Grocers’ Assistants, working within the family trade. The household had grown further, with five servants—Jane Davies (23), Percy Lloyd (15), Thomas Thomas (29), Margaret Treharne (19), and Elizabeth Treharne (14)—indicating a thriving business and a substantial domestic establishment.

Military Service

During the First World War, Gerwin Jones enlisted as a Private in the Welsh Regiment, serving with the 22nd Battalion. Like many men who had worked in civilian trades, he answered the call to serve during the war’s later years. He was later transferred to the Labour Corps, joining the 495th Home Service Employment Company, a unit responsible for essential labour duties within Britain. Home Service Companies typically undertook tasks such as transport, construction, depot work, and logistical support—vital roles carried out by men who were medically downgraded or assigned to non‑combat duties.

Gerwin Jones
Bethlehem Congregational Chapel, Fforestfach credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

Gerwin Jones died on 7 May 1919, at the War Hospital, Sunderland, several months after the end of the war. His death reflects the many post‑Armistice losses caused by illness, injury, and the lingering effects of wartime service. His body was brought home to Swansea, where he was laid to rest at Bethlehem Congregational Chapel, Fforestfach, returning him to the community where he had been raised.