Owen Thomas, Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers

The 2nd Siege Company was composed largely of men from Holyhead, most being craftsmen and workers, such as fitters, boilermakers, carpenters and other skilled trades. Many of the men were previously employed at the workshops of the Locomotive Department and workshops of the dry dock for the cross channel steam packets of the Marine Department of the London & North Western Railway Company, Ltd.

He enlisted at Holyhead on 1 September 1914 into the Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers (Special Reserve), aged 29 years and 8 months. He was previously employed as a Joiner for the LNWR. He was located at the Company Base Depot at Kingsbridge Camp, Beaumaris, Anglesey until 17 March 1915 and entered France on 20 March 1915. He joined his unit on 1 April 1915 located at Ypres. On 21 April the 2nd Battle of Ypres began and the 2nd Siege Company were employed in the fighting building barricades and digging trenches. A note in his Service Record indicates that he died of wounds received on the 3 May 1915.

On 6 October 1915 his mother enquired about his effects, especially a wrist watch and gold ring that she had not received. The reply from the Army confirmed that these were not available to return. The effects received included a knife, rule, notebook, letter, ID disc, prayer and hymn book, welsh testament, card, cash and a photo.

He was born at Llanfaelog, Ty Croes, Anglesey the son of Owen and Catherine Thomas of 3 Brynefail, Ty Croes, Anglesey. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother, Catherine Thomas (52) at Brynrefail, Llanfaelog, Ty Croes, Anglesey. She is described as a Housekeeper and originated from Aberystwyth. Also at the address was his younger brother Llewelyn (21), a Plasterer born at Llanfaelog. In 1919 his brother Llewelyn (29) had moved to the USA and was residing at 505 South Oakley, Chicago. His sister Mrs Jane Williams (33) was residing at 5 Queen's Street, Holyhead. Two other sisters, Mrs Mary Roberts (31) and Miss M Thomas (27) were living at home with his mother at Brynrefail. The book 'Holyhead and the Great War' lists an Owen Thomas at 8 Water Street, Holyhead.

Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in the Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium. Grave location Enclosure No. 2, V.A.55. (A note in his Service Records confirms that he was originally buried in the ground adjacent to the Female Asylum, Ypres). He is listed on the LNWR Roll of Honour. He is also commemorated on the Rhosneigr War Memorial and Bryn Du War Memorial.

Thanks to Aled L Jones for the grave photo.