- South Wales Borderers
The South Wales Borderers dates from 1689. Based at Brecon the regiment recruited mainly form the border counties of Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and Breconshire. During the war it raised 3 regular battalions, inlcuding 1 reserve battalion, 3 territorial battalions and 15 service battalions. 8 battalions served overseas, the remainders were training and reserve units.
South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon – the Regiment was amalgamated with the Welch Regiment in 1969 to become the Royal Regiment of Wales
South Wales Borderers insignia (IWM Q 31920)
2 Bn South Wales Borderers – 87 Brigade, 29 Division
The 2 Bn SWB was a regular army battalion. At the out rea of war they were stationed at Tienstin, China, they returned to the UK in 1915, landing at Plymouth on 12 January. In March 1915 they went to Gallipoli. Following the evacuation of Gallipoli they went to Egypt and then in March 1916 they arrived in France. They saw action on the Somme in 1916 and at Arras during 1917. In 1918 they served during the Kaiser Offensive and in the 100 Days. At the Armistice they were at Tourcoing, France and were then a part of the Army of Occupation stationed near to Cologne. The battalion cadre arrived back at Brecon on 5 April 1919.
Private 44255 John Thomas, 2 Bn South Wales Borderers. KIA 19 May 1917, Arras Memorial (unknown)
2 Bn SWB on road at Montauban, Somme, October 1916. (IWM Q 5320)
4 Bn South Wales Borderers – 40 Brigade, 13 (Western Division.
The 4 Bn SWB was a service battalion raised at Brecon in August 1914. The battalion sailed for Gallipoli on 29 June 1915. Following the evacuation from Gallipoli the battalion served in Egypt until February 1916 and were then transferred to Mesopotamia. They were some of the first troops to enter Baghdad in March 1917 and were then part of the continued advance along the River Tigris into Syria and ended the war stationed at Um Aldawali.
Sergeant 12969 Thomas Kynaston, 4 Bn South Wales Borderers. KIA 22 August 1915, Helles Memorial
7 Bn South Wales Borderers – 67 Brigade, 22 Division
The 7 Bn SWB was formed at Brecon on 14 September 1914. The at first went over to France on 6 September 1915 and then sailed from Marseilles on 10 October 1915 for Salonika.
Naval ratings from British Light Cruiser HMS LOWESTOFT with men of the 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers having refreshments at a Cafe in Salonika, April 1916.(IWM Q 31920)
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