Sir,
I am researching the life of my uncle, William John Davies, who resided at the School House, Manorbier, and died aged 34 during December, 1932. He was the eldest son of John Davies, my grandfather, and Mrs. Harries, my grandmother. John Davies was the local postman and Mrs. Harries was the caretaker of the then Day School. My grandfather died in 1914 and his wife subsequently remarried.
I know that Uncle William served in the Army during World War I and may possibly have joined the Army earlier as a boy. I requested the National Archives to search their records for any trace of William but, having only a date of birth and name, the task proved to be impossible. However, I do know that he became very ill in 1932 and was taken to a London hospital where he died (I have a copy of his death certificate). It was rumoured that he may have served in some 'irregular' force abroad after World War I and that his illness was due to that service, although this has never been confirmed.
A fairly lengthy account of the return of William's body for burial at Manorbier Church was published in the Pembrokeshire Telegraph on December 29, 1932. It appears that he was well known and respected.
The coffin, draped with the Union Jack, was met at Manorbier Station by a number of 'friends and acquaintances' and then interred in the same grave as his mother who had died 'tragically' some five weeks previously (a rumour of suicide was never confirmed). The Telegraph extended sympathy to the large family of brothers and sisters in their double bereavement.
All the brothers and sisters - my uncles and aunts and my father - have long since passed away. I am 80 years of age and would very much like to speak to anyone in Manorbier who knew the family (particularly William) or have knowledge of what would appear to be very tragic events.
Wing Commander
John R. Davies RAF (Retd),
8 Dower Chase,
Escrick,
York
YO19 6JF,
Tel: 01904 728616.