David Watkins – Welsh Regiment, 3rd Battalion

Private David Watkins – Welsh Regiment, 3rd Battalion

The first military commemoration at Morriston Cemetery

The earliest military burial commemorated at Morriston Cemetery is not an interment within the grounds themselves, but a memorial headstone dedicated to Private David Watkins, who is actually buried at Horeb Congregational Chapelyard, Morriston.

1891 Census

David Watkins was born in 1883, at Morriston, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Watkins. By the 1891 Census, the family were living at Pentrehafod, Llangefelach. Daniel, aged 34, worked as a Tinplate Worker, while Elizabeth, also 34, managed the home. Their children present were David (8), Sarah (5), and Hannah (3).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, Elizabeth had been widowed. She was recorded living at 79 Wychtree Street, Llangyfelach, aged 46, with her children: David (18), employed as a Cold Roller at the tinplate works; Sarah (16); Hannah (14); and Mary L. (9).

David Watkins
Morriston Cemetery
credit - findagrave

During the First World War, David Watkins served as a Private with the Welsh Regiment, 3rd Battalion. He died on 22 March 1917, and was buried at Horeb Congregational Chapelyard, where his actual grave lies.

The memorial headstone at Morriston Cemetery also commemorates B. D. R. Davies, who is likewise buried at Horeb Congregational Chapelyard, linking the two servicemen in remembrance across both burial grounds.