William John Hughes, Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Private, 3156, 1/6th (Carnarvonshire and Anglesey) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fuslilers. Died, killed in action, age about 22, on 11 August 1915 at Gallipoli, Balkans Theatre of War.

The battalion was formed at Caernarvon in August 1914 and joined the 158th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division on 13 May 1915. It sailed from Devonport on 19 July 1915 for Gallipoli, going via Imbros and disembarking at Suvla Bay on 9 August 1915. He enlisted at Caernarvon in 1914 and arrived at the Balkans on 8 August 1915. The Battalion was involved in the Landing at Sulva Bay from the 9-15 August and, in particular, in the attack to take Scimitar Hill. There was much chaos and confusion during this action and the attack failed to make much progress against firmly entrenched Turkish forces. Many North Wales soldiers lost their lives during this time. The losses to the 53rd (Welsh) Division were so extensive that its effectiveness as a fighting force was severely diminished only days after it landed at Gallipoli.Born at Holyhead (or possibly Runcorn) and was the second son of John and Winifred Hughes of 29 Llainfain, Holyhead. Educated at Llaingoch, he was employed as a Farmer, possibly at Penrhosfeilw, Holyhead. It is possible that 1911 the family lived at 26 Llainfain, Holyhead. He was then aged 18 and employed as a Labourer.

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

Commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Panel 77 to 80. He has no known grave.