Pte. Harold Speke

Harold was the second son of Edwin & Louisa Speke. His father was the landlord of the Cross Inn in the village.

Joining the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry in 1914 (possibly underage), Harold later became a private soldier with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (RWF), that unit having earlier suffered a high rate of casualties.

Beginning July 1917, British forces were thrusting towards the Belgian channel ports, in order to secure them against committed German efforts to deny access to United States troops who were expected to arrive within weeks. Notable engagements were at Polygon Wood (26th September), Broodseinde (4th October) and Poelcapelle (9th October 1917). The RWF’s 1st Battalion was heavily involved.

The British strategy included punching gaps in the German lines surrounding Passchendaele prior to the commencement of the main offensive.

It is likely that Harold lost his life in the opening stages of the 2nd Battle of Passchendaele on the 30th October 1917.