In memory of Hughie Thomas
Hugh Thomas, known as Hughie, came from a large family. He was born in Dauddyffryn, Tywyn. His parents were William and Gwen Thomas. They had 11 children, of whom three died in infancy or childhood. Two of the sons emigrated to Australia.
By 1901 the family lived at Tynewydd Farm and Hughie, aged 16 or 17, worked on the farm along with two older sisters and a brother.
Hughie was a dedicated member of the congregation at Aberdyfi’s Wesleyan Chapel, where he had attended Sunday School. He was still working on the farm in 1911. He spoke English and Welsh, his parents Welsh only.
He enlisted at Machynlleth in late 1915 and served on the Western Front as a Private with the Welsh Guards. While visiting home during leave in April 1918, he expressed a fear that he would never come home again.
In early May, he was badly wounded in his right side during fighting in the Somme region of France. He was taken to a military hospital but was too weak to be operated on. When he found enough strength to speak, he told the army chaplain at his bedside that he looked forward to being with his mother again. Gwen had passed away several years previously.
Hughie died on 9 May 1918. He was 34 years old. He is buried at Bagneux British Cemetery at Gezaincourt, between Abeville and Arras.
Return to Aberdyfi war memorial page
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