In memory of David and Edward Pugh
David Samuel Pugh and Edward John Pugh were sons of David Pugh, who lived at 7 Beulah Square, Caernarfon.
David (right) joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and in August 1915 took part in the battle of Suvla Bay, when the Allies tried unsuccessfully to land 63,000 troops and establish control over Gallipoli. He remained in Gallipoli until British forces were withdrawn. The Allies lost more than 200,000 in the Gallipoli campaign, and a Welsh newspaper remarked in February 1916 that David had come through it all without any injury. At that time he was 21 years old and stationed in Egypt. His officers described him as one of the bravest boys of his company.
David died on 10 March 1918 and was buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery. Official records state that he died aged 22 years (not consistent with the newspaper report mentioned above).
Edward John Pugh was serving as a signaller with the Welsh (Caernarvon) Royal Garrison Artillery in February 1916, when he was 19 years old. At the time he was at Bedford. He died shortly before the end of the war, on 2 November 1918, when he was a sapper with the Royal Engineers. He was buried in St Peblig’s churchyard, Caernarfon.
Caernarfon war memorial records that he was awarded the Military Medal for his service. A contemporary newspaper report mentioned that the medal was presented to his father in September 1919 by Mrs Lloyd George, wife of Prime Minister David Lloyd George, during a large reception for troops who had served overseas. David Pugh was then living at Custom House, Caernarfon. However, there is no mention of this Military Medal award in archive copies of the London Gazette, which listed all awards, or on Edward’s official medal card.
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