Private, 10129, 61st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (formally Private 36630, RWF). Died, killed in action, aged about 24, on 21 March 1918 at the Western Front.
On 2nd September 1915, a proposal was made to the War Office for the formation of a single MG Company per Brigade, by withdrawing the Vickers guns from the Battalions. They would be replaced at Battalion level by Lewis guns. The Machine Gun Corps was created by Royal Warrant on October 14th, 1915, followed by an Army Order on 22nd October. The MGC would consist of Infantry Machine-gun Companies, Cavalry machine-gun Squadrons, and Motor Machine Gun Batteries. The reorganisation was completed by mid 1916. The Base Depot of the Corps in France was established at Camiers, close to the Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.
The 61st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps were formed on 1 March 1918 from the 182nd, 183rd and 184th Machine Gun Companies that had joined the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division in June 1916.
On 21 March 1918, the enemy launched what was intended to be a decisive offensive, attacking the British Fifth and Third Armies on the Somme in overwhelming strength. This became known as the actions at the Somme Crossings (Battle of St. Quentin). The 61st Division was holding the forward zone of defences in the area northwest of Saint Quentin in the area of Ham and lost many men as it fought a chaotic but ultimately successful withdrawal back over the Somme crossings over the next ten days. In the initial clash, the South Midland faced three enemy Divisions and only began to retire on the afternoon of 22 March, when ordered to do so in consequence of the enemy's progress at other parts of the line. At the forefront of the defensive line Machine Gunnners were positioned both to obstruct the attackers as well act as a buffer to allow troops to withdraw behind them and regroup. In this way they became the first obstacle the advancing enemy had to overcome and put out of action. The guns and their crews became obvious targets.
He was born at Holyhead, the son of Edward Thomas McLavy and Anne McLavy (nee Williams). He was previously apprenticed to boat builders, Mssrs Talams, in South Wales. In 1911 his parents were living at 6 Tower Gardens, Holyhead with his brother Frank (14) and twin sister Lily (17). His father was a Pensioned Royal Navy Marine and Ship's Fireman (LNWR). He originated from Woolwich, London. His mother was employed as a Midwife and originated from Solva, Pembrokeshire. His brother Frank McLavy may have served as a Private (20198) with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Contact with the McLavy family suggests that he was killed by an explosion whilst making up grenades.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Panel 90-93. He had no known grave.