In memory of Rhys Roberts
Rhys Roberts was the oldest son of William and Elizabeth Roberts. They lived at a farm called Bwlch Mwlchan (or Bwlch Mwrchan) in Nant Gwynant, north east of Beddgelert. William was chairman of Beddgelert Parish Council.
Rhys was living in Bootle, Liverpool, and forging a career in the cotton trade when war broke out. He was one of about 80 young men from the Welsh Methodist Chapel in Stanley Road, Bootle, who hurried to volunteer for the armed forces. Rhys enlisted in September 1914 and became a Private in the King’s Liverpool Regiment.
In August 1915 he married Edith Mary Griffith of Bryn Celyn, Benllech, Anglesey. She had previously lived in Bootle. The wedding took place at Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey. Rhys’ sister Alice was one of the bridesmaids.
Three months later, he travelled to France along with two other young men from Beddgelert in his regiment: Joseph Ellis and David John Williams.
On 14 January 1916 an accidental bomb detonation killed Rhys and two of his comrades. He was 24 years old. He is buried at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery, in the Somme region of France.
Soon after his death, William Roberts signed a petition protesting at the leniency which the local military tribunal was showing to young men from the area who appealed against conscription.
David John Williams was killed in July 1916, aged 19. Joseph Ellis was badly wounded in France and died in 1920, aged 25.
Return to Beddgelert war memorial page
