WORKING NOTES

Born 15/8/1897, Mumbles. Parents - Thomas & Matilda

1901 - 1A Clyton Row, Swansea. 3yo. W parents & sis Doris. Dad - Shipping ?? & Manager of light??. As Robert Ernest

1911 - 128 Milton Terrace, Swansea. 13yo. School. W parents & younger sis, Doris

1918 - Died aged 21, 4/9/1918, France

No SR

Enl 16 Jan 1915, likely Swansea, no 1146

OFFICER'S TRIBUTE TO SWANSEA GUNNER

Mr and Mrs Tom Griffiths of Oakland House, Mumbles, have received the following giving details of the death in action of their only son. The letter is from Major Brittain, commanding the deceased's battery, and it says:-

"Dear Mrs Griffiths, - I very much regret to inform you that your son, Gunner R.C. Crowest, was killed last night. A shell burst just outside his bivouac, at the battery, and he was hit by a splinter, which rendered him unconscious, and he died before he reached the dressing station.

I need only say how deeply everyone in the battery - officers and men - regret his death. You yourself will know how exceedingly cheerful and willing he was - always ready to lend a hand to anyone who asked for it, and continually cheerful through all the hard work and trying circumstances of active service. In addition to these sterling personal qualities he has gained the distinction of being the first best gunner in recent battery tests. The officers and sergeant under whom he worked knew him as, in every way, a most reliable gunner.

All those in the battery who had worked and fought with him for such a long time ask me to express their deepest sympathy with you in your loss, and their hope that God may comfort you in your sorrow."