Reginald was born on 22nd September 1898 to parents William and Sarah in Brngwyn, Cardiganshire, Wales.
In 1901 at the time of the Wales census Reginald was recorded living with his parents when he was aged two. He was the youngest of three children. Ten years later, on the 1911 census, he was living with his family then aged 12 and attending school. The family lived at “Fairview” in Llandyssul and Reginal was then one of five children. He could also speak both Welsh and English.
He worked as a painter before signing up with the RNVR, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves, for the duration of hostilities, on 28th September 1916. He was 5’5” tall with auburn hair and blue eyes. He began his training at HMS VICTORY II (Crystal Palace) on 14th November 1916 as an Ordinary Seaman until 12th march 1917. He then transferred to HMS VICTORY I (Portsmouth Holding Barracks) on 13th March 1917, leaving on 25th March 1917 to embark for HMS VANGUARD on 26th March 1917. He served on the ship for 105 days and was killed aged 18.
His pension was awarded to his mother, his Victory and British war medals were issued to his father. He is remembered locally at Llandyssul.
#88 - 278/843
Sources:
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Free BMD
1901 & 1911 Wales Census
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 008 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service Records, 1903-1922 National Archives; Kew, Surrey, England; ADM 337: Admiralty: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve: Records of Service, First World War; Reference: ADM 337/89
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Naval Pension Ledgers; Reference: 542931
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Class: ADM 171; Piece: 126
Photo source - Cymru1914