Robert Leslie Howell – 12th Glamorganshire (Swansea) Battalion, Home Guard

Private Robert Leslie Howell – 12th Glamorganshire (Swansea) Battalion, Home Guard

Early Life and Family Background

David Howell and Mary Bodycombe marriage certificate St. Mary's Church, Swansea

Robert Leslie Howell was born in 1905, in Swansea, the son of David Howell and Mary Bodycombe, who had married in 1904 at St Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Howell family were living at The Croft, Havenhill, near Swansea. David, aged 32, worked as a Clerk at the Plate Works, while Mary, aged 28, managed the home. Their children were Robert Leslie (6), David Oswald (4), and William Thomas (1).

The Family in 1921

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the Howell family were residing at 29 Megan Street, Cwmbwrla, Swansea. David Howell, aged 41, was employed as a Tinplate Works Clerk, while his wife Mary, aged 38, undertook the household duties. Their eldest son, Robert Leslie, aged 16, was recorded as an Apprentice Engineer at Rd. Thomas & Co., Steel & Tinplate Manufacturers, though he was out of work at the time of the census. His brother David Oswald, aged 14, had just left school and was also out of work, while the youngest, William Thomas, aged 11, was still attending school. The census captures a working‑class Swansea family navigating the post‑war industrial economy, with two sons on the threshold of working life.

1939 Register

The Family in 1939

The 1939 Register shows the Howell family still living at 29 Megan Street. David was employed as an Agent for a Brass & Bronze Foundry, while Mary continued her household duties. Robert was working as a Chief Draughtsman at an engineering works, and his brother David J. was employed as a Steel Smelter Furnace Man.

Marriage

In 1941, Robert married Edith M. Hopkins, establishing his own household while continuing his engineering career.

Service with the Home Guard

During the Second World War, Robert Leslie Howell served as a Private with the 12th Glamorganshire (Swansea) Battalion, Home Guard. Like many skilled workers, he balanced civilian engineering duties with part‑time military service, contributing to Britain’s home defence during the years of air raids and invasion threat.

Western Mail

Musketry Training Tragedy

Robert died on 8 November 1942, following a tragic accident during musketry instruction. His death was reported in the Western Mail, and the circumstances were examined at an inquest held in Swansea, where the jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.

During a Home Guard training session, Sergeant John Huxtable, a coal miner from Fforestfach and former soldier of both the Dragoon Guards and the Welch Regiment, was demonstrating rifle handling. He had shown the class how to load and unload a rifle, then lay down to instruct them in the correct firing posture. Believing he was using dummy ammunition, he pulled the trigger. The rifle discharged unexpectedly.

The bullet struck Robert in the leg, causing a severe wound. Despite medical treatment, complications developed, leading to septic infection and ultimately the amputation of the injured limb. Robert later succumbed to his injuries.

The inquest noted that Sergeant Huxtable had previously warned the class never to point a rifle at anyone, emphasising safe practice. The accident brought deep sorrow to the Home Guard unit and to the community of Fforestfach, where Robert was well known as an engineer and draughtsman.

Robert Leslie Howell 
Bethlehem Congregational Chapel, Fforestfach credit - findagrave

Burial

Robert Leslie Howell was laid to rest at Bethlehem Congregational Chapel, Fforestfach, returning him to the community in which he had lived and served.