LLOYD, William Tregethin
"A TROEDYRHIW HERO - KILLED IN THE ATTACK AND BAYONET CHARGE AT POELCAPPELLE”
Private William Tregethin Lloyd, 245074, 2nd/5th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action on 26th October 1917, age 34
Buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium & commemorated on the Troedyrhiw War Memorial
Prior to the war, William was a ‘traveller’ for Mr McAndrew (Draper), based at Queens Road, Merthyr. During his time in the colours, he was recommended for recognition for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the battlefield. Whilst this did not end up in a formal medal, he would have more than likely received a certificate on the battlefield, presented by the Commanding Officer if he had survived.
A letter sent from Lt Colonel Charles J Hitchins, 2nd/5th Batt Loyal North Lancashire Regiment reads;
“To 245074 Pte W T Lloyd, I have read with great satisfaction the reports laid before me of your Gallant conduct and Devotion to duty in the field on 26th October 17 at Poelcappelle. Such conduct is an honour to yourself and to your battalion and I congratulate you”.
It is to be noted that the letter that details his gallant conduct, was dated the day he died.
The war diaries for the 26th October details the attack at Poelcappelle, with the following the keys points;
“3.40am the battalion formed up to attack on the objective 1000 yards from our original line.
5.40am the battalion advanced to attack on a 500 yard front in a normal attack formation. The attack was almost impossible due to the condition of the ground, however the men moved forward slowly & surely. The leading waves had not moved more than 50 yards when they came under intense Machine Gun barrage which caused a high number of casualties. All Company officers became casualties under this machine gun attack but the men carried on the advance by the most determined manner.
It was estimated that a small number of men reached shell holes around 500 yards form the objective. Due to the heavy gunfire and small amount of men that reached the shell holes, it was decided to withdraw to our original position and consolidate the line.
The enemy seemed to anticipate the attack and pushed forward small groups of men very close to our line under cover of darkness. These groups missed our barrage and suffered heavy casualties in the initial stages……
The enemy's sniping was very efficient and is what caused the casualties as all ranks were dressed alike, as everybody who was pointing, shouting and directing was immediately sniped. Heavy casualties were also due to the heavy Machine Gun fire.
As it was almost impossible to fire at the lines, the bayonets came well to the fore, the men magnificently wielding……..and they so splendidly led the attack after all the officers became casualties.
It is estimated that 500 Germans & 8 Machine Guns were captured”.
Son of William & Sarah Lloyd, 11 Ladysmith Terrace, Troedyrhiw and husband of Mrs Susan Mary Lloyd, 326 Slocan Street, South Vancouver, Canada.