John Lloyd D.Lovat d.11/11/1918

[Rhosgoch]

Hi RedMystic,

Although John came from a farming family, he went out to Alberta about 1910 as a miner. His last place of work before enlisting was as a miner at the Big Valley Collieries - at $4 a day. I understand that Big Valley is near Red Deer. Maybe the same coal company owned mines in both places? I wonder if he had friends at Lovett who he went to live with after leaving hospital, or even if there was a convalescent facility there.

He is definitely buried at Lovett, Alberta, as it is very clearly written on his memorial stone in Eglwyscummin Church.

I also would love to see a photo of his last resting place.

Regards

[RedMystic]

Hi Rhosgoch

Welcome to RootsChat.

The mining connection is making much more sense now. Be sure to provide that info to my author acquaintance when you're corresponding as he is a whiz when it comes to small Saskatchewan & Alberta communities that were homesteaded and then abandoned or virtually abandoned - and has photographs of almost all of them.

Big Valley is in central Alberta not far from me. It was first a mining town and then a railway town. Big Valley Colliers was well entrenched there by 1912 and the mine closed in 1927.

My author / photographer acquaintance sent me some lovely photos of the Lovett cemetery this morning (he's a very good photographer), but I'd prefer to connect the two of you. Please click on the green scroll below my avatar & send your e-mail address so I can put you in touch directly.

Cheers,

[Crunwere]

Thansk to Red Mystic for all her help and info.

Rhosgoch - you have more details than me so will you be contacting RedMystic direct to forward your mining details to her friend?  No point us both doing it - but I will if you wish.

Had not heard of his mining in Big Valley - they have a village site - http://www.villageofbigvalley.ca/Home.page

He is recorded on the Lampeter Velfrey war memorial in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, UK -
John Lloyd, Private, 101679, Canadian Pioneers.

c. Pembrokeshire War Memorial site - Steve John http://www.pembrokeshire-war-memorial.co.uk/page30.htm

[Rhosgoch]

Crunwere - you know as much as I do now so you can make the contact if you like. You are the one who started this journey so it's fitting for you to finish it. His mining details were in the Military file. It was a surprise to me as well. All I want is a photo of the cemetery to close his story.

regards

[Crunwere]

Hi - back again.

RedMystic - we did do private emails but never had a response from your friend as far as I can see - unusual as your contact re Lovett sounded so helpful.

Not seen it myself yet but someone has obtainded John Lloyd's death cert. and have forwarded it with other evidence to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (I think) to see if John Lloyd can be officially recorded as being a War Casualty - so that spurred me into looking at his information again.

[Rhosgoch]

Hi Crunwere,

There was no photo of John Lloyd's grave, just general photos of the cemetery which I think you already have. All the old grave markers, probably wooden, were replaced by wooden crosses with Rest in Peace on them. There were very few named graves.

Steve obtained John Lloyd's death certificate, but it contained very little information. He has forwarded it to the CWGC to try and get John commemorated. He should be listed as a casualty as his widow received a Memorial Cross, Memorial Plaque and scroll because his death was officially caused by his war service.

Regards,

R.

[Crunwere]

Thanks Rhosgoch - disappointing to hear we'll not find the grave after we have traced him this far.

[RedMystic]

I'm on the road until Tuesday, but let me poke my acquaintance to see if he can weigh in. He has had a busy spring, but I might be able to light a fire.

[Crunwere]

Thanks RedMystic - no rush at all.
Cheers