Raymond Francis Jewell – Pioneer Corps

Private Raymond Francis Jewell – Pioneer Corps

Raymond Francis Jewell, born in 1917 in Swansea, was the son of William Jewell and Ailse Dorothy Saunders. His early childhood is captured in the 1921 Census, which records a young family living in the busy commercial centre of Oxford Street.

Census Background 

1921 Census

In 1921, the Jewell family were residing at 81 Oxford Street, Swansea. William, aged 31, worked as a carman for Messrs Hancocks, Brewers, while his wife Ailse, aged 24, undertook the household duties. Their children were Raymond (4), Dorothy (1) and Donald (3 months). Also present in the home was Wilfred Saunders (26), listed as a visitor, likely a relative from Ailse’s side of the family.

Military Service – Pioneer Corps

Raymond later enlisted as a Private in the Pioneer Corps, a branch of the Army responsible for labour, construction, engineering support, and essential wartime infrastructure. Pioneer units served across Britain and overseas, often undertaking demanding and hazardous duties vital to military operations.

Death and Burial

Raymond Francis Jewell died on 8 August 1941 in Denbighshire while serving with the Corps. His body was brought home to Swansea, where he was laid to rest at St Peter’s, joining the parish’s Second World War roll of honour.