On this day (30 August) in 1890, the Welsh soldier and novelist, Llewelyn Wyn Griffith, was born in Llandrillo yn Rhos (Conwy).
Who Was Llewelyn Wyn Griffith?
When the First World War broke out in August of 1914, Griffith was working in London at the Inland Revenue. This did not stop Griffith from wanting to sign up to fight for his country and he, along with a friend, tried to enlist. However, the Inland Revenue was seen as an essential, reserved occupation, so he would be rejected.
The war was so unpredictably brutal that tens of thousands would die in the opening weeks and months of the conflict alone, meaning rules were relaxed and Griffith (and his friend) were able to successfully enlist as part of the 7th (Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire) Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers of the Territorial Force. Before long, he was a company commander with the 15th Royal Welsh Fusiliers, part of the 38th (Welsh) Division.
Of course, the 38th (Welsh) Division is most commonly associated with one of the most vicious operations of the war: the Battle of Mametz Wood. This was the first major battle for Welsh troops and it would be here where the 38th (Welsh) Division helped pave the way for control of the woodland.
During a bloody five-day battle, 3,993 Welsh soldiers were killed, missing or injured – leading to the 38th Welsh Division being out of action for almost a year of the war. What Griffith witnessed during the battle would eventually be turned into a book, Up to Mametz (1930) and it is, to this day, regarded as the best firsthand account of Mametz Wood.
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Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
DIGITAL COPY Welsh Histories Magazine – May 2025
Welsh Histories Magazine May 2025 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for May 2025 has finally arrived!
This month, the magazine delves into the topic of Cymru during the First World War. As I mention in the magazine’s opening article, I often feel as though there is tremendous coverage of the Second World War across history forums but that (while certainly not lacking) there is far less information available on the topic of the World War I. Even less exists on the topic of Cymru during World War I.
This particular magazine focuses on numerous topics from the “Great” War, namely the changing role of women during the war and how, perhaps, the one good thing to come out of the war was a recognition of what women can achieve. Other topics cover Welsh recipients of the Victoria Cross, the Battle of the Somme and more.
This month’s magazine has been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). We have no guest writer this month. All images used in this issue of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.