Private, 35452 (formally 37627, 21st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers), 95th Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died, killed in action, aged 21, on 8 October 1917 at the Western Front.
Enlisted at Shotton, Cheshire on 9 December 1915 into the 21st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Transferred to the Machine Gun Corps in May 1916 and arrived in France on 17 July 1916 (on his 20th birthday). Joined the 61st Company MGC in August 1916 and then the 10th Company MGC in October 1916. Moved to the 13th Company MGC in April 1917 and finally to the 95th Company MGC in May 1917. Spent numerous periods in military hospitals in France suffering illnesses, including Myalgia and Debility.
The 95th Company Machine Gun Corps was part of the 5th Division. At the time of Private Griffith's death the Division was involved in the Third Battle of Ypres. He died the day prior to the Battle of Poelcapelle. On the 8 October the Company were at Reutelbeek, south west of Ypres. The War Diary records during the morning the relief of one section with another but remarks that this was carried out safely. The entry for the morning also records the death of one soldier, which would appear to be that of Private Griffith. His Service Record contains a letter to to the Army from his father asking that he be considered for the award of a Military Cross (sic) as he believed he was killed carrying a message back to Headquarters under heavy shelling. The Service Record does not contain a reply. As the machine gun sections were not under fire at the time, it is possible that he was killed as suggested by his father.
He was born at Holyhead on 17 July 1896 but resided at 222, High Street, Connah's Quay, being employed as a Railway Booking Clerk for the LNWR at Connah's Quay. He was the son of Rev. William Griffith and Annie Griffith (nee Jones), of Arvonia, Walthew Avenue, Holyhead. In 1901 he lived with his parents and older sister at 22 Newry Street, Holyhead. In 1911 the family lived at the same address and comprised William Griffith (48), Annie Griffith (46), Olwen Martha (15), William Tudor (14) and Arnold David (9). His father was employed as a Congregational Minister at the New Tabernacl Chapel, Holyhead and originated from Neath, Glamorganshire. His mother was born in Cardiff.
Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial. Panels 154 to 159 and 163A. He has no known grave. He is also commemorated on the LNWR Roll of Honour and on a memorial plaque at Y Tabernacl Chapel, Thomas Street, Holyhead.