Two Porthcawl Brothers
William (Billa) and Thomas were part of a well established Porthcawl family of four that hailed from Philadelphia Road. They attended The National School on Lias Road ( The Co-operative today)up to the age of 12yrs old and then studied law at Porthcawl College, which is now the Seabank Hotel.
Sapper William (Billa) David ( 21st December 1890 – 18th October 1967 )
“The Porthcawl News” Thursday 15th December 1910, reports:-
“Porthcawl Town Golf Cup Competition” “The final of the above competition was played off on Wednesday on the Lock’s Common Golf Course. W. David, 2 handicap , received 2 holes start against S. Cook, scratch. A good number of golf enthusiasts witnessed the match which was played in ideal golfing weather. W. David kept the lead all through the game and won the match by three and two to play. S. Cook won the last two holes.” “The Porthcawl News” Sports Column, Thursday 16th October 1913, reports:- “Who’s who in the Porthcawl Rugby Club” William David, the full back, popularly known as “Billa”, having played his first game for the Porthcawl seconds, then went on to play for the firsts for two seasons, one season for Maesteg and a few games for Bridgend. David is one of the best backs in South Wales, a fine kicker and a fearless tackler. Many first-class teams would be glad of his services. Pontypridd would like him to play for them, but now “Billa” prefers to throw in his lot with the “Seaweeds.”
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Sergeant Major Thomas David
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He was one of the first local men to join the Glamorgan Yeomanry (Bridgend Squadron)on its inception in 1908. Although his term of service had expired he re-enlisted on the outbreak of the First World War. In December 1915, having been transferred to the 6th Cavalry Reserve Regiment, he was posted to Ireland to help contain the Sinn Fein Rebellion which led to the Easter Rising of 1916. Tom was present in Sackville Street (O'Connell Street today)when the Irish republicans, which included Michael Collins,seized the General Post Office and proclaimed the Irish Republic. |
Tom arrived home from Ireland on 22nd December 1916 hoping to spend Christmas at home but on the following morning he received a wire instructing him to proceed immediately with the Welsh Regiment to Southampton for embarkation to France.
On 31st December 1917 having endured many hardships in battle, Tom arrived home. He was gassed early in the year and had spent time in hospital.
On 31st December 1917 having endured many hardships in battle, Tom arrived home. He was gassed early in the year and had spent time in hospital.
Unfortunately, his health never quite recovered and he suffered for many years from the effects of mustard gas.Despite this handicap, Tom continued to contribute to life in Porthcawl.
Many ex-servicemen's clubs and organisations came into being after the war was over.In Porthcawl the club was called "The Comrades of the Great War." The Club was formally opened in March 1919 in Esplanade Terrace. Mr Tom David became its first secretary. Within a couple of years, such clubs became part of the newly created British Legion organisation formed in 1921. Porthcawl's branch of the British Legion was officially formed on 24th January 1924 and met at the Y.M.C.A ,John Street.Tom David remained as a member of the committee.The President was Mr T.G.Jones,whose brother-in-law Corporal Harry Maxwell died in the war, and the Chairman Colonel William Dowdeswell,whose son 2nd Lieutenant Horace Dowdeswell died during the 3rd Battle of Gaza in November 1917. The mother of another Porthcawl war casualty 2nd Lieutenant Franklyn Rowland Rowlands founded the Women's Branch of the British Legion in Porthcawl 23rd September 1924. November 1924 was Porthcawl's first Poppy Day.
Many ex-servicemen's clubs and organisations came into being after the war was over.In Porthcawl the club was called "The Comrades of the Great War." The Club was formally opened in March 1919 in Esplanade Terrace. Mr Tom David became its first secretary. Within a couple of years, such clubs became part of the newly created British Legion organisation formed in 1921. Porthcawl's branch of the British Legion was officially formed on 24th January 1924 and met at the Y.M.C.A ,John Street.Tom David remained as a member of the committee.The President was Mr T.G.Jones,whose brother-in-law Corporal Harry Maxwell died in the war, and the Chairman Colonel William Dowdeswell,whose son 2nd Lieutenant Horace Dowdeswell died during the 3rd Battle of Gaza in November 1917. The mother of another Porthcawl war casualty 2nd Lieutenant Franklyn Rowland Rowlands founded the Women's Branch of the British Legion in Porthcawl 23rd September 1924. November 1924 was Porthcawl's first Poppy Day.
In August 1927 the new headquarters of the British Legion in New Road (Station Hill ) were officially opened and dedicated. Mr Tom David was the Chairman of the Branch at this time. In July 1931 over 2,000 ex-servicemen from all parts of Wales, rallied at Porthcawl to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the formation of the British Legion. Tom remained Chairman up to his death on 22nd February 1936 aged 56. His death certificate referred to the effects of gas, from his time in the Great War, as a cause.
*Information and photos supplied by Mr John David,son of Mr William David, and President of the Porthcawl Museum.