In memory of John and William Lloyd
John and William Lloyd were two of the eight children of Francis and Sarah Ann Lloyd. Francis, whose roots were in Denbighshire, was a farmworker and later a foreman platelayer (track maintenance worker) for the Cambrian Railways. Sarah grew up in Dolgellau. In 1891 the family lived at Tanybryn, Penmaenpool, and in 1901 at Criagyrhelbul, Arthog.
John, known as Jack, was the eldest son. After his schooling, he followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a platelayer. By 1911 he was married to Alice, who hailed from Warwickshire. They lived in Railway Cottages, Barmouth Junction, with their son Francis, then aged two. Barmouth Junction was where the railway from Ruabon, Bala and Dolgellau joined the Cambrian Coast line. The station there is now known as Morfa Mawddach.
Jack (pictured left) enlisted in Barmouth and joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. After training, he was sent to France in December 1915. On 1 September 1917 he was part of a sniping company on its way to an observation post at the front in Belgium when he and two comrades were killed by a shell. Corporal John Lloyd was 33 years old. He is buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery, near Ypres.
Younger brother William (right) joined the Royal Field Artillery. He reached the Western Front for the first time in November 1915. At the time he was a driver – managing the horses which dragged the heavy guns from site to site. He later became a gunner, and it was in that capacity that he died in July 1918, aged 20. He is buried at Marfaux British Cemetery, near Reims, France.
Two other brothers, Tom and Frank, also served in the army during the war.
With thanks to Dai Sheppard
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