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Howell Rees (1886-1917)


Welshman served with 23rd and 10th DLI commemorated on Arras Memorial


Howell Rees was born in Aberdare, Glamorgan (1890).

By 1916, he was in West Yorkshire and, on 8 June 1916, he signed his Short Service Attestation forms at Halifax for the Duration of the War. According to his records (found in the “Burnt Papers”) he was aged 26 years and 11 months and resident at 26 Lister Street, Keighley. A surface grinder by trade, he was 5ft 1 1/4 inches tall and weighed 117 lbs. His next of kin was noted as his father David.

On July 15th 1916, he married Bertha Speight at Tong Church, Birstall, West Yorkshire. Vernon Hudson and Annie Speight were their witnesses.

As part of the British Expeditionary Force, he went to France on 14 October 1916. He died on 8 May 1917. Howell had served for 1 year, 149 days.

On 11 Sept 1917, his personal effects (letters, photos, wallet, diary and cards) were forwarded to his widow Bertha at Well Green, East Bierley, Bradford, she signed on their receipt on 15 September 1917.

A pension of 13 shillings and 9 pence was awarded to Bertha.

Howell was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

The name of Howell Rees is inscribed on the War Memorial at Hunsworth in the parish of Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Birth date: 1886

Death date: 08-May-1917

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: 26 Lister Street, Keighley (1915, army service record)
Well Green, East Bierly, Bradford (1916, army service record)

Family: Father: David Rees ( army service record)
Wife: Bertha Speight (married 15 July 1916, army service record)

Military service:

Attested Halifax: 8 June 1916
23 Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Posted to 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, 27 October 1916
Service number: 23/335
Disembarked France: 14 October 1916

Gender: Male

Contributed by Ethel Farrow


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