British Newpaper Archive

[Dannemois]

Hello
Is there a member who has a subscription to the British Newspaper Archives who would kindly help me out.  I carried out a search for articles on Brithdir during the WW1 years and in the Western Mail for Mon 18 Sept 1916 there is reference to "In Loving Memory of Private Coles".  I would be greatly grateful for a copy of the article as I am struggling to find details on Pte Coles.  On the Brithdir War Memorial he is remembered as I. Coles (possibly Ivor). 

Regards, Roy 

[alpinecottage]

It just says "COLES - Mrs S Gauden and family, 11 Milton-terrace, Brithdir - In loving memory of Private Coles, of Brithdir, killed in France September 15 1915." 
This is followed by a short poem : 
Somewhere in France, a body lies,
Amid the battle's din,
But a spirit freed death's power denies,
and leaves a world of sin.
Somewhere at home a tear is shed
and sorrow rends the breast.
But a trusting soul by pure faith fed
Just whispers "God knows best".

[avm228]

15 Sep 1915 matches one version of the date of death for Ivor Coles, according to this article:

http://cjstone.hubpages.com/hub/Were-Here-Because-Were-Here

[avm228]

Richard J Coles married Lily M Gauden, Jun qtr 1918 Merthyr T.

[avm228]

When Richard John Coles (collier, born near Blaenavon, Monmouthshire) enlisted aged 19 yrs 9 mo on 7 Sep 1914 his next of kin was his father John Coles, of 7 Salisbury Terrace, Brithdir.

[Deirdre784]

15 Sep 1915 matches one version of the date of death for Ivor Coles, according to this article:

http://cjstone.hubpages.com/hub/Were-Here-Because-Were-Here

That's an amazing find 

[Drosybont]

Richard John Cole b Abergavenny Mar 1896 11a 55, Ivor Goodacre Cole b Abergavenny Sep 1897 11a 56. 

Also Cole in 1901 Census:  John Cole 30 coal miner hewer b Llanwenath, Monmouthshire, Rhoda Cole 27 b Brynmawr Breconshire, Richard J 5 b Blaenavon Monmouthshire, Goodacre I 3 b Blaenavon Monmouthshire, Frederick 1 b Llanelly Breconshire.

Drosybont

[Dannemois]

Hello to Alpinecottage and AVM228.
Many thanks for the details from the Western Mail and more importantly my sincere and grateful thanks for the link to the story of Ivor Coles.  Borrowing the words of dear friend Deirdre; What an amazing find!!! …….a brilliant result

Way back in May 2008, I began my search to locate information on ‘Pte I Coles’ as per the etching on the village war memorial.  I failed to find details on CWGC for a casualty named Coles.  SDGW listed a casualty named Ivor Cole, Pte 12788, Welsh Regiment, died 25/9/1915 and buried Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery.  The 1911 census listed one possible; residing at 7 Salisbury Terrace, Brithdir were John and Rhoda Cole (not Coles) with sons Richard aged 15 and Ivor, aged 13. But I had no additional information to prove this was the soldier I was looking for.       

I came across the Western Mail article by pure chance whilst looking for other information and - nothing ventured nothing gained - placed my recent request for a look-up on the British Newspaper archive site, hoping for some titbit to help me solve the mystery.   What you rootschatters have found is nothing short of miraculous.  I am one happy bunny!!! Now to contact C.J. Stone re copyright and hopefully contact with Warren and Vanessa.

Many many Thanks
Roy

[Dannemois]

Hi Drosybont
Just read your message and thanks to you too for the details.
Roy