Thomas Ivor Eustis – Royal Welch Fusiliers, 17th Battalion, Military Medal

 Serjeant Thomas Ivor Eustis – Royal Welch Fusiliers, 17th Battalion, Military Medal

Early Life

Thomas Ivor Eustis was born in 1897 in Swansea, the son of John Eustis and Mary Ann Rees. He spent his childhood in Treboeth and Mynydd Bach, growing up within a coal‑mining household typical of the industrial communities north of Swansea.

1901 Census

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Eustis family were residing at 8 Park Hill, Treboeth. John, aged 35, was employed as a Coal Miner Hewer, while his wife Mary, aged 34, managed the home. Their children present were Richard Rees (7); Gabriel (9); Thomas Ivor (4)—all attending school—and Hannah (14 months).

1911 Census

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Pengwern Road, Mynydd Bach, Landore. John, now 45, continued working as a Coal Miner Hewer, and Mary, also 45, oversaw the household. Their children present were Richard Rees (14), a Colliery Labourer (below ground); Gabriel (16), a Tin‑worker Cold‑roller; Thomas Ivor (14), recorded as a Secondary School Student; and the younger children Hannah (11), Elizabeth Ann (8), and Lattie (4), all attending school.

Military Service

Thomas enlisted in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, serving with the 17th Battalion. Rising to the rank of Serjeant, he distinguished himself during the war and was awarded the Military Medal, recognising acts of bravery and devotion to duty under fire. The 17th Battalion, raised as part of the Welsh “Pals” units, saw intense service on the Western Front.

Thomas Ivor Eustis 
Mynyddbach Congregational Chapel credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

Thomas died on 16 May 1920 in Gloucestershire. His body was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at Mynyddbach Congregational Chapel, where his grave stands among the community’s post‑war memorial burials.