David Hughes, Royal Engineers

Sapper, 396656 (6656), 97th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Died, killed in action, aged 27, on 21 March 1918 at the Western Front.

The 97th Field Company was initially attached to the 30th Division but in January 1915 it was transferred to the 21st Division. The Division arrived in France on 13th September 1915. Enlisted at Holyhead at the outbreak of war and arrived in France on 14 December 1914, probably with the 2nd Siege Company, Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers, as his earlier service number suggests. On 21 March 1918 the 21st Division faced the initial onslaught of the German Army's Spring Offensive, Operation Michael. This became known as the Battle of St. Quentin (21-23 March 1918). The British Army suffered significant losses, including 7,500 during the initial bombardment and was forced to fall back over a wide front.

Born at Holyhead, the son of Ann Hughes of 54 Foundry Street, Holyhead and the late William Hughes. In 1901 he lived with his parents, one older sister and two older brothers, together with two cousins at 54 Foundry Street, Holyhead. 1911 he lived with his widowed mother, sister, niece and nephew at the same address. He was employed as a Boilermaker's Labourer at the Marine Yard, LNWR at Holyhead.

Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France. Grave location I.A.15. Also commemorated on the LNWR Roll of Honour, page 24.