In memory of John Gwilym Hughes

photo of John Gwilym HughesIn memory of John Gwilym Hughes

John Gwilym Hughes was born in Bangor, where he was educated at St Paul’s School and Friars School. His parents were John T and Mary Hughes of Hazlewood, Bangor.

He continued his education at the North Wales University College, Bangor, where he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was a member of the college’s Officer’s Training Corps.

He began a career in teaching, serving as senior master at Llanidloes County School, in Mid Wales. Later he became assistant master at his old school, Friars. While there he played an active part in the visit of the National Eisteddfod of Wales to Bangor in 1915. This was the first National Eisteddfod since the outbreak of war. The 1914 Eisteddfod had been postponed to 1915.

John was an enthusiastic member of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion in Llanidloes. This society for promoting interest in Welsh culture and affairs has its roots in 18th-century London. John became secretary of the society’s Bangor branch after moving to Friars School.

He left Friars on receiving a commission with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in autumn 1915. He was promoted to lieutenant in summer 1916, shortly before leaving for the Western Front on 6 September. He was wounded on 28 October, and his parents were told of his death, aged 35, on 3 November.

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